THIS DEVICE IS USED EXCLUSIVELY BY PROTOFUSE AND ISN’T FOR BUYING.

THE NAME PROTODECK IS NOW A TRADEMARK

CDM article : createdigitalmusic.com/2010/05/24/protodeck-the-best-ableton-live-controller-you-cant-buy

menu:

preamble
the midibox framework
the basic layout
the protodeck’s architecture
the protodeck’s parts
the protodeck’s firmwares
the protodeck’s software interface with max for live
the protodeck’s software javascript code for clip grid handling
the protodeck’s little LCD

THE PROTODECK controller features: 

- 87 potentiometers
- 90 buttons
- 81 rgb leds
- 2×20 LCD
- 2 PIC 18F4620 (20MHz RISC processors)
- fully custom rgb led drivers
- fully custom firmware
- 2 MIDI IN/OUT interface
- power supply unit included in the box

PREAMBLE

The problem is easy to understand: I wanted to drop my PC keyboard + mouse during live performance in order to be focused on music/sound/live.

The only way to solve my problem was to use an hardware to control Ableton Live, but not only that, I need a feedback from it too.

But I need a lot of pots/knobs, a lot of multicolor lights, a lot of buttons…

I need a big hardware without multifunctional knobs, sub-menu you have to choose to change the function of this button etc etc : I need to have ALL under my eyes and I need that EVERYTIME.

I looked for the perfect controller, but I didn’t find it. only monochrome stuff or 2/3 colors leds, only few pots with a billion of sub-sub-menu to change encoders function etc.

So, I guess … I have to think, read, code, test, build, learn to solder better… to create my OWN hardware.

As a lot of thing I build/create, I find a name before to begin anything.

A name is important. A name gives you a target. It makes the things more concrete so, the name is: the PROTODECK.

Those who thinks about the so powerful MONODECK II built by Robert Henke by discovering the name could be … right.

By the way, a lot of deck are named like that. But it could be a pretty tribute to Robert, even if he wouldn’t be moved by that.
By the way (bis), he congratulates me about the hardware. And I was happy about that !!!

The following parts aren’t finished. All those impatient people can contact me via email: julien.bayle@gmail.com (but I don’t give any guarantees about my answer time…)

I have to thanks a lot of people which helped me A LOT ; without you, this story wouldn’t have been possible!

- Denis St Amand:: my quebec friend! he helps me a lot about the structure, screws etc, the PCBs too. he would have helped me with midibox if I didn’t do things before to ask him…

- Mike/Noofny :: the guy who made the deltadeck. he inspired me and gave me the power to build the protodeck

- Tim/smashTV :: the guy who makes the very best/reliablest/cheapest midibox modules in the world!

- Lucem :: the guy who helped me about driving a common anode RGB leds matrix

- nILS :: one of the guy connected everytime on old-school IRC midibox channel. thanks you didn’t laugh at me (too much) while I asked question…

and obviously, Thorsten Klose, the great midibox creator and guru!

A special thank to Ralf Suckow from Ableton company, for his help, ideas, and experiences.

The links to favorize right now are:

- ucapps.de / Thorsten Klose website (creator of midibox framework)