MIDI controllable loop switcher using arduino

[diegofresh]

Hi, I am new to this board.  Been searching around and hoping I can get some help.

I would like to build a simple loop switcher that I can add MIDI control to. I do not need presets or anything, as I will have a main controller to handle that part.  For this project, I would just like 8 momentary switches with LED for each one to show status. Additionally, the MIDI input would allow for sending PC command to enable/disable any combination.

Found this guide which looks really good, but I have some concerns about audio quality. 

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-based-8-loops-pedal-switcher/

So, does anyone here have suggestions for relays/switches that will have the best audio quality? Or should I just use a pedal with a good buffer before it hits the switches? I could also put a buffer in the switch...

Thanks

[PRR]

Welcome.

A relay, about any relay, is essentially "perfect" audio connection. Don't worry about it.

[potul]

The relays used in the project you linked will work, but they are not the best fit. They are desinged to be used for power applications,. They are bulky and SPDT, so you need 2 for each loop.

You might want to look for "signal" Relays instead. If you are looking for an "arduino ready" pcb with relays, this one could be an option:

https://www.sainsmart.com/sainsmart-8-channel-signal-relay-module-board-for-arduino-uno-mega-2560-r3-1280.html

But it's quite expensive... Instead, I would buy the relays and build a pcb with the drivers from scratch.

On the other hand, I think an Arduino Mega is an overkill for this. YOu might want to use a smaller Arduino.

Mat

[diegofresh]

$30 for that relay board is not too bad.  I also think that an Arduino Uno is probably sufficient for this. Although, I am considering building two devices in the same box. First is this looper which takes a midi message from a master controller (Midi Mouse to start, MC6 hopefully in the future).  The next piece would be a midi controller to add more buttons to the MC6 as outlined in this post: https://www.morningstarfx.com/single-post/2016/07/17/Building-your-own-Arduinobased-Midi-Controller

[diegofresh]

Just noticed the project I linked to is a midi controller.  I am looking for something that can be controlled by another midi device and accept MIDI PC or CC messages.  Does anybody know if there is something like this out there?

The relays used in the project you linked will work, but they are not the best fit. They are desinged to be used for power applications,. They are bulky and SPDT, so you need 2 for each loop.

You might want to look for "signal" Relays instead. If you are looking for an "arduino ready" pcb with relays, this one could be an option:

https://www.sainsmart.com/sainsmart-8-channel-signal-relay-module-board-for-arduino-uno-mega-2560-r3-1280.html

But it's quite expensive... Instead, I would buy the relays and build a pcb with the drivers from scratch.

On the other hand, I think an Arduino Mega is an overkill for this. YOu might want to use a smaller Arduino.

Mat

I see that you have this similar project. http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=112424.0

I would think some of that might apply here.  I might have to just create a new one. 

Also, I am also thinking I might do a smaller looper (4 channel) and possibly have multiple loopers in my system...

[diegofresh]

need some guidance on this one I think.  It seems MIDI in to arduino is slightly more complex. The FX looping part I think is pretty straight forward.  Just need to wrap my head around how I can take a MIDI CC/PC command and trigger actions to the different relays.

Basically, I want to build something like this: http://www.disasterareaamps.com/shop/dpc-8ez-gen3

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks