DIY MIDI Controller

Say hello to UNTZtrument, the open source button grid controller based on the Adafruit Trellis button platform.

The mini UNTZtrument is a 3d printed case housing one trellis and 4 potentiometers ideal for a 16 button drum pad. In this project we're building a diy midi controller that works with ios devices and analog synths.

UNTZtrument works with any MIDI software and hardware. No more virtual midi or serial to MIDI stuff, UNTZtrument is legit USB MIDI.

Adafruit Trellis

This PCB is specially made to match the Adafruit 4x4 elastomer keypad. Each Trellis PCB has 4x4 pads and 4x4 matching spots for 3mm LEDs. The circuitry on-board handles the background key-presses and LED lighting for the 4x4 tile. However, it does not have any microcontroller or other 'brains' - an Arduino (or similar microcontroller) is required to control the Trellis to read the keypress data and let it know when to light up LEDs as desired.

Prerequisite Guides

Before starting this project, we recommend doing a walk-through of the following guides to get you familiar with the hardware, and soldering (if your new to the craft!).

• UNTZtrument: a Trellis MIDI Instrument
• Introducing Adafruit Trellis
• Adafruit Guide to Excellent Soldering

Parts

We have all the parts in the shop for building this project. The potentiometer knobs can be 3D Printed or get some nice ones on the internets.

• 1 4x4 Adafruit Trellis Monochrome Driver
• 1 Silicone Elastomer 4x4 button keypad
• 1 Arduino Leonardo
• 4 10k Potentiometers

Tools & Supplies

The following tools and supplies will get you started on your build.

• 3D Printer
• Soldering Iron
• 16x 3mm LEDs
• Flush diagonal cutters
• Premium Male Jumper Wires
• 14 #6-32 1/2' Flat Phillip Screws