Use your Android phone/watch sensors as MIDI controllers with midiHook

By Ben Rogerson
( Computer Music )
published

Has wearable tech just got useful?

Don't ask us how we know, but we think that watch is sending data to the VST plugin.
Don't ask us how we know, but we think that watch is sending data to the VST plugin.

Hollyhook's new midiHook system comprises an Android app and VST plugin, and promises to turn sensor and other measurement data generated by your Android smartphone or wearable (eg, a watch) into MIDI control data.

In the case of Android phones and wearables, data generated by the accelerometer, gravity and linear acceleration sensors can be used. Additionally, the light, GPS distance from starting point, proximity and compass orientation sensors on your phone can be employed.

One further benefit for Android wearable owners is that MIDI data can be generated from the heart rate monitor.

To use the midiHook beta you'll need to install the free Android app that can be downloaded from Google Play. You'll also need the free VST 2.4 Windows plugin, which is available from the Hollyhook website. This enables you to configure MIDI controller numbers and scale the measurements by defining upper and lower range values.

Ben Rogerson
Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.