smartpad-tester icon indicating copy to clipboard operation
smartpad-tester copied to clipboard

reverse-engineering the midiplus smartpad midicontroller

smartpad-tester

preface

DISCLAIMER: use info here at your own risk, it might open a black hole or worse. Unfinished work. And i don't know Python :)

RECOMMEND TO UPDATE TO v0.15 firmware: This original link died unfortunately, see firmware subfolder. http://www.midiplus.com.tw/MIDIPLUS-Download.files/Firmware%20update/SmartPAD%20Firmware%20Update%20V0.15%2020171103.zip V0.15 fixes multicolor leds over midi!

Alternative firmwares:

  • https://github.com/DerFetzer/open-cleverpad
  • https://github.com/TheKikGen/kikpad

Intro

This repo collects information about the MidiPLUS Smartpad Midicontroller as eg available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/midiplus-Smartpad-USB-MIDI-Controller/dp/B00WU6FDNG

Not much info is available for this device. So i decided to try to reverse-engineer and collect findings here.

  • which MIDI data can it send by pushing buttons, turning the encoders.
  • which MIDI data can it receive to color the LEDS.
  • software used to reverse-engineer the above.

ALTERNATIVE MODE Conect the SmartPad as usual and press "Send B" + "Pan" + "3" + "4". This will set a mode where all pads are notes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7PzwqKovok

OPEN QUESTIONS:

  • whatis the difference between the 2(?) firmware versions?
    • how hackable is the firmware?
    • translated: https://translate.google.nl/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nightclubber.com.ar%2Fforo%2F162%2Fhardware-djs-and-productores%2F356629%2Fmidiplus-smartpad.html&edit-text=
  • do the left- and bottom button rows really never send midi?
    • eg the cursorkeys don't seem to do anything (with this firmware?)
    • see https://github.com/s0len0id/smartpad-tester/blob/master/notes/amazon-review.txt for Ableton-mode sysex
  • is there a special mode by holding a button pressed while powering-up?
  • does it respond to eg controlchange, other midi?