youtube:
VST plugins knob box
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- KVRer
- 6 posts since 17 Sep, 2011
This is my first posting in KVR forum. I just finished building VST plugins pot box which is controlled by real knobs through MIDI USB interface.


youtube:
youtube:
- Rad Grandad
- 38041 posts since 6 Sep, 2003 from Downeast Maine
sweet...and welcome 
The highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another's world. It requires profound, purpose‐larger‐than‐the‐self kind of understanding.
- Rad Grandad
- 38041 posts since 6 Sep, 2003 from Downeast Maine
bmp to activate linkstapdrum wrote:This is my first posting in KVR forum. I just finished building VST plugins pot box which is controlled by real knobs through MIDI USB interface.
youtube:
The highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another's world. It requires profound, purpose‐larger‐than‐the‐self kind of understanding.
- KVRAF
- 8113 posts since 13 Jan, 2003 from Darkest Kent, UK
Very cool.
Is the arduino actively 'reading' the knobs or just handling the midi side of things? In other words, what do the electronics in the box do, multiplex the knobs to the arduino or is there ADCs in there too?
Is the arduino actively 'reading' the knobs or just handling the midi side of things? In other words, what do the electronics in the box do, multiplex the knobs to the arduino or is there ADCs in there too?
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- KVRer
- Topic Starter
- 6 posts since 17 Sep, 2011
Gary,
Basically The board inside the box is just Analog Multiplexer circuit which take 32 analog inputs from potentiometers and send these signals to Arduino 4 channels analog inputs, there is no ADC circuit on that board and all signals are converted by ADC circuit on Arduino side. The Arduino will keep scan the potentiometer status and send MIDI data to VST plugins when the values is changed. So it tracks in real time mode. So see on my youtube video that everytime I turn the pots it will blinks the arduino USB serial LED indicator.
FYI, I use most SMT parts on the board to reduce space and costs. It will cost 3-4 times needed to build same circuit when using thruholes/regular parts.
Basically The board inside the box is just Analog Multiplexer circuit which take 32 analog inputs from potentiometers and send these signals to Arduino 4 channels analog inputs, there is no ADC circuit on that board and all signals are converted by ADC circuit on Arduino side. The Arduino will keep scan the potentiometer status and send MIDI data to VST plugins when the values is changed. So it tracks in real time mode. So see on my youtube video that everytime I turn the pots it will blinks the arduino USB serial LED indicator.
FYI, I use most SMT parts on the board to reduce space and costs. It will cost 3-4 times needed to build same circuit when using thruholes/regular parts.
GaryG wrote:Very cool.
Is the arduino actively 'reading' the knobs or just handling the midi side of things? In other words, what do the electronics in the box do, multiplex the knobs to the arduino or is there ADCs in there too?
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- KVRAF
- 16977 posts since 23 Jun, 2010 from north of London ON
Cool looking device there...
Having done SMT here I can appreciate the cost factor if done through hole too...
Having done SMT here I can appreciate the cost factor if done through hole too...
Barry
If a billion people believe a stupid thing it is still a stupid thing
If a billion people believe a stupid thing it is still a stupid thing
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- KVRer
- Topic Starter
- 6 posts since 17 Sep, 2011
Skitchy,
I use Roland USB MIDI serial driver. You can find the driver on their website.
I use Roland USB MIDI serial driver. You can find the driver on their website.
skitchy wrote:What driver did you use on the PC to make it interpret the Arduino USB->serial as a MIDI port?
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- KVRer
- Topic Starter
- 6 posts since 17 Sep, 2011
Knockman,
It was the same board I use for making MIDI percussion contollers. I just replaced the Piezo sensors with potentiometers and modified Arduino sketch.
It was the same board I use for making MIDI percussion contollers. I just replaced the Piezo sensors with potentiometers and modified Arduino sketch.
knockman wrote:Good stuff.![]()
I watched your other youtube videos too with the Tapdrum percussion controller.
- KVRAF
- 8113 posts since 13 Jan, 2003 from Darkest Kent, UK
i ordered some SMT 555s by mistake once; soldiered on bravely but had to admit defeat in the end, my eye sight/soldering skills just weren't up to it.trimph1 wrote:Cool looking device there...
Having done SMT here I can appreciate the cost factor if done through hole too...
Thanks tapdrum.
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- KVRer
- Topic Starter
- 6 posts since 17 Sep, 2011
For small works I prefer using hot air station to work on SMT parts. Just squeeze some solder paste using syringe around IC pins, and blow with hot air soldering, make sure got proper heat and air pressure setup so it won't burn and blow away the parts. For volume works I use electric toaster/oven but this is will be another story.
GaryG wrote:i ordered some SMT 555s by mistake once; soldiered on bravely but had to admit defeat in the end, my eye sight/soldering skills just weren't up to it.trimph1 wrote:Cool looking device there...
Having done SMT here I can appreciate the cost factor if done through hole too...
Thanks tapdrum.