16 sensors to midi 8 analog / 8 digital

This interface board transforms analog signals from 8 analog sensors into Midi messages, as well as 8 digital All or Nothing sensors such as dry contact switches.

The module in this photo can convert 28 sensor signals, it has 12 analog inputs and 16 digital / All or Nothing inputs. It is the extension of the 12 sensors version, and the cards are very similar.

• This interface can be declined into 3 versions :
• 28 sensors, 12 analog / 16 digital sensor inputs
• 16 sensors, 8 analog / 8 digital sensor inputs,
• and 12 sensors, 4 analog / 8 digital sensor inputs.

Old version

The first version of the sensors-to-midi interface board produced by Interface-Z, which had 16 sensor inputs, is described in this page, even though it is no longer produced. The provided patches are still compatible with current versions of the card.

Artistic application examples

Any simple sensor can be plugged to the analog inputs of this interface board : sensors for light, temperature, airflow, pressure, speed, potentiometers, proximeters, infrared light... These analog sensors return a varying and progressive signal that the interface converts into Midi messages with proportionnal values to the sensor's reaction. All or nothing sensors can also be plugged onto the analog inputs if they have the correct white 3 pin connectors.

The 16 digital inputs are supposed to be connected to all or nothing sensors, such as switches, touch-buttons, sensitive floor tiles, ... These sensors can be grouped together on a flat ribbon cable or have individual 2 way connectors (an orientation key is not necessary).

Various adaptors make it possible to use this interface board with sensors from different brands.

Fastening and connections

• 8 analog inputs (individual white 3 pin connectors with an orientation key)
• 8 digital inputs (black 16 pins header, connections for flat ribbon-cables)
• 1 Midi output (Female DIN)
• 1 Midi merger input (Female DIN) (optional !)
• 1 power-supply connector (2 way domino screw-in connector)
• 4 screw-holes, on each corner, to fasten the card onto something

Compatibility and operation

The board sends out information in Midi protocol (one can choose in 7 or 12 bits) each time it perceives a measurement sent by a sensor.
A non exhaustive list of software capable of receiving Midi information from this module : Max MSP, Pure-Data, Isadora, VVVV, Usine, Director (with a plug-in), VirTools, EyesWeb, Processing, Bidule, Ableton Live, Max for Live, Fruity Loops, etc...

Technical data

- Dimensions of the card : 15 x 4,5 cm

- Power supply : this board accepts continuous or alternative current, by any power supply with a tension going from 8V to 20V. A 9V battery or two 4,5V saline batteries work just as well. A power supply is automatically provided with the sold product.

- Two measurement definitions are available : 7 bits with 128 measurement values, and 12 bits with 4096 measurement values.

- Midi output setting : : the wait time between 2 measurements is adjustable. This lets one change the amount of measured values between 5 and 1500 per second for each sensor. The maximum amount is distributed over all the connected sensor.

- Choosing the Midi channel : from 1 to 16, for the data being sent out from the card. This is set by the 4 first levers on the 5 way switch block.

- For analog measurements : the board converts the signal into Midi Control Change messages, with a different CC number for each sensor.
- For digital measurements  : the board converts them into Note On messages for each sensor.

- Connections :
The analog inputs are adapted for 3 way extension cords and are compatible with any sensor functioning in 0 / 5V (as long as it's plugged in the right order). An "extension cord" such as we provide is made up of 3 wires. Most of our analog sensors plugged to the board require 3 connections, 2 for supplying power to the sensor, the third for the signal variation. The white 3 pin connectors on the card function accordingly. ;
The digital inputs are adapted for flat ribbon cables, fixed upon a black 16 pin female header. We sell these ribbon-cables in 16 way formats (meaning the cable has 16 wires attached together), which is compatible with our interface boards. The digital or All-or-Nothing sensors require 2 connections, hence a 16 way ribbon cable works for connecting 8 digital sensors.

We also sell adapters that let one fasten All-or-Nothing sensors into screw-in domino connectors, that can then be plugged onto our interface board's digital input 16 pin header.

! Extension cords and cables are not provided with the interface board and must be purchased separately !

Programming and documentation

You may download the documentation for our 4-ana/8-digi board from the "Téléchargement" tab above the description.

For the versions that come in DIY kits, as well as specific documentation for each mount-style, you can read the help page for recognizing the electronic components and PCB markings : “Nomenclature and description of the electronic components”.

Download programs and patchers for : Pure-Data, Max MSP, Processing and Isadora. If you are unfamiliar with the Midi functions in your favorite software, please refer to our “Midi data reception” pages.

3D visual of an interface card :