Raspberry Pi Breadboard MIDI Controller

Listening to music can be interesting, but one might argue that it’s ultimately a participatory affair. While there are a plethora of ways to actually make music today, Niisse, with no prior electronics knowledge of his own, decided to create his own MIDI input using a Raspberry Pi and a series of breadboards. The resulting controller build looks excellent so far, and quite usable, fashioned out of seven breadboards with nicely cut, bent, and arranged connectors.

The Pi functions as the overall controller, but doesn’t need a screen for an interface. Instead it pipes data to the three distinct breadboard modules, which show data via a series of shift register-controlled seven-segment displays. A number of individual LEDs are also implemented to show the step sequence, as well as auxiliary data.

Progress can be seen in two videos, starting roughly a year ago with the sequencer module, which explains a bit about the build from a technical standpoint.

lAlmost exactly a year after the first clip, Niisse posted a follow-up video highlighting the second and third breadboard modules. These can all be used together control of MIDI devices, such as drum machines or synthesizers. This second build video, along with the first, features some pleasing visuals and inspiration for keeping your breadboard wiring straight.

There’s some music played with the help of this device at the end of the clip below, and if you want to examine the code, it’s up on GitHub.