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→Other nefarious methods
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== Other nefarious methods==
== Other nefarious methods==
Other methods can be accomodated using the zynthian's inbuilt Control Device interface.
Other methods can be accomodated using the zynthian's inbuilt Control Device interface.
+
+==But what is an encoder?==
+
+It's a rotating control designed to provide similar functionality to a control known as a potentiometer which most people meet as a volume control.
+A way of easily controlling some parameter within an electronic device.Which is why the zynthian likes them so much.
+
+The zynthian simply controls the Linux audio subsystem, (Jack) and it then uses the MIDI standard provided by almost all Linux audio devices to control those engines.
+This is very helpful because a cleverly defined GUI (and it is one) can by easy selection of different pages present virtually any audio control in the same manner. The four Encoders provide 4 parameters per page, all of which respond. This is exactly what a performing interface requires. It provides as much control as 4 encoders can when behaving like 4 volume controls. It is highly responsive. Allowing for subtle and careful parameter control. Bending a synth filter for example. But it is important to recognize that the audio Engine involved may not be prepared for such fast change. Altering a time constant in a looper over a wide range will probably have irritating sonic sound effects, as such things occur and the Engine simply can't keep up.. That's down to the Engine. zynth just delivers the information you tell it to the parameter it has selected in the GUI.
+
+But You might well want more than 4 parameters and some of the engines provide an incredible number.
+Well this is where the other element of the humble Encode comes into play. The press switch component.
+
+By pressing down on the top of an encoder a completely separate switch can be operated without any alteration of the rotating component (hopefully).
+This used to select the page of parameter you are to use, which is demonstrated by a grey screen activated by a short push of the encoder. This is a basic Zynthian function and it is used to indicate selection in the zynthian world.