# Controllers, pedals and hardware

> Separate playing with a controller from delivering a musical tool on a physical device.

Canonical: https://maruaudio.com/help/hardware-and-controllers
Documentation index: https://maruaudio.com/help/llms.txt

To play a Maru instrument with a MIDI keyboard or controller, use a host that accepts that device. To put an instrument or effect inside a pedal or other physical product, you need a device-specific integration. Hardware delivery remains experimental.

## Play through a controller

Where a host supports your MIDI device, select it through that host's input controls. Confirm notes, playing range and the controls you need. Expressive features depend on both the controller and the instrument.

[Playback and MIDI](https://maruaudio.com/help/playback-and-midi.md) covers the basic checks. If notes work but a gesture, display or feedback feature does not, check that the host and instrument both handle that feature.

## Design for a physical product

A pedal, embedded instrument or controller product needs an exact hardware target. The project must fit its available processing, memory, audio inputs and outputs, controls and installation method.

Hardware targets remain experimental and require device-specific evaluation. Before planning a release, test on the actual device, including its controls, audio connections and update process. See the [hardware overview](https://maruaudio.com/hardware) for the types of projects Maru is exploring. Developers can use the [platform reference](https://maruaudio.com/docs/hardware-platforms.md) to check the requirements and limits of a target device.

## Firmware and sound content

A preset, an impulse response, a model and device firmware are different files. Use only the format and installation process supplied for the exact device. A compatible sound import does not mean the device can run arbitrary Maru code.

Before installing experimental firmware, agree how to back up the device, restore it if the update fails and test it safely with the device owner or integration partner.

## Propose an early-access project

[Contact Maru](https://maruaudio.com/contact) with the device model and revision, the musical result, expected controls and delivery requirements. A useful first project might be one expressive instrument for a controller or one effect on a specific board.

For partnership scoping, see [teams and organizations](https://maruaudio.com/help/enterprise.md). Developers can continue with [From module to hardware](https://maruaudio.com/docs/from-module-to-hardware.md).