Custom Controller questions
I am planning to create my own controller with a 4x4 arcade button grid, 8 faders, 8 rotary knobs, and transport controls. Pretty much an MPD but with arcade buttons. Would it be easier to mod a midi fighter using multiplexers or go with the livid brain?
MIDIFIGHTER:
Multiplexing the midifighter is “fairly” simple, depending on your experience and what support you can get on the subject. HOWEVER multiplexing is not enough if you want to add transport controls aswell, considering that those would be digital inputs. And if you want to add led feedback to the transport controls thats just on a different level.
LIVID BRAIN:
The Livid brain is built to handle theese types of builds but does not come with a standard arcade button layout/support.
The easiest build would be a midifighter + another board for the other controlls.
Thats what i used in my custom controller. I just built 2 control boards in the same case and used a hub. Hope this helpsin anyway!
Easier and cheaper might be to use a korg nanokontrol as a brain ?
livid instruments now has broad that supports arcade buttons
MIDIBOX for life. (sorry, I had to)
True! My bad!
Still think the easiest would be a midifighterclassic and another board in the same case.
Pros:
No programming.
Use of midifighters superfaders/knobs support.
External 4 banks mode.
Instant support for new midifightermappings.
Leds already working and fitted.
Less wiring.
External board only have to handle a few extra controls.
Cons:
2 brains.
Check out UMC32! For a great external board with no programming needs.
You should also checkout frontpaneldesigner for easy sketchup and possible front plate order.
I think this is by far the easiest option. Already got 18 buttons, 9 faders, 9 pots + transport controls. Probably gonna do simlar myself soon.
[quote]I think this is by far the easiest option. Already got 18 buttons, 9 faders, 9 pots + transport controls. Probably gonna do simlar myself soon.
[/quote]
Don’t forget LED feedback for all buttons and transport controls 
The answer is: UMC32+ it a unbelivable device 40 I/O (in or outputs) and you can link them so you have 80 input’s or even more!
And the best, it’s simple as hell!
I have used a nanokey i had laying around for a custom build and i can tell you that its a bitch to solder! For the analog controls its fairly simple (faders and pots) but for the buttons and leds you have to be reeaally good at soldering to make it work.
UMC32 for the win!!