Livid Instruments has announced Builder Boxes, a series of Do-It-Yourself kits that include everything needed to build a MIDI controller. Kits include a “Button Box” MIDI controller equipped with sixteen buttons, along with a “Fader Box” controller outfitted with eight sliders.
Fader Box. The Fader Box is a DIY kit that includes everything needed to build a MIDI controller with eight 30mm faders.
The Fader Box is a class-compliant USB MIDI controller which can be used to control audio, video, lighting, and more. The box is powered by a Brain Jr. and the MIDI settings can be customized using the Brain Configure editor. Fader Box ships unassembled and requires soldering and assembly with instructions in a downloadable step-by-step guide. Once built, the user can MIDI map in their favorite software or use one of Livid Instruments’ templates or scripts (free).
Fader Box Specifications:
- 8 30mm faders
- USB powered
- Plug & Play
- Sends & receives MIDI
- Works with any software that supports MIDI
- 4.5 x 5 x 2.5 ” (LxWxH fully built)
Kit Includes:
- 1x Brain Jr.
- 1x Omni Board
- Wire
- 8x 30mm Faders
- 8x Battle Style Fader Knobs
- 8x .01uF Ceramic Capacitors
- Fader Box Housing
- Screws, nuts, and spacers for assembly
- USB Cable
Button Box. The Button Box is a DIY kit that includes “everything you need” to build a MIDI controller with 16 button pads. Button Box is a class compliant USB MIDI controller and can be used to control audio, video, lighting, and more.
Button Box is powered by a Brain Jr. micro controller platform, and the MIDI settings can be customized using the Brain Configure editor. Button Box ships un-assembled and requires soldering and assembly with instructions (available from Livid Instruments’ site). Once built, MIDI map in your favorite software or use one of our free templates or scripts to start playing.
Button Box Specifications:
- 16 button pads
- Blue LED backlights
- USB powered
- Plug & Play
- Sends & receives MIDI
- Works with any software that supports MIDI
- 4.5 x 5 x 2.5 ” (LxWxH fully built)
- Black powder coated aluminum housing
Kit Includes:
- 1x Brain Jr.
- 1x Omni Board
- 8″ Copper wire
- 16x Blue LEDs
- 16x Single Omni Buttons
- 1x 4×4 Spacer Layer for Omni Keypads
- Button Box Housing
- Screws, nuts, and spacers for assembly
- Adhesive rubber feet
- USB Cable
Pricing and Availability. Both Builder Box models are available now. Normally priced at $129.99 each, the Fader Box and the Button Box are currently available at an introductory price of $99 apiece. To purchase, or for more information, consult the Livid Instruments website.
I’m into it, but aren’t there Behringer boxes that do the same thing for less than the cost of parts?
Any advantage here?
Build quality is the main difference. Although Behringer is much better than they used to be. This looks really cool indeed!
Interesting, but kind if like Lego For MIDI, but shape/sizes are limiting.
Push encoders would be a buy.
This stuff is too basic.
I was really into the idea… then I saw the price. Way too much for something that looks so DIY. You can pick up the Launchpad mini for £70!
Since it is based around the Brain Jr., it is USB-only. But it does make for a turn-key project with that board.
I would love to see a similar thing for Highly Liquid’s MIDI CPU where they put together even a parts list and good instructions to build controllers that have MIDI din i/o. The MIDI CPU has the advantage of being able to merge incoming MIDI with its out stream. However, Highly Liquid is a little less beginner-friendly.