USB to MIDI custom controllers

[Archies'bald]

As a complete novice to all of this, can I ask if anyone will supply any info regarding building your own MIDI controller. Specifically the types of hardware (USB-MIDI) to control software, as well as their pro's and cons.

As far as I am aware I have only found 3 solutions.

http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/...c=3&currency=4

http://www.leobodnar.com/products/BU0836X/

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/pro...oducts_id=9108

I consider myself relatively competent on the physical building of a system (I'm an electrician), but the software part may take a bit of getting used to.

I would look to be controlling Traktor, and possibly Ableton, (if I get the hang of Traktor first).

I have had a quick look through the forum but can't find any threads on this. If there is one already created, feel free to merge this thread with it.

Thanks to anyone who replies.

[MisterMoleyMole]

Hale Micro UMC32 seems like a good little board to use for your first controller. Not sure where teh best place to get them from is though. I'm in the UK and it looks like the only place i could get them fronm is amarica.

[kingnerk]

Hi,

Im going down the UMC32 route myself. The reason for this is that its all set upi for you. You just get your parts, wire them up and then plug it in. No programming is needed to get it to work.

Its more expensive than some other systems but it should work with the least amount of fuss

[kingnerk]

yes you need to import them direct from the guy in America. Halemicro.com

I havent got mine yet as im getting 2 of them, not sure what the final cost will be after import tax etc. (to the UK)

[MisterMoleyMole]

would this thing in the lfirst link above work as it seems mega cheap , if i could use them i would be well up for having a go at this. Does it not give out midi though ?

[Archies'bald]

would this thing in the lfirst link above work as it seems mega cheap , if i could use them i would be well up for having a go at this. Does it not give out midi though ?

Not sure. I can't even remember how I stumbled on it now. I've spent half the day looking at other peoples threads, astounded that all of this is possible.
I've built a few PC's in my time and feel confident about the wiring etc, but the MIDI and programming still baffles me a little. I'm more than willing to learn though. I remember splicing cables to try and mix tape decks together when I was a teenager (some time ago now). My mother went daft.

[MisterMoleyMole]

hahahaha .. i will definately be keeping my eye on this thread as if you can use them controllers they seem really cheap compared to the rest of teh stuff out there

[chrismp]

the first and second link are HID devices (think of joysticks and gamepads) that need to be converted to MIDI signals by software like rejoice.
they work well, but only allow a very limited number of faders/knobs. the number of faders/knobs you can connect depends on how many axes the board supports (e.g. the standard playstation pads have 3 axes. the x and y axis on one joystick, and the z axis on the other one).
a device like the umc32 will allow you to use either a fader/knob or a button for each input.

[Archies'bald]

the first and second link are HID devices (think of joysticks and gamepads) that need to be converted to MIDI signals by software like rejoice.
they work well, but only allow a very limited number of faders/knobs. the number of faders/knobs you can connect depends on how many axes the board supports (e.g. the standard playstation pads have 3 axes. the x and y axis on one joystick, and the z axis on the other one).
a device like the umc32 will allow you to use either a fader/knob or a button for each input.

* Googles rejoice

[Archies'bald]

One other question while I'm here. Is it possible to have some kind of second function button, so when that button is pressed and you then push another, it performs a different function in the software, thus saving you outputs on your MIDI device?

I'm really sorry if this is old ground I'm going over, but I have looked through some of the forum and can't find any answers in the first 4 or 5 pages.

Thanks for all the help so far guys. Appreciated.