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MIDI is an abbreviation for Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
It is a communication protocol that enables computers and other MIDI compatible devices to communicate.
With its built-in serial ports, the Arduino is ideal for DIY MIDI projects.
Lets take a closer look at 10 of the best Arduino MIDI projects for beginners!
Arcade Midi Fighter
Build your own Arcade MIDI Controller!
Play drums, synths, effects or map it to anything else thats MIDI related!
For build instructions, check out the fullArcade MIDI Fighter guide.
Mini UNTZtrument
This 16-button MIDI controller was inspired by the Novation Launchpad and designed by Adafruit.
A full bill of materials as well as step-by-step instructions can be found in the fullMini UNTZtrument guide.
Image Credit: Funkit/Instructables
There is also another guide for the largerUNTZtrument.
It is also equipped with a whammy bar for pitch bending.
Users can play chords or notes as well as adjust modulation with motion due to the on-board accelerometer.
Image Credit: fraganator/Instructables
TheMX MIDI Guitar enclosurewas 3D modeled and thetutorialis available on Adafruits website.
Related:Ultimate Guide to Connecting LED Light Strips to Arduino
4.
MIDI Arpeggiator
An arpeggio is when the notes of a chord are played in quick succession.
Image Credit:Ruiz Brothers/Adafruit
This is a MIDI gear that creates arpeggio sequences in the form of MIDI messages.
These are then sent through the DIN port to a central unit like a computer with its software synthesizers.
However, it can also be used with hardware synthesizers.
Image Credit: Ruiz Brothers/Adafruit
Thebuild tutorial and codeare provided on the Arduino Project Hub.
According to the maker, it is capable of controlling up to five synthesizers.
Thefull build instructionscan be found on the Arduino Project Hub.
Image Credit: Funkit/Instructables
Other functionality includes bank selection, editable notes and encoder sensitivity.
The maker also notes that to add more controls, another Arduino board may be required.
An alternate option is the Arduino Mega which has 54 digital input/output pins.
Image Credit: Dmitry/Arduino Project Hub
Thetutorialis available on the Arduino Project Hub.
Arduino MIDI Poly Synth
Its a polyphonic synthesizer made with an Arduino Nano.
It sounds amazing, and it is!
Image Credit: primvla/Arduino Project Hub
Thebuild instructions and codecan be found on Arduino Project Hub.
DIY Guitar MIDI Controller (a.k.a.
Guitorgan)
As its name suggests, this is a MIDI controller created with a guitar.
Image Credit: Yılmaz Yurdakul/YouTube
This fret-detection method was used in the Guitorgan, an old-school electric organ.
The maker notes that this build includes a Arduino Mega, and a guitar with metal strings.
One caveat seems to be that you’re able to only expect partial polyphony from it.
Image Credit: JCR/YouTube
Create this build by following thestep-by-step instructions and codeon Instructables!
Which MIDI Controller Is Right for You?
In this article, weve looked at a range of MIDI controllers made with an Arduino.
Image Credit: Jonathan Kayne/Arduino Project Hub
You could even use them with a digital audio workstation (DAW) such as Ableton Live.
After which, to build the enclosure, it requires the use of a 3D printer or laser cutter.
Why not have a go at making one?
Image Credit: mvniemi/Instructables
