Newbie's idea. Is it possible, and what do I need?

[Captain Falcon]

I am planning a MIDI controller project to make during my last summer before college. I plan on making something similar to a keytar. I have done a lot of research but Im still not sure about a lot of things.

Here is what I plan on including:

- 36 arcade buttons, for hitting notes and/or activating sound effects.

-USB connection.

- a 4x4 matrix of buttons with LEDs underneath for selecting various control configurations. I would like to make it so I could use the instrument to select from different options stored on my computer. The matrix will act as a binary display to show me which preset I am using.

-faders and knobs for volume, sustain, attack, decay, etc

-small analog joysticks, for adding little flourishes or vibrato.

-membrane potentiometer for pitch bend

-3" illuminated arcade trackball for a tremolo effect

First of all, are all of these things possible with the MIDIbox?

And if they are possible, exactly what will I need in order to accomplish them?

Also, should i use diodes when hooking up the buttons?

[findbuddha]

Check http://ucapps.de for an idea of what modules you'll need, and http://www.avishowtech.com/mbhp/ for PCBs.

Looks like you'll need to do some custom coding, check http://svnmios.midibox.org for tutorials, examples and the existing apps.

Probably best to start with a Core32, has inbuilt USB connection and AFAIK coding should be easier.

Unfortunately you'll have to do hours of reading :) :frantics:

Edited May 1, 2010 by findbuddha

[ssp]

take a look at this thread and ask sam a few questions, im sure he will be willing to help and advise.

[Captain Falcon]

take a look at this thread and ask sam a few questions, im sure he will be willing to help and advise.

This is great, thank you.