Introducing the Midi Fighter DIY Kit

Written by Ean Golden on November 19th, 2009 103 Comments

We are now selling DIY MidiFighter kits (now with black pcbs) in the web-store. This kit will be the first incarnation of our brand new controller line that allows several different levels of customization. Everything from creating original color combos to adding more analog interfaces and customizing the open-source firmware is possible with this exciting new tool. More info, photos and release date after the jump.

BUILD YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

The MidiFighter is designed to put you in control of your controller, so it allows for 4 “levels” of customization, depending on how advanced of a MIDI fighter you are.

Level One (Land of Buttons)

The MidiFighter kit comes in a flat box that can be personally assembled in 5 minutes. Entry-level modders can select the arcade button colors they want when ordering and assemble the kit into a custom configuration that fits their personal style or mapping. The arcade buttons snap into place thanks to our hand-made clips, which require zero soldering. Just screw together the frame using a simple allen wrench, snap in the arcade buttons and your custom controller is assembled and finished. The finished controller is plug-and-play with super high-quality, low-latency drivers and will work with all MIDI-compatible software.

Level Two (Color Field)

Because the top and bottom sheets are acrylic, the more adventurous modder can paint the back of each plate with their own color, or color combinations. Get your artist buddies to do a crazy pattern and completely customize the top sheet to match your button configuration. Not feeling the exposed PCB look? We will offer an optional wood case that is easily assembled with just 4 screws. The 4 walnut sides bolt around the kit, providing additional protection and a high-quality, finished look.

Level Three (Control Your Own Adventure)

Every MidiFighter kit is fully expandable with 4 analog and 4 digital input ports. This means you can solder on any additional analog control you can imagine, including mod wheels, joysticks, sliders and knobs. These ports require no additional coding and will work right out of the box once you add the analog controls. Buy or build a larger case, re-cut a top sheet for the new controls and boom: You can build a high-quality, custom MIDI controller in just a few hours.

Level Four (Welcome to the Matrix)

Advanced modders and gear heads will be stoked to learn that the custom firmware is not only high-quality but also open-source. If you have the means, we are happy to let you rewrite the MidiFighter code and make it do whatever you can possibly imagine.

All of these possibilities beg one simple question: What will you create? MidiFighter.com is almost ready to go and will be the central place dedicated to featuring all of the amazing creations you come up with using the MidiFighter platform.

Critical Details

Release Date: November 30th
Price: Aprox $125 for the Kit + Arcade Buttons ($2.50 each) optional wood case- $40
Plug and Play-compatible device, compliant MIDI controller
USB powered
Must be assembled (no expertise required)
16 programmable buttons
16 programmable LEDs
Expandable to 20 programmable buttons and 4 analog controls
Limited-edition 200-piece run in this configuration (black PCB with blue LEDs)

Will These Sell Out?

The first run is a limited-edition group of 300 pieces. Many of them are spoken for, so chances are they will sell out rather fast. The best way to insure you can get a kit is by signing up to the email list below (ALT LINK) . When the MidiFighters are up for sale, we will notify this list 24 hours before they go public.

I Loved This Article >

Filed Under | Controllerism, DJ Controllers, DJ Equipment / Accessories, Midi Fighter, News
Tags | Kit, Midi Fighter, News, Release

http://djmaddmax.podomatic.com/ DJMaddMax

pickin this up asap
http://turntablepoetry.com/blog dj professor ben

hmm no word on pricing yet…
http://www.myspace.com/pedropilatus Pedro Pilatus

This looks really nice and i’ve been waiting for something like this from you, too bad i come from Iceland and have no money at all!

But still, PROPS!
J450N N4M3

This is groundbreaking! I’ve really been toying with the thought of doing this but I don’t have time to add this to my already busy schedule. I love that it is all together yet still open for when I do get enough gusto to start adding on controls. I think I speak for all of us when I say we really appreciate what you are doing to get us to be more creative. Maybe that’s truly why you had the rabbi beard on for Attack Of The Show (nice job by the way, you rep us well).

Thanks again Ean
DJ V1ckz

does DJTT need investors! This shit is awesome, if this community wasn’t already on the map, it will be once this is released. fuck yeah ean/collaborators, this looks sick as fuck
http://www.myspace.com/belchofficial Belchman

Epic! Never gonna be able to get my arse in gear and get one on time – but I’m looking forward to owning one of these puppies in the future :)
http://www.twitter.com/djchrispop ChrisPop

looks quite nice
http://www.chwyrvtmns.com ???

