Need to add MIDI capabilities to your Raspberry PI because commercial MIDI controllers are too limited? Here are our solutions below.
We now have MIDI hats (or shields) for your Raspberry PI 3/4/5 and Zero. With them you'll be able to build your custom MIDI controller. We used TRS MIDI connectors in order to have something really compact that will fit in most Raspberry cases, and reduce the cables clutter you'd get with fragile USB MIDI adapters.
If you've ever wanted to explore the exciting intersection of technology and music, this is your golden opportunity. Our MIDI Hats are ingeniously designed to transform your Raspberry Pi, including the Pi Zero, into a powerful USB MIDI and 5-pin MIDI Host. This means you can turn your beloved Pi into a versatile MIDI interface, capable of connecting your USB MIDI and legacy controllers to a wide array of MIDI gear.
Raspberry PI 3/4/5 SLIM MIDI hat
Its SLIM form factor allows you to avoid using bulky USB-MIDI cables, and slightly reduces latency. If your existing Raspberry enclosure is large enough, simply add two holes for the two mini-jack connectors, and your Raspberry will be turned into a really small MIDI data processor.
Example of Raspberry MIDI software that can be used with the shields:
- PureData, open source visual programming language for multimedia.
- Octopy, Multi-channel midi-capable audio/midi player on the Raspberry Pi platform using Python 3.
- Custom Python scripts using the excellent MIDO library to build things like
- Create custom MIDI effects and filters
- Create an interactive MIDI sequencer that can make evolving loops
The only limit is your imagination!
Raspberry PI Zero W SLIM MIDI hat
If you're searching for something even more compact, a Raspberry PI Zero has enough power to make a small MIDI processor. So we also have this hat ready to be used on your PI ZERO.
So, dust off that Raspberry PI, grab one of our MIDI Hats, and embark on a musical adventure where innovation meets harmony. Unleash your inner maker, and let your creativity flow through the digital notes and analog sounds of your newfound MIDI prowess. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination!
This hat is currently available in two versions:
- With 2 MIDI in/out port and 16 I/O 5 volts (for transmitting a CV Gate or connecting buttons, or rotary encoders)
- With 2 MIDI in/out port only
For a tutorial on how to use this Raspberry PI MIDI hat and how to reconfigure the Raspberry serial port to 31250 bauds please read our blog post.
New Hats with 16 digital I/O ports
The latest versions of our hats have a nice little bonus that could help you connect your Raspberry PI to the outside world!
Adding an MCP23017 circuit gives you 16 digital 5-volt I/Os, configurable for input or output as you like.
For example, you can use them to connect:
- Simple buttons or rotary encoders
- Simple LEDs (max. 25 mA output)
- Or triggers or gates for your Eurorack (limited to 5 volts input or output).
Enough to experiment with new things!
Our hats can be bought below:
