FuzzyWobble

im annoyed with my cdj's and want to axe them.

this given me an excellent opportunity to build my own hardware dj console.

max/msp is the slickest, unfortunately, my max/msp skills are sub-par so im looking for some help from one of you gurus out there.

the patch must interpret all usb data (passed from arduino). this includes potentiometers (12), push buttons(12), rotary encoders(6), xy touchscreen(2).

also, would you say this is a difficult or quite simple max/msp project?

im annoyed with my cdj's and want to axe them.
this given me an excellent opportunity to build my own hardware dj console.
max/msp is the slickest, unfortunately, my max/msp skills are sub-par so im looking for some help from one of you gurus out there.
the patch must interpret all usb data (passed from arduino). this includes potentiometers (12), push buttons(12), rotary encoders(6), xy touchscreen(2).
any help would be greatly appreciated.
also, would you say this is a difficult or quite simple max/msp project?


maxmsp-dj-console

Are you using the ArduinoMega, or multiplexing those analog inputs? Have you looked at either MaxDuino or SARCDuino; these are two externals which will allow serial data from Arduino into MaxMSP.

I wouldn't say this is a difficult task (it's relative to your Max skills), but it would be a large project.

One of the first things I think when reading a post like this is, there must be a ton of different applications already out there that already do the job. Your request seems to be more about making the hardware controller, right? If that's the case, then something like Steim's Junxion would let you take the Arduino's input and convert it to OSC or MIDI to control your application of choice. Obviously if you're after the learning experience of building your own app then this may not apply. In terms of the patching I agree with n00b_meister - it's fairly simple (uses key MSP concepts etc), but a lot of work. Max is a real black hole for time when it comes to interface design in my experience...

Thanks for those names. I was aware that patches like that existed, just have not used them yet. I think getting the data from the Arduino will not be too difficult, however, using the data to manipulate the audio will be the bulk of the work. Im not sure what Arduino to use yet. I would prefer multiplexers to the bulky and expensive Arduino Mega. Note that there will be two DJ tables, thus, two Arduinos and two USB cables feeding into my laptop. The mixer (highs,mids,lows,gain,cue etc) will be integrated into the individual DJ tables rather than having a separate mixer.

ya Steim's Junxion looks interesting. I will read up. By 'black hole' do you imply that its difficult to get things functioning flawlessly in max/msp? Cause I need something totally reliable. I still have the option to write it in Python if max/msp is going to be troublesome.

@n00b_meister
Thanks for those names. I was aware that patches like that existed, just have not used them yet. I think getting the data from the Arduino will not be too difficult, however, using the data to manipulate the audio will be the bulk of the work. Im not sure what Arduino to use yet. I would prefer multiplexers to the bulky and expensive Arduino Mega. Note that there will be two DJ tables, thus, two Arduinos and two USB cables feeding into my laptop. The mixer (highs,mids,lows,gain,cue etc) will be integrated into the individual DJ tables rather than having a separate mixer.

@robin
ya Steim's Junxion looks interesting. I will read up. By 'black hole' do you imply that its difficult to get things functioning flawlessly in max/msp? Cause I need something totally reliable. I still have the option to write it in Python if max/msp is going to be troublesome.


One place to start is my SensorBox firmware (just added to the Toolbox here: 

 ). This has support for multiplexers and offers a lightweight starting place that's a little easier to extend than some of the other offerings.

There is a lot of code for dealing with rotary encoders on the arduino.cc site, although they are a major hassle.

One place to start is my SensorBox firmware (just added to the Toolbox here: https://cycling74.com/tools/sensorbox/ ).  This has support for multiplexers and offers a lightweight starting place that's a little easier to extend than some of the other offerings.

There is a lot of code for dealing with rotary encoders on the arduino.cc site, although they are a major hassle.


on the app side of things(i mean after you've figured out how to get all the interfacing in), you can look at this great monome app which emulates a DJ setup:

http://docs.monome.org/doku.php?id=app:dj64

(assuming by 'axe' your cdjs, you mean to use samples on your comp)

on the app side of things(i mean after you've figured out how to get all the interfacing in), you can look at this great monome app which emulates a DJ setup:
http://docs.monome.org/doku.php?id=app:dj64

(assuming by 'axe' your cdjs, you mean to use samples on your comp)


thanks man. i will check it out. i got a rotary encoder working today with someones arduino code. the code was baffling, yes.

@Andrew
thanks man. i will check it out. i got a rotary encoder working today with someones arduino code. the code was baffling, yes.

After alot of reading and pondering I have decided to use the Arduino midi library to build a midi mappable interface for Traktor, Virtual DJ, and Ableton. Once the project is up and running I will showcase it to the max/msp community and see if anyone wants to volunteer a max/msp DJ patch for the hardware I build.

The hardware is going to offer a totally cheap and unique DIY alternative to the many mediocre midi-mappable USB DJ consoles out there today.

After alot of reading and pondering I have decided to use the Arduino midi library to build a midi mappable interface for Traktor, Virtual DJ, and Ableton. Once the project is up and running I will showcase it to the max/msp community and see if anyone wants to volunteer a max/msp DJ patch for the hardware I build. 

The hardware is going to offer a totally cheap and unique DIY alternative to the many mediocre midi-mappable USB DJ consoles out there today.


Hi, I have a dj patch. it's a very simple one, it as the basics pitch, volume and eq, if you wold like i could add some extra features, i tried to implement a bpm detector but it's not working properly (i'll try ti fix this in a coupple of days).

I'm looking to create some sort of DJ console myself. Bobdecyno, would it be possible to send me your basic patch? Would be much appreciated as a starting point!

I am new to Max Msp and would like to learn about building a dj console

Can you send me you basic patch please. It would help me get started.

Hi Bob,
I am new to Max Msp and would like to learn about building a dj console
Can you send me you basic patch please.  It would help me get started.

Max/Msp DJ console