Re: Knob styles (was: AU host properties)
Re: Knob styles (was: AU host properties)
- Subject: Re: Knob styles (was: AU host properties)
- From: "B.J. Buchalter" <email@hidden>
- Date: Fri, 09 May 2003 10:58:10 -0400
>
> Oh, one other thing...I've seen two styles of rotary knobs: one where
>
> the position of the knob is absolute (i.e., a simple click at the
>
> 3-o'clock position moves the knob to there, and it tracks wherever you
>
> point; the second is "relative", more like a real-world knob, in that
>
> it only turns as you turn it, relative to the place you clicked. I'm
>
> using the second option now, but does anyone out there use or prefer
>
> the first (absolute position) method? It seems to have the one
>
> advantage of going exactly to where you point, despite the fact no
>
> real-world knob turns that way. Anyone...?
I've implemented both. The absolute-jumping behavior is pretty cool with
sliders (or faders), but not everyone likes it. With knobs, it can be really
problematic. With a slider, if the user does not expect the slider to jump,
they just won't click anywhere except for where the "thumb" of the slider
is. With knobs, you always have to click on the knob. If you don't expect
the knob to jump with an absolute rotational positioning, you can accidently
change the value by a huge amount (sometimes with not-nice consequeces --
e.g. The gain goes from -10 dB to +40 dB instantly). Some commercial plugs
implement their knobs this way and it constantly causes me (and others I
know) problems when we try to use the plugs. I think the fundamental problem
is that a mouse is not fingers -- motions that are completely natural with
your fingers are not natural with a mouse (and knobs don't jump
instantaneously in the real world)
Just my $.02.
B.J. Buchalter
Metric Halo
M/S 601 - Building 8
Castle Point Campus
Castle Point, NY 12511-0601 USA
tel +1 845 831-8600
fax +1 603 250-2451
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