For the most part, the boards listed below are MIDI Decoders, sometimes called "MIDI to parallel." In other words, the input to the board is a MIDI signal from a keyboard, computer, or MIDI player, and the board decodes the signal to individual note outputs; usually in increments of 16, 32 or 64 notes. Those individual 'note' outputs are used to do stuff, like drive a solenoid, open a valve, or tuna fish.

Check out what Pat Metheny is doing with MIDI-to-Parallel boards!

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Eroktronix

MidiTron 20-note encoder/decoder board. $149.

"MidiTron™ is a MIDI to real-world interface designed to simplify the process of creating sensor and robotics based electronic art projects. It is easily user configurable and provides 20 terminals of digital and analog inputs and outputs in any combination. MidiTron™ data is bi-directional; that is, sensor inputs are converted to MIDI output messages, and MIDI input messages are converted to terminal output voltages."

highly_liquid

Low cost MIDI Decoder kits!

example: MD24 24-note Decoder kit, $44.95 About $1.80 per note.

MIDI-Hardware.com

Quite a range of MIDI encoders at low cost. Prices in Euros.

MIDI Solutions, Inc.

"We make MIDI to contact closure, contact closure to MIDI, and all sorts of other MIDI processing products. We also offer custom modified versions of our products for applications that require special MIDI processing functions."

R8 8-Output MIDI-Controlled Relay Array, $479. [Yikes. About $60. per note!]

MGB: MIDI Gadgets Boutique

The mother lode! A VAST array of inexpensive MIDI encoders and decoders. Check it out.

M-AUDIO USB Midisport Uno MIDI Interface

Here's a great, low cost (US$40.) USB-to-MIDI interface.

Hut Music & Electronics

MIDI Decoder 128

"This is a full 128 note MIDI decoder, professionally made printed circuit board. Capable of driving magnetically driven devices such as solenoids, electromagnets, motors and lights up to 35VDC/500mA per note. Perfect for connecting a MIDI source, such as a MIDI keyboard or PC to a real accoustical instrument fitted with electrical drivers. We use this decoder in our electrically driven pipe organ valves. Other boards are limited to 64 notes. If you have been restricted by this limitation, this is the perfect MIDI decoder for you."

MIDItools

If you search Google, you will find a lot of great projects built with these boards. The MIDItools boards were a product formerly sold by PAVO. -pete-

MIDItools Overview

"The MIDItools computer is a generic hardware device designed to perform MIDI operations. It consists of a chassis, a main board called the CPU board, and a front panel board. The CPU board hosts a Motorola 6805 processor, a MIDI interface, some extra memory and an analog to digital converter. The front panel board contains 8 switches, 16 LED's, a potentiometer and an LCD display. The CPU board also has sockets for connecting the front panel, LCD and an optional expansion board via ribbon cables. To gain an in depth understanding of the MIDItools computer read Digital Projects for Musicians by Craig Anderton, Bob Moses, and Greg Bartlett."

"MIDItools is sold either as a kit or as an assembled unit. It comes in either a rack mounted or hand held configuration. Once you know what application you want you simply choose the platform and place an order. We program the processor chip for you and send it with the kit or unit. The nice thing about MIDItools is that once you have one, you actually have several devices. All you have to do is pop in a new processor chip, and you have a completely new tool."

Sound Research

MIDI Decoder driver boards

"A variety of MIDI Decoders are available in 64 note or 128 note versions. Decoders are also available with High side or Low Side drivers in a variety of configurations to meet your needs. High current FET or Darlington drivers are also available, as well as Relay Contact and AC Triac outputs."

MIDI Encoder driver boards

"Several MIDI Encoder arrangements are available for Keyboards, Pedal boards, Stops encoders and MIDI Patch Control Encoders."

Also available: Custom MIDI boards, Keyboards, MIDI Orchestra Bells, and more. Some MIDI Products feature Firmware by Jordan D. Petkov

jw Electronics

MTP-7 (32 note output)
MTP-8 (64 note output)
MTP-9 (128 note output)

"All devices have the following features in common:

• Built on high quality glass fibre pcbs with gold-plated finish
• 5-pin DIN sockets for MIDI in and MIDI through
• Mapping of outputs to MIDI notes and channels can be re-configured as required
• Responds to note on/off, all notes off, all sounds off, active sensing and reset commands
• Supports MIDI running status
• LED shows power on and flashes when in configuration mode
• Powered by a DC supply anywhere in the range 8 to 35 volts
• Supplied with comprehensive installation notes
• RoHS compliant (free from hazardous substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium)

Sound Byte Systems, Inc. (formerly InterMidi Systems)

InterMidi (now Sound Byte Systems, Inc.) "has been building and distributing Hi-Tech MIDI Interface, Control & Tonal Systems ... since 1984. Our driver boards have hi-power Darlington outputs and come in sizes from 32 to 97 notes."

DOEPFER MUSIKELEKTRONIK

A very unique range of MIDI and electronic music resourses. Low cost MIDI encoder board.