Adafruit
Adafruit UNTZtrument! Open-Source 8x8 Grid Controller Kit [8x8 White LEDs]
Build your own open-source 8×8 button grid controller with the Adafruit UNTZtrument kit. Designed by PaintYourDragon and based on the Adafruit Trellis platfo...
Build your own open-source 8×8 button grid controller with the Adafruit UNTZtrument kit. Designed by PaintYourDragon and based on the Adafruit Trellis platform, this DIY kit features 64 translucent silicone buttons with diffused white LEDs, housed in a custom laser-cut acrylic enclosure.
Powered by an Arduino Leonardo (sold separately), the assembled UNTZtrument appears as a USB MIDI device that works instantly with any computer and synthesiser software. The default example program sends MIDI Note On/Off messages for each button press, but you can program it to send any MIDI command — or switch to USB keyboard or serial mode instead.
Key Features
- 64-Button Grid – 8×8 matrix of translucent silicone buttons with individually controllable white LEDs
- USB MIDI – Plug-and-play MIDI controller compatible with any synth software
- Arduino-Powered – Program via the Arduino IDE; supports USB MIDI, USB keyboard, or USB serial modes
- Expandable – Add accelerometers, potentiometers, rotary encoders, and more using existing Arduino libraries
- Custom Enclosure – Laser-cut acrylic case with clear body and black top
- Open Source – Fully hackable hardware and software
Ideal For
- MIDI music controllers and sequencers
- Video and lighting control interfaces
- Custom input devices and macro pads
- Interactive art installations
Package Contents
- 4× Trellis control PCBs
- 4× Trellis Elastomer button pads (64 buttons total)
- 70× Diffused white 3mm LEDs (includes spares)
- 1× Custom laser-cut acrylic enclosure (clear body, black top)
You Will Also Need
- Arduino Leonardo
- 22AWG solid-core wire (stranded will also work)
- Soldering iron and solder
- Basic hand tools
- Micro USB cable
Resources
- UNTZtrument Assembly & Usage Tutorial – Code, wiring diagrams, instructions, and enclosure files
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- IDE
- Short for Integrated Development Environment, a program used to write, run and manage code. It matters because some learners prefer a traditional coding workspace instead of a guided notebook-style lesson.
- MIDI
- MIDI is a standard way for electronic instruments, controllers, and software to send musical control messages such as notes, velocity, and timing. If a board supports MIDI, it can be triggered from keyboards, drum pads, sequencers, or other music gear rather than only from buttons or code.
- USB MIDI device
- A USB MIDI device connects to a computer or USB host and sends or receives MIDI messages over USB. This matters because it lets the board work with music software or a controller setup where another device is in charge.
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