MIDI Drum Pad Controller Kit with Arduino Uno
Build a 6-Pad Velocity-Sensitive USB MIDI Drum Controller with Arduino Uno
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Transform taps into expressive MIDI drumming with six custom-built velocity-sensitive pads. This kit equips you to build a professional-grade USB MIDI controller that plugs straight into music production software like Ableton Live, FL Studio, or GarageBand. Perfect for ECE students crafting a standout project or hackathon participants needing a robust, hackable instrument.
What You'll Build
A fully functional drum pad controller with six foam-mounted pads that translate strike force into MIDI velocity values. The Arduino Uno reads piezo signals, debounces triggers, and sends formatted MIDI messages over USB. You’ll have a portable music-making tool that can trigger samples, control synths, or become the centerpiece of a custom live-performance rig.
What You'll Learn
- Conditioning piezo sensor signals with a charge amplifier circuit
- Implementing MIDI protocol over USB using Arduino’s MIDIUSB library
- Designing velocity-sensitive triggering with adjustable thresholds and debouncing
- Integrating a custom hardware controller with DAW software for real-time music production
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 |
| Piezo Disk 35mm | 6 |
| 1MΩ Resistors | 6 |
| 1N4148 Diode | 6 |
| 100nF Caps | 6 |
| 10kΩ Resistors | 5 |
| Foam Rubber Sheet | 1 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| 830-pt Breadboard | 1 |
| M-M Wires | 20 |
| M-F Wires | 20 |
| USB-B Cable | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 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
B.Tech ECE/EEE students developing capstone projects or participating in hackathons like Smart India Hackathon. Music-tech enthusiasts from institutions like IIT, NIT, VIT, or BITS who want to blend hardware and music production. ATL lab coordinators looking for advanced prototyping challenges beyond basic robotics.
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 to start a conversation with the AI companion, which knows every solder joint and line of code in this project. For troubleshooting beyond its scope, our team responds on WhatsApp within hours.
Will this work with my DAW?
Yes, the controller appears as a standard USB MIDI device and is compatible with any MIDI-enabled software, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and GarageBand.
Do the pads support different MIDI notes per pad?
Absolutely. You can customize the MIDI note mapping in the Arduino firmware—instructions for reassigning notes are included in the AI companion.
Can I expand to more pads later?
The circuit and code are designed for six pads, but the concepts scale. With a larger multiplexer and more analog inputs, you can add pads; our support team can guide you via WhatsApp.
Piezo disks on foam pads detect velocity and send MIDI notes over USB. Six velocity-sensitive pads.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Uno R3
- Piezo Disk 35mm x6
- 1MΩ Resistors x6
- 1N4148 Diode x6
- 100nF Caps x6
- 10kΩ Resistors x5
- Foam Rubber Sheet
- PCB Prototype Board x2
- 830-pt Breadboard
- M-M Wires x20
- M-F Wires x20
- USB-B Cable
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
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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