MIDI Board

My Custom MIDI Controller 🎛️

Author: Arghya Vyas
Created On: September 29, 2025
Description: A simple custom MIDI controller I designed and built from scratch using KiCad and 3D modeling tools.

🧠 Overview

This project documents the creation of my custom MIDI controller, from schematic design in KiCad to PCB routing and 3D chassis modeling in TinkerCad.
I learned about switch matrices, rotary encoders, I2S DAC modules, and custom footprints.

Project journal in the ORIGINAL-JOURNAL.md file!

Rendered Images

Features

• Compact 4×5 switch matrix for customizable key input

• Rotary encoders for parameter control (e.g. volume, modulation)

• Slide potentiometer for expressive MIDI control

• LCD screen for real-time feedback and menus

• ADS1015 ADC expansion for additional analog inputs

• I2S DAC output for high-quality audio signals

• Custom PCB design built in KiCad

• 3D-printed chassis with modular top and bottom plates

🛠️ Tools Used

• KiCad 9.0 – schematic & PCB design
• TinkerCad – chassis modeling
• Hackclub Slack – troubleshooting and collaboration
• Adafruit – components & footprint references
• Orpheus Pico – main controller

💡 Reflection

This project was a great learning experience — I learned how to:

• Use KiCad effectively for multi-part designs
• Understand switch matrices and ADC expansion
• Create and import custom footprints
• Transition from schematic to PCB
• Design a printable chassis in CAD

Overall, this was my first big hardware project, and I’m really proud of how it turned out!