Overview

This project is a hardware and software solution for converting MIDI messages from a controller into RS-232C serial commands to control a Panasonic WJ-MX30 (or similar) video mixer. It enables synchronized control of both audio (via MIDI -> laptop) and video (via MIDI -> RS-232C -> mixer), making it ideal for live performance.

The project is inspired by and based on the _transcribe_ project by cyberboy666, with code improvements and simplified hardware design to fit my personal setup.

Table of Contents

• Hardware
• Software
• Acknowledgments & Credits
• Future Work
• License

Hardware

Components

Main Components

• Teensy 4.1
  Used for its USB Host capability, multiple UARTs, and robust MIDI support.
• USB Host Cable
  Connects the MIDI controller to the Teensy’s USB Host pins.
• MAX3232 Board
  Converts Teensy’s TTL serial to RS-232C voltage levels for the video mixer.

Extra Components

• USB-C Breakout
  Replaced Teensy’s micro-b plug with usb-c.
• Project Enclosure
  All components mounted for plug-and-play.

Wiring Overview

• MIDI controller → USB Host cable → Teensy 4.1 USB Host pins
• Teensy Serial1 TX/RX → MAX3232 → RS232C DB9 OUT -> video mixer
• Teensy USB-C (or micro-B) → Laptop (for power and USB MIDI to DAW/audio software)

Software

Features

• USB Host MIDI Input/Output
  Receives/Sends MIDI from/to the USB port.
• 5-Pin DIN MIDI Input/Output
  Receives/Sends MIDI from/to the 5-Pin DIN MIDI IN/OUT.
• RS-232C Serial Output
  Sends mapped commands to the video mixer.
• Improved Mapping System
  Easily swap, edit, and extend MIDI-to-RS232C mappings.

Getting Started

1. Hardware
   Instructions to wire up the hardware can be found in /hardware (TODO)
2. Software
   Instructions to build and upload the software can be found in /software (TODO)
3. Edit MIDI mappings and use your MIDI controller to control both your laptop (audio) and video mixer (video)

Acknowledgments & Credits

This project is based on and inspired by the _transcribe_ project by cyberboy666.

Original Author:
cyberboy666 on GitHub

The _transcribe_ project provided the foundation for MIDI-to-serial video mixer control and many of the command mapping ideas.

Future Work

Possible improvements include:

• User-Friendly Mapping Editor
  Develop a GUI system for defining and swapping mappings.
• OLED/LED Status Display
  Show current mapping, MIDI activity, and connection status on the enclosure.
• Extended Mixer Support
  Add mappings and protocols for other video mixers or AV gear (whatever I can get my hands on).