Category Archives: Music equipment

Review: Zivix PUC+ for Bluetooth Midi Wireless

Posted on 2015/11/13 by rt

I’ve been a fan off wireless MIDI for a while. I built a few prototypes and I still use some of the devices I made. I might have found a replacement: Zivix just came out (fall 2015) with a wireless Midi transmitter, … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Music equipment, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

VC-1: Volume control for guitar using Arduino

Posted on 2015/04/26 by rt

As explained here, here and here, the VC-1 is a volume control for guitar (or bass) that can use a potentiometer, a variable analog signal or a Midi command to change the output volume.

Posted in Arduino, Electronics, Music equipment, VC-1 | 3 Comments

Akai MPK261: One more thing using Sysex…

Posted on 2015/04/06 by rt

In a previous post, I explained how to control preset changes on the mPK261 using SysEx commands. In this post, I explain how to get the MPK2 series to show some tricked pad colors.

Posted in MPK261, Music equipment | 11 Comments

MIDI experiments: A simple MIDI tester

Posted on 2015/04/04 by rt

While doing some research to build a simple MIDI tester, I started to study the “real world” MIDI electrical specifications out there. I also experimented with various MIDI equipment and measured some voltages. A simple MIDI tester MIDI specifications imply that … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Music equipment | Tagged | 2 Comments

My ultimate versatile MIDI connection board: Versatility is the key

Posted on 2015/04/02 by rt

My Ultimate Versatile Midi Connection Board I work with Midi, a lot. I often have to plug equipment for testing instruments, circuits and interfaces. I often need to connect more than one device to a computer or micro-controller. So I decided … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Music equipment | Tagged | 4 Comments

Akai MPK261 (MPK2 series): Controlling the controller with SysEx

Posted on 2015/01/24 by rt

In this (very) technical post, I explain a method that will give you better control over the behavior of your Akai MPK2 series keyboard (tested on an MPK261). The goal is to be able to select one of the 30 “presets” stored in … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

Review: Alyseum AL-88c Midi Interface

Posted on 2014/10/02 by rt

UPDATE : 2016/10 Alyseum, the makers of this hardware product, have discontinued its manufacturing. They have a new product out, the U3-88c. It’s a USB 3 interface that provides similar functionalities, minus the Copperlan interface. The Alyseum AL-88c is a … Continue reading →

Posted in AL-88c, Music equipment | Tagged , | 13 Comments

REVIEW: Akai mpk261 keyboard

Posted on 2014/07/04 by rt

AKAI MPK261 This is a review of the Akai MPK261 Midi Keyboard. You can find the detailed specifications on the Akai website. I only explain the particularities that are not obvious on the web site. Most of the information here … Continue reading →

Posted in MPK261, Music equipment | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

REVIEW: iConnectivity iConnectMIDI4+ — Part 1 – Hardware

Posted on 2014/05/09 by rt

I just received the iConnectivity iConnectMIDI4+. This is a hardware review. You know me: take it apart first, and then review it. So this post is about hardware. The next post will be a software and application review. In the … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Music equipment | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

REVIEW: IKMultimedia iRig Blueboard

Posted on 2014/04/12 by rt

The iRig Blueboard is a small pedal board that uses bluetooth to connect to a computer or a mobile device and sends Midi commands to any application listening for it. The Hardware The idea is that a compact pedal makes … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment | Tagged | 2 Comments