Manan Dua
MisteRdeck MIDI Controller

Overview & Purpose

The MisteRdeck is an Arduino-based MIDI Stream Deck crafted to streamline live streaming, content creation, and music production workflows. By integrating tactile buttons and fader sliders into a compact, customizable surface. It allows users to switch scenes, trigger sound effects, and adjust audio levels without switching windows or using a mouse.

Key goals of this project:

  • Provide intuitive, hardware-based controls for OBS, Voicemeeter, and other streaming or audio software.
  • Offer an affordable, open-source alternative to expensive commercial stream decks.
  • Demonstrate hands-on experience with Arduino, QMK firmware, and custom hardware design.

Design & Development

Breadboard Prototype with Arduino and Faders

Development began with identifying user requirements: 12 buttons, 4 faders, and compatibility with popular streaming software via MIDI. From there:

  • Enclosure Design: 3D models of the device were provivded by the original creater MattRigg on Printables.The models provided a sturdy chassis to house an Arduino Pro Micro (or USB-C variant), faders, and switches. Iterated on mounting points for easy assembly and cable routing.
  • Button & Fader Layout: The design includes a 3×4 grid of tactile buttons for scene control. Four inline faders on the side for precise audio adjustments.
  • Electronics & Wiring: Mapped wiring: each switch is connected to eachother to enable button array scanning to use fewer pins on digital inputs with internal pull-down resistors; faders to analog inputs. Added diodes for debouncing the switches to prevent unwanted noise.
  • Firmware Selection: The device supports many MIDI softwares including QMK firmware for native MIDI support. I chose to use Deej, an dopen source DJ mixing software to integrate with windows media controls. Developed a custom keymap assigning each button a unique MIDI CC or Note; faders send continuous controller messages based on analog readings.
  • Prototyping & Testing: Assembled a prototype to verify button logic and fader response. Tuned analog smoothing in firmware to eliminate jitter.

Challenges & Solutions:

  • Button Debounce: Initial tests showed multiple triggers per press. Added hardware diodes and enabled software debouncing in QMK.
  • Analog Noise: Fader readings fluctuated. Added RC filters on each line and implemented a 16-sample moving average in code.
  • USB Latency: Required low-latency MIDI. Tuned the software's USB polling interval to 1 ms and adjust the computer's buad rate.

Features & Components

  • Buttons: 12 Akko V3 Cream Yellow switches with custom 3D printed keycaps.
  • Faders: Four B10k linear slide potentiometers for smooth linear control, mounted with 3D-printed brackets for stability.
  • Microcontroller: Arduino Pro Micro (ATmega32U4) or USB-C variant for native USB-MIDI support. Loaded with QMK firmware or deej firmware and custom keymaps.
  • Power & Connectivity: USB-C supplies 5 V, wires use heat-shrink tubing and braided sleeves for organization.
  • PCB & Wiring Harness: Custom brackets for buttons and faders, including internal pull-down resistors and diode footprints. Simplifies wiring and improves reliability.
pinout diagram
  • Soldering Jig: 3D-printed jig to hold faders and switches in place for precise soldering.

Build Process

Steps to assemble your own MisteRdeck:

1. 3D Printing

  • Print STL parts (base, cover, button clips, fader knobs) using PLA or PETG at 0.2 mm layer height. Use 20%–30% infill for rigidity.
3D Printing Chassis Components

2. Electronics Prep

  • Solder switches together to form a button array, install diodes and solder headers for Pro Micro and fader connections.
  • Connect fader potentiometers to analog input pins via labeled microcontroller headers.

3. Assembling Chassis

  • connects the chassis together using M2 nylon standoffs. Snap-fit button clips, insert switches. Slide fader pots into brackets and secure with screws.

4. Firmware Flashing

  • Download QMK or deej firmware. Modify code for custon kepampping Place custom keymaping. Compile and flash to Pro Micro.

5. Testing & Calibration

  • Open MIDI monitor (e.g., MIDI-OX). Press buttons to verify Note/CC messages. Move faders and ensure smooth 0–127 values. Adjust deadzone in code if needed.
Completed MisteRdeck Assembly

Usage & Workflow

Once assembled and flashed, integrate the MisteRdeck into your setup:

  • OBS Scene Control: Map buttons to switch scenes (e.g., “Stream”, “BRB”, “Ending”) via MIDI plugin or MIDI Translator.
  • Audio Mixer Integration: Assign faders to desktop audio, mic gain, or music volume in deej. Adjust without leaving main software.
  • Custom Macros & Plugins: Use Bome MIDI Translator to create macros (e.g., mute all mics). Switch layers in QMK or Microsoft Powertoys for alternate mappings.
  • DAW & Music Production: In Ableton Live or FL Studio, map buttons to trigger samples, faders to control effect parameters (e.g., filter cutoff, reverb). Great for live performance.
MisteRdeck Integrated with Streaming Software

Performance & Results

MisteRdeck Integrated with PC Software

Real-world testing yielded:

  • Button Responsiveness: 1 ms polling ensures instant registration—no missed triggers during rapid scene changes.
  • Fader Accuracy: Analog readings within ±2 units across full range (0–1023). Smooth fades without jumps.
  • Stability: Over 10 hours of continuous usage, USB-MIDI connection remained stable with no dropouts.
  • Ergonomics: Button layout allows quick access; faders offer precise audio control during mixes.

Community & Resources

The MisteRdeck is supported by a maker community. Resources:

MisteRdeck Community Discussion Forum

Future Improvements & Next Steps

  • OLED Status Screen: Add OLED display for live scene names, audio levels, and fader assignments.
  • RGB Button Rings: Integrate addressable RGB rings around buttons for visual feedback: active scenes or alerts.
  • Hot-Swap Switch Modules: Design modular holders for easy swapping.
  • Wireless Connectivity: Explore Bluetooth connection for cable-free use and mobile compatibility.
  • Alternative Enclosures: Experiment with milled aluminum or laser-cut acrylic for durability and aesthetics.

These enhancements aim to expand functionality and user experience for future iterations.