I'm way too late to this thread.... but there's this damn volume knob that my computer back at my parents house has. There's LEDs underneath it which you can program.
Every movie that needs someone to turn something in the future uses this knob. In the last week alone I've seen it in Kingsman: The Secret Service and Star Trek: Beyond. It takes me right out of the movie.
One of my greatest regrets in life is buying the stupid thing.
What about something like the Griffin Powermate?
Separate but can be used in any setup. I used one of these with my mechanical keyboards for ages before I ended up getting a dedicated headphone amp which already has a volume knob.
The best way I found to scroll on the marble (the best meaning, a way which doesn't cause you massive discomfort [something you left mice for trackballs in the first place] the way all the other alternatives do) is https://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Technology-NA16029-Multimedia-Controller/dp/B003VWU2WA
I bought one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Technology-NA16029-Multimedia-Controller/dp/B003VWU2WA
It was only bought partially for things like salvage crates but, damn is it useful for them. I bound the key to open the salvage crates to mousewheel up which is also what triggers when you rotate the knob. I just absent-mindedly rotate it while watching TV and, slowly make progress.
I've been looking at getting this thing, the reviews suggest it would work with Premiere and stuff, so it might also work with Lightroom.
But, it might not really be what you're looking for.
You say you don't want to take up macro keys for media controls, but surely if a keyboard has a half dozen more macro keys than another it shouldn't be a big deal? Built-in media keys are usually garbage, with the exception of some that have nice volume knobs—and speaking of volume knobs, this, or a mouse button. Hell, map mute to the pause/break key if you don't like any other option.
Ah, I thought this was for changing songs while you weren't near your computer.
The volume knob I found that is geared towards music: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VWU2WA/ref=s9_simh_gw_p147_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=05C552M4SBMRJ4Q0H89R&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2079475242&pf_rd_i=desktop
Reviews do say there are left and right control options and the "driver issues" may be user error (one reviewer says there are no drivers, only a program).
Have you considered using a Powermate? it's a USB knob which allows you to adjust volume (or whatever you want).
If you are considering buying one, definitely get the wired one. I had a bluetooth one and returned it because it wasn't worth the hassle. That being said, it is nice as a wireless volume control if your computer isn't next to your bed.
I mainly use mine in Ableton Live for chopping samples. (not typically what you'd use it for, but that just goes to show you how diverse the functionality can be).
edit: The wired one is also $22 cheaper: wired power mate
My bad…it’s actually a Griffin Technology PowerMate…😊 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Griffin-Technology-Powermate-Multimedia-Controller-Silver/dp/B003VWU2WA
Grab one of these: Griffin Technology NA16029 PowerMate USB Multimedia Controller https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VWU2WA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jnEhzb96GECCM
Hey guys, I want to get a volume control knob for my speakers, something like this one. The thing is, I want to control the actual volume of the speakers, not the volume from windows. Is there any potentiometer thingy that could stick in the back of my speakers? Or any diy method of doing this? I'm prepared to use a soldering iron if that's necessary.
EDIT: I found this controll knob which looks like it might do the trick, but it's quite ugly and fairly expensive for what it does, are there any better options?
And also Amazon has them, and they're slightly cheaper than from the vendor.
You can get a physical knob and use it to control software functions. Note: I don't know for sure that software has bindings that you could control with that knob, it's just an example.
that, plus one of these http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003VWU2WA
Yes but this problem was not pointed out in your article that is showing a 0,50$ rotary encoder; the next effort is to find a cheap solution with an encoder with no detents. For the optical encoder in the link, it cost more than buying a PowerMate
The cheapest optical encoder i could find is this one but the minimum power supply is 5VDC and i don't know if it can be powered directly from the USB as i want to connect it to a mouse to replace the scroll wheel encoder.
If you don't find anything, you could always try something like this. :)
Griffin Technology NA16029 PowerMate USB Multimedia Controller https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VWU2WA/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_Gf3jwbFCAQ9NK
How about just physical knobs for a ton of different things
Yeah, that exists. I hear it's actually pretty awesome and has some good uses in AV editing and whatnot (scrub timelines in Premiere/Audition/Ableton, contact sheets in Lightroom, etc.)
There are also more specialty devices such as the Contour (Basically the same, but with programmable buttons) or 3 dimensional mice which have a niche market in CAD applications.
https://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Technology-NA16029-Multimedia-Controller/dp/B003VWU2WA
The controller software allows you to map the knob to many different things but I believe system volume is one of them. Haven't used mine in years.
or get this for less money, better driver support: https://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Technology-NA16029-Multimedia-Controller/dp/B003VWU2WA
For use off the screen they have existed for years. You can get one:
https://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Technology-NA16029-Multimedia-Controller/dp/B003VWU2WA
For use on the multitouch screen there is no reason you can't just use your hand for analog control of things like hue/saturation or music volume.
http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Technology-NA16029-Multimedia-Controller/dp/B003VWU2WA
Of course you COULD simply use AutoHotkey, the Mac/Linux equivalent, or this Ghetto Mod. http://www.overclock.net/t/806019/how-do-i-make-a-usb-volume-knob
But where is the fun in that?