This mega list covers some of the coolest Arduino MIDI controllers you can build right now.
Musical Instrument Digital Interface, or MIDI for short, is an old technology used in all kinds of modern music-making machines. From keyboards to launchpads and everything in between, this mega list covers some of the coolest Arduino MIDI controller projects around. All you need to get started is an Arduino and a few buttons.
This project, by Crius Digital Studio, showcases a simple, no-fuss DIY MIDI controller. Using an Arduino Nano at its heart, this device gives you access to eight rotary potentiometers, which are—in other words—just a bunch of dials.
While the video is in Greek with no subtitles, the maker's website provides a fantastic guide in English that includes the code. The simplicity of the circuit is also great for anyone looking to get a basic MIDI controller up and running fast. Last but not least, our favorite part of this build is the slick choice of florescent green potentiometers that are built into a white plastic panel.
Simple, aesthetically-pleasing, and highly-practical, this project is a great one to get started with.
This project is the next step up from the previous with a whopping 27 potentiometers to control your mix. They are divided into 18 dials and nine sliders, giving you plenty of controls to assign to your virtual instruments. Once again, you'll need an Arduino Nano—but this time, you will require two HC4067 analog multiplexers to extend the Arduino analog inputs.
You can find the build guide on the Crius Digital Studio website. However, you will have to workshop your own ideas for housing the electronics. If you have a few woodworking tools around, the wooden design used in this project might provide you with some inspiration.
This project, by seasoned designers Adafruit, is a clone of the ever-popular Novation Launchpad. Featuring an 8×8 grid of 64 backlit buttons, this project isn't for the faint-hearted.
Admittedly, it's probably cheaper and easier to just purchase the real deal. But as a project, it's very cool. What's even cooler is that Adafruit has generously provided a bill of materials and build instructions, along with lots of clear photos.
You'll need a laser cutter to produce the case, but a 3D-printed version is available from Thingiverse user Electronic Grenade.
Designed for controlling guitar effects pedals, this MIDI foot controller from YouTube channel "Workshy" has some impressive features. With four function buttons, multiple banks, seven-segment LED display, and the ability to choose latching or momentary switching, this impressive build has more than enough features to keep you occupied, even if your hands are full!
There's no build tutorial, but the Arduino code is provided in an online document. Wiring some switches shouldn't be too troublesome, and our guide to Arduino displays should help you choose the right display.
While technically an Arduino compatible, and not a "true" Arduino board, this project is simply too cool to exclude. Coming once again from Adafruit, this project uses a capacitive touch sensor and an array of 16 NeoPixel LEDs.
An excellent online build guide is supplied on the Adafruit website, but this build does involve some complex metal fabrication and 3D printing.
There's no reason that you couldn't swap out the metal for plastic parts, though.
This cool tutorial comes from YouTube creator Electronic Projects. This ingenious project uses cardboard and paper clips to produce a completely custom, Arduino-powered MIDI keyboard.
Don't be put off by the slightly scary amount of wiring required; you can easily reduce this by making a smaller keyboard. Follow the creator's clear tutorial video above, and you'll be making music in no time!
Coming straight from YouTuber Simon Mackinnon, this MIDI controller users arcade buttons to control all things music! While this model "only" has six buttons, it would be easy to expand if you wanted to.
Not only has the author provided an excellent written tutorial, but they have also recycled a plastic container as the chassis.
The Stranger Things-style music only makes this project all the cooler. Good job, we say!
This Arduino MIDI controller tutorial from avid music maker Fraganator takes the concept of arcade buttons one step further. Not only has the author implemented 12 buttons arranged in a 4×3 array, but they have also included four rotary dials and two faders.
There's no limit to what you can achieve with this controller. The owner has written an outstanding tutorial, and along with written instructions, and good clear photos, they have also provided cutting templates for making your own case—no 3D printing required!
Designed specifically for Ableton Live, this controller doesn't have a fancy box or buttons like so many other projects.
Coming from the YouTube channel Starfire Technology, this stripped-down project is an excellent way to learn the basics. With only a few lines of code, you can build this simple controller without even soldering anything. Keep in mind, though, that you should probably understand the basics of soldering if you want to try.
This impressive project was made by YouTuber Uglybuckling. With a beautiful Oak and Walnut case, 40 arcade buttons arranged in an 8×5 grid, and containing various other buttons and controls, this project is certainly a big one.
Running on an Arduino Mega, this project is somewhat different from the others. Similar to the MIDI piano above, this machine produces note values. Designed so that even novices can make tunes that sound good, this is one cool-looking controller.
With the exception of the code, the build guide does cover the physical manufacturing of the unit and why certain decisions were made.
These projects show just how creative you can get with just an Arduino. While most of these controllers should work fine with any digital audio workstation (DAW), most of them will work best with the kind of beat-matching, song-skipping abilities of Ableton Live, so make sure to check out our Ableton Live Guide if you haven't already.
If you find that building your own MIDI device is not for you, then you can check out our guide to the best USB MIDI controllers for musicians.
Garling has a Master’s degree in Music and over a decade of experience using creative technologies. In particular, she loves writing about music production, film, and DIY electronics. Outside of writing, you will find her taking photos or editing audio.
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