It Comes in Colors: An RGB Grid Controller from Livid, RGB Grid Roundup. Lovers of the grid for music control now get to reenact the scene in MGM’s The Wizard of Oz, stepping out of the world of black and white into one of color.
The OhmRGB, the latest controller from Austin, Texas-based controller and custom hardware shop Livid Instruments, adds multicolor LEDs behind its array of controls. We’ve already seen red, green, and yellow add color feedback on Novation’s Launchpad (and of course the APC line from Akai). The Livid piece bests Novation’s three colors with seven possibilities.
For those who prefer their grids to come with knobs, faders, and crossfader, the OhmRGB has the same generous complement of controls that its (monochromatic) Ohm64 sibling does. It also has expansion ports for additional flexibility, plugs into USB connectivity and power without the need for drivers, and has extensive options for remapping lights, controls, and interaction, so it works dynamically not only with Ableton Live but any tool you like. Want one? More RGB Action! Your iOS Device Gets MIDI with Thru and Power – and 1 GB of Samples – from IK. For connecting music hardware from the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and today, you can’t beat MIDI and the standard MIDI connector (5-pin DIN).
This week, both IK Multimedia and Line 6 announced adapters that support Core MIDI. Previously possible on iPad via the Camera Connection Kit, the new adapters support the 30-pin dock connector for the iPad (no additional adapter needed), iPhone, and iPod touch. IK’s iRig MIDI has a number of features that set it apart from previously-available iOS adapters: It’s got MIDI Thru. MIDI Thru means you can route MIDI into your iOS device, so an external keyboard can play an iPhone synth, for instance, and route that same signal “Thru” to another device – say, if you want to also record your playing, or layer another synth with the same notes an octave higher.
There’s a USB power port. A Gig of Sounds, to Go… IK Multimedia is also bundling a new SampleTank app for iOS so that anyone buying the adapter gets sounds straight out of the box. Pricing: iRig MIDI, US$69. Arcade Button MIDI Controller. Below is a list of components used to create the MIDI controller.
The cost for this project is based on the components needed for the MIDI controller. Other tools such as a soldering iron or a power drill, or common components such as solder and wire aren't included in the final cost. Tools which I did have to purchase are marking with italics , and their price is shown. All prices are in AUD except where indicated. Required Components 1 x DFRduino (cheaper Arduino clone) $28.80 1 x USB cable (A to B connector, like that on a printer) $3.95 1 x Plastic enclosure $15.75 12 x Sanwa 24mm arcade buttons $26.28 (USD) 4 x 10k linear potentiometer $4.88 4 x Pot knobs $3.80 2 x 10k linear sliding potentiometer $7.54 2 x Slider knobs $2.04 5 x 10mm M3 nylon threaded spacers $2.00 (I got a bag of 25 for $9.95) 4 x 16mm countersunk M3 screws $1.00 3 x 4mm M2 self tapping screws $0.75 1 x 4.7 kΩ resistor $0.10 4 x stick on rubber feet $2.00 Total $98.89.
Complete Control of Ableton Live Using Your iPad or iPod. Launchpad and sl mk2.