Biodata MIDI Interface transforms plant-generated electrical signals into music, letting you listen to the harmonies of life. By attaching electrodes to plant leaves or skin, Biodata MIDI Interface measures fluctuations in galvanic conductance and generates MIDI notes.

MIDI notes are sent via USB Type-C, or Hardware MIDI—a control message is transmitted via the MIDI protocol, with a control voltage output also available through the CV TRS jack. Compact and USB-powered, Biodata MIDI Interface is perfect for both portable use and permanent installations.

Organically Creative

Turn plants into living instruments for music production, live performances, or interactive art installations with Biodata MIDI Interface. Whether you’re a musical artist or in a theatre group, you can use this system with standard MIDI hardware to create dynamic soundscapes that respond to the environment or the actors on stage.

And if you’re a biohacker, you can experiment with living organisms in your audio projects, blending biology and technology to create unique sounds. Students working on innovative projects can use this device to explore how nature, art, and technology connect in unexpected ways. For those seeking relaxation, Biodata MIDI Interface lets you craft soothing, plant-generated soundscapes, offering a deeper connection to nature.

Features & Specifications:

• Processor: ATMega32u4
• LM555 timer in a stable multivibrator configuration to measure fluctuations in galvanic conductance
• Analog Devices ADuM 5028 for galvanically-isolated power with less interference
• MIDI outputs:
  • USB Type-C
  • 3.5mm TRS jack (type A)
  • CV output via 3.5mm TRS jack
• Configuration options (set via USB serial connection):
  • MIDI channel
  • Polyphony (Up to 8 simultaneous notes)
  • Six MIDI note scales (chromatic, major, minor, Indian, pentatonic major, pentatonic minor)
  • Note duration
• 3D-printed enclosure
• Thumbwheel for setting sensor sensitivity

Open Source

The hardware and firmware are based on Sam Cusumano’s original MIDI Biodata Sonification System. This new version incorporates many ideas and feedback from users.

The development of Biodata MIDI Interface was made possible using a range of open-source tools. The firmware was created using the Arduino IDE, ensuring compatibility and ease of updates. To enable the MIDI USB-HID and Serial interface, and it uses a custom LUFA (Lightweight USB For AVRs) bootloader. The PCB design was made with KiCAD. For the enclosure design, we relied on FreeCAD.

All of the design files for the hardware PCB design, firmware, and enclosure are already available in our GitHub repository.

Lastly, a multi-platform desktop app for Windows, Linux, and macOS will be built using Python and Qt, providing a user-friendly interface for configuring the device and applying firmware updates. This software will be open-sourced, and made available at a later date.

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