MIDI Velocity Drum Controller Kit with Arduino Uno
Build a Professional Velocity-Sensitive 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.
You'll assemble six velocity-sensitive drum pads using piezo sensors, wire them to an Arduino Uno, and program it to send professional-grade MIDI notes over USB to any DAW like Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Logic Pro. This controller responds to your playing dynamics, just like a high-end electronic drum kit, and opens up creative music production possibilities directly from your own hardware build.
What You'll Build
A fully functional, 6-pad MIDI drum controller that connects via USB and triggers velocity-sensitive notes in your DAW. Each pad is constructed from a piezo disk mounted on foam rubber for accurate impact detection, and the Arduino firmware maps six distinct MIDI notes with dynamic velocity values. Your build results in a studio-ready tool for recording drum tracks, finger drumming, or live electronic performances.
What You'll Learn
- Reading analog piezo signals and converting them to MIDI velocity data using Arduino's analog-to-digital converter
- Wiring sensor circuits with protection diodes and RC filters for clean signal acquisition
- Programming MIDI communication over USB using the Arduino MIDI library
- Constructing durable, responsive drum pads with foam damping and enclosure techniques
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 |
| Piezo Disk 35mm | 6 |
| 1MΩ Resistors | 6 |
| 1N4148 Diode | 6 |
| 100nF Capacitors | 6 |
| 10kΩ Resistors | 5 |
| Foam Rubber Sheet | 1 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| 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
This kit is designed for B.Tech ECE/EEE students exploring embedded music systems, serious hobbyist musicians who want a custom MIDI controller for their home studio, and participants in the Smart India Hackathon working on IoT or digital music projects. It's also a favourite at IIT/NIT/VIT electronics clubs where makers build their own gear for live performances.
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?
Every kit includes a QR code for our AI build companion, trained on this exact project. You can also message our support team on WhatsApp for real-time debugging.
Does this controller work with all DAWs?
Yes, it's class-compliant MIDI over USB, so it's recognized by any DAW that supports MIDI input, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Ardour.
Can I expand the number of pads?
The Arduino Uno has enough analog inputs for up to six piezo sensors, as used in this kit. For more pads, you'd need an Arduino Mega or a multiplexer, but this six-pad configuration is optimized for latency-free performance.
Do I need soldering experience?
Basic soldering skills are helpful, as you'll be soldering components onto the prototype board. The kit includes a soldering iron and solder wire, and the AI companion provides step-by-step soldering guidance.
Six piezo pads send velocity-sensitive MIDI notes over USB to DAW.
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
- PCB Prototype Board x2
- 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