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Eurorack Knob Idea

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Re: Eurorack Knob Idea

#3

Post by diggan »

Interesting idea for sure, but how is the feel of actually turning the knob? Seems to offer short to no resistance, which would make fast but precise movements pretty hard, something that is important for things like performances.

What would be a huge bonus point (but maybe unrealistic? I don't quite understand how the current implementation actually works) would be software-configurable resistance (physical, not electrical). I've spent a lot of time for my DIY modules to find the right knobs, or the right process to adjust the resistance of my existing knobs, being able to control that digitally could introduce a whole new level of fun.

Re: Eurorack Knob Idea

#4

Post by bondarchuk »

>It's a nice dream, of a synthesizer where any knob can be pulled out and replaced with a patch cable, and any jack can have a knob plugged into it to set it to a fixed value.

What's even better, though, is a coupled knob + jack where the knob turns into an attenuator for the input when a cable is plugged in, and works as a standalone knob otherwise. I think this is quite a common design.

I believe I've also seen patch cables with built-in attenuators.

Re: Eurorack Knob Idea

#6

Post by JKCalhoun »

It's interesting. I haven't been sucked into the Eurorack thing though — do people want not just patch cables all over their mixing desk but knobs as well?

Eurorack (and modular synths in general) seem like funny things. Like guitar pedals, I sense there are a lot of enthusiasts that do a lot more tinkering than actually playing them. Watching Rick Beato and guests on YouTube ... seems like a lot of musicians are looking instead for simplicity. Like a few good sounding pedals that, ideally, each have just a knob or two.

Maybe the synth-heads are in a whole different headspace though.

Re: Eurorack Knob Idea

#7

Post by scottapotamas »

diggan wrote: post #3

Interesting idea for sure, but how is the feel of actually turning the knob? Seems to offer short to no resistance, which would make fast but precise movements pretty hard, something that is important for things like performances. What would be a huge bonus point (but maybe unrealistic? I don't quite understand how the current implementation actually works) would be software-configurable resistance (physical, not ele…

You might enjoy https://github.com/scottbez1/smartknob

The complexity of this approach (ignoring the display and flair) unfortunately means you won’t see this used too often due to cost.

Re: Eurorack Knob Idea

#8

Post by dylan604 »

"It's a beautiful dream – a very expensive, but beautiful dream."

While that might be true, what is expensive for me is chump change for someone else. However, that is very difficult to grok as there was no prices mentioned anywhere that I could see. Sure, it'll be expensive to me because I have to ask. But I also know that I cannot afford a fully spec'd out MacPro, but at least I can see the numbers.

Re: Eurorack Knob Idea

#9

Post by diggan »

scottapotamas wrote: post #7
diggan wrote: post #3

Interesting idea for sure, but how is the feel of actually turning the knob? Seems to offer short to no resistance, which would make fast but precise movements pretty hard, something that is important for things like performances. What would be a huge bonus point (but maybe unrealistic? I don't quite understand how the current implementation actually works) would be software-configurable resistance (physical, not ele…

You might enjoy https://github.com/scottbez1/smartknob The complexity of this approach (ignoring the display and flair) unfortunately means you won’t see this used too often due to cost.

That's so cool on so many levels, and I really enjoyed that indeed, now I have to fight the urge to try to build it myself, good thing it's weekend.

However, it does seem to miss the single most useful feature (for me) which is the resistance part. I understand there is a DC motor controlling the snap points and whatnot, but what I'd like is constant resistance I guess, to a configurable level, rather than snapping to specific points and such.

I don't think it would be possible to hack on top of the already made hardware, but didn't seem like it was already done in the software side of things, although I did skim through things so maybe I missed it.

Re: Eurorack Knob Idea

#10

Post by tym0 »

JKCalhoun wrote: post #6

It's interesting. I haven't been sucked into the Eurorack thing though — do people want not just patch cables all over their mixing desk but knobs as well? Eurorack (and modular synths in general) seem like funny things. Like guitar pedals, I sense there are a lot of enthusiasts that do a lot more tinkering than actually playing them. Watching Rick Beato and guests on YouTube ... seems like a lot of musicians are loo…

It's somewhat similar to people enjoying developing their game engine more than their game in my experience. Provably why in attracted to it despite having little musical talent :)
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