My custom midi controller made with an Arduino

Creating nuanced performances of virtual instruments takes more than great keyboard chops, it takes a free left hand that can move faders along with each performance (or after, in a second pass), printing midi controller messages in lanes parallel to the midi notes.

These midi controller messages — including expression, modulation, and breath — give life and realism to virtual instruments that are programmed to accept them.

Considering the importance of the midi controller for assembling convincing virtual instrument-based scores, there is a surprising lack of variety in the market — especially when it comes to simple, straightforward controller design.

Here’s a simple controller I made with an Arduino. Instructions and tutorials for Arduino-based controller are plentiful, so if you’re interested in making something similar there’s plenty of info available.

This Arduino Uno-powered midi controller features only five faders, and is built in a wood enclosure with a roughly cut plexiglass panel.