Do you use text boxes to type values into plugins, or just sliders/knobs?

VST, AU, AAX, CLAP, etc. Plugin Virtual Effects Discussion

Do you use text boxes to type values into plugins, or just sliders/knobs?

I always enter values via text boxes
8
8%
I sometimes enter values via text boxes
88
92%
 
Total votes: 96

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I think it's a benefit of the digital world and shouldn't be left out, when possible.

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I am a big fan of textboxes for data entry, and use them often, especially on effects where small changes have big effects such as a limiter's threshold setting.

However, I don't find myself looking for textboxes in ValhallaDSP products because Sean has wisely chosen large, simple sliders over rotary knobs for the most important parameters. The rotary knobs he does implement are large and move the way you expect them to (don't suddenly start moving in reverse or jump as many other UIs do).

The addition of textboxes to VR and UM would be welcome enhancements, but not critical.

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bbaggins wrote:The addition of textboxes to VR and UM would be welcome enhancements, but not critical.
They're already there, aren't they?

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kpd wrote:
bbaggins wrote:The addition of textboxes to VR and UM would be welcome enhancements, but not critical.
They're already there, aren't they?
Unless it's an ALT-SHIFT-CTL-LeftBracket secret combination I haven't discovered yet, then nope.

As long we're talking possible enhancements, I have a request: I'd like the first click on a slider just select it but not actually change the value until I drag the mouse. Oftentimes I'll click on a slider because I want to nudge it up or down a tad, and it's frustrating when merely by clicking on it I change the value radically. I've had to get into the habit of memorizing the current value before clicking a control.

BTW, Valhalla products are not alone in this annoying behavior. But the best UIs don't, e.g. FabFilter and Waves products.

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I find entering a numeric values via the keyboard is essentially important - not only in Valhalla Plug-Ins. E.g. in Shimmer with Pitch mode on I always enter the desired interval numerically and never use the knob/dial. So if I want a fifth, I enter 7 (or 7.01 to add some detuning) and hit return, much faster than grabbing the knob with the mouse and moving it to exactly 7.00 or 7.01.

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Type in a value, fine tune using control.

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I find it's great to have the ability to enter numerically via the text box when you need a maximum level of control for fine tuning.
Also having the ability to use sliders when your reacