An Open Source Platform for Analog/Digital Control and Interactive Ambient Lighting in a Traditional DJ Form Factor

This paper discusses the concept and design of the Aurora device along with descriptions of the mixer's hardware and firmware. The Aurora platform is a dual MCU data acquisition device that is powered by a USB. Available with a typical DJ form factor, this Aurora is an open source device that provides a number of features that are otherwise missing in commercial MIDI controllers. The Aurora, on the other hand, is available with vertical and horizontal faders as well as backlit knobs and buttons. Along with providing control of PC MIDI software, Aurora also improves performance for the user. This is done with the use of three independent LED drivers; along with LEDs mounted to the underside of the PCB for aesthetic lighting effects. The LEDs are available in red, green, and blue. Aurora is competitively priced because of its cost-sensitive packaging and low cost of production. Today, audio and visual performance software platforms are low cost and provide great creative control. There is also a dearth of affordable instruments and devices. This has led artists to consider the advantages of computer-aided performance. Therefore, manufacturers such as Pioneer, Vestax, and M-Audio have started to target users with hardware that has been created for their specific needs. While commercial MIDI devices continue to lack the traditional layout and appeal of analog mixers; the Aurora mixer discussed in this paper rises ahead of the concerns one notices with traditional devices.