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loopy_midi_controller/README.md
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# Loopy MIDI Controller - USB MIDI Foot Controller
A compact ESP32-S3 based USB MIDI foot controller with hardware acceleration, designed to work seamlessly with Loopy Pro.
## Overview
This project implements a USB MIDI device that accepts foot pedal inputs and converts them to MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) messages. It's designed to be a reliable replacement for the MIDI-to-USB adapters used with Loopy Pro, offering low latency (1-5ms) and USB compatibility without Bluetooth interference.
**Key Features:**
- **USB MIDI Interface**: Uses ESP32-S3's native USB MIDI support for stable, reliable connectivity
- **Expression Pedal Support**: Read analog input with configurable calibration
- **Launchpad X Compatible**: Per-pad LED colors matching Novation Launchpad hardware
- **Low Latency Design**: 1-5ms response time for responsive control
- **MIDI Clock Sync**: Pixel 6 pulses in time with Loopy Pro tempo
- **Hardware Acceleration**: Uses multiple cores efficiently without cross-core LED issues
## Hardware Requirements
### PCB/Layout Notes
- **ESP32-S3-WROOM-1** microcontroller
- **Daisy-chained 74HC165** shift registers for button inputs (16 buttons total)
- **2x RMT WS2812C** LED drivers for 10 programmable RGB pixels
- **ADC on GPIO4** for expression pedal input
- **WS2812 external LED** for boot animation (GPIO12)
### Required Components
- ESP32-S3 development board (ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 preferred)
- 74HC165 shift register (2x for 16 buttons)
- WS2812C LED strip (10 pixels)
- PWM/ DAC capable for expression pedal
- Level shifters if needed for input voltages
## Software Architecture
### Core Design
```
┌─────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐
│ USB MIDI │ │ MIDI Task │ │ LED Driver │
│ (Core 1) │ │ (Core 0) │ │ (Core 0) │
│ - Loopy Pro │◄──►│ - Clock Parity │◄──►│ - Pixel Pulse │
│ recognition │ │ Detection │ │ on beats │
│ - Note/CC │ │ - MIDI update │◄──►│ - Button LED │
│ processing │ │ processing │ │ feedback │
└─────────────────┘ └──────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘
┌─────────────────┐
│ Expression │
│ Pedal (Core 0)│
│ - ADC Read │
│ - CC 4 output │
└─────────────────┘
```
### Key Subsystems
#### 1. USB MIDI Transport (Core 1)
- Adafruit TinyUSB library integration
- Proper VID/PID spoofing (Novation Launchpad X: 0x1235/0x0103)
- MIDI event parsing and routing to Core 0
- Re-enumeration support for stable device connection
#### 2. MIDI Task (Core 0)
- Core 0 exclusive for all FastLED operations (prevents crashes)
- MIDI clock (0xF8) detection and counting
- Beat detection using tick count / 24 (24 PPQN)
- Pixel 6 pulsing on every MIDI beat
- Button-to-CC message conversion
#### 3. LED Driver (Core 0)
- Per-pad color configuration (Launchpad X compatibility)
- Velocity-based color mapping
- Dim off-state for power efficiency
- Launchpad-style startup animation
#### 4. Expression Pedal (Core 0)
- ADC input on GPIO4 (calibrated min/max)
- CC 4 output on MIDI channel 1
- Hysteresis filtering for stable readings
- 5ms update interval for responsive control
#### 5. Switch Driver (Core 0)
- 16 buttons via daisy-chained 74HC165
- 5ms debounce for reliable input
- Direct button-to-CC mapping
- Per-pad LED feedback
## Configuration Options
### MIDI Mapping
The controller uses a Launchpad X-style mapping for intuitive control:
| Pad | Hardware Button | MIDI Channel | Note/Pitch | CC | Default Color |
|-----|-----------------|--------------|------------|----|---------------|
| 0-1 | 0-1 | 1 | 36-45 | - | Blue (0x0000FF) |
| 2-4 | 2-4 | 1 | 36-45 | - | Orange (0xFF6600) |
| 5 | 5 | 1 | 36 | - | Red (0xFF0000) |
| 6 | 6 | 1 | 36 | - | White (0xFFFFFF) |
| 7 | 7 | 1 | 36 | - | Amber (0xFFBF00) |
| 8-9 | 8-9 | 1 | 36-37 | - | Purple (0x9900FF) |
**For Loopy Pro Users:**
- Buttons generate CC messages (not Note On/Off)
- CC values: 2-11 for buttons 0-9
- CC 4 for expression pedal
- Pixel colors provide visual feedback
### MIDI Clock Synchronization
Pixel 6 provides visual feedback synchronized to Loopy Pro's tempo:
1. **Configure Loopy Pro**: Enable MIDI Clock output targeting JOC Midi
