MIDI Synths and Arduinos: Difference between revisions

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{{Project
{{Project
|Name=MIDI, Synths and Arduinos
|Name=MIDI, Synths and Arduinos
|Status=Planning
|Status=Active
|Niche=Electronics
|Niche=Electronics
|Purpose=Use in other project
|Purpose=Use in other project
|Picture=MIDI connectors1.jpg
|Tool=No
|Tool=No
}}
}}
== What ==
== What ==
I've got some Arduino Pro Nano's and some DIN5 connectors from Adafruit, so time to do something with it. Some ideas:
I've got some Arduino Pro Mini's and some DIN5 connectors from Adafruit, so let's do something with it. Yay [[MIDI]] \o/. Some ideas:
== MIDI enabled synth ==
== MIDI enabled synth ==
===  MIDI in ===
===  MIDI in ===
Implement the MIDI protocol and read the notes that are being transmitted from a keyboard or sequencer. Later on information about velocity would also be nice.
Read the notes that are being transmitted from a keyboard or sequencer. Information about velocity and pitch bend would also be nice.
=== Sound output ===
=== Sound output ===
Multiple possibilities here:
Multiple possibilities here:
Line 24: Line 25:
== MIDI player / sequencer ==
== MIDI player / sequencer ==
Start with implementing MIDI out and go from there.
Start with implementing MIDI out and go from there.
== Opto-isolation ==
It is good practice and part of the MIDI spec to use opto-isolation for MIDI in only. I've seen examples without it, but I'm not taking any chances when it comes to connecting to other MIDI hardware. I've found a MCT2E optocoupler which seems suitable.
* Datasheet: https://nl.mouser.com/datasheet/2/308/FairchildSemiconductor_161411203664-1191927.pdf
[[File:MCT2E_Optocoupler.png]]
== Progress ==
Got a protoboard and soldered 3 MIDI connectors onto the thing.
=== Wiring ===
<gallery>
File:MIDI shield ground1.jpg|MIDI shield ground|alt=MIDI shield ground
File:MIDI connectors1.jpg|MIDI connectors|alt=MIDI connectors
File:Pro soldering job1.jpg|Pro Soldering Job \o/|alt=Pro Soldering Job \o/
</gallery>
==== Ground ====
* Yellow / blue for MIDI connector shield. Pin 2 is also connected to ground but via a low capacity capacitor. I used 220pf ones.
== Some other useful links ==
* http://arduinomidilib.fortyseveneffects.com/index.html
* https://github.com/FortySevenEffects/arduino_midi_library
* http://www.instructables.com/id/Send-and-Receive-MIDI-with-Arduino/?ALLSTEPS
* http://acidotunismo.com/en/2013/10/arduino-trick-using-a-low-gain-opto-isolator-for-midi/
* http://www.midi.org/techspecs/ca33.pdf
* http://lehmayr.de/e_mrmidi.htm

Latest revision as of 21:04, 10 August 2018

MIDI, Synths and Arduinos
MIDI connectors1.jpg
Participants Dennis
Skills
Status Active
Niche Electronics
Purpose Use in other project
Tool No
Location
Cost
Tool category

MIDI, Synths and Arduinos

MIDI connectors1.jpg {{#if:No | [[Tool Owner::{{{ProjectParticipants}}} | }} {{#if:No | [[Tool Cost::{{{Cost}}} | }}

What

I've got some Arduino Pro Mini's and some DIN5 connectors from Adafruit, so let's do something with it. Yay MIDI \o/. Some ideas:

MIDI enabled synth

MIDI in

Read the notes that are being transmitted from a keyboard or sequencer. Information about velocity and pitch bend would also be nice.

Sound output

Multiple possibilities here:

Arduino as synth

The Arduino is capable of producing sound on its own, so write/borrow some code and connect a jack connector to the Arduino and we're done.

Driving the Korg Monotron

I own a Korg Monotron and supposedly they are very easy to modify. It would be awesome to be able to play it with a decent keyboard.

Drive a sound chip

555
Yamaha OPL2 / OPL3

MIDI player / sequencer

Start with implementing MIDI out and go from there.

Opto-isolation

It is good practice and part of the MIDI spec to use opto-isolation for MIDI in only. I've seen examples without it, but I'm not taking any chances when it comes to connecting to other MIDI hardware. I've found a MCT2E optocoupler which seems suitable.

MCT2E Optocoupler.png

Progress

Got a protoboard and soldered 3 MIDI connectors onto the thing.

Wiring

Ground

  • Yellow / blue for MIDI connector shield. Pin 2 is also connected to ground but via a low capacity capacitor. I used 220pf ones.

Some other useful links