Zero-Code Rapid Prototyping of Wireless MIDI Devices with ESP-NOW MIDI

Thomas Geissl (University of the Arts Linz/Tamlab)*

Zero-Code Rapid Prototyping of Wireless MIDI Devices with ESP-NOW MIDI
Image credit: Thomas Geissl (University of the Arts Linz/Tamlab)*
  • The registration for this workshop is managed by the workshop chairs. A sign-up form will be circulated in late May
  • Type: In person
  • Room Location: 103
  • Afternoon (2pm-6pm)
  • Signup Deadline: June 19th AoE (first-come first-served)
  • Contact Email: here

Abstract:

This workshop guides participants through the rapid prototyping of custom MIDI controllers and MIDI-to-actuator devices using the Enomik Toolkit which leverages ESP-NOW MIDI. Participants are encouraged to reuse these tools in artistic practice educational settings, and future NIME research projects.

In the sensor-to-MIDI direction, participants use ESP-based microcontrollers and common sensors to convert gesture, touch, and environmental input into standard MIDI for host software (DAWs or Pure Data patches). Typical examples include button-triggered note on/off messages and analogue controls mapped to MIDI CC for real-time parameter changes. In the MIDI-to-actuator direction, participants map incoming MIDI to outputs such as LEDs, vibration motors, and simple resonant electroacoustic setups where actuator motion excites a sounding object. This enables MIDI-controlled actuator setups that respond physically to performed or sequenced MIDI material.

The system is intentionally low-barrier: components are off-the-shelf, no soldering is required, and mappings are configured in a browser without writing firmware. Wireless communication uses ESP-NOW peer-to-peer links, so participants can also prototype small distributed setups in which multiple devices exchange MIDI in real time.