Category Archives: Howto

Howto: Build a Cigar Box MIDI Controller for Max/MSP

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The previous howto described the process of making a jumbo-sized MIDI controller. In this howto, the MIDI CPU is used to make a more compact device: a cigar box MIDI controller that can control Max/MSP (and any other MIDI software or hardware).

Here are the basic steps:

  1. Select a suitable cigar box.
  2. Select the control hardware.
  3. Design the cutouts for the top & back panels.
  4. Cut the cigar box with a laser cutter.
  5. Create the MIDI CPU wiring diagram.
  6. Mount and wire the controls.
  7. Configure the MIDI CPU.
  8. Connect the completed controller to a computer running Max.

This zip file includes the parts list (Open Office .ods), design drawings (Corel Draw .cdr & .png) and MIDI SysEx files (.txt and binary .syx) used in the project. Discuss this howto at the forums.

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Howto: Build a Wall-Sized MIDI Controller / Interactive Exhibit

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The MIDI CPU makes it easy to build a MIDI controller of any shape and size. This howto describes the process of building a wall-sized MIDI controller.  The example project is the “Living Schematic” MIDI controller / exhibit.

Here are the basic steps:

  1. Make a feature “wish list” for the MIDI controller.
  2. “Budget” the MIDI CPU I/O.
  3. Create a MIDI CPU wiring diagram.
  4. Optional: Using a bit of artistic license, magnify & rearrange the wiring diagram to fit the wall.
  5. Optional: Paint the oversize diagram on the wall.
  6. Mount the controls.
  7. Wire the controls to the MIDI CPU.
  8. Configure the MIDI CPU to accept input from the controls.
  9. Connect the sound module(s) to the new MIDI controller.

This zip file includes the parts list (Open Office .ods), design drawings (Corel Draw .cdr & .png) and MIDI SysEx files (.txt and binary .syx) used in the project. Discuss this howto at the forums.

Continue reading →