# How to create my own midi controller? **URL:** \ **Category:** Hardware: Controllers, Mods and Gear\ **Created:** [April 22, 2015, 9:04pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/how-to-create-my-own-midi-controller/70979 "2015-04-22T21:04:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Aaron\_Benjamin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dbc845/32.png) [@Aaron\_Benjamin](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Aaron_Benjamin)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2015, 9:04pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/how-to-create-my-own-midi-controller/70979/1 "2015-04-22T21:04:10Z")
**How to create my own midi controller?** I want to create a custom midi controller. The problem is the design I am envisioning is so different than what already exists, that even the “custom midi controller” websites seem a bit formulaic by comparison. Does anyone know if any places that do truly custom midi controllers? Alternatively, would anyone happen to know a website that teaches one how to build a midi controller from scratch? Thanks very much in advance! ---
**Author:** ![Nicky\_H](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/nicky_h/32/109_2.png) [@Nicky\_H](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Nicky_H)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2015, 2:13pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/how-to-create-my-own-midi-controller/70979/2 "2015-04-23T14:13:14Z")
There are a few ways to do it. Cheapest is using Arduino but you’re gonna have to do a bit of programming & a lot of soldering. Easiest is Livid’s builder - all Plug n Play: [http://wiki.lividinstruments.com/wiki/Brain\_v2#Ribbon\_Cable\_Connections\_.28Easy\_Method.29](http://wiki.lividinstruments.com/wiki/Brain_v2#Ribbon_Cable_Connections_.28Easy_Method.29) The hardest bit is the case - have a look at Front Panel Express: > **[Front Panel Express Front Panel Designer](https://www.frontpanelexpress.com/front-panel-designer/)** > > Insert DXF Contours, Milling Elements, Labels and Graphics: Learn more about the features of the free Front Panel Designer! You download some software, design the layout you want then upload the design & payment and wait for them to CNC the top panel then deliver it. I’ve used them before & the results are really professional, but quite pricey. Making a midi controller is pretty easy, getting it to look professional is the harder part… Good luck 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Aaron\_Benjamin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dbc845/32.png) [@Aaron\_Benjamin](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Aaron_Benjamin)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2015, 3:20pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/how-to-create-my-own-midi-controller/70979/3 "2015-04-23T15:20:50Z")
Thanks, Nicky! I’ll check those out and see what I can come up with…