So I’m new to digi DJing (actually new to any djing) but I’m already super interested in making my own Midi controller. I want to make something similar to the Midi Fighter with a couple faders and pots but don’t have the money to pay for a custom Midi fighter from the shop.
I’m a computer repair tech and can solder just fine, but I really have no experience in creating my own tools (i.e. midi controllers).
Obviously I need a case, buttons, faders, pots, and a PCB plus the wiring to put it together. BUT I can’t find out exactly what I need as far as a PCB goes.
I’ve seen lots of people mentioning gamepad PCBs, Hale Microsystems, and U-HID. When I check out the Hale and U-Hid sites I’m completely lost as to what I should buy and/or need.
Can anyone give me the basics of what I need. I’m thinking 16 arcade buttons plus at least 2 faders and 2 pots. LEDs would be nice but lets stay basic here to get me going. Sooooo…what PCB?!
also…if this is has been asked and answered somewhere else I’m sorry! I’ve searched this site for probably around 8hrs regarding this subject but all I do is see cool things people have made (and get jealous) and a bunch of jargon that leaves me lost.
which would give you up to 128 switches, 14 potentiometers or 12 encoders (or a combination of the three) for $44.95.
the good thing about this board is the tech support is excellent.. post on the support forum and you’ll get a reply with
a schematic and the code you would require to program the brain.
and speaking of programming, it’s much simpler to program compared to an Arduino or Midibox.
you can also daisy-chain them together easily if you need more inputs.
There has been a huge debate as to which is better. But, if you are willing to invest in digital DJing gear, Serato or Traktor would be a great choice. I use both. I love Traktor because the sync frees the DJ up and let’s them craft there own unique sets without beat matching. But, if you want a company who offers online updates, free promotional music, and an all in one mixer/software deal, then Serato is another choice. If these do not meet your bugdet you should demo the product from a fellow DJ, e-mail or mail a letter to the company, or research new digital DJ software. I have yet to use Torq or Mixvibes, but I’ve seen most DJs test Virtual DJ before moving forward. I’ve also been using vinyl for most of my DJ life, so I believe that Serato/Traktor offer something close if not better and will help innovate your DJing.
I have some old xbox controllers lying around and I just ordered a whole bunch of arcade buttons. I’m gonna attempt to make my own version of a midifighter and hopefully add some faders if I can figure out how to replace the triggers/sticks. I think rigging the arcade buttons to the controller buttons will be relatively easy but I’m not sure how the axises work and if I could somehow replace them with faders or maybe use them as is for effects control or something. I’ll take pics and document everything to share
I’m also thinking of getting some old usb game controllers just to get some experience messing with PCB’s and buttons and all. I really wish I could find the PCB that DJTT uses in their midi fighters, I would just order the one they have w/o the buttons and such but a.) I wanna learn this stuff without the box already coming and b.) they’re on backorder and I want one now haha (it’s my money and I want it now..call JG Wentworth…hate that commercial)
The midifighter is essentially a teensyduino which you can pick up for even less than an Arduino. All the midifighter code is opensource and available on this forum.
I finally succeeded in mapping my xbox controller to Traktor. After hours of trying to figure out how to make the outdated and unsigned drivers and software work on win7x64 I found Fergo’s joystickmidi app, yessssssss, now time to wait for the parts to get here
That’s exactly what I am going to be doing once I finalize my controllers… its much simpler and quicker to just add a cheapie $8 usb to midi that can be installed inside the controller… the rest is just simple wiring.
