Which option best for controlling synths?

I am going to buy some of these modules to control various hardware and software synths. For the software synths, I think the encoders would work best because they can "pick up" the encoder value and the MIDI implementation is more modern. Mainly I will be using software synths from the Arturia V Collection or Cherry Audio.

For hardware synths, I'm not sure if it's better to go with encoders or pots. The synths I would be using it with are Roland JX-8P, Korg DSS-1, Arturia Minibrute 2S, and Novation Peak.

What do you recommend? Right now I'm thinking about getting 3x EN16, because the encoders can also be used as buttons. I can't think of a reason to get the other modules for controlling synths, unless for some reason using pots would be better than encoders. I don't know enough about MIDI implementations, especially on older synths.

Replies (1)

Greg-Orca · October 2, 2024

I usually use the PO16 for hardware synths for two main reasons: most of the synths are not capable of 'pick-up,' and the potentiometers show the exact position of each parameter you assign.

For software synths, the EN16 is more convenient due to DAWs scale and pick-up function. If you're using Ableton, we have a Blue Hand script that automatically maps any plugin in the DAW.