Most synths use knobs for controlling parameters but the small numbers of synths I own that are slider based (2600, Sh-01A, Manther) are super intuitive to use and understand. I think it has to do with linear relationships being easier to quickly grok than angles or arc lengths.
Anybody else find sliders more intuitive to use?
I understand some of the reasons for preferring knobs – endless encoders being the most obvious one, but I think many synths would benefit from sliders in some key places. Envelopes are the case where I dramatically prefer sliders.
What are synths have you used that are slider heavy or integrate sliders well for key parameters?
Does anyone make a nice slider-based MIDI controller?
Depends on the use. The Moog Grandmother and Matriarch have a fader for sustain in the ADSR section, but knobs for the other three. It makes so much sense that I miss it on other envelopes.
And the Octatrack wouldn’t be the Octatrack if its crossfader was a knob!
The DeepMind has sliders for everything, which pulled some criticism. But the nice thing is, unlike the og Junos, it has an encoder that will let you tweak the last value you modified. I find it so natural that I don’t notice it, and the only reason I’m even aware that I use it all the time is when muscle memory has me doing that on the Hydrasynth it will change patches, and I lose my work.
I find the big benefit of sliders is that you can control many more than two things at once. I’ve been using a 16n faderbank to control synth/effects by midi.
From an accessibility standpoint I vastly prefer sliders - they are much easier on my hands and arms than knobs. I really prefer sliders for envelopes and volume/gain/ level - I guess I like them for things that dont need quick in-the-moment precision. I find them less precise for things that require minute adjustments.
All my synths are knobs only aside from the deckards dream which (besides the volume knob) only has sliders. I think it looks awesome, but can’t say I genuinely prefer one over the other.
I love knobs for parameters that I usually tweak live, like filter or effect controls, also for OSC tune on analogs. They just feel nicer and I can be more precise with them in live situation.
Sliders are great for envelopes and volume.
Encoders are best for programming, but they give worst feel when tweaking live. Cool for macro controls that change between patches or timbres (of course in combination with some sort of display for parameter name and value).
Combination is best from usability and also visual standpoint.
I wish more manufactures would put touch strips on like the Maschine Jam, they’re such an intuitive control method, and visually easy to see (in all lighting conditions) the value with the led strip next to them.
