$25 8 Knob USB class-compliant MIDI controller - would you buy one?

[MrAybar]

Put me up for two!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AldenM]

I have ordered two cases to prototype with, I'll refer to them as Case A (4.75inx2.44in) and case B (2inx4in). Both are die-cast aluminum intended to house guitar effect "stomp boxes", so they are obviously more than sturdy enough for club and studio use. There is a potential for them to be painted & pre-drilled at the manufacturer, which could lower labor costs meaning I can sell them for less Silkscreen top would be nice, but might not be worth the extra cost.

Generally, the spacing vertically and horizontally is the same, and that is the plan for this box. Measuring the spacing (front center of shaft to center of adjacent shaft) of several knob'd boxes within sight, I measured:

1": m-audio oxygen / "Case A"
1.185": m-audio axiom
1.19": "Case B"
1.25": APC40
1.5": knob box I made a long time ago
1.625": Paia Fatman

Anyone have a controller they think is too narrow/just right/too wide? The more feedback the better!

I intend on building functional prototypes with both Case A and Case B, and playing around with them to see if either of them are comfortable enough, or if I should move up in size. That would mean a more expensive box, and a more expensive PCB, but if the controller isn't comfortable it's worthless!

Thanks for the feedback, seems like there is enough interest to at least make a run of 50 and see where it goes from there. Will keep y'all updated

[the_bastet]

2" would be perfect. I would buy 4 with two on either side of the mixer. This way it would flow into the setup smoothly. I really like where this is going.

[gagnon23]

Heck YES!! I'm so excited for this!!! I love the size of my midi fighter its perfect and always looks good on the side of my mixer but Maybe try a size that will fit about everything. Something around the size of the Pioneer RMX-1000

[noefortes]

I will have one.

Wanna know how I got to this thread? I did a search on google for "8 knob usb" and landed here.

I use ableton racks a lot and that is exactly what I am looking for: a simple, cheap & modifiable controller.

noefortes@yahoo.com

[AldenM]

I will have one.

Wanna know how I got to this thread? I did a search on google for "8 knob usb" and landed here.

I use ableton racks a lot and that is exactly what I am looking for: a simple, cheap & modifiable controller.

noefortes@yahoo.com

Wow, that's awesome! Yeah, that's what inspired me; I want a simple, affordable, easy to use interface that can just plug in and give hands-on control to an ableton rack. 16 knobs is too big, and every interface I've seen has many other features besides just adding knobs.

Sorry for the lack of updates, it's finals time at uni and I've been very busy. But, the cases arrived, the patterns have been penciled on, and once schools out of session they're going straight to the shop to be drilled! I'll be sure to post pics

Oh, and I'll be sure to send you an email once they are for sale, as it seems like you probably don't visit here much

Thanks for all the positive feedback everyone !

[the_bastet]

...SO EXCITED!!!!!


... jus sayin.... I cant wait!

[Wojzilla]

Post internationally and I'm down for one too!
Been using Maschine for it's endless encoders.... something smaller would be great.
If you could incorporate push encoders as an option I would seriously send you flowers for Valentine's day!

[djchriswoods.co.uk]

its a killer idea, however, endless rotories for me are no good, and also 2x4 might be too small...i.e. pots too close together?

[V-Hoff]

Maybe it's just a crazy idea but why have a separete case if the unit is so small?
Why not make the unit a little taller and turn the controller body into a case?

Think about a way that the knobs and the mainboard could be pressed inside the controler body when it's not in use and then a "smartcover" would cover it, how about that?

The smartcover could also become a way to make the controller a little more taller...

Think about this as an innovation in design and usability, also as a way to attract the attention of people.