BLE MIDI Controller Kit with ESP32 + Sensor
Build a Wireless MIDI Touch Pad Controller with ESP32 BLE and MPR121
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Turn a breadboard into a wireless MIDI instrument that plays notes, triggers samples, and controls your DAW. This kit guides you through building an eight-pad capacitive touch controller that communicates note-on and note-off messages over Bluetooth Low Energy — no MIDI cables, no soldering, just creative music production on a desk. The finished controller powers up over USB, pairs instantly with your computer or phone, and lets you create music without touching a mouse. Ideal for triggering samples in a live set or composing ideas with tactile control.
What You'll Build
A portable MIDI pad controller with eight touch-sensitive keys, each independently sending MIDI messages to Ableton Live, FL Studio, or any DAW supporting BLE MIDI. You can map the pads to drum racks, synth notes, or effects parameters, and even expand the design later with additional sensors.
What You'll Learn
- Program the ESP32's BLE stack to advertise a MIDI service and handle connections
- Interface the MPR121 touch sensor over I2C to detect finger contact on eight pads
- Translate capacitive touch events into standard MIDI note-on and note-off messages
- Configure a DAW (Ableton, FL Studio, etc.) to recognise a wireless MIDI controller and map pads to sounds
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ESP32 Dev Board | 1 |
| MPR121 Touch Sensor | 1 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | 5 |
| 100nF Capacitors | 5 |
| 400-pt Breadboard | 1 |
| Male-to-Male Jumper Wires | 20 |
| Male-to-Female Jumper Wires | 15 |
| Micro USB Cable | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
This kit suits CBSE Class 11-12 students exploring STEM projects, B.Tech ECE/EEE undergraduates adding music tech to their portfolio, and ATL Tinkering Lab mentors facilitating audio-electronics workshops. If you're looking for a Smart India Hackathon-ready wireless controller prototype, start here.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code on the box to access an AI companion trained specifically for this BLE MIDI kit. You can also reach out on WhatsApp for human guidance during Bengaluru working hours.
Will this work with my DAW?
Yes, the ESP32 appears as a BLE MIDI device and sends standard note-on/note-off messages. It's compatible with any DAW that supports Bluetooth MIDI — including Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Android apps like Caustic. We provide step-by-step setup for common software.
Do I need to solder anything?
No soldering required. All connections are made on the breadboard using the supplied jumper wires. The MPR121 and ESP32 are pre-soldered modules, so you just plug them in.
Can I add more pads or sensors later?
Absolutely. The MPR121 can support up to 12 touch electrodes, and you can expand the project with additional sensors. The AI companion includes prompts for extending this design to a drum pad grid or expression controller.
ESP32 BLE MIDI sends note-on and note-off messages to a DAW. Eight capacitive touch pads via MPR121.
What's in this kit
- ESP32 Dev Board
- MPR121 Touch Sensor
- 4.7kΩ Resistors x5
- 100nF Caps x5
- 400-pt Breadboard
- M-M Wires x20
- M-F Wires x15
- Micro USB Cable
Other projects you can build
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items