The Parallel Controller (Process)
What is MIDI?
Musical Instrument Digital Interface
MIDI is a technology standard since the early 1980's that allows computers to relay musical data such as notation, pitch, or velocity to synthesizers or other computers.
MIDI has enabled the ubiquity of electronic music and democratization of music production. Anyone with a MacBook and Garage Band can produce electronic music.
What is a MIDI Controller?
A MIDI controller is a piece of hardware that provides a physical interface for musical software. The design of a MIDI controller depends on its purpose. Controllers designed to send notes may take on the form of a traditional piano keyboard or a button grid to trigger samples or drum sounds. Controllers for DJs or sound manipulation will include knobs and faders for increasing and decreasing track volumes and adding effects.
Daft Punk's live setup circa 2008
The problems with current controllers
Controllers may be intimidating to the uninitiated.
Modular systems are brilliant but focused towards professionals.
Custom solutions have been unsuccessful due to a high price point.
DIY solutions have exposed wires and circuits and compromise on durability.
Objectives
The Spirit of DIY
We wanted to give users the feeling of accomplishment of a DIY project with out the frustration of not having the right resources or skills.
Easy to Assemble
We wanted the controller to be easy to assemble, easy to disassemble, reconfigure, modify, and hack.
Plug and Play
We wanted our controller to be able to make music right away, without the need to program.
Inspiration
Early Concepts
Early "Lego" style concepts with proprietary modules evolved in to more economical modular cases with off-the-shelf components.
Early Prototypes
Prototypes used additive manufacturing and a two piece enclosure design. New controller configurations were created by changing the cutouts for the panel mount components on top.
"The Button Box"
"The Knob Box"
"The Big Button Box"
"The Piano Box"
Solutions
Off the shelf components
Panel mount electronics provide more options for users without creating expensive proprietary modules for buttons, knobs, encoders and faders.
Plug and play microcontroller
An off the shelf circuit board designed for MIDI application negates the need for users to code or program before using their custom controller to make music.
Rapid manufacturing techniques
Laser cutting allowed for rapid manufacture of unique control panels based on user generated designs.
Infinite Variations
Each enclosure is made of durable ABS and Laser-Cut Acrylic. Each controller is built with a three piece modular enclosure, and controller configurations can be easily changed by swapping out your current control panel with a new one.
Playability
At the core of each controller is the Livid Instruments Brain Jr. Micro Controller. The Brain Jr. doesn’t require any soldering or knowledge of programming and is MIDI mappable with all major DAWs. Controllers can be used to produce beats, DJ applications, control analog gear, trigger visual effects, or musical improvisation in a live setting.
The Controller Designer
The design interface for the controller had to fit cohesively with Parallel's branding, as well as provide a simple and intuitive interface for users of all skill levels to design their controller.
Users design their controllers using an intuitive drag-and-drop style web interface or mobile application. Then, they can add their custom controller kit directly from Parallel's website.
Designing a New Controller
After logging in or creating an account, users can name and save their controller design.
Adding Components
Users design their controller by dragging and dropping the desired parts on to the control panel. A grid will automatically appear to align components and maximize the number of components that can be added. Users can view a real time updated model of their controller as well as how many inputs are available on their controller's circuit board.
Ordering
When a user is done designing their controller, ordering their kit is as simple as adding it to the shopping cart and completing a four step checkout process.
Mobile Application
After Ordering
Users will be directed towards free resources for assembling and programming their controller kit.
Packaging
Kit Contents
Each kit contains instructions for installing different components, a general assembly guide, as well as a guide to wiring components to the included Livid Brain Jr.
