1. CU ATLAS Practical electronics MIDI and Arduino
Wayne Seltzer – Apr 10, 2017

2. Learning Objectives
Introduction to MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)
Construct a circuit and modify an Arduino sketch to respond to MIDI from computer software
Discuss how MIDI and Arduino may be used in your project(s)

3. MIDI – Musical Instrument Digital Interface
Enables all kinds of digital instruments, controllers, and computers to be connected
Serial interface Note ON, OFF, Velocity, …
Industry standard: MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA)
Source:

4. Computer to Arduino MIDI options
Some sound/light/motion-making thing ?
Computer with
music software that sends MIDI
MIDI commands
Ableton
Reaper
Finale …

5. Arduino to Computer MIDI options
Some user/machine interface used as a MIDI controller ?
Computer with
music software that receives MIDI
MIDI commands
Ableton
Reaper
Finale …

6. Example MIDI-in interface circuit
(MIDI-in connector)
MIDI instrument or computer with MIDI interface
(opto-isolator)
Source:

7. Computer to Arduino MIDI - USB only
software that sends MIDI
loopMIDI (virtual MIDI passthrough driver)
Hairless MIDI Serial (USB to MIDI)
USB cable
loopmidi.html [Needed for Windows, not for MacOS.]
hairless-midiserial/
FortySevenEffects/ arduino_midi_library (Install in Arduino IDE)

8. Arduino MIDI USB issues
FortySevenEffects MIDI Library defaults to standard MIDI serial baud rate of 31250
But, Hairless MIDI Serial does not support that baud rate!
Solution: Set 9600 baud rate in Hairless MIDI Serial (file…preferences) and Arduino
In Arduino Sketch:
void setup() { … MIDI.begin(); Serial.begin(9600); // add this!

9. MIDI USB Example
Modify: Example…MIDI Library … SimpleSynth to turn on/off 4 LEDS corresponding to 4 incoming MIDI notes. Sketch: SimpleSynth_LED

10. Discussion Topics How might you use MIDI in your project(s)?
Controlling and creating Music? Sounds? Lights? Motion?
How could an Arduino connected via MIDI implement some aspect of your project?
What are some possible designs you would consider?