Use Case Input - Alesis ControlPad USB=>Raspberry PI w/Zynthian

Hi.

I have a few PIs sitting around as well as a hifiberry DAC. I also happen to have an Alesis ControlPad 8 pid MIDI percussion pad. It has both DIN MIDI ports as well as USB. According to the manual, it’s “Plug-and-Play” with PC/Mac. Indeed, I’ve used it a bit on my Mac to trigger drum sounds.

I’d like to trigger both samples and synths from the ControlPad. Zynthian could be a solution, but I’m not sure if

  1. I should use the DIN MIDI interface (and get a MIDI cable or something)
  2. Use the USB connection to a Raspberry PI running Zynthian.

I guess I’d like an opinion what my options are before proceeding. This is just for goofing around at home - this isn’t some important live situation.

Thanks!
Kris

1 Like

Hi @kpfeif!

Zynthian should work perfectly with your Alesis. You can use the MIDI-IN (you need to power the controller separately) or the USB (it will power your alesis and no need for a separate power source).

Regards!