building a midi controller body of knowledge - inside

[Ribo]

thanks for the replies. looking at those prices for the modules i decided to build them myself too. doepfer's core for 100 € is a LITTLE over priced. for 16 analog input channels you'd need maybe 2 analog multiplexers, a µC with an ADC, a DIN out connector, circuit board, wires, power. all this goes for not more than 20-30 €. and if 16 channels are not enough (most probably), make them 100 and spend like 10 € more ..

the real expensive part are the encoders (pots, faders, ..)

btw here's a look at the inside from a self-built one using the doepfer stuff:

http://www.doepfer.de/Controller_Macrostructure.htm
http://www.macrostructure.net/unitone.htm <- with description

[BoimB son of BoB]

indeed why pay so much money??

doepfer is extremely expensive.

http://www.ucapps.de/ ... if you are serious about making a midicontroller.

you can also buy premade modules, like doepfer, only much much better and much much cheaper.

just take the time to get familiar with the site, the links and the forum... at the end you will get something way more flexible than doepfer.

and really all the information you need, from component lists, freeware software to program your controller, to soldering tips and walkthroughs...

ah well...

[Machinate]

thanks for the replies. looking at those prices for the modules i decided to build them myself too. doepfer's core for 100 € is a LITTLE over priced. for 16 analog input channels you'd need maybe 2 analog multiplexers, a µC with an ADC, a DIN out connector, circuit board, wires, power. all this goes for not more than 20-30 €. and if 16 channels are not enough (most probably), make them 100 and spend like 10 € more ..

the real expensive part are the encoders (pots, faders, ..)

btw here's a look at the inside from a self-built one using the doepfer stuff:

http://www.doepfer.de/Controller_Macrostructure.htm
http://www.macrostructure.net/unitone.htm <- with description

The full cost of the parts for the model shown is about £900 excluding sales taxes.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EEK!

[nuperspective]

the board im going for will be supplied by 'midiboutique' they do a board that allows 48 inputs on one board. the total quote price so far [for everything - psu, switches, board, sliders, rotaries] is 350euros.

[thx1138]

http://www.ableton.com/forum/viewtopic. ... highlight=

http://www.ableton.com/forum/viewtopic. ... highlight=

http://www.midibox.org/forum/index.php?topic=4490.0

Expect my work in progress soon

[Ribo]

thanks for the replies. looking at those prices for the modules i decided to build them myself too. doepfer's core for 100 € is a LITTLE over priced. for 16 analog input channels you'd need maybe 2 analog multiplexers, a µC with an ADC, a DIN out connector, circuit board, wires, power. all this goes for not more than 20-30 €. and if 16 channels are not enough (most probably), make them 100 and spend like 10 € more ..

the real expensive part are the encoders (pots, faders, ..)

btw here's a look at the inside from a self-built one using the doepfer stuff:

http://www.doepfer.de/Controller_Macrostructure.htm
http://www.macrostructure.net/unitone.htm <- with description

The full cost of the parts for the model shown is about £900 excluding sales taxes.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EEK!

this guy used doepfer cores, premade, 100 € a piece. total waste of money

[rhanson187]

heres the prelim design

[img]

http://www.scien-radio.com/full_assm.jpg

[/img]

Very nice set-up, there is no reason to go over the top - but this unit is definately stream lined for playing Live live.

Keep up the work and let us know how the end result works out for you.

[mikemc]

I recently did business with http://www.midiboutique.com also, he announced he's started doing custom work the beginning of this year, but now has a large project and won't be taking additional custom orders until September. The prices seemed very reasonable for the amount of work and they shipped according to his proposed schedule, my controller circuitry should be arriving soon, after which I'll build the housing. I ordered some of the switches needed and had those shipped to them, I'll post in this board on a separate thread to let everyone know how it worked out.

[nuperspective]

i was hoping to get my order placed in the next week or so. the board i need is a new off the shelf board so i dont need to wait for the custom build. but it should be ideal for what i want to do.

[nuperspective]

I recently did business with http://www.midiboutique.com also, he announced he's started doing custom work the beginning of this year, but now has a large project and won't be taking additional custom orders until September. The prices seemed very reasonable for the amount of work and they shipped according to his proposed schedule, my controller circuitry should be arriving soon, after which I'll build the housing. I ordered some of the switches needed and had those shipped to them, I'll post in this board on a separate thread to let everyone know how it worked out.

where have you sourced your switches from. im getting some panel mounted one via midiboutique so i can test the board. i have found some decent ones on the web, but if you have any sources worth checking out please post it here.

when i get back to australia ill list all the component suppliers i have found here to help people out.