This is rad! Looks like someone got a business degree..
Seriously though, Midifighter.com
Yeah, it’ll blow up!
Nicely done.
Fatlimey

Beautiful pictures. Sexy.
n:deuce

i would like to get one of these hooked up with my ssl. looks great either way.
http://johnholdun.com John Holdun

Oh, this is it. You guys are on the way up. I can feel it!
Adrian

Hmmm… I was thinking of getting an LPD8 now I have another option :). Waiting on price though..

This has probably already been said but I think that it would look a million times better with those see through light up arcade buttons =O (that would be bomb). I wanted to put them on my vci but they don’t fit so I had to go with the normal ones but I think you should definitely do it up on this!
ifizzy142

glow in the dark buttons would be HOT
ifizzy142

glow in the dark buttons would be HOT, also, whats the word on pricing djtt?
EnGramicK

God cant wait to get my hands on a pair of these :P
spazticmidget

glow in the dark buttons? siccccc
Abyrne7

Man that shit is epic thats all i got to say! haha

Im not sure if the suscription list is working?
Abyrne7

That shit is epic!

Im not sure if the suscription list is working properly?
Anonymous

can’t wait to see the final MF-T1! Great job DJTT!
Shahidil

im looking forward for the mf-t1 woohooo
midian

Huge! Seeing this develop over the past two years finally coming to fruition is fucking amazing! Massive ups to Mike (Midifidler) on the Build & Ean n DJTT crew.

Canna wait to get the new pro model, been thashing my MF-MK1 for a while now. Still <3 it.

This will explode no doubt, 200 wont last.!
http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2009/11/19/new-midifighter-midi-controller-inspired-by-classic-video-games/ New MidiFighter MIDI Controller Inspired By Classic Video Games » Synthtopia

[...] has just announced a new MIDI controller inspired by classic video game systems, [...]
Pier

That is amazing Ean!
jorge

any idea on the dimensions?
http://www.eangolden.com Ean Golden

Some updates and answers to questions:

1) Price. I updated the post with rough pricing. $125 for the kit + arcade buttons.

2) THe subscription list should be working now. Follow the ALT LINK if you have issues.

3) Dimensions are:

6″ X 6″ Inches Square and 1.5 inches tall. Its also about 12 ounces assembled without the wood case.
Roberto

Congrats! what imaginative and great looking pieces of hardware this series represents. Really diggin’ the walnut flavor, any chance for mahogany and gold accents?
Ian T

My (early) christmas present to me.
This is awesome.
Also, like that guy up there said;
Midifighter.com
Would be a sweet brand, and I’m glad to see that printed on the kits.
Any chance you could do a package deal with a shirt too?
That would be my version of heaven.
Rock on.
timinya

Would be nice to see a midi box which JUST has 4 X 4 of analog rotaries, and maybe little kill butttons next to each. Further a fader under each row of knobs. This would be the perfect solution for a dedicated 4 deck eq! simple, yet effective.

Who’s with me
duerr

looks amazing. i’m really excited to hear that the djtt fellas are taking on the controller market. can’t wait to see the MF-T1 !!
duerr

[quote comment="24027"]Would be nice to see a midi box which JUST has 4 X 4 of analog rotaries, and maybe little kill butttons next to each. Further a fader under each row of knobs. This would be the perfect solution for a dedicated 4 deck eq! simple, yet effective.

Who’s with me[/quote]

why not just buy a UC-33e ?
frank

=u have to ressrve one for me. Iam a veteran, i left, got back and got introduced to Midi controllers
http://www.uptownboogiedown.com/news/new-midifighter-midi-controller-inspired-by-classic-video-games New MidiFighter MIDI Controller Inspired By Classic Video Games | uptownboogiedown

[...] has just announced a new MIDI controller inspired by classic video game systems, [...]
Bwaha

Woo!
Dr lebosqui

That’s NICEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
midifighter yeah yeah yeah
http://www.larsby.com/johan/ Johan Larsby

Nice, very similar to a build of mine http://www.larsby.com/johan/?p=47
http://www.luthierlab.com Mudo

…

Maybe this will be nice throught your store and with your customization ideas.

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9021

;)

…
gfocus

Because I’m definitely not the only one who wondered…

Metrics:
Footprint: 15×15 cm
Height: 3,8 cm
Weight: 340 g
http://www.djlantau.com Lantau

Just the kinda thing I was looking for but have a launchpad-esque already in the mail…

Damn right I’m gonna try and get one anyway though!
osoner

one word: WOW !