2. **Device Recognition**: Loopy Pro detects the VID/PID (0x1235/0x0103)
3. **Visual Feedback**: Pixel 6 pulses white on each MIDI Clock beat (0xF8)
4. **Pulse Animation**: Quadratic fade (80ms duration) between beats
**Troubleshooting**: If pixel 6 doesn't pulse:
- Verify Loopy Pro has MIDI Clock enabled
- Ensure JOC Midi is the clock target
- Check MIDI device permissions
- Verify MIDI input in Loopy Pro shows "JOC Midi"
### PlatformIO Configuration
#### Build Options (`platformio.ini`)
```ini
[env]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32-s3-devkitc-1
framework = arduino
build_type = release
monitor_speed = 115200
upload_speed = 921600
build_flags =
-DCORE_DEBUG_LEVEL=0
-DARDUINO_USB_MODE=0
-DARDUINO_USB_LAUNCHER_MODE=0
lib_deps =
adafruit/[email protected]
https://github.com/FastLED/FastLED/archive/refs/tags/3.6.0.zip
extra_scripts =
pre_build.py
extra_script.py
```
#### Build Flags Explanation
- `-DARDUINO_USB_MODE=0`: USB in CDC/MIDI mode (no virtual serial)
- `-DARDUINO_USB_LAUNCHER_MODE=0`: No USB launcher mode
- `-DCORE_DEBUG_LEVEL=0`: Disable debug output
- `--allow-multiple-definition`: Required for Adafruit TinyUSB compatibility
#### Build Scripts
**`pre_build.py`**: Patches board definitions with Launchpad X VID/PID
**`extra_script.py`**: Ensures proper TinyUSB linking order
## Usage
### Initial Setup
1. **Flash Firmware**
```bash
platformio run --target upload
```
2. **Open Serial Monitor** (115200 baud)
- Shows startup sequence
- MIDI activity diagnostics
- System status
3. **Available Commands** (type in serial)
- `help` - Show all commands
- `dump` - Display button states
- `probe` - Hardware diagnostics
- `ledon`/`ledoff` - Turn all LEDs on/off
- `ledtest` - Color cycle test
- `exp` - Show expression pedal ADC/value
- `usb` - USB status
- `gpiotest` - Raw GPIO diagnostics
- `miditest` - Simulate MIDI input
- `padtest` - Test individual pads
- `mapping` - Show current pad mapping
### MIDI Configuration in Loopy Pro
1. **System Settings**
- Name: "JOC Midi"
- Manufacturer: "JOC"
- Model: "JOC Midi"
2. **MIDI Setup**
- Port 1: Enabled
- Input Channel: All
- Output Channel: 1 (or preferred)
3. **Sync Configuration**
- Sync Master: LOOPY (if Loopy Pro is master)
- Clock Output: Enabled
- Clock Targets: JOC Midi
### Operation
1. **Button Presses**
- Press any button to send corresponding CC message
- Pixel color changes to match button state
2. **Expression Pedal**
- Connect foot pedal to ADC input
- Calibrate min (heel) and max (toe) positions
- Watch pixel 5 for pedal value feedback
3. **Visual Feedback**
- Buttons: Color indicates CC state
- Expression pedal: Pixel 5 brightness reflects CC value
- Sync: Pixel 6 pulses with MIDI Clock
## Customization
### Adding New MIDI Functions
1. **Add New CC Mappings**
```cpp
// In switch_stub.h or app_task.cpp
static const uint8_t BUTTONS_TO_CC[] = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11};
```
2. **Custom LED Patterns**
```cpp
// In led_stub.cpp
void apply_custom_color(uint8_t index, uint8_t velocity) {
if (index == 6) { // Example: Custom color for expression pedal
mux_ptr->set_led_color(index, 0, 255, 0); // Green
return;
}
apply_pad_color(index, velocity);
}
```
### Changing MIDI Clock Behavior
1. **Modify Beat Detection**
```cpp
// In main.cpp, midi_task
uint32_t beat_interval = 24; // PPQN for MIDI Clock
if (tick / beat_interval != last_beat) {
last_beat = tick / beat_interval;
// Trigger pulse
}
```
2. **Change Pulse Animation**
```cpp
// In main.cpp, midi_task
float pulse_speed = 1.0f / 1.0; // Adjust pulse speed
mux.set_led_color(6, v * pulse_speed, v * pulse_speed, v * pulse_speed);
```
### Modifying Expression Pedal
1. **Change ADC Pin**
```cpp
// In expression_pedal.h/expression_pedal.cpp
static const uint8_t EXP_PEDAL_PIN = 4; // or another GPIO
```
2. **Adjust Calibration**
```cpp
// In main.cpp
default exp_pedal.cal_min(0); // Set based on testing
default exp_pedal.cal_max(1023); // Set based on testing
```
3. **Change MIDI CC**
```cpp
// In expression_pedal.cpp
send_cc(1, 4, value); // Keep existing
// Or change:
send_cc(1, 7, value); // Volume instead of expression
```
### Custom Pad Layout
1. **Map Pads Differently**
```cpp
// In app_task.h/app_task.cpp
#define PAD_NOTE_MAPPING {36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45}
