Extra Classic - Midi Controller Project

[extraclassic]

Copied and pasted from my blog


Ok here's the story...

Ever since I bought my M-Audio Xponent a few years ago I’ve never been happy with the layout.

Don’t get me wrong there are tons of buttons and knobs on it but for me most are either too small or in the wrong place. I don’t fancy splashing out on a new controller (with more buttons and knobs in the wrong place) so I have decided to build my own using the Xponent as the brains and rearranging every button and knob just where I want them.

Another thing I’ve never liked about the Xponent is the jog wheels. I’ve had nothing but problems with them so I will make some new ones.

OK let’s get this project started........

I’m going to build the mixer section first. I will use MDF to start off with because it is cheap and easy to work with. After some thorough testing and when I’m completely happy with the layout I will replace the MDF with some acrylic Perspex for that final finish.

Here is the design I'm going with for the mixer section.



The first step was to print out a full size template of the mixer section and stick it on to some 4mm MDF



I used a dart to mark and prep each hole ready for drilling.



Next I scored and then cut along the outsides of the template with a stanley knife.



I used a forstner drill bit to cut the holes for the arcade buttons.





Here's what it looks like so far with the buttons in

[MrPopinjay]

Hey nice dude! Can't wait to see this project unfold.

(boy that's a tall controller)

[Daniel956]

So its a Midi Mixer?
Thats tight

[DJ Asand]

very nice! I was pondering this process with my Numark Stealth

[zestoi]

awesome! should be an interesting build... plus mdf is great for making almost anything out of

[DJTechMag]

Swweeet man, wish I had the brains to make a customize my controller.

[extraclassic]

Hey nice dude! Can't wait to see this project unfold.

(boy that's a tall controller)

Thanks

The mixer section is the exact same dimensions as the Pioneer DJM-909
Also I'm sick of tiny controllers with no space around any of the buttons and knobs

It's a man sized controller

So its a Midi Mixer? Thats tight

Yes It's all midi. This mixer section is just the first stage of the controller.
Next up will be the deck sections.

very nice! I was pondering this process with my Numark Stealth

I say go for it

awesome! should be an interesting build... plus mdf is great for making almost anything out of

Thanks .... Yes got to love MDF for prototyping. It's cheap and if somethings not quite right I just cut another one but like I said before once I'm happy with the feel of the design I will cut the faceplate in acrylic perspex.

Swweeet man, wish I had the brains to make a customize my controller.

Thanks

[extraclassic]

3mm holes drilled for led's



Because I'm using 4mm MDF at this stage of the project (final finish will be 3mm acrylic perspex) I had to countersink the holes on the back to let the led's poke through the right amount. I used a depth stop attatched to the drill bit to ensure all holes were the same.



Next up making a jig to cut the slots for the faders.

[fbonito]

nice :-)

[ToOntown]

Hell yeah, man! I have an unhealthy amount of internet history on your last project. This one should turn out well too. Can't wait to see the progress!