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 Kramer’s Custom MIDI Control Box

There’s only one way to get the exact controller you want: build it yourself. Reader Jason Kramer did just with a custom MIDI control box, built from the Doepfer Pocket Electronic kit. (See the Doepfer link below for a variety of other cool examples):

MIDI Control Box flickr set [Jason Kramer]
Doepfer Pocket Electronic

This is a great illustration of what’s possible with the kits. Want giant knobs? Want a cross-fader at a slight angle for easy, ergonomic thumb operation? Want pushbuttons arranged around your hand rather than in a boring grid? Just hook them up that way. Jason actually started this with a vintage deviation voltmeter, shown below; my only regret was that he couldn’t work that original faceplate in somehow. But the wooden box is terrific.

From comments on Monolake’s custom Monodeck controller for Ableton Live, where we’re discussing our desires in Live controllers.