Hello. I am new here and thinking of starting a little project of building my own custom MIDI controller. One of the first questionsI came across was if I should use encoders or potentiometers for knobs?
In which cases should I use one or the other. What are the advantages of which one?
Thank you in advance
Hi there,
both have advantages:
pots: great resolution
encoders: more than 270 degrees of sweep range, digital inputs sufficient
and disadvantages:
pots: the pot may be at one position, but the controller has a different value, e.g. after a patch load, analog inputs required (jitter, …)
encoders: bad resolution
personally, for me having encoders with slow parameter changes (high resolution) and the option to push-to-accelerate (a feature imho introduced by Elektron originally), is the best of both worlds. MIDIbox NG supports that.
Other people prefer pots, because they have a lot more resolution and 270° is often enough, and you can use “pick up” mechanisms, by sweeping the pot over the current controller value to avoid parameter jumping.
Many greets,
Peter
Encoders with Led-rings and/or Display to indicate the Value:
Memory Synths (Presets)
Synths that have more then one Part, used with the same UI. (save space, control more then one Synth)
Synth with Morph Functions - show morph amount on a Knobs Led-bar.
Potentiometers:
Global Functions on a Synth which are not saved in a patch. (not very common)
For Blind Humans - to feel the actual position with the Knob-Indicator, and to feel the endpoint instead of seeing it.
I prefer Encoders with Led-rings.
Thanks, very helpful!