What is a MIDI?
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Introduction
31 October - 25 November
For the final week before submission I will systematically list down how I did one of my prototype which is the MIDI player, the problems I faced along the way and how I manage to overcome it.
First Step
The first step for me to do is to research the different types of MIDI players. There are already a lot in existence and a lot of people have tried to build their own and some companies also have their own MIDI player that are suited for parties and well known DJs around the world. Here are some available made Midi controller that you can buy which is quite costly :
Moving on
31 October - 25 November
Second Step
Hence after researching about the benefits of a DIY midi controller, I
searched up on a project that did up on a midi controller using technology
that I will be able to get hold off and cheap such as the use of Arduinos,
Bare conductive and also spark fun. These technologies work well with interactions
and are a really cheap alternative to build up Midi controllers and other interesting
and fun projects.
Here are a few youtubers that show their work online for FREE and a
step by step process on how to build a simple midi controller able to control simple
beats and music.
Moving on
31 October - 25 November
Third Step
I then proceed to test out if my whole circuit works by looking up youtube videos
and also online works on how I can connect to a software that will enable me to play
music or beat while pressing the buttons. Hence I found 2 alternatives to it. One of
the software would be Ableton and the other would be Traktor. The positive thing about
this softwares is that it is free to use. However, the disadvantages is that their interface
can make first time users really confused on how to even make a button correspond to a beat.
It also takes time to learn how to use the software itself just like how designers first learn
how to use photoshop or illustrator. However all this learning will be put to good use once you
master it. At the end of the day, I decided to use ableton as it is a software that is used and
tested a lot by makers who build their own Midi player.
Music software : → Ableton Live (to play virtual instruments as well as control effects)
VJ software : → Resolume
Lighting control programs : → Lightjams
→ DIY USB Midi controller
→ DIY Midi Kit
→ DIY USB Midi
End Results
I was really happy with the research that I did and the things I could make and do from a arduino itself. However it was really tough to learn more indepth about an arduino the fact that some can power a certain way and some couldnt. So I took this as a lesson learn in the near future.
Some footnotes: Arduino, Machine Learning, Buttons & Knobs.
More stuff going on
Moving on to next semester, I need a break from all the thinking and thus taking this time to not only work and get some money to pay off my printing next sem but also learning new sets of skills and also tools that I can use in the future.
Tools like machine learning, python, ableton live and also arduino.