Monome Grid 64 DIY - Compact Breakout Edition

What is it?

The Grid 64 DIY: Compact Breakout Edition is an 8×8 button matrix controller designed for the monome ecosystem. This 64-key grid connects via USB-C and provides customizable LED feedback with variable brightness and color temperature. Encased in a premium 3D-printed shell using Kexcelled artistic filament, the device measures just 12.5mm thick and features gold-immersed circuit boards for durability. Each unit carries a unique serial number.

Compatible with norns, serialosc (Mac Intel/M1 and Windows 10/11), Teletype, and Ansible, this grid serves as a portable foundation for music and visual applications in Max/MSP, modular synth environments, and embedded systems.

Why did you make it?

This project emerged from the need for an ultra-portable, cost-effective entry point into the monome ecosystem. While commercial 128-grid units offer full functionality, they represent a significant investment and aren't always practical for travel or casual experimentation. The 64-grid format provides the essential monome experience at minimal cost, making it accessible for DIY builders, Max developers creating custom applications, and musicians wanting to explore norns scripts without committing to larger hardware.

The design prioritizes "breakout" accessibility — enabling creators to go from zero to a working grid with minimal friction, while maintaining compatibility with the broader monome platform.

What makes it special?

• Unmatched Portability — At 12.5mm thin, one of the slimmest functional grids available, slipping easily into laptop bags or backpacks.
• Premium Materials — Kexcelled artistic filament housing with superior finish and durability; gold-immersed PCBs for long-term reliability.
• Visual Authenticity — Adjustable LED coloring accurately reproduces the aesthetic of legacy monome devices, from classic orange to modern white variants.
• Broad Compatibility — Works across norns, serialosc (Mac/Windows), Teletype, and Ansible. Note: for full Ansible parameter control, the 128-grid version is recommended.
• DIY Ethos — Build it yourself, understand your hardware, and use it as a blank canvas for hacking and customization.
• Sweet Spot for Development — The 8×8 format is ideal for prototyping in Max/MSP where authentic monome protocol compatibility matters but full 128-button control isn't required.

GitHub: github.com/denjhang/diy-monome  |  Press: Sound On Sound Review