R-Pi, USB MIDI interface, Reaper music workstation software. Low-cost dedicated hardware synth player.
This example creates a low-cost DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that can be dedicated to MIDI sequence playback for hardware synthesizers or used as a general MIDI/audio workstation. It can be kept as a stand alone appliance, isolated from software update issues, license key issues, viruses and other problems that come up when using a multi-purpose computer for music.
Hardware shown
Tablet Frame Kit for Raspberry Pi and Arduino, Model SA8, by Novel Design Lab
Samsung A8 tablet
Raspberry Pi 3
Power supply for R-Pi: use charger from Samsung A8 tablet. USB-C to USB microB adapter required unless using Raspberry Pi 4.
MidiPLUS MIDI 2x2 USB MIDI interface
Mounting bracket for MidiPLUS interface (DIY 3D print file here)
Left-side R-Pi mounting adapter (DIY 3D print file here)
USB cable: 9" USB mini male right-angle to USB A male right angle
USB MIDI keyboard controller
MIDI synthesizer module
Miscellaneous items: microSD card, MIDI cable, USB cable
Software
Installed on Raspberry Pi:
Raspbian with desktop https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/raspbian/
WiFi access point installed (per Raspberry Pi Foundation instructions): https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/configuration/wireless/access-point.md
Some settings: enable VNC server (Raspberry Pi Preferences); enable VNC password (VNC Server options); set screen size to best-fit tablet (Raspberry Pi preferences)
Reaper, Linux armv7l https://www.reaper.fm/download.php#linux_download Reaper installation on R-Pi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CteUMMMKC_8
Installed on tablet:
Option 1: Remote Desktop Manager (Amazon Appstore)
Option 2: install Google Play store: https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/get-google-play-on-fire-tablet then install RealVNC Viewer (Google Play Store)