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Nov 2006

Price reduction!

MAnMIDI has been going since 1999, and was amoung the first compact, low cost, MIDI sensor interfaces. Later microcontrollers make USB feasible at low cost and so MIDI as a physical interconnect is comming to the end of its days in these applications.

However, on the plus side MAnMIDI still offers instant plug and play reliability, which many of the USB devices still don't. The number of inputs, 11, is still more than most as well.

Thanks to those who have supported it!

MAnMIDI is a chip for converting multiple voltage sources into midi controller output, for connection to synthesisers or computers with midi inputs. It is based on the Microchip PIC16C710 programmable microcontroller. Low power consumption, 6 mA @ 4-6 V, and low component count allow you build very compact and portable applications with ease. MAnMIDI is simple to operate and competitively priced. Special features include output-rate limiting and resolution reduction.

Some possible uses for MAnMIDI are:

• Connecting strain gauges, light sensors, electric field sensors to a synthesiser.
• Connecting faders to control the mix in a sequencer.
• Controlling synth parameters with faders, knobs and pedals.
• Electronic musical instruments with lots of sensors.
• Non-music related sensing, using midi as a convenient medium.

An example application is described here.

MAnMIDI is currently available in 10 and 11 input versions: Use the 11 input version if you want a full scale input voltage range on each channel from 0 to VDD (the power supply voltage, usually 5V). Use the 10 input version if you want a 'VREF' control pin for setting the range from 0 to VREF, which can be useful to simplify sensor conditioning.

Each version can be run in either of two 'modes', standalone or with a multiplexer for full functionality. Details are described in specifications below.

Ready-assembled units are available for either version. These only require connection to power, midi output and sensor input voltages.

Specifications and useage schematics:

manmidi10-102.pdf (43KB)
manmidi11-102.pdf (43KB)

PCB layouts in Eagle and Gerber format for DIP packages : pcb.zip (150KB)

If you have Native Instruments Reaktor, you can use the following ensemble to easily test monitor the midi control signals from MAnMIDI : manmidi.ens (4KB)

Readymade MAnMIDI chips in 18 pin DIP packaging, and assembled PCBs (mode 1, 10 or 11 inputs) are available. The image can be licensed to business and educational organizations, enquire for details. If you need a chip for other uses such as a personal non-profit project you can have the image for free. In exchange I simply ask to be informed about how it is used, and be credited in any public exhibitions or performances.

Payment can be accepted by paypal using the buttons below. Note that paypal no longer requires buyers to sign up, so this is just like a standard credit card transaction. Send a seperate email to the address above to ensure your order receives prompt attention.

The PCB is 59 x 31 mm :

Boards

** The MAnMIDI firmware is copyright 1999. **