Here’s another fantastic DIY Ableton Live controller, built using Doepfer’s Pocket Electronics kit (and other Doepfer products):
David Cross’ Doepfer-based MIDI Controller
You can see the Doeper boards in the bottom photo, wired into the controls. I love the vintage-style suitcase case and gorgeous silver faceplate and knobs. This is really how to do a DJ controller for Live; I haven’t seen anything else this elegant and clear. And sure, a mass manufacturer could do something like this, but will they get the oldskool hi-fi stereo look right?
Thanks, David! David chose not to reveal his musical identity, but Dr. Google will tell you he’s a formerly Nasvhille-based DJ under the name ZenKnee, and now works for Ableton’s press department here in New York.
Anyone else feeling the itch to go design their own controller yet?
Previously: Jason Kramer’s Custom MIDI Control Box
This makes me want to dig out my Pocket C and actually put it to some use. Looks very nice, very professionally made. I like the integrated headphone out as well.
I have a trigger finger but I want more buttons and have been looking for some diy midi plans, this looks like a great controller using the Doepfer boards.
I have a few questions. How does ableton recognize a diy controller? And then how easy is it define your midi key map? Say this knob to this eq parameter.
Again, I have a trigger finger with the enigma software that allows you to program the mappings for ableton quite easily.
The doepfer electronics do a lot of the dirty work for you: Live will simply recognize the CC messages with no trouble. I decided to integrate my device with an M-audio 1×1 USB MIDI interface (the other PCB in the second pic), making it even easier to connect with a DAW/DJ application.
That said, there is no fancy software like Enigma – you assign dip switches on the Doepfer gear so there are no conflicting CCs, and that's it. You just have to hope your application has a good MIDI map scheme (like Live and Traktor do).
Thanks for the info, I figured there would be no enigma type software for this but i was looking to see what helped handle the cc messages, off to the doepfer website to dig.
Thanks for the help and very nice controller!
Actually, that'd a good point … it would be nice to have a utility that stands in between and aids with assignments. (Even better, I'd love to have something that did this with OSC messages. Have to think about this one.)
[…] Peter’s knowledge of all things MIDI… is intimating writes in with a collection of homebrewed MIDI controllers– Using DYI kits from makers like Doepfer, you can build your own custom controller for music software and other MIDI-compatible applications. (Just in time for Make 07 hitting newsstands!) David Cross has built this gorgeous DJ-style controller – Link. And electronic musician Monolake has built a “sequel” to his monster controller for the software he helped design, Ableton Live – Link. These projects are similar to the controller you (MAKE) covered in May – Link. […]
[…] David Cross’ Retro-Styled DJ MIDI Controller for Ableton Live […]
wow, great make, I'm looking to do a similar project, is there any reason you didn't use the usb64 board?
thanks
Nathaniel
[…] David Cross’ Retro-Styled DJ MIDI Controller for Ableton Live By perolito99 http://createdigitalmusic.com/2006/08/12/david-cross-retro-styled-dj-midi-controller-for-ableton-liv… […]
Hi – reason I didn't use the USB64 was that it wasn't out yet!
This would've been another good alternative:
er, that didn't work! Correct link (hopefully):
http://www.halemicro.com/Products/Products.html
i want to build a box filled with knobs so i can assign them to my software.
i looked at the board here:
http://www.halemicro.com/Products/Products.html
my question is, can i connect knobs (potentiometers) to all 32 inputs? or are there certain digital inputs and certain digital outputs?
i would like to have all of them connected to knobs.
[…] the chassis of a 70′s-era portable Sony microphone mixer. The project caught great response online and from performers / producers (some of whom he’s not allowed to mention because of non […]