I Built a MOTORIZED FADER Faderport Clone DIY MIDI Controller: The FADUINO

Introduction

Greetings, fellow makers! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to my latest creation: Faduino, a DIY motorized fader MIDI controller, meticulously crafted over months of dedication and innovation. This project has been a labor of love, combining hardware engineering, software development, and a passion for music production. Let's dive into the details of this exciting endeavor.

The Genesis of Faduino

After countless iterations in PCB design, enclosure construction, and coding, Faduino has finally emerged as a refined and versatile MIDI controller. Boasting a motorized fader, silicone buttons with LEDs, and a rotary encoder, Faduino is equipped to enhance your music production workflow. What sets it apart is its compatibility with the Mackie protocol, ensuring seamless integration with any DAW, including the likes of Pro Tools.

Why Faduino?

So, why invest your time and effort into building a controller like Faduino? The answer lies in its motorized fader, a game-changer in the realm of MIDI controllers. Unlike traditional faders, Faduino's motorized mechanism synchronizes with your DAW, ensuring precise control over track levels even when switching between tracks. This eliminates the risk of parameter jumps and guarantees a seamless mixing experience. Moreover, with an array of buttons and a rotary encoder, Faduino offers extensive control over various functions in your DAW, from solo and mute to record and arm.

The Role of JLC PCB

No project of this magnitude is complete without reliable partners. I'm grateful for the support of JLC PCB, whose high-quality printed circuit boards have been instrumental in bringing Faduino to life. Their commitment to excellence and affordable pricing have made them an invaluable ally in this journey. If you're venturing into PCB design, I highly recommend exploring their services.

Crafting Faduino: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Building Faduino is a multi-step process that begins with assembling the components and connecting them to your computer. With a 9-volt power supply and a USB micro connection, Faduino comes to life, ready to be configured. By downloading the necessary files from the Faduino GitHub repository and following the step-by-step instructions, you can customize the controller to suit your preferences. While I provide a comprehensive tutorial in my "Making Music with Arduino" course, the journey of building Faduino is as rewarding as the end result.

Bringing Faduino to Life: In Action

Now, let's witness Faduino in action. Compatible with the Mackie protocol, Faduino seamlessly integrates with popular DAWs like Ableton Live. By simply selecting "Faduino" as the control surface in your DAW's preferences, you unleash the full potential of this versatile controller. From adjusting track levels to toggling solo and mute, Faduino empowers you to take control of your music with precision and ease.

Exploring Faduino's Features

Faduino's capabilities extend beyond basic track control. With dedicated buttons for shifting between tracks and banks, as well as a customizable rotary encoder, Faduino offers unparalleled flexibility. Whether you're fine-tuning pan settings or navigating through your project with ease, Faduino adapts to your workflow, enhancing efficiency and creativity.

Embracing Open Source Innovation

As an open-source project, Faduino invites you to customize and expand its functionality according to your needs. With access to the code and schematics, you have the freedom to tailor Faduino to suit your unique requirements. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a curious enthusiast, Faduino offers a platform for exploration and innovation.

Join the Faduino Community

If you're inspired to embark on your Faduino journey, I invite you to explore my "Making Music with Arduino" course, where you'll find detailed tutorials and guidance on building your own MIDI controller. Additionally, if you're interested in PCB design or Arduino programming, I offer specialized courses to help you hone your skills. Together, let's push the boundaries of creativity and technology.

Conclusion: The Future of Faduino

In conclusion, Faduino represents a convergence of passion, craftsmanship, and innovation. While the road to its creation may have been challenging, the rewards are immeasurable. As we look to the future, I'm excited to see how Faduino evolves and the impact it has on music makers worldwide. Join me on this journey of exploration and discovery, and let's redefine what's possible in music production.

Thank you for joining me in this unveiling of Faduino. If you have any questions or ideas for future projects, please share them in the comments below. Until next time, happy making!

Tchau.

Links

👉 JLCPCB $2 for 1-8 Layers PCBs. Get $54 New User Coupons at: https://jlcpcb.com/?from=NerdMusician

👉 How to Get a $7 3D Printing Coupon: https://3d.jlcpcb.com/?from=NerdMusician3DP

🎹 Nerd Musician Pro (all the courses): https://go.musiconerd.com/nerd-musician-pro

🎛️ DIY MIDI Controller Workshop (free course): https://go.musiconerd.com/diy-midi-controller-workshop

🎹 Fazendo Música com Arduino: https://go.musiconerd.com/fazendo-musica-com-arduino

🎛️ Download the Files or subscribe to the waiting list: https://go.musiconerd.com/files-download