The Wheel Controller gives you precise control over any synthesizer parameter and offers features not found in other wheels including preset voltage output ranges, automatic and manual Gate outputs, programmable color, user-configurable center detent and user-configurable spring-return to center, top or bottom.
The Wheel Controller is sold in two configurations: As a Pitch Bender where center is 0 volts, or as a Modulation Wheel where down is 0 volts.
The Q181w is a single-space module so it can be mounted anywhere in a system or in a Box cabinet next to your keyboard and other controllers.
The Wheel Controller uses our standardized Q181 single-channel controller interface module providing an Auto Gate, Switch Gate and a voltage output preset switch.
Voltage Output Presets
The main output of the Wheel Controller is a voltage that varies as the wheel is moved.
The range of this voltage is controlled by the Output Range Preset switch to select 5 volts, 2 volts or 4/12ths volt.
Use the 4/12ths volt position for +/-2 semitones of pitch bend.
For modulation, use the 5 volt position then attenuate or invert the signal at the destination module.
Auto Gate
An Auto Gate signal is created as you move the wheel.
The position at which this Gate is produced is set with the Auto Gate control knob.
This Gate can be used to start Sequencers, trigger Envelope Generators or to change parameters in the system.
Switch Gate
At the end of the wheel's travel in each direction there is a switch that activates a Switch Gate signal.
This is just like any other Gate and can be used to control Sequencers and Envelope Generators.
The Switch Gate can also be activated manually with the panel button.
Spring-Return Options
The Q181W Wheel Controller offers 4 different spring-return options:
Return-to-center, return-to-up, return-to-down, no return.
The spring setting is user-configurable.
Return-to-center is typically used for pitch-bend wheels, while the other options are useful for general-purpose modulation.
Detent Option
The Q181W Wheel Controller also offers a user-configurable detent.
The detent provides a click at the center of travel like the MiniMoog.
Typically the detent is used for pitch-bending with the spring-return removed.
LED Colors
A programmable 3-color LED lights the acrylic wheel.
The LED can be programmed to change colors as the wheel moves from one position to another.
It can also stay a solid color, or change color as the Auto Gate triggers.
These settings are made using a jumper array on the circuit board.