[nuperspective]

thanks for the replies. looking at those prices for the modules i decided to build them myself too. doepfer's core for 100 € is a LITTLE over priced. for 16 analog input channels you'd need maybe 2 analog multiplexers, a µC with an ADC, a DIN out connector, circuit board, wires, power. all this goes for not more than 20-30 €. and if 16 channels are not enough (most probably), make them 100 and spend like 10 € more ..

the real expensive part are the encoders (pots, faders, ..)

btw here's a look at the inside from a self-built one using the doepfer stuff:

http://www.doepfer.de/Controller_Macrostructure.htm
http://www.macrostructure.net/unitone.htm <- with description

The full cost of the parts for the model shown is about £900 excluding sales taxes.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EEK!

i wouldnt say doepfer is a complete waste of money. its comes down to fitness for purpose. i think a custom board might have been a cheaper option for that controller in hindsight - but you use what you have and what you know at the time. i would have used a doepfer kit if machinate hadnt pointed out midiboutique. that has saved me heaps. total with pots etc approx GBP 220.0.

[Mister M]

thanks for the replies. looking at those prices for the modules i decided to build them myself too. doepfer's core for 100 € is a LITTLE over priced. for 16 analog input channels you'd need maybe 2 analog multiplexers, a µC with an ADC, a DIN out connector, circuit board, wires, power. all this goes for not more than 20-30 €. and if 16 channels are not enough (most probably), make them 100 and spend like 10 € more ..

the real expensive part are the encoders (pots, faders, ..)

btw here's a look at the inside from a self-built one using the doepfer stuff:

http://www.doepfer.de/Controller_Macrostructure.htm
http://www.macrostructure.net/unitone.htm <- with description

You didn't mention that there is some software to write. I don't know if every competitor can merge incoming midi-signals with the data of its own controllers. If not, you need a merger oder more than one midi-input of your Interface(s) or a controller with usb for example. As far as I know dopefer can merge.

You can't just sum up the materials even if it is a so called OEM-product.

[Nixon]

btw doepfer will launch their new 64 control oem product this fall...and they told me it'll be less then the price of 2 pocket controls...

[Ribo]

thanks for the replies. looking at those prices for the modules i decided to build them myself too. doepfer's core for 100 € is a LITTLE over priced. for 16 analog input channels you'd need maybe 2 analog multiplexers, a µC with an ADC, a DIN out connector, circuit board, wires, power. all this goes for not more than 20-30 €. and if 16 channels are not enough (most probably), make them 100 and spend like 10 € more ..

the real expensive part are the encoders (pots, faders, ..)

btw here's a look at the inside from a self-built one using the doepfer stuff:

http://www.doepfer.de/Controller_Macrostructure.htm
http://www.macrostructure.net/unitone.htm <- with description

You didn't mention that there is some software to write. I don't know if every competitor can merge incoming midi-signals with the data of its own controllers. If not, you need a merger oder more than one midi-input of your Interface(s) or a controller with usb for example. As far as I know dopefer can merge.

You can't just sum up the materials even if it is a so called OEM-product.

merging MIDI signals shouldn't be a problem. you just take the data that comes in on the MIDI-IN ports (which are directly connected to a master µC) and forward it to the output. that's pretty trivial.

i plan to add a few LCDs and assign descriptions of some knobs and buttons with a PC software tool that's going to be a challenge

but in any way, software would have to be written that's true. you'd need to manage all your encoders, collect their signals in a master µC (using I²C data bus), pack them into the MIDI format and send everything out.

[mikemc]

I recently did business with http://www.midiboutique.com also, he announced he's started doing custom work the beginning of this year, but now has a large project and won't be taking additional custom orders until September. The prices seemed very reasonable for the amount of work and they shipped according to his proposed schedule, my controller circuitry should be arriving soon, after which I'll build the housing. I ordered some of the switches needed and had those shipped to them, I'll post in this board on a separate thread to let everyone know how it worked out.

I have received my circuit boards, well packaged, with all buttons firmly affixed, with ribbon cables and HwCE MIDI encoding modules. the cables and receptacles they fit into are clearly marked. I will plug these together, test it out, and post a picture of the circuitry. I'm pretty excited.