Build your own arpeggiator synthesizer/MIDI controller in the form of a fight stick/piano keyboard mashup! It's perfect for chiptunes. You'll use LED Arcade 1x4 boards, MIDI FeatherWing, Feather M4 Express, and lots of shiny buttons to build this retro-style synth.
Play root notes with the light-up arcade buttons, adjust tempo and octave with the joystick, and use the front-panel function buttons to start/stop the arps, adjust arp range, and to select different patterns.
Output square wave synth sounds over stereo headphone jack, and/or send MIDI over USB or classic DIN-5 MIDI cable to your software and hardware synthesizers.
This project is inspired directly by the amazing Pianocade.
On-board synthesis using Audio Library:
Arcade Synth Controller controlling Game Boy via MIDI:
Optional
You can use two or three sets of aluminum bumper feet for the base if you're feeling highly extra!
Enclosure Materials
To build the enclosure you'll need 3mm thick (~1/8") acrylic stock in gray, black, and white:
- 2x sheets of matte gray 1/8" x 12"x24"
- 1x sheet of frosted black 1/8" x 12"x24"
- 1x sheet of translucent white 1/8" x 12"x24"
You'll use M4 screws and nuts to secure the case, as well as the joystick:
