Module 2 Activity Research

Weekly Activity Template

Khant Nyar Lu

Project 2

Module 2

In this project, I built a working Arduino based MIDI controller prototype using six buttons and two potentiometers. I created the full circuit, programmed the inputs, and tested how each control sends MIDI signals to a computer. I also made a guerilla prototype of the controller body using cardboard so I could explore spacing, layout, and how the device should feel when held. Through this process I reached a working prototype that already performs the main interactions, and I now have a clear picture of how the final version will look and function.

Workshop 1 Geurilla Prototyping I

Initial sketch on cardboard marking the dimensions for the phone stand structure.

Side view of the folded cardboard stand after cutting and assembling the basic triangular structure.

Side angle showing the second version of phone stand with refined design. I fixed the view-angle and reinforce it with tape.

Phone placed on the prototype to test stability and viewing angle.

Another viewing-angle test showing how the stand holds the phone securely from the side.

Workshop 2 Geurilla Prototyping II

Rough digital layout sketch visualizing the arrangement of 6 buttons, 3 potentiometers, and internal space planning for the MIDI controller box.

Initial cardboard frame showing the basic structure and height of the controller with four standing support legs.

Top panel mock-up with six button cutouts, testing spacing and alignment for comfortable finger reach.

Internal view of the prototype showing space for wiring, potentiometers, and the microcontroller underneath the top panel.

Assembled cardboard prototype demonstrating the final structure, including button layout, internal component space, and overall form factor.

Activity 1: My Resarch

The code I used for sending Note On and CC messages from the buttons and potentiometers.

Screenshot from Ableton confirming that MIDI input from the Arduino is being detected and routed correctly.

Breadboard test setup with 2 button and one potentiometer connected for MIDI output experiments.

Activity 2: My Resarch

Updated Arduino code sending multiple MIDI notes and CC messages for several buttons and potentiometers at once.

I tried to map the different MIDI tracks and parameters inside Ableton, so that I can control it from the prototype controller.

Breadboard and Arduino setup with multiple buttons and potentiometers connected, representing a more complete version of the controller.

Additional Research or Workshops

This video helped me understand the fundamentals of how MIDI controllers work and what kinds of interactions they typically support. It introduced the different types of inputs that can be used, such as buttons, potentiometers, faders, and sensors, which shaped my early decisions about what to include in my own controller.

This Instructables article helped me understand the full process of building a physical MIDI controller from start to finish. This source explained not only the wiring and coding, but also the practical steps involved in assembling a complete device. The article also listed different components, including buttons, potentiometers, faders, and microcontrollers, and it provided links to stores where these parts can be purchased. With this information, I was able to decide which parts I needed for my own controller, compare their specifications, and order the required materials.

Researching the Arduino Control Surface library documentation. It explains how the library supports MIDI communication on Arduino boards and provides clear examples for beginners. The documentation helped me understand about the library itself and it introduced the basic structure used in most MIDI sketches. I studied the example codes closely, especially the ones that showed how to set up a simple NoteButton and a CCPotentiometer.

The most frustrating moment happened when I learned that the Arduino Leonardo I bought from Amazon was actually a clone. I did not know that cloned boards existed, and it refused to connect to any of my laptops, no matter how many times I tried different cables or drivers. The only way to move forward was to buy a genuine Leonardo from a local electronics store, which finally solved the issue.

Footage from my visit to an electronics store while sourcing components such as buttons, potentiometers, and wiring for the MIDI controller.`)

Project 2

Project 2 Prototype

At this stage of my prototype, I have a functional MIDI controller built using an Arduino Leonardo, a breadboard, six tactile buttons, and two potentiometers. The buttons are mapped to send MIDI note messages, allowing me to trigger sounds or samples inside Ableton. The two knobs are mapped to MIDI CC values, which lets me control parameters such as filter cutoff, reverb amount, or LFO rate in real time. Because the prototype uses generic MIDI data, it has the potential to work beyond Ableton. I can also route the same MIDI CC signals into TouchDesigner to drive visuals, animations, or reactive graphics. This means the controller could eventually become a dual-purpose tool for both audio performance and visual manipulation, giving it a broader creative range.

Moving forward, I plan to keep refining the structure, test the final buttons and potentiometers when they arrive, work on the casing using laser-cutting and continue shaping the controller into something that reflects both my technical skills and my identity as someone who cares deeply about music and interactivity.