4 ms·

Show HN: I launched a MIDI controller and IG banned me 48 hours later

The MIDI controller I wanted didn't exist, so I built it. I: - posted it to reddit, got 50k views, sold a few (including to some big names in the EDM world) - used it in a session with a Wu Tang affiliate (got paid 30 chicken wings, all flats) - got banned from Instagram in 48 hours, right after one of my favorite producers followed my account. Build Details: - 2.0mm 5052 powder coated aluminum body, modeled in fusion, laser cut and bent by sendcutsend - Solid walnut endcaps - SLA keycaps - gateron switches - custom switch matrix pcb - custom c++ firmware - rp2350 mcu - i2c oled display - ec11 encoders connected to a mcp23017 Do any of y'all have any advice for promoting a new hardware product, without incurring the wrath of Meta's algorithms? harmonyresearchlabs.com

VTuberTTV 8mo ago
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dapangzi 8mo ago
Checked the project out, while basic from an engineering perspective, does feel like it meets a niche, and how's that a crime? I'm inclined to buy once I see others test it (I hate being a beta tester, no offense intended). $250 for this is *stupid* cheap, given your competitors' *stupid* prices. Feels like a lot of info is missing here, you getting banned from Instagram. What was the nature of the post? edit: Also, have you considered a spring-loaded x-y controller or touchpad x-y controller? I find these indispensable.
- harmonyresearch 8mo ago
  Thanks for checking it out! RE:engineering: You're spot on, on the engineering side it's dead simple. Simple, reliable, serviceable were all part of the goal. RE:pricing: Other devices in this category are expensive and several have built-in synth engines and audio cards. This build uses mostly off the shelf components in an effort to keep the price down. Instagram said I 'violated community guidelines'. Not sure how, I posted a photo of the controller and two videos of it in action. I think my error was following too many people too quickly, maybe lots of external traffic from reddit hurt too?
  - johng 8mo ago
    My guess is that it isn't anything you did other than maybe "grow" too fast and it looked like some kind of spam bot. Just a guess though. I don't know much about how instagram works other than personal use, I post pictures rarely.
    - harmonyresearch 8mo ago
      Yeah that's my best guess, too.
  - dapangzi 8mo ago
    That really stinks, sorry you had to experience that. I feel like it's the nature of these social media companies anymore. They use automated enforcement and the appeals process is impossible. :/ Will keep an eye out, this is very cool.
sxzygz 8mo ago
For people who want to see it in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9MhqrdpzU4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9MhqrdpzU4
- harmonyresearch 8mo ago
  Thanks! Yeah I played that in C phrygian, doubled 3rd voicing, all handled by the device.

VTuberTTV 8mo ago

[dead]

dapangzi 8mo ago

Checked the project out, while basic from an engineering perspective, does feel like it meets a niche, and how's that a crime? I'm inclined to buy once I see others test it (I hate being a beta tester, no offense intended). $250 for this is *stupid* cheap, given your competitors' *stupid* prices. Feels like a lot of info is missing here, you getting banned from Instagram. What was the nature of the post? edit: Also, have you considered a spring-loaded x-y controller or touchpad x-y controller? I find these indispensable.

harmonyresearch 8mo ago
Thanks for checking it out! RE:engineering: You're spot on, on the engineering side it's dead simple. Simple, reliable, serviceable were all part of the goal. RE:pricing: Other devices in this category are expensive and several have built-in synth engines and audio cards. This build uses mostly off the shelf components in an effort to keep the price down. Instagram said I 'violated community guidelines'. Not sure how, I posted a photo of the controller and two videos of it in action. I think my error was following too many people too quickly, maybe lots of external traffic from reddit hurt too?
- johng 8mo ago
  My guess is that it isn't anything you did other than maybe "grow" too fast and it looked like some kind of spam bot. Just a guess though. I don't know much about how instagram works other than personal use, I post pictures rarely.
  - harmonyresearch 8mo ago
    Yeah that's my best guess, too.
- dapangzi 8mo ago
  That really stinks, sorry you had to experience that. I feel like it's the nature of these social media companies anymore. They use automated enforcement and the appeals process is impossible. :/ Will keep an eye out, this is very cool.

sxzygz 8mo ago

For people who want to see it in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9MhqrdpzU4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9MhqrdpzU4

harmonyresearch 8mo ago
Thanks! Yeah I played that in C phrygian, doubled 3rd voicing, all handled by the device.