The N32B Is an Arduino-Powered MIDI Controller That You Can Build Yourself

We recently saw a credit card-sized MIDI device capable of controlling the level, pan, and modulation wheel of all MIDI channels. Adding to the open source lineup, Shik has developed N32B — a flexible and easy to make MIDI controller that can control change messages with channel specific and custom ranges.

N32B has an integrated Arduino Pro Micro that features 32 rotary potentiometers, MIDI I/O, and MIDI-USB connectors through micro-USB. Additionally, the plug-and-play unit comes with a pair of buttons for channel change and a two-digit seven-segment display.

"The controllers come with an intuitive editor, so you can change each knob to send any type of midi message," Shik notes. This Arduino-based device gives you the option to "write your firmware and upload it using the Arduino framework" as it is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. One of the few advantages of an open source controller is that it gives the user all capabilities to customize the hardware and software according to their needs.

This MIDI controller can connect it to a synthesizer to adjust the sound parameters or even operate Adobe Lightroom parameters with the knobs. Being open source, it lets you write your firmware and create a MIDI probabilistic sequencer.

The DIY gadget was supposed to be available by the end of January, though appears to still be coming soon. However, you can subscribe to their newsletter to stay up-to-date with its release. The pre-assembled kit will be available after the launch of the DIY kit.

To build your MIDI controller, you will the hardware and firmware provided by Shik. As mentioned earlier, the desktop software for editing each knob can be found on the GitHub repo.