Evan Kale has created a new hands-free MIDI guitar controller using a little Arduino hardware and coding to build the touchless MIDI controller. This innovative device allows you to control another effect, device, instrument, or software as you play your guitar, offering a unique and dynamic way to enhance your musical performances.
How the Touchless MIDI Controller Works
The touchless MIDI controller operates by using an Arduino, along with a Colpitts oscillator and some other electronics. Kale has devised a rather unique interface for his guitar. Instead of using a traditional foot pedal, he put a strip of aluminum foil inside a fingerless glove. This glove is then connected to a homemade metal detector coil and circuit attached to the back of the glove.
This setup allows the guitarist to strum the guitar and then change the sound by moving their hand away from and toward the strings, which acts as a MIDI input. This method provides a hands-free way to manipulate sound effects, making it easier for guitarists to focus on their playing while still having the ability to alter their sound dynamically.
Check the video below to learn more about the project, what you need to create your very own, and also once it’s created, what the touchless MIDI controller is capable of controlling.
Building Your Own Touchless MIDI Controller
Creating your own touchless MIDI controller is a rewarding project that combines elements of electronics, coding, and music. Here are some additional details and steps to help you get started:
1. Gather Materials: You will need an Arduino board, a Colpitts oscillator, aluminum foil, a fingerless glove, a metal detector coil, and various electronic components such as resistors and capacitors.
2. Assemble the Circuit: Follow Kale’s instructions to build the metal detector circuit. This involves connecting the Colpitts oscillator to the Arduino and integrating the metal detector coil.
3. Program the Arduino: Write or upload the necessary code to the Arduino to interpret the signals from the metal detector and convert them into MIDI signals. Kale provides a detailed explanation and code snippets in his video.
4. Integrate with Your Guitar: Attach the aluminum foil to the inside of the fingerless glove and connect it to the metal detector circuit. Ensure that the setup is secure and comfortable to use while playing the guitar.
5. Test and Calibrate: Once everything is assembled, test the touchless MIDI controller by playing your guitar and moving your hand to see how the sound changes. You may need to calibrate the sensitivity of the metal detector to achieve the desired effect.
Using an Arduino, along with a Colpitts oscillator and some other electronics, Kale has come up with a rather unique interface for his guitar. Instead of using a foot pedal, he put a strip of aluminum foil inside of a fingerless glove, then attached a homemade metal detector coil and circuit to the back.
This allows him to strum the guitar, then change the sound by moving his hand away and toward the strings as a MIDI input. Very clever, and as always, Kale outlines everything in his own zany video style!
The touchless MIDI controller is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity that can be achieved with DIY electronics and coding. It opens up new possibilities for musicians to interact with their instruments in innovative ways, providing a more immersive and expressive performance experience.
Source: AB
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