This DIY MIDI Controller Changes Everything | ESP32 + CYD Touchscreen

Published at : 23 Dec 2025

In this video, I show how to built a DIY Bluetooth MIDI controller powered by the ESP32 with "Cheap Yellow Display" (CYD ESP32-2432S028R) touchscreen support. Stick around to check out the 10 MIDI performance modes and tips on how to make your own!

Get the project here 👉 https://github.com/NickCulbertson/CYD-MIDI-Controller

🎹 10 Modes Included:
• KEYS – Virtual piano with scale controls
• BEATS – 16-step sequencer (4 tracks)
• ZEN – Ambient bouncing ball generative music
• DROP – Physics-based ball drop controller
• RNG – Random music generator
• XY PAD – Real-time XY parameter control
• ARP – Chord-based arpeggiator
• GRID – 4ths guitar-style layout
• CHORD – Diatonic chord progressions
• LFO – MIDI modulation controller

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:02 Assembling the ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display
2:23 CYD MIDI Modes
5:31 CYD Performance
6:26 SUBSCRIBE! (maybe?)

What All You Need:
ESP32-2432S028R "Cheap Yellow Display" (~$15-$20)
Arduino IDE

Features:
• Bluetooth MIDI (wireless!)
• Touchscreen UI
• Real-time, low-latency control
• Works with any DAW or synth that accepts MIDI
• Fully customizable + open source

Links:
Cheap Yellow Display (CYD ESP32-2432S028R):
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807387943446.html
https://www.amazon.com/DIYmalls-ESP32-2432S028R-ESP32-Display-ESP-WROOM-32/dp/B0D8W9DSYZ

More examples and documentation on the CYD:
https://github.com/witnessmenow/ESP32-Cheap-Yellow-Display

Check out Bounce Bud by Cem Olcay (the inspiration behind Zen mode):
https://keybudapp.com/bouncebud

Thanks for Watching!
Nick
Moby Pixel