Building a controller with Arduino

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deeaa
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As I'm using a laptop as my 'preamp' I am switching to using a VST host for various plugins, between which I can change with almost no delay just by soloing the one I want.

For that, however, I need to use keyboard commands. So I am building a an Arduino based foot switch that's seen as a HID device/keyboard in Windows. Simple enough, it's programmed via USB in basically C++ language, and then just soldered with marker LEDs and switches. Well it's been a brain teaser to put it all together, but getting close.

Made a box for it out of metal and some wood bits.

Will report later how it turns out...

ImageImageImage

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deeaa
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program.jpg
That's how simple the program really is. And even much of that is just my comments so I can remember which lead goes where.
IMG_20240331_190930.jpg
Gut shot - yeah it looks terrible now, but I need to drill a hole for the USB passthrough connector still, and come up with some way to attach that Arduino board safely.

If this turns out as practical as I think it will, I need to think about having a friend of mine 3D print me a case.

Oh, in case you wonder about the "diamond" shape...it's designed to fit between mic stand legs. I'll use 3M velcro to keep it attached to the stand. Finally can get the buttons right there at my feet and not have to reach for them when I sing.
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deeaa
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Well, been using it a while now, and it works really well. Awesome to have sound to switch immediately with no delay like with pedals, and with delays and verbs decaying over the next sound too. And the shape works like a charm with the extra wide button spacing - finally don't have to look down for switching while I'm playing. Image

Sent from my M2103K19G using Tapatalk

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Chocol8
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That's awesome and I love the name!
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Fultentreske
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Good work! Looks great! Using Arduino to create a foot switch for seamless control over VST plugins is ingenious. The combination of metal and wood for the box must give it a great aesthetic and durability. Video is also good. I also can share https://faqaudio.com/ forum where you can find a lot of info about software effects.
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BatUtilityBelt
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Somehow I missed this whole thread. It's a great idea, glad to see it. I once made an Arduino based pedal using bluetooth to scroll documents up/down for following sheet music, tab, and to work as a teleprompter.
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