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 Forum index » DIY Hardware and Software » Musical Interfaces
Very simple ableton controller
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dimebucker



Joined: May 02, 2014
Posts: 11
Location: dublin

PostPosted: Mon May 05, 2014 6:25 am    Post subject: Very simple ableton controller
Subject description: a computer keyboard mod!
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Hi all,
In my band we use ableton live to trigger midi and other samples. We use the scenes view to move through our songs.

All you need to do is to press enter to move to the next part of the song. Im trying to build some 'enter key' foot pedals so we can easily move through the songs (our hands are tied up using guitars and keys).

So far i've removed the PCB from a computer keyboard and traced the location of the enter function, if you complete the circuit from these two points and enter 'happens'.

Posted Image, might have been reduced in size. Click Image to view fullscreen.
Posted Image, might have been reduced in size. Click Image to view fullscreen.


My idea now is to have multiple pedals from one PCB.

So you could have a box with the PCB that is connected to a few stereo outputs - then all you need to do is plug something with a momentary switch in and you have an enter controller.

Posted Image, might have been reduced in size. Click Image to view fullscreen.

Here's where ive got a few concerns: presumably the keyboard circuit works with tiny amounts of power, if i add two or three pedals thats a lot of extra cable... am i going to need to amplify the signal?

If so, any suggestions on how i should go about this?

As you can probably tell im quite new to electronics, so any help would be much appriciated, cheers! Smile
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DUBmatze



Joined: Feb 18, 2013
Posts: 150
Location: south Germaica (schwabilon)

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2014 10:04 am    Post subject: Re: Very simple ableton controller
Subject description: a computer keyboard mod!
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dimebucker wrote:
Here's where ive got a few concerns: presumably the keyboard circuit works with tiny amounts of power, if i add two or three pedals thats a lot of extra cable... am i going to need to amplify the signal
i dont think so .... you just use a switch and nothing more .... the cabels dont consume that mutch - just give it a try.
In your circuit u use tip and ring for the connectors. i sugest to use tip and sleeve. (the most cheap footswitches i have seen use that)
If you want it with more style like a Banakeyboard or trigger while u drink your beer or somthing - have a look at this Project:
http://makeymakey.com/
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PHOBoS



Joined: Jan 14, 2010
Posts: 5581
Location: Moon Base
Audio files: 705

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2014 10:15 am    Post subject: Re: Very simple ableton controller
Subject description: a computer keyboard mod!
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DUBmatze wrote:
dimebucker wrote:
Here's where ive got a few concerns: presumably the keyboard circuit works with tiny amounts of power, if i add two or three pedals thats a lot of extra cable... am i going to need to amplify the signal
i dont think so .... you just use a switch and nothing more .... the cabels dont consume that mutch - just give it a try.

The only problem I can think of is that it might be sensitive to noise (or maybe even produce HF noise with long cables).
But yeah you'd just have to give it a try to see if it works. Cool

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dimebucker



Joined: May 02, 2014
Posts: 11
Location: dublin

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2014 12:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Cool thanks!
tip and ring seems more sensible, those makey makey things are really interesting Smile

Ok, i will give this a go and report back, cheers!
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dimebucker



Joined: May 02, 2014
Posts: 11
Location: dublin

PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 4:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Hey guys, finally got round to making this and it works great, thanks!


Except for one issue: sometimes pops and crackles can be heard within Ableton and occasionally it will freeze and crash completely!


This only happens when the device is plugged in to my laptop.

Any idea as to what is going on? electrical interference? Confused



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