Adding Knobs (Potentiometers): Types & Use Cases

Knobs, or potentiometers, are one of the most fundamental and intuitive components you can add to your Yaeltex controller. They are the ideal choice for controlling any parameter with a defined start and end point, offering immediate, tactile feedback on its current position.

This guide will cover the different types of potentiometers we offer, their common use cases, and how you can customize them to fit your design.

Why Use a Potentiometer?

The key feature of a potentiometer is its 300-degree physical turn. This limited rotation means you can tell the knob's value just by feeling its position, without ever needing to look at your screen. This makes them perfect for "set and forget" controls and for parameters where you want a clear physical representation of the value.

Common Use Cases:

• Mixing: Adjusting track volume, panning, or managing effect send levels.
• Sound Design: Controlling synthesizer parameters like filter cutoff and resonance, LFO rates, or envelope stages (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release).
• Effects Control: Dialing in the 'mix' level of a reverb, the 'feedback' on a delay, or the 'drive' on a distortion unit.

Potentiometer Types

We offer two primary types of potentiometer elements, differing mainly in their size and density. Both are high-quality, long-lasting metal components.

Classic Potentiometers

This element provides four standard-sized knobs, offering a comfortable, traditional feel with ample space between each control.

• Factory ID: PT-41
• Spacing: 35mm (4 Grid Units) between knob centers.
• Best For: Controllers where ergonomics and a classic feel are a priority; primary mixing or synth-panel layouts.

Mini Potentiometers

This element packs four compact knobs into a much smaller area, allowing for high-density control.

• Factory ID: PT-41M
• Spacing: 17.5mm (2 Grid Units) between knob centers.
• Best For: Maximizing control in a small footprint; secondary parameter control, compact travel rigs, or designs where space is at a premium.

Visual Customization

Once you've placed your potentiometer elements in the Build View of the Factory, you can switch to the Appearance View to customize their look.

• Knob Caps: Choose from different sizes and styles of physical knob caps to match your aesthetic.
• Indicators: Design custom graphic indicators or markers around the knob on the faceplate to visually represent its range and function.
• Text Labels: Add a custom text label below or above the knob to clearly identify what parameter it controls (e.g., "FILTER," "PAN," "SEND A").

Configuring in Kilowhat

After your controller is built and delivered, you will use our Kilowhat software to program the function of each potentiometer. For each knob, you can define:

• The specific MIDI CC (Control Change) number it will send.
• The MIDI Channel it will transmit on.
• The Value Range (e.g., 0-127).

By choosing the right type of potentiometer for your needs and customizing its look, you can create a layout that is both highly functional and deeply personal.

Updated on: 26/06/2025