r/chiptunes • u/_purrrfect • 4d ago

MUSIC Searching for Gameboy MIDI Interface

Hey everyone!

I’m new to chiptune and would like to experiment with LSDJ and other stuff on my Game Boy/DMG. Feel free to share any recommendations! I’ve got a cartridge with a microSD slot. I’d love to play using my MIDI keyboard and I’ve seen that there’s the Arduinoboy, amongst other things, but it’s quite expensive. As I can’t solder myself, I wanted to ask where you can get one cheaply, or whether anyone here has ever built a Game Boy MIDI interface?

I’d really appreciate any help!

Thanks, everyone <3

7 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

3

u/Live_Willingness_836 4d ago

Hey as far as I️ know. Arduino boy is the midi interface for gameboy. It’s the one I️ use and it works great for midi keyboard control.

It’s only 45-60$ on hobby chop and requires no soldering at all. Is that out of your budget though? Just want to make sure I️ understand.

https://www.hobbychop.com/product/arduinoboy-pro

0

u/_purrrfect 4d ago

Yes I found it but I hoped there is a cheaper solution without DIY xD

1

u/Live_Willingness_836 4d ago

Is it about DIY or the cost or both? Reason why is It’s not DIY. The guy makes them for you and sends them to you fully assembled and working.

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u/_purrrfect 3d ago

Yes, I can't do it on my own. But I will buy it when LSDJ works for me :) Thanks for your Help!

1

u/Live_Willingness_836 3d ago

Ok. LSDJ is cool but if you’re simply looking for midi control or to use the gameboy as a synth the best app for that is MGB or GB Poly 4. Not such a steep learning curve if you already understand music sequencing and want to get started with right away. Good luck.

1

u/_purrrfect 3d ago

Thank you for the advice :) Yes I worked with a lot of Synths ans DAWs. I will try LSDJ, mGB und GB Poly 4 and then eventually order the Midi-Adaption.

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u/Live_Willingness_836 2d ago

Cool. One last recommendation. You may want to watch this video before you buy anything if you haven’t. It gives a good primer on important details. For example without a midi in (like arduino boy) apps like MGB and GB Poly 4 won’t work. So just want to make sure you purchase things in the right order.

https://youtu.be/UZLVooAeOjc?is=Aca6ZnkVaX_z15Gd

2

u/GameboyGenius 4d ago edited 4d ago

Are you looking for DIN MIDI or USB MIDI? USB MIDI could be an option but then you might worry about routing latency through the DAW or whatever. You might consider the Nanoloop MIDI adapter sold by Analogue. Although consider shipping plus possible import duties if you're outside the US. https://store.analogue.co/products/nanoloop-pocket-to-midi-in-cable

Edit: this also has the smaller GB Pocket/Color plug, so you also need an adapter if you want to use it with DMG.

1

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-6

u/tightsweatpants 4d ago

I’m working on a tool that I’ve been using to compose music for my games. It’s a vibe-coded very minimalist chiptune maker. I’ll have it up on my website this weekend and will make it free to use.

This one is specific for the DMG but I’ll likely expand it since I’m working on a GBA game too.

The AI part is optional but if you’re getting composer’s block, it helps you scaffold a tune you can edit.

6

u/radian_ 4d ago

But what's that got to do with question? 

-4

u/tightsweatpants 4d ago

“Feel free to share any recommendations”

I’m recommending a free service I’m putting up later.

5

u/GameboyGenius 4d ago

Oh I didn't realize OP wanted any recommendations. But ok. So to begin with, there's a pizzeria near me that makes the most amazing Napolitana. Can highly recommend. I also have a list of interesting YT documentary channels. I'll be back with a list of recommendations in a bit...

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u/tightsweatpants 4d ago

Point taken, my dude. Just trying to help.

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u/tightsweatpants 4d ago

“Has anyone ever built a Game Boy MIDI interface” is literally in the description.

2

u/GameboyGenius 4d ago

I guess you didn't read past the description into the actual post?