Create Digital Music » David Cross’ Retro-Styled DJ MIDI Controller for Ableton Live

Aug 12 2006

David Cross’ Retro-Styled DJ MIDI Controller for Ableton Live

Here’s another fantastic DIY Ableton Live controller, built using Doepfer’s Pocket Electronics kit (and other Doepfer products):

David Cross’ Doepfer-based MIDI Controller

You can see the Doeper boards in the bottom photo, wired into the controls. I love the vintage-style suitcase case and gorgeous silver faceplate and knobs. This is really how to do a DJ controller for Live; I haven’t seen anything else this elegant and clear. And sure, a mass manufacturer could do something like this, but will they get the oldskool hi-fi stereo look right?

Thanks, David! David chose not to reveal his musical identity, but Dr. Google will tell you he’s a formerly Nasvhille-based DJ under the name ZenKnee, and now works for Ableton’s press department here in New York.

Anyone else feeling the itch to go design their own controller yet?

Previously: Jason KramerÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Custom MIDI Control Box

gControl: Free Homebrewed Touchscreen/Mouse Sequencer Grid

Synthesis + Booze: Moog Bubbly, Moog Beer, Toasting Little Phatty Serial One

8 Comments

Velkro Smaak

This makes me want to dig out my Pocket C and actually put it to some use. Looks very nice, very professionally made. I like the integrated headphone out as well.

August 13, 2006 @ 11:18 am

Thomas Swift

I have a trigger finger but I want more buttons and have been looking for some diy midi plans, this looks like a great controller using the Doepfer boards.

I have a few questions. How does ableton recognize a diy controller? And then how easy is it define your midi key map? Say this knob to this eq parameter.

Again, I have a trigger finger with the enigma software that allows you to program the mappings for ableton quite easily.

August 13, 2006 @ 11:40 pm

David Cross

The doepfer electronics do a lot of the dirty work for you: Live will simply recognize the CC messages with no trouble. I decided to integrate my device with an M-audio 1×1 USB MIDI interface (the other PCB in the second pic), making it even easier to connect with a DAW/DJ application.

That said, there is no fancy software like Enigma - you assign dip switches on the Doepfer gear so there are no conflicting CCs, and that’s it. You just have to hope your application has a good MIDI map scheme (like Live and Traktor do).

August 14, 2006 @ 10:27 am

Thomas Swift

Thanks for the info, I figured there would be no enigma type software for this but i was looking to see what helped handle the cc messages, off to the doepfer website to dig.

Thanks for the help and very nice controller!

August 14, 2006 @ 8:54 pm

Peter Kirn

Actually, that’d a good point … it would be nice to have a utility that stands in between and aids with assignments. (Even better, I’d love to have something that did this with OSC messages. Have to think about this one.)

August 14, 2006 @ 8:58 pm

softcoder.info » Blog Archive » Homebrewed MIDI controllers

[...] Peter’s knowledge of all things MIDI… is intimating writes in with a collection of homebrewed MIDI controllers– Using DYI kits from makers like Doepfer, you can build your own custom controller for music software and other MIDI-compatible applications. (Just in time for Make 07 hitting newsstands!) David Cross has built this gorgeous DJ-style controller - Link. And electronic musician Monolake has built a “sequel” to his monster controller for the software he helped design, Ableton Live - Link. These projects are similar to the controller you (MAKE) covered in May - Link. [...]