#define PAD_CC_MAPPING {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11}
```
2. **Add Special Functions**
```cpp
// In app_task.cpp
void process_special_button(uint8_t led_index) {
if (led_index == 5) { // Expression pedal button
// Toggle pedal mode
}
if (led_index == 6) { // MIDI Clock toggle
// Toggle clock visualization
}
}
```
## Testing and Diagnostics
### Serial Commands for Debugging
| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| `probe` | Test all buttons and LEDs |
| `gpiotest` | Check GPIO pin states |
| `ledtest` | Cycle through all LED colors |
| `miditest` | Simulate MIDI input for testing |
| `dump` | Show current button states |
### Troubleshooting Common Issues
#### Issue: Pixel 6 doesn't pulse
**Cause**: MIDI Clock not arriving
**Solution**:
1. Check Loopy Pro sync settings
2. Verify MIDI Clock target is JOC Midi
3. Examine `[CLK] !! NO MIDI CLOCK RECEIVED !!` in serial
#### Issue: Buttons not sending MIDI
**Cause**: Shift register issues
**Solution**:
1. Run `probe` command
2. Check wiring and pin connections
3. Verify shift register operation
#### Issue: Expression pedal unresponsive
**Cause**: ADC calibration incorrect
**Solution**:
1. Use `exp` command to see raw ADC values
2. Adjust calibration min/max values
3. Check voltage range and connection
#### Issue: USB connection drops
**Cause**: Re-enumeration issues
**Solution**:
1. Check mounted() status in `[MIDI] USB mounted:` messages
2. Ensure proper VID/PID values in build
3. Verify TinyUSB initialization
## Build Instructions
### Prerequisites
1. **PlatformIO IDE** or
2. **Arduino CLI** with ESP32 core support
### Quick Build
```bash
# Using PlatformIO
platformio run
# Using Arduino CLI
cd your-project
arduino-cli compile --builder chitrak/micropython-builder --fqbn esp32-s3-devkitc-1 .
```
### Upload
```bash
# Using PlatformIO
platformio upload
# Using Arduino CLI
arduino-cli upload -p /dev/ttyUSB0 --fqbn esp32-s3-devkitc-1 .
```
### Troubleshooting Build Issues
#### Common Build Errors
1. **Adafruit TinyUSB conflicts**
- Solution: Use the provided `extra_script.py` with `--allow-multiple-definition`
- Ensure build_flags match exactly
2. **Memory Issues**
- Solution: Reduce debug output, use release build type
- Check stack sizes in platformio.ini
3. **Pin Conflicts**
- Solution: Adjust GPIO pins in configuration files
- Verify all components use different pins
#### Hardware Issues
1. **LED Driver Problems**
- Solution: Test with simple color output commands
- Check wiring and power supply
2. **Button Issues**
- Solution: Use `probe` command regularly
- Ensure proper pull-up/pull-down configurations
## Future Enhancements
### Planned Features
1. **USB MIDI Sysex Support**
- Launchpad X programmer mode
- Bank select and patch change
2. **Advanced Expression Pedal**
- Rotary encoding support
- Multiple pedal modes (CC1/CC4)
3. **Enhanced LED Effects**
- Breathing animations
- SOS patterns for diagnostics
- Battery level indicator
4. **Additional MIDI Functions**
- Pitch Bend support
- Aftertouch
- Poly Pressure
### Custom Configuration Examples
#### For Loopy Pro DJs
```cpp
// Loopy-specific CC mappings
static const uint8_t LOOPY_CC_MAP[10] = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11};
```
#### For External Controllers
```cpp
// CC-based interaction
static const uint8_t EXTERNAL_CC_TARGET = 1;
send_cc(EXTERNAL_CC_TARGET, 7, value); // Volume
```
#### For Recording Studios
```cpp
// Note-based for drum triggers
static const uint8_t DRUM_NOTES[10] = {36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 45, 47, 48, 50, 52};
```
## License
This project is provided as-is with no explicit license. The code is intended for educational and personal use. Modifications and distributions should respect original authors' intentions where specified.
## Acknowledgments
- **Novation Launchpad**: Inspiration for layout and color scheme
- **ESP32-S3**: Powerful microcontroller with native USB MIDI
- **Adafruit TinyUSB**: Reliable USB MIDI stack
- **FastLED**: Efficient LED control library
- **Contributors**: All who tested and provided feedback
## Contact
For issues or questions:
1. Check the project documentation
2. Review serial output for diagnostic messages
3. Use available testing commands
4. Submit issues with complete build logs if encountering problems