Encoders

Encoders are one of the most versatile components on your Yaeltex controller. Each encoder consists of two parts: the rotary element (the turning action) and the switch element (pressing down on the encoder). Both can be configured independently with their own MIDI messages and LED feedback.

Encoder Rotary Configuration

The rotary portion of the encoder sends MIDI messages when you turn the knob. You can configure what type of message it sends, how it responds to rotation speed, and how the LED ring provides visual feedback.

Absolute/Relative Modes (Hardware Mode)

The hardware mode determines how encoder rotation values are transmitted. Choose based on your software’s requirements.

Mode	Value	Description
Absolute	0	MIN to MAX range. Standard mode where the encoder tracks an absolute position between minimum and maximum values.
Binary Offset	1	(+) 065-127 / (-) 063-000. Increment values are 65-127, decrement values are 63-0. Center point is 64.
2’s Complement	2	(+) 001-064 / (-) 127-065. Increment values are 1-64, decrement values are 127-65 (two’s complement encoding).
Signed Bit	3	(+) 065-127 / (-) 001-063. Uses bit 6 as the sign bit. Positive values have bit 6 set.
Signed Bit 2	4	(+) 001-063 / (-) 065-127. Alternative signed bit encoding with opposite sign convention.
Single Value	5	Increment sends 096, Decrement sends 097. Fixed values for each direction regardless of speed.

Tip

Absolute mode is the most common choice and works with most DAWs and plugins. Use relative modes (1-5) when your software specifically requires endless encoder support, such as Ableton Live’s “Relative” encoder mode or certain hardware-specific protocols.

Rotary Speed

Control how the encoder responds to rotation speed. Faster rotation can either send more increments (acceleration) or maintain a consistent rate (fixed).

Setting	Description
ACCELERATION 1	Light speed sensitivity - subtle acceleration at higher speeds
ACCELERATION 2	Medium speed sensitivity - moderate acceleration response
ACCELERATION 3	Heavy speed sensitivity - significant value jumps when turning quickly
FIXED 1	Slow fixed rate - consistent small increments regardless of speed
FIXED 2	Medium fixed rate - consistent moderate increments
FIXED 3	Fast fixed rate - consistent large increments

Note

Acceleration modes are ideal for parameters where you want fine control at slow speeds but quick navigation at fast speeds (like scrolling through presets). Fixed modes provide predictable behavior when you need consistent value changes.

Encoder Rotary Output Message

Configure what MIDI message the encoder sends when rotated.

Parameter	Description
Message Type	The type of MIDI message to send
MIDI Channel	Channel 1-16 for the message
MIDI Port	NONE, USB, MIDI, or USB+MIDI
Parameter	CC number (0-127) or extended parameter (0-16383 for NRPN/RPN)
Min Value	Minimum value in the range
Max Value	Maximum value in the range
Comment	User-defined label for the parameter

Available Message Types

Type	Description
NOTE	Sends MIDI note messages
CC	Control Change - the most common type for encoders
VUMETER CC	Special CC for VU meter display in the LED ring
PC+	Program Change increment (increase program number)
PC-	Program Change decrement (decrease program number)
NRPN	Non-Registered Parameter Number (14-bit, 0-16383 range)
RPN	Registered Parameter Number (14-bit, 0-16383 range)
PB	Pitch Bend (14-bit resolution)
Keystroke	Send keyboard commands instead of MIDI

Rotary Feedback (LED Ring)

The encoder’s LED ring can display visual feedback based on the current value. Configure how the LEDs respond to incoming MIDI messages.

Feedback Display Modes

The LED ring can display values in four different visual styles:

Mode	Description
Fill	LEDs light up from minimum to current value, creating a “filled” arc
Spot	A single LED (or small group) indicates the current position
Mirror	LEDs fill symmetrically from center outward in both directions
Pivot	LEDs extend from center point, going left for values below center, right for values above

Feedback Source Configuration

Parameter	Description
Source Port	Where to listen for feedback messages: Local, USB, or MIDI
Message Type	The MIDI message type to respond to (typically CC)
MIDI Channel	Channel to listen on (1-16)
Parameter	CC number or parameter to monitor

Tip

Set Source Port to “Local” if you want the LED ring to reflect what the encoder itself is sending. Use “USB” or “MIDI” to have the LEDs respond to external feedback from your DAW.

