A "rotary encoder" is an endlessly turning knob. Most knobs have limits on how far they can be turned clockwise and counterclockwise. A rotary encoder can be turned in either direction indefinitely. Roland's "alpha dials" and "data wheels" are rotary encoders. My favorite rotary encoders are like those on the Nord Modular G2--with LED rings to show the current value.
Let me try this again. A rotary encoder encodes changes in orientation, while a knob "encodes" orientation.
Let's say you have a volume knob that you have used to set the volume of a synth program. Then you change to a program with a different default volume setting. At that point, the knob's orientation does not match the new volume setting. Using a rotary encoder instead of a knob solves this problem.
Originally posted by Starkeeper:
It doesn't have a harmonizer!! That is not important for me, but it will not be able to go head to head with a PSR3100. Why does Roland do this?
What's a rotary encoder?
The "Guitar Mode" sounds intriguing.
I would love to have another Roland. Roland's regular voices are better then Yamaha's in the mid-range area.
I will definitely demo this unit and a PSR3100 before making a decision.
Starkeeper
[This message has been edited by Clif Anderson (edited 03-30-2006).]
[This message has been edited by Clif Anderson (edited 03-30-2006).]