Control Surface MIDI

Eight physical potentiometers connected through a multiplexer to a USB MIDI-capable board, controlling parameters in host music software.

Library with a concrete prototype route · Sources reviewed 11 September 2026

CAIBI assessment

A useful starting point for a custom control layout. Begin with the documented eight-pot prototype; a finished enclosure and control mapping are additional design work.

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Cost and commitment

Board-only purchase routes are available in both regions. Eight controls, multiplexer, wiring, enclosure and delivery still need a scoped basket; no complete cost is claimed.

Lead and build time

Prototype, enclosure design/fabrication and final assembly are separate tasks. No measured build duration is available.

Parts and fabrication

Arduino Leonardo with headers as the fixed reference board for this route
Eight potentiometers and one 74HC4051 analog multiplexer
Breadboard or soldered wiring, USB data cable and a compatible host
A separately designed enclosure, knobs and fixings for a permanent build

The maintained tutorial defines an electrical prototype, not a universal enclosure or cutting list. Measure your chosen pots, knobs, board and connectors before creating a dimensioned panel. The project benchmark uses this prototype as its starting point; an enclosure remains a design task.

The linked source BOM and files control exact quantities, dimensions and revision. This summary is not a replacement fabrication file.

Assembly and test route

Follow the creator’s detailed instructions at each stage. The sequence below identifies the decisions and checks that connect them.

Use the maintainer’s Getting Started tutorial and select its compatible USB MIDI configuration. Do not substitute a classic Uno R3 without reviewing USB MIDI transport requirements.
Build and test the multiplexer circuit from the tutorial: analog input A0, address pins 3/4/5 and enable grounded. Match supply voltage to the selected board.
Install the library and tutorial sketch, compile for the exact board and record the library/core versions.
Verify all eight controls in a MIDI monitor and map them in the host. Check range, reversed direction and idle jitter before soldering a permanent version.
Design and test-fit the enclosure around the proven circuit; provide USB access and secure the controls. Repeat the input tests after assembly.

Where AI helps

AI can generate mappings and explain the library, help design a panel and diagnose compilation errors. Board transport support, electrical connections and usable control feel remain physical checks.

UK and US purchasing

These are specific sourcing routes, not a verified complete basket. Check exact variants, stock, shipping destination, tax and delivery before purchasing.

Region	Part or kit route	Scope
UK	Leonardo with headers ↗	Linked item only. Delivered total and lead time unverified.
US	Leonardo with headers ↗	Linked item only. Delivered total and lead time unverified.

Benchmark this project

Use the Control Surface MIDI prompt. Compare what different models deliver, then add what happened when you tried it.

Try this benchmark

View the project prompt

CAIBI adaptation · Prompt 1.0 · Project source

Prompt for Control Surface MIDI

CAIBI project benchmark: Control Surface MIDI
Prompt version 1.0

Help me build Control Surface MIDI using the existing creator project at https://github.com/tttapa/Control-Surface. This is a CAIBI benchmark adaptation of the project build brief, not a claim about how the creator used AI.

Project context:
- Use the eight-potentiometer Leonardo/74HC4051 Getting Started route: https://tttapa.github.io/Control-Surface/Doxygen/d5/d7d/md_pages_Getting-Started.html. Keep the specified eight-potentiometer circuit and board as the baseline.
- Eight physical potentiometers connected through a multiplexer to a USB MIDI-capable board, controlling parameters in host music software.
- Build context: Arduino Leonardo with headers as the fixed reference board for this route; Eight potentiometers and one 74HC4051 analog multiplexer; Breadboard or soldered wiring, USB data cable and a compatible host; A separately designed enclosure, knobs and fixings for a permanent build.
- Fabrication scope: The maintained tutorial defines an electrical prototype, not a universal enclosure or cutting list. Measure your chosen pots, knobs, board and connectors before creating a dimensioned panel. The project benchmark uses this prototype as its starting point; an enclosure remains a design task.
- AI role: AI can generate mappings and explain the library, help design a panel and diagnose compilation errors. Board transport support, electrical connections and usable control feel remain physical checks.
- Known limitation: The library supports several boards and transports, but those combinations are not interchangeable. No physical build or universal enclosure has been validated by CAIBI.

Read the source first. Use its published design, files, dimensions and parts as the baseline; do not redesign it unless a missing detail requires a clearly labelled proposal. If you cannot access a source or verify a revision, say so.

Provide one practical build package:
1. Design and files: explain the source design, link the original editable files, and identify missing files or modifications.
2. Parts and fabrication: give quantities, exact variants and compatibility, plus a cutting or printing list where applicable. Preserve source dimensions; flag anything unconfirmed.
3. UK and US purchasing: direct product links, checked dates, stock, pack sizes, taxes, delivery and regional costs. Mark unverifiable details as unknown; do not invent links, prices or availability.
4. Assembly: an ordered guide covering fabrication, fitting, wiring or software as applicable, setup, checks and troubleshooting.
5. Cost and time: separate parts, fabrication, delivery, hands-on time and machine time, with assumptions and exclusions.
6. Function and ease: a test plan for the project's stated purpose, likely difficulties, required skills and any corrections or limitations.

Keep source facts, your proposals and items needing physical verification distinct. An estimate is not a measured build result. Do not claim to have built or tested hardware. Include failed attempts and omissions. If a section does not apply, say why.

Use the source as accessed during this run and record its revision or access date. The prompt is fixed; the linked source can change.

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Benchmark results 0

No reviewed results yet for Control Surface MIDI. Add the first result →

Source evidence and limits

SOURCE: linked creator documentation and product descriptions.

CAIBI: the desk assessment above, based on those documents. The library supports several boards and transports, but those combinations are not interchangeable. No physical build or universal enclosure has been validated by CAIBI.

BUILDERS: no first-hand build result is claimed by this assessment.

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