Repository: github.com/bassjansson/midi2dmx
Press 'show more' for full project description which is down here.
Wish to support my channel? You can buy me a coffee at:
ko-fi.com/bassjansson
www.buymeacoffee.com/bassjansson
/ bassjansson
Thank you for your support! :)
MIDI2DMX (MIDI-in to DMX-out)
A tutorial for building a tiny but powerful MIDI device which acts just like any modern synthesizer or MIDI controller, but it doesn't make any sounds, it sends the MIDI messages as DMX values to your DMX lights system instead!
Now you will not need these big and expensive DMX modules anymore and you'll never have to leave your DAW again to some other app to program your light show! Sync your beats with your lights and create a lightshow simply using MIDI notes and MIDI control changes. Need more control? Update the firmware with your custom code or create an Ableton Max for Live patch to get even more out of it! And when you add the MIDI DIN5 input plug to your device, you can even use your synthesizer or MIDI controller to directly control your lights without using a computer, how awesome!
What hardware do I need?
- An ATmega32U4 microcontroller, for example:
- Arduino Leonardo (docs.arduino.cc/hardware/leon...)
- Arduino Micro (store.arduino.cc/products/ard...)
- Arduino Pro Micro (www.sparkfun.com/products/12640)
- Adafruit ItsyBitsy (www.adafruit.com/product/3677)
- DFRobot Beetle (www.dfrobot.com/product-1075....)
- A MAX485 module
- An XLR-female connector/panelmount or a short XLR cable to cut in half
- A Micro-USB cable
- Some (jumper) cables
- MIDI DIN5 input board (see the repository to order the PCB yourself)
NOTE: Other Arduino microcontrollers are not tested. You will NEED a microcontroller which has native-USB support, just like the 32U4, otherwise the USB-MIDI won't work. There are workarounds e.g. for the Arduino Uno, but I won't get into detail on that here.
What software do I need?
- Arduino IDE (www.arduino.cc/en/software)
- Arduino MIDI Library (github.com/FortySevenEffects/...)
- Arduino MIDIUSB Library (github.com/arduino-libraries/...)
- Arduino USB-MIDI Library (github.com/lathoub/Arduino-US...)
- Arduino DmxSimple Library (github.com/PaulStoffregen/Dmx...)
How to upload the code?
Use the Arduino IDE and select Arduino Leonardo as the board, doesn't matter which 32U4 board you have from the list of boards above.
You're welcome!
Bass Jansson, Technology for the Arts