[Julien] let us know about his ProtoDeck. A MIDIBOX based controller for Ableton Live using a Big Max for live patch interface.
One thing that we have seen is less and less hacks for are MIDIbox projects. It is no wonder, considering now a days we have touch screen and multiple other interfaces and sound creation tools – MIDI almost seems like a dying art.
The ProtoDeck uses 87 pots, 90 buttons, and 81 RGB LEDs all controlled by 2 PIC 18F4620s. [Julien] says his main goals where to have lots of color and buttons. We think he succeeded.
An ambitious project, nice build.
But I have come to prefer rotary controllers over pots for any controller that has presets or patches – pots are a pita in that regard because once you switch banks or presets, their position / value is no longer valid, which can cause both visual confusion and odd results when you make an adjustment.
“…for -are- MIDIbox…”? Might want to fix that.
But yes, if his goal was lots of pretty colors, I think he succeeded. Wish I had that many RGB LEDs. :)
How beautiful and well implemented. A nice USB connection would be a great addition by switching from the 4620 to the 4550 since I dont think there are many other changes between the chips…. Could then add USB override and things like that.
Well, I do not think that touch screens are going to replace traditional button- and encoder-based interfaces anytime soon. The physical feedback is just not as good. I cannot see myself doing a live performance with touchscreens, and I think a lot of other people would agree.
hello and thanks for the publication.
– rotary or pots
pots because I use the hardware in a vERY live manner. I start the gig with all neutral values and I begin to tweak all.
so rotary, in my case, wouldn’t be useful (and a pain to solder!)
– touchscreen
the brain is inside the max for live patch, so I can “rewire” all the physical things as I want, even with the hardware itself.
touchscreen is too expensive, and very fragile.
my box can be used for skating… yeah!
– rgb leds
used to feedback things from Live
– MIDI
why not OSC?
because MIDI is enough, and lighter.
– USB?
I’ll probably update it with a Atmega 32 (core32 midibox module)
But, yet: MIDI DIN are very enough here.
all the best
the first video of my protodeck controller for ableton live, designed/made by myself & using max for live:
http://vimeo.com/11091676