En 16 vs PO 16

Potentiometers and encoders serve similar purposes but operate differently

Potentiometers output analog signals, offering smooth rotation with two endpoints. This makes them ideal for applications requiring precise analog control within a fixed range.

Encoders provide digital signals and feature infinite stepped rotation, making them suitable for applications needing continuous control. Additionally, encoders function as buttons, adding extra functionality.

And just to add:

Pots will often be easier to turn from and to a specific desired value, and will indicate the last chosen value by where they are pointing, but if you use pages or other means to control multiple things from a single pot then it will become disconnected from the underlying value and only be able to show it via its LED. Such pot setups also have to deal with values jumping or other “pick-up” behaviour.

The encoders on the other hand always reflect current value (in the sense that they never physically reflect any value. 😉 ) and therefore can’t become disconnected from the underlying value even as you change pages/modes/etc. As a consequence, they also avoid having to deal with value jumps or other “pick-up” behaviour. On the downside, though, they can only ever visibly reflect their value through their LED.

They’re both great options, just for different use cases.

Bro thanks so much. Encoders are what I need for my desired function. Good answer.

If you can try out both. Different encoders have different feel and I personally prefer the potentiometers to the encoders used in Grid.
(Although it's possible that the encoder type had changed over the years as I had a very early Grid modules)

Absolutely. Clicky versus smooth. Light versus heavy resistance. All sorts of variations to try. Even just considering pots, the damping can vary extremely widely. Worth trying everything.

Hi all. Which controller would you recommend to me to control the rack in Ableton? Turning on effects by pressing the encoder is a cool option but I have no way to test it.