(and finally mouahahahaha)
dennis

am new to these midi controllers, just got my first vci 100 arcade a month ago.

got one question, when you say “The first instrument will be the MF- T1, a Traktor Pro focused controller designed for playing cue point chords and totally destroying your 3rd and 4th decks.”

so the midi fighter would act as 3rd and 4th deck? i could put acapellas on 3 and 4 and use midifighter to control the cue points, while i mix instrumentals on 1 and 2 with the vci 100???

that would seriously be the best thing in the world! def getting the MFT1 then!

all i need to figure out then how i get two more arms attached to my body…
Armando

Don’t get me wrong this is great.. but when you add up the kit plus the amount for buttons wouldn’t it make more sense to just buy this instead: http://www.novationmusic.com/products/midi_controller/launchpad
DJ Phaidon

Damn guys, AOTS yesterday, Make and Gizmodo today with this announcement. Completely awesome!
kilbot

did anybody see, this got posted on gizmodo this morning too!
http://gizmodo.com/5409277/midifighter-melds-music-and-button-mashing
Everything is Free

Yeah DJTT, not to lie but Armando is right for that 125$ plus the other random costs i could easily get a Launchpad or even like 2 LPD8′s

Still looks AMAZING dont get me wrong, and not to lie even though its 125$ i know i will end up buying it
http://www.tribemagazine.com/board/producers-room/157621-ooooh-want-streetfighter-midi-controller-kit.html#post4297158 OOOOH Want! Streetfighter Midi Controller kit – TRIBE – tribe.ca

[...] OOOOH Want! Streetfighter Midi Controller kit djtechtools.com [...]
Joshua

The Launchpad does not have arcade buttons, customizable case, or open-source firmware.

They don’t look the same to me.

I really like the look of the midifighter. It looks like a remixed monome. And I think it would look good next to my 128!
http://www.hyperaktiv.co.uk/?p=5 Hyperaktiv

[...] guys over at DJ Tech Tools are releasing a mental piece of customised kit the “MidiFighter”. This kit will be the [...]
Anonymous

. . . the playability of arcade buttons is unmatched.
http://www.growthserum.com Growth Serum

man, what a look. i bet that feels amazing, too. me want.
Armando

actually mate, launchpad just became OSC :)

http://createdigitalmusic.com/2009/11/11/novation-launchpad-osc-wrapper-makes-midi-more-readable/

arcade buttons are definitely a plus.. just not 40 dollars worth of extra costs to play like its 1980 all over again.

I guess you can’t knock it until you try it :P
Fatlimey

[quote comment="24056"]Don’t get me wrong this is great.. but when you add up the kit plus the amount for buttons wouldn’t it make more sense to just buy this instead[/quote]

Price per button, yes. But it doesn’t have analog inputs, it’s not expandable, it’s not hackable at the lowest possible level (like building in your MIDI map right into the hardware), it’s not nearly as repackageable and customizable and it’s not a complete MIDI hacking platform that many other people in the community will be working on, expanding and sharing their open source updates for.

So, in terms of a simple device, yes, go for the Launchpad. If you want to join the open source hardware movement, get a MidiFighter.
http://audibletherapy.posterous.com/ Andrew

Ean – You and your team are definitely carving out a niche for yourselves in the controller market. Well designed, open source, and support from the DJTT forum. Awesome! Keep up the great work.
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2009/11/midifighter-melds-music-and-button-mashing/ MidiFighter Melds Music And Button Mashing | Gizmodo Australia

[...] addition of even more buttons (which is technically feasible with some modification to the kit). [djtechtools via MAKE] [...]
http://www.eangolden.com Ean Golden

[quote comment="24056"]Don’t get me wrong this is great.. but when you add up the kit plus the amount for buttons wouldn’t it make more sense to just buy the novation launch pad instead?[/quote]

This is a completely fair question that deserves a good response. If you are just going to compare the price per button then the Launch pad gives you more button per dollar. Its a great controller for triggering clips in live but not so great for controllerism and cue point juggling/ loop mashing because of the feel and size of the buttons.

Comparing these two controllers is like comparing a low cost guitar, mass manufactured in china to a custom made boutique guitar which has been designed for optimal playability and is made by hand in a very limited number. They are just very different beasts and one is obviously going to be more expensive.