Color Configuration

Mode	Description
Fixed Color	LED ring displays a single, constant color
Value to Color	LED color changes based on the received MIDI value (requires dedicated MIDI channel)

Value to Intensity

Available in firmware v0.20 and later, this feature allows the LED brightness to change based on incoming MIDI values. Configure a dedicated MIDI channel for intensity control in your Controller Options.

Encoder Switch Configuration

The encoder switch (pressing down on the knob) can be configured with various behaviors beyond simple button presses.

Switch Modes

Mode	Abbreviation	Description
Message	ME	Standard mode - switch sends its configured MIDI message
Shift Rotary Action	SRA	While held, the rotary sends an alternate message (secondary CC, different range, etc.)
Encoder Fine Adjust	FA	While held, the rotary operates at reduced sensitivity for fine-tuning
Double CC	2CC	Switch toggles between two different CC parameters for the rotary
Quick Shift to Bank	QS	Pressing the switch temporarily jumps to another bank
Quick Shift + Note	QS+N	Quick shift to bank AND send a note message

Note

SRA and FA modes are particularly useful for detailed parameter editing. Hold the switch while turning for precise adjustments, release for normal operation.

Double Click Behavior

Configure what happens when you double-click the encoder switch:

Option	Description
NONE	Double-click has no special function
JUMP TO MIN	Double-click sets the rotary value to minimum
JUMP TO CENTER	Double-click sets the rotary value to center (64 for 0-127 range)
JUMP TO MAX	Double-click sets the rotary value to maximum

Switch Message Configuration

When using Message (ME) mode, configure the switch’s MIDI output:

Parameter	Description
Momentary/Toggle	Momentary sends note-on while pressed, note-off on release. Toggle alternates between on/off states.
MIDI Port	NONE, USB, MIDI, or USB+MIDI
Message Type	NOTE, CC, or other MIDI message types
Parameter	Note number or CC number (0-127)
Min Value	Value sent on release (momentary) or off state (toggle)
Max Value	Value sent on press (momentary) or on state (toggle)

Switch Feedback (LED)

The encoder switch typically has its own LED that can provide visual feedback independently of the ring LEDs.

Switch Feedback Configuration

Parameter	Description
Source Port	Where to listen for feedback: Local, USB, or MIDI
Message Type	MIDI message type to respond to
MIDI Channel	Channel to listen on (1-16)
Parameter	CC number or note to monitor

Local Behavior

Control how the switch LED behaves relative to local button presses:

Option	Description
ALWAYS OFF	LED remains off regardless of switch state
ON WITH EVENT	LED turns on when switch is pressed/active
ALWAYS ON	LED remains on regardless of switch state

Switch Color Mode

Mode	Description
Fixed Color	LED displays a constant color. Choose between LED OFF or LOW INTENSITY for the off state.
Value to Color	LED color changes based on received MIDI value

Configuration Tips

Setting Up a Basic Encoder

1. Select the encoder card in Kilowhat
2. Set Hardware Mode to Absolute (0) for most use cases
3. Choose ACCELERATION 2 for balanced speed response
4. Set Message Type to CC
5. Assign a CC Number (parameter) that matches your DAW or plugin
6. Set Min to 0 and Max to 127 for full range
7. Configure MIDI Port based on your connection (USB for most setups)
8. Set up Feedback to match the output settings so LEDs reflect the current value

Using Shift Rotary Action

1. Set the switch mode to SRA
2. Configure the primary rotary action (e.g., CC 1 for volume)
3. Configure the secondary rotary action (e.g., CC 2 for pan)
4. Hold the switch and turn to control the secondary parameter

Fine-Tuning with Encoder Fine Adjust

1. Set the switch mode to FA
2. Configure normal rotary sensitivity
3. Hold the switch while turning for slower, more precise adjustments
4. Ideal for parameters like filter cutoff or pitch fine-tuning

Related

• Digital (Buttons) - Configure buttons and switches
• Analog (Faders/Pots) - Configure faders, pots, and joysticks
• Understanding Cards - Learn the card-based interface
• Controller Options - Configure global controller settings