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Line 36: − It is endless.+ − + + + + +
→But what is an encoder?
There are some important characteristics it possesses, which make it highly suitable for the zynthian interface.
There are some important characteristics it possesses, which make it highly suitable for the zynthian interface.
It is endless.
You can keep turning it forever in either direction, you will never hit an physical endstop.
You can keep turning it forever in either direction, you will never hit an physical endstop.
But you can hit a software one. This means the software completely controls the actual position both at the limits, you can't turn volume up more than maximum and less than silent, but you can also change to a new setting, for instance when a snapshot or sub-snapshot is loaded. If you were using a synth with potentiometers you would have to adjust each control to match the position the software would like the control to be in. There are mechanisms for this, but they involve concepts like hook or absolute which aren't very intuitive....
But you can hit a software one. This means the software completely controls the actual position both at the limits, you can't turn volume up more than maximum and less than silent, but you can also change to a new setting, for instance when a snapshot or sub-snapshot is loaded. If you were using a synth with potentiometers you would have to adjust each control to match the position the software would like the control to be in. There are mechanisms for this, but they involve concepts like hook or absolute which aren't very intuitive.
[[File:Nord-modular-comp.png|frame|center|Nord-modular]]
[[File:Nord-modular-comp.png|frame|center|Nord-modular]]
The Nord Modular, above, used 18 potentiometers (pots) which whilst very flexible as a machine could really be used as a patch machine. It tried various approaches but still struggled under the limitations.
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.
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.