The buttons are the really big differentiating factor with the feel and response of the arcade buttons being a one of a kind experience.
The launch pad is a good basic ableton controller if you want the lowest cost possible for a grid of buttons but If you require high speed playability and a one of a kind controller then we believe the midi fighter is a really special instrument.
Devmani

So getting one of these, damn it’s gangstah!
Baptiste

Hey Ean!
I’m really excited about the midi fighter!
Will you ship it to europe???
http://www.mediumheavy.com kelsey7k

awesome!

i agree, the customization potential is exciting. can’t wait to see the directions this goes.
Priscilla

I dig Ean’s response. Honest, thoughtful, and no BS.
Double DutchDj

Wow! I’m really love’n how simple yet, soooo well thought out (for production and consumer) the midi fighter is. And it looks great!! what really gets me excited is seeing how much ground techtools has covered in the last 14+ months and where/what this site will be knocking out this time next year. Can’t wait to get my hands on one!
kenwaldek

interesting product,but what about an arduino based midi instrument
also opensource
Armando

wow Ean, unbelievable response bro. That really brought the big picture together man. Thanks for the candid response. Actually everyone had a really good point of view on the idea. Looking forward to seeing the release and actually building one.
Abyrne7

This will sure turn heads in the clubs! haha very cool
archies’bald

I would also like to know if shipping to Europe/UK is a possibility, and how much (approx.) would it cost?
http://myspace.com/zakolski janzak

Oh god oh god oh god oh god
ize009

Arcade buttons. The buttons are time tested; with thousands of kids beating on them for years, they hold up. They are lightning fast, responsive, near indestructible buttons perfectly suited for controllerism. The idea of implementing them in a DJ controller is brilliance in its simplicity- a perfect match of time tested reliability and precision with the new generation of DJ hardware.

Anyone who thinks there is a favorable comparison between the arcade buttons and buttons on units like the Launchpad just doesn’t get it. At all.
Paco loco

Any idea how much shipping to the uk will be?
seeMARTINbreak

will there be black arcade buttons offered too??? cause im getting tired of seeing them but not being able to buy them. are you holding out on us Ean?? lol
Rob

Thats sick. I cant wait to get my hands on one
CouldntThinkOfAName

What programs or software will it work with.
seeMARTINbreak

# CouldntThinkOfAName

November 22nd, 2009 at 7:08 pm Quote

What programs or software will it work with.

….”"”The finished controller is plug-and-play with super high-quality, low-latency drivers and will work with all MIDI-compatible software.”"”
http://www.myspace.com/tiotcmusic tiotc music

Hey Ean the new midi fighter looks amazing I am extremely happy with my vci arcade and can’t stop using it dj-ing but I can’t help but think I always want another controller dedicated to the 3rd and 4th decks. This would be amazing if it had the possibility to control the other decks and cue points, and I would love to see a video on this topic when it is full working order.

Thanks again Ean keep up the amazing work !!!
http://rekkerd.org/short-links-for-november-23rd-2009/ MidiFighter Kit, PyMT, free circuit bent samples, Hardware version of Random7, Ohm Force studio pic contest, Hands-On with the Tenori-On: First Impressions + Integration with Ableton Live, Little Gem Guitar Amp, Launchpad, No Live: Novation Launchpad Revi

[...] # MidiFighter Kit [...]
pcdj-cash

I just put $150 into my paypal account , this sh!t is mine!
DJ PACE

ME TO MAN I CANT WAIT TO MAKE SOME HOT MUSIC WITH DIS
DJ PACE

IM GOING TO MAKE THE CLUBS GO CRAZY WITH THIS ONE. MANN I CANT WAIT
STYLUS

GOTTA HAVE IT WITH PINK BUTTONS!
NO IM NOT A GIRL….
:>)
joe

i want to get one of these when i can order one
http://abletondenver.com/week-of-november-29-2009-post-thx-giver/ Week of November 29, 2009 – Post THX-giver « Denver Ableton User Group

[...] http://www.djtechtools.com/2009/11/19/diy-midifighter-kit_midi-fighter/#more-3435 [...]
http://www.deepbass.com/portfolio Fatbat

Are black buttons going to be available?
DAV3-G

I have yet to play with any midi devices but i’ve had my eye on this for a minute. I feel like a kid in a candy store. I really like the idea of the arcade buttons. I can’t wait till you guys release this thing!
DAV3-G

