Analogue-sequencer

> colin, I'd like to place an order right now for another machine
> identical to #73. yes. seriously.

Don't worry, I believe you ;-)

> the only thing the schritt has going
> for it is the use of rotary encoders. 

I have been looking into rotary encoders but there I have a few issues with
them.
First, the resolution is poor - the Spectrol encoders I've been playing with
have only 36 steps per revolution.
With a pot and an 8 bit convertor, you get 256. P3 only uses 128 steps at
most, but that means 4 revolutions to cover the necessary range with an
encoder, unless you use an acceleration algorithm.
But if you use an acceleration algorithm, you are breaking the direct link
between the input device and the input value.
That means keeping an eye on the numeric display at all times, so you know
where you've got to. You can't just tweak the knob and know roughly where
it's going to be unless you have very precise control of the speed you twist
at.

The other problem is cost. The Spectrol encoders are still 3 ukp+ even when
you buy them in hundreds.
That's 10 times the price of those Alpha pots.
You could use cheaper encoders, of the type I suspect Behringer must be
using in their new midi controllers, but you get what you pay for.
Cheap encoders are spec'ed for car stereo volume controls and the like, not
for regular tweaking.
Durability is going to be a big problem, and I suspect a lot of people are
going to change their minds about the 'bargain' they got when it wears out
in six months...

The one advantage encoders have over pots is their ability to be used as
relative inputs to adjust the stored value.
I think the better solution to this is the 360 degree pots, of the type
Alesis use in the Ion.
If money were no object, motorised pots would be the answer.

Cheers,
Colin f