Döpfer pocket dial

Elektron Gear Octatrack
1

Does anybody use this for the OT?
what about the relative cc´s?
if you change patterns on the OT with different settings, how does it behave?

I want to use it for track volume and FX parameters.
will it do the job?
if not: pocket control?

novation zero, UC 33 and bitstream are too big, and I don´t wanna use the USB stuff, because I don´t wanna use a Kenton USB host.

So: pocket dial and OT experiences?

2

Does the Pocket Dial work with the OT? (real. CC´s)
Nobody ever tried?

3

yeah why not…? (i used to have a pocket fader, but that got “borrowed by a friend” at some point.)

pocket dial has only minor disadvantages:

  • no visual feedback (actually, a major disadvantage for my purposes)

  • the CC config editor is windows only.

  • encoders are not pushable.

  • needs power suppy.

4

Thanks for the reply,
my worries are that the pocket dial works differently than the pocket control and - fader, see here from Döpfer homepage

"POCKET DIAL is a MIDI control box with 16 endless rotary encoders - in contrast to POCKET CONTROL that is equipped with 16 rotary potentiometers. This enables a jump-less change of parameters - provided that the device or software controlled by POCKET DIAL features data feedback of the new starting data after a preset change as POCKET DIAL needs the starting values of the parameters of the new preset. Another possibility is the increment/decrement control of the parameters in question. In this case the POCKET DIAL does not “know” the absolute values of the parameters but transmits only inc/dec data to the device/software. Only devices that features the data feedback or inc/dec control should be controlled by POCKET DIAL. If you need more details about this item please click [url=“http://www.doepfer.de/pd_tec_e.htm#Jump-free Parameter Changes”]here. For other devices we recommend [url=“http://www.doepfer.de/pc.htm”]POCKET CONTROL or [url=“http://www.doepfer.de/pf.htm”]POCKET FADER.

does this work with OT?

5

yes this mode should work…
the encoders on the OT work in relative mode too, as far as i know.

i was using a faderfox LD2 (16 push-encoders) and that worked (with a bit of external CC remapping). LD2 can send absolute and relative values as well, and if remember right, both modes worked with the OT, so should be no problem with the pocket dial.

the problem with encoders without LED rings and push capability is that you will find it inconvenient at some point, that you cannot see the current value of what you are controlling and not be able to reset that value to zero (or 63 or 127).

6

I recently picked up a Doepfer Pocket Dial for cheap as I’ve been looking for a controller for my live set that would allow me to change parameters on multiple pages at once without using the slider.

I got the Pocket Dial because I thought the endless encoders would mean that if I changed tracks the paremeters wouldnt jump to the value that had been set on a different paremeter however this turned out to not be the case.

For example: If I dial down the volume to 0 on track one and then change to track two and try to dial the volume up there it jumps to zero and then starts increasing.

Does anyone know if there is a way I can fix this? maybe something you’ve experienced with a similar controller or if theres a setting on the OT which will stop this from happening.

Thanks in advance.

7

Hi, I just found your post about the pocketdial…did you solve the problem ? And if, how did you configure OT and pocketdial ?

8

You will need to assign the CCs that you intend to target on the OT on the Pocket Dial using its editor.
You can make it work, but it’s a bit of a hassle:
find the CCs you need in the OT manual, then set it on the Dial editor in Windows and flash the Dial.

Again, I suggest a 4th gen faderfox for better control and feedback, and also ease of use.

9

Thank you for helping me here…and yes, i was thinking about buying a faderfox unit soon.
Which of the new ones do you recommend most/use for best live performance experience with the OT ?

10

Can’t go wrong with EC4, but depending on your further setup and personal style, have a look at SC4, UC4, etc.

Also, for specific use cases, you might be fine with ‘MIDI loopback’. (threads in this forum)
For example, controlling multiple tracks/parameters with one encoder…

P.S. And if you can get a used one cheaply, a BCR2000 (not by faderfox) is very good at controlling stuff.

1 Like
11

Thanks, MichaelHo. !!

12

I´ve just read about the upcoming BCR32. Because I´m not the biggest behringer-fan, I missed out the bcr2000 (which is kinda bulky but has a lot of happy users), but I may give the BCR32. a try…