I just want to give it up to Ean Golden for coming up with the Ideas for these controllers. After watching him rock out on some of these midi controllers, gave me some great ideas + inspired me to add a lil something extra to my DJ setup…Also to all you guys out there who take there time to post some reliable information on this stuff. peace
http://quickattack.us Tim

“Release Date: November 30th”

Hey, any update on when this will be available? Should’ve been here 2 days ago.
seeMARTINbreak

any price on the MF-T1???????
Jared-F

Are you guys gonna be doing a 64 button controller? Unfortunately I need way more buttons than 16. The akai is nice but just too damn big =]
DA

midi fighter…
http://www.eangolden.com Ean Golden

[quote comment="24566"]“Release Date: November 30th”

Hey, any update on when this will be available? Should’ve been here 2 days ago.[/quote]

Hey Guys,

Announcements coming next week! :)
Levi B

So excited for it to come out! I hope I can get one!
STYLUS

got the vci arcade but always wanted to have access to extra cue points..so i ordered this first release…
hope when the t1 comes out i dont regret not waiting…
another question is i have a macbook with 2 usb ports so how do i connect the midifighter when my 2 ports are being used by my vci arcade and audio8???
what does the t1 do? how do i connect this midifighter
good questions?
Ian T

Got one woohoo!
Black on black.
ian d

do any of you konw when the MF-T1 will be available?
http://www.djtechtools.com/2009/12/09/midifighter-diy-now-available/ djtechtools.com

[...] but we hope to have the SE’s up for sale in late December or January. Sign up on the midi-fighter email list for more info as these become [...]
RCUS

Pulled the trigger! I thought about getting a mixed batch of buttons but decided that the neon green is the way to go. Hopefully this will be a nice sturdy replacement for my nanopads for juggling and effects. Damn nanopads just break too easily.
http://abletondenver.com/what-is-going-on-december-2009/ What is going on – December 2009! « Denver Ableton User Group

[...] will be sowing off his Lemur. David Henderson presenting Monome and Lunchpad. I am waiting on a MIDI Fighter . Please contact me if you can fill in any parts or have unique controller-ism to show [...]
http://www.djtechtools.com/2009/12/31/epic-fails-and-highlights-of-2009/ djtechtools.com

[...] DJ Tech Tools brings arcade controllerism to the masses with the Midi Fighter [...]
Dom

january 5th now… any news on the MF-T1 yet??

i don’t want to buy a midi fighter now only for a better one to come out the next day.

cheers.
http://www.myspace.com/keatshandwriting keats handwriting

january 27th now… any news on the MF-T1 yet?? :)
http://www.eangolden.com Ean Golden

Hey Keats,

its going to be a little while on the MF instruments :(

we are carefully crafting prototypes and exploring lots of directions. Rather than just throw some faders and knobs in a box (ala most controllers) we are developing an instrument – which takes a lot of iterations before you get it right.

I would encourage folks to grab a midi-fighter DIY kit now as it might be at least 2-4 months before we offer a different version with more controls. you can add your own analogue controls now and those experiments will help us decide on which elements we ultimately offer to everyone.
http://soundcloud.com/illectric illectric

I need one of these!!!!!
http://www.djtechtools.com/2011/03/31/happy-birthday-to-the-forums/ DJ TechTools | Happy Birthday… To The Forums!!

[...] Beeson. It was on that trip that the 2 DJs decided to bring the Midi Fighter to life in a commercial project as a DIY kit . With limited resources and a shoe string budget, Michael, Ean and Robin (below) [...]
http://www.xoox.es/foro/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=62558 Merlin Linamen

aboulia…

The line of demarcation must be violence. Anyone convicted of violent crime should serve their full sentence and the sentence must be commensurate to the crime….
Madeon

I’m sorry but the price is bullshit, and so is the DIY thing. This is an assemble kit, all you allow is modding the source, which I agree is neat but the price makes this another utterly overpriced product.
http://www.gimbei.de/dj-tools/this-is-not-the-next-midi-fighter/ This Is Not The Next Midi Fighter – DJ AgeGee

[...] June, it will have been four years since the introduction of the original Midi Fighter, a community powered project that sprung from the shared passions of people from different corners [...]
http://www.djtechtools.com/2013/04/18/this-is-not-the-next-midi-fighter/ This Is Not The Next Midi Fighter | DJ TechTools

[...] June, it will have been four years since the introduction of the original Midi Fighter, a community powered project that sprung from the shared passions of people from different corners [...]