How to Build a MIDI Controller with Arduino

The market offers a wide variety of MIDI controllers ready to use, but if you're into DIY and prefer a more personalized solution, why not build one? Developer Leandro Linares shared his design recently, and the best part is that it's not too expensive: With an Arduino Leonardo or its clones, 16 arcade-style buttons, a case (which can be 3D printed or not), and a handful of cables, it's more than enough.

Are you thinking about taking an extra step with music and want to create as well as listen? In the past we've shared some very interesting (and free) resources like the Learning Music portal and the excellent tutorial on synthesizers, both under Ableton's wing. However, sooner or later the time will come to invest some money. For example, the average price for a MIDI controller on Amazon Spain is about 50 euros (that's without incorporating special discounts), and that number rises quickly depending on features, but if you want to start with something basic... why not build it?

Build a MIDI controller

That was the direction taken by developer Leandro Linares, and to be honest, you don't need too much if you want to imitate him: An Arduino Leonardo or compatible with ATmega32u4, 16 Sanwa-style buttons, a soldering iron, and a lot of cable. Personally, I think a Pro Micro clone (less than six dollars) has enough pins, and the buttons cost less than a dollar and a half with free shipping. If you're not good with a soldering iron, nothing stops you from using clips to connect the buttons.

Leandro was inspired by the Mac Mini to create the case, adopting a unibody design that doesn't require screws. In fact, it doesn't even have a cover on the bottom, but if you don't have access to a 3D printer, why not make it out of wood, or reuse a plastic box? There's a lot of room to improvise here, don't let the lack of 3D printing stop you.

As expected, Leandro shared all the relevant code via GitHub and on his official page. His tutorial there also serves as a basic introduction to Arduino, starting with a blinking LED, up to getting the Leonardo to work as a MIDI device. If you use another solution other than a Leonardo, you'll most likely need to modify the code a bit to specify the correct pins.

Official site: Click here