Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

An encoder is a physical device which translates user input into a digital 
signal which is then sent to a cpu of some sort to change digital parameters in 
a program. A potentiometer uses varying resistance to manipulate voltage 
differences which are then used to change 'parameters' within a circuit. Similar 
in function but different execution. An encoder, since it is a digital device, 
can be rotated in either direction forever and ever if it is designed that way 
because if you continue to rotate left the values will just continue to get as 
small, or negative, as the program allows. And vice versa. A potentiometer does 
not allow that as it has a fixed resistive range built into it. So, there are 
inherent min and max values i.e. number of turns.

-Jim





________________________________
From: Scott Lawlor <sklawlor@...>
To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, September 8, 2010 2:56:38 PM
Subject: Re: [DSI Synths] Re: introduction

  
Hi.  
what's a potentiometer anyway and how is it different from an  encoder? 
----- Original Message ----- 
>From: chevytravelleruk 
>To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com 
>Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 2:35 AM
>Subject: [DSI Synths] Re:    introduction
>
>  
>Hi Scott
>
>I'm a newbie here and have the Mono Evolver Keyboard. It is    a truly wonderful 
>keyboard, but I would imagine that for your purposes, the    potentiometer 
>version would be better as they will give you more physical    feedback to the 
>knobs position and value than the infinite encoders.
>I    heard from DSI that they are hoping to offer Pot versions by the end of    
>summer
>
>hope this helps
>
>Simon
>
>--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com,    Scott Lawlor <sklawlor@...> wrote:
>>
>> Hello.
>> 
>> I'm thinking about getting one of these poly evolver    keyboards.
>> 
>> I currently have a kurzweil pc3 but since I'm    blind, the menus are a bit 
>>much for me to memorize and since they roll over    and there's no actual zero 
>>point, I figured that the evolver might be a good    fit.
>> 
>> I like to feel the control as I work and with all these    knobs and switches, 
>>I'm hoping this synth will be much more accessible for    me.
>> 
>> I'd like to play more ambient electronic music and the    people at sweetwater 
>>feel that this might be a good fit for me.
>> 
>> My inspirations for space and ambient music include people like    Tangerine 
>>Dream, Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Free System Projekt, Jonn Serrie,    Radio 
>>Massacre International and others.
>> 
>> I was using the    sound tower software with the pc3 and I could go through the 
>>default sounds    and presets but that was about it. I don't know how useable 
>>this software is    for someone who is blind.
>> 
>> There isn't anywhere locally for me    to get my hands on this thing to check 
>>it out but I've heard some of the    sounds listening to various YouTube videos 
>>and it sounds impressive.
>> 
>> I just wanted to write to say hi and I hope to learn a lot about this    unit 
>>and gain some tips and tricks along the way.
>> 
>> Thanks for    reading.
>> 
>> Scott
>>
>
>