Knob
Rotary control for continuous parameters. The most common control in audio plugins. Turn clockwise to increase, counter-clockwise to decrease.
Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Control |
| Interaction | Click and drag |
| Styles | 9 styles available |
| Best For | Frequency, gain, time, mix |
Styles
Standard
Clean, modern knob with pointer indicator. Works for any plugin style.
LED Ring
Knob surrounded by LED-style value indicator ring. Great for digital/modern plugins where you want to show the current value visually.
Digital
Modern, digital-style knob with value readout. Perfect for precision-focused plugins.
Minimal
Ultra-simple design with minimal chrome. Best for clean, uncluttered interfaces.
Notched
Knob with detent/click positions for stepped values. Use for parameters with discrete settings (filter types, mode selection).
Vintage
Classic hardware-inspired knob with skeuomorphic details. Perfect for analog emulations and retro plugins.
Arcade
Bold, chunky knob with arcade/gaming aesthetic. Fun, playful style for creative plugins.
Flat
Completely flat design, modern UI style. Matches contemporary software aesthetics.
Image
Custom image-based knob for unique branding. Use when you need a specific look.
Properties
Value Range
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
min | Minimum value (fully counter-clockwise) |
max | Maximum value (fully clockwise) |
defaultValue | Initial value when plugin loads |
Behavior
| Property | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
steps | 0 | 0 = continuous, >0 = stepped/quantized |
logarithmic | false | Log scaling (better for frequency, gain) |
bipolar | false | Center point at 12 o’clock |
Appearance
| Property | Options | Default |
|---|---|---|
pointerStyle | line, dot, triangle, none | line |
labelPosition | above, below, none | below |
Sizes
| Size | Grid Units | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 2×2 | Secondary parameters, dense layouts |
| Medium | 3×3 | Most parameters (recommended default) |
| Large | 4×4 | Primary parameters, important controls |
| XLarge | 5×5 | Hero control, main parameter |
When to Use Knobs
✅ Use knobs for:
- Frequency controls (cutoff, center frequency)
- Gain/level controls
- Time controls (attack, release, delay time)
- Mix/blend controls
- Any continuous parameter
❌ Don’t use knobs for:
- On/off parameters → use Toggle
- Parameters with 2-4 options → use Toggle
- When precise numeric entry is critical → add value display
Tips
Logarithmic Scaling
Use logarithmic: true for:
- Frequency parameters (20Hz-20kHz)
- Time parameters (ms ranges)
- Gain parameters (dB)
Human ear perceives frequency and loudness logarithmically.
Bipolar Mode
Use bipolar: true for:
- Pan controls (L/R)
- EQ gain (+/- dB)
- Any parameter centered at zero
The knob will show center at 12 o’clock.
Visual Hierarchy
Larger knobs = more important parameters. Use this to guide users:
- XLarge (5×5): The ONE most important control
- Large (4×4): Primary parameters (2-3 max)
- Medium (3×3): Standard parameters
- Small (2×2): Secondary/fine-tune
Style Matching
Match knob style to plugin aesthetic:
- Vintage plugin → vintage style
- Modern utility → minimal or flat
- Creative/fun → arcade
- Professional → standard or led_ring
Parameter Naming
Give knobs evocative names instead of technical ones:
| Technical | Evocative Options |
|---|---|
| Threshold | CRUSH, SQUEEZE, GRAB |
| Ratio | SLAM, SQUASH, WEIGHT |
| Attack | SNAP, PUNCH, HIT |
| Release | BODY, SUSTAIN, TAIL |
| Cutoff | FREQ, SWEEP, TONE |
| Resonance | RES, PEAK, RING |
| Drive | HEAT, GRIT, PUSH |
| Mix | BLEND, WET, DEPTH |
Example Configurations
Filter Cutoff
min: 20
max: 20000
defaultValue: 1000
logarithmic: true
labelPosition: below
EQ Gain
min: -18
max: 18
defaultValue: 0
bipolar: true
steps: 0
Mode Selector (4 modes)
min: 0
max: 3
defaultValue: 0
steps: 4
style: notched