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The Amazing Super knob feature

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natalini
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I love the concept of super knob multi curve customizable linked to whatever you wish in your sound and with expression pedals, your hands are free. but as a purely midi controller for external device, is there a path to use its great potential as it have in its internal functions, assignment to multiple parameters with customized curves ? I guess Yamaha should put in the market a stand-alone double super-knob midi controller fully parametrable with multi points curves editor, could be an option for a dedicated pedalboard flashy as well and why not gifted in multiple assignment too and with a very precise mechanical coarse or even a touch surface for foot. could it be a big success?

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Posted : 11/02/2021 9:10 pm
Posts: 207
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Reserving one for my Fantom 8....Thank you.

 
Posted : 11/02/2021 9:21 pm
Antony
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If you take a closer look, the Super Knob isn't doing so much.

All the intelligence is happening in the 8x Control Assign Knobs. Each Assign Knob can control multiple parameters, and each parameter control "link" can be programmed (Unipolar, Bipolar, Curve Type, Ratio etc).

The Super Knob is like having an invisible friend (an Octopus?) with 8 arms that will move any or all of the 8 Assign Knobs in real time as you instruct.

Or... you can create/program a Motion Sequence that will move the knobs in real time to a set pattern/loop of movements, and if desired, in tempo with the performance.

The crux of an "external" device that could mimic this overall ability would need some level of programmable intelligence, and be able to address/control all relevant parameters with CC messages. In effect it would need some form of operating system, UI, and specific software (a passive "black box" with knobs wouldn't work). It would also require some level of compatability software (drivers) on the MODX/MONT or "other" keyboard (Yamaha, Roland, Korg etc).

So... I would imagine an external Mod/Control system that exactly mimics the MODX/MONT onboard system would be fairly complicated and costly.

And arguably redundant. Would Roland, Korg et al be willing to entertain building compatability into their products? Would Yamaha be willing to "enable" competitor products with their proprietary designs?

I think the reality is, unless other vendors decide to create something similar within their own product lines, Super Knob and Motion Sequencing will remain a Yamaha product differentiator (and a desirable one at that).

 
Posted : 12/02/2021 2:36 am
Posts: 207
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Ask Microsoft to provide the drivers....why not ?

 
Posted : 12/02/2021 7:19 am
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@natalini you had me at two Super Knobs!

The idea that this two pole pair of Super Knobs be outside the Montage/MODX, in a hardware form, for controlling other things... DREAMY!

@Antony you've mischaracterised the Super Knob. The way you're describing it, it's nothing more than a gimmick. Which it is often derided as being.

But it's got its own unique Motion Sequencer. And can be linked to ANYTHING that any of the Assignable Knobs can be linked to, and it can be linked to Assignable Knobs. So it's the mother of all Knobs, a ... for lack of a better term... SUPER KNOB

It also has pretty lights ringing it informing of position and motion, and even prettier flashings to indicate the speed of the Motion Sequencer.

Making it a super Super Knob.

Also, Antony, your commentary on the difficulties aren't there. The Super Knob is ratio-ing underlying values. As are Assignable Knobs. They apply ratios of change to underlying, selected values. It's just maths.

Where the whole things falls down (somewhat) is that there's no reveal of the resultant values (in many cases) which would be incredibly useful for fine tuning and easier/faster setting of initial rates and the ratios to get ideal results.

Perhaps in an update....

 
Posted : 13/02/2021 1:37 am
natalini
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i think you can set a kind of superknob in ableton with his programable midi macro linking it to any midi hardware. i am not sure you can do it with cubase. i suppose but i have to test it that you can in montage zone master, send multiple midi cc with modulation curves thru assigned knobs to external midi device.

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Posted : 13/02/2021 3:28 pm
Jason
Posts: 7911
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What you can send for controllers that transmit CC is the raw value of the controller. Not the output of any curves that are attached to this controller (i.e. have this controller as a source).

Any "curve" you apply to the controller CC output will have to be part of the external software feature that takes in a CC value and outputs, from software, some adjusted value.

 
Posted : 13/02/2021 6:55 pm
natalini
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What you can send for controllers that transmit CC is the raw value of the controller. Not the output of any curves that are attached to this controller

ok, it is like that. that is a point.

 
Posted : 13/02/2021 8:11 pm
natalini
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and so, there is a place for a standalone D.S. K CCC, double super knob continuous controller curve customizable 😀

 
Posted : 13/02/2021 8:26 pm
natalini
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I don't have presently the photo of the optional hydraulic expression pedal that can be paired with the SDK ?

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Posted : 13/02/2021 10:41 pm
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