The strange MIDI controller collection thread (diy, custom, mods)

I’m always curious about strange, unique, and unusual controllers, so this thread is an attempt to put them all together. Please share if you’ve found some around. Also, try to link their creator(s) so we can have some context.

The latest one I met is by french artist Ouai Stéphane


Here a good article about how he is using it in Ableton and a video performing with it. Man, I love the attached telephone.

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So much fun! I love those big arcade-joysticks.

It’s at the other end of the DIY-spectrum, but also in France: The Karlax from Dafact: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgKojCzAcck&ab_channel=DafactTV

Super expressive, ergonomic, and powerful! I got to play one the last time I was in Paris and I was blown away.

( ! )

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Amazing project! I love the industrial design of the “thing”.

Here is one I like a lot, Author & Punisher ultra custom setup.
Lovely how his hw is a crucial part of the visual impact of the show, reinforcing the overall aesthetics. The search for expressiveness in unusual gestures is impressive too. Really cool project.

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Ander made his own custom controllers for Ableton. I was amazed the first time I saw these some years ago. They look amazing, sturdy, and really unified with his workflow.

image

Live set

This interview is almost 10 years old already!

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Hi there !
I just discovered YAELTEX as I’m looking for some controller to build another MIDI mixer for Traktor… I made some kind of standalone Traktor device with embedded soundcard, teensy board, MIDI Fighter twister, USB hub, and a 7" tactile screen, everything runs on a custom 13" MacBook Pro 2012 logic board.

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Welcome to the forum bat.falhun!!
That’s absolutely gorgeous!

The form factor is amazing considering that you have to fit all those parts into the case.
Do you have a video to see it in action?

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Yep ! My FB page is a kind of build log and there are the different evolutions of this thing but I guess it is now finished.
https://www.facebook.com/B_A_T-271552799937170/videos/?ref=page_internal (I also started a YT channel with this same name)
I was wondering about buying the same kind of layout from Yaeltex, with an analog pot row in the top unsoledring one of the pots and replacing it buy a Innofader like I did on this first version.
Thanks a lot anyway for those kind words !

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https://i.imgur.com/6Mkw5Oj.jpg

My next version will include a touch sensitive XY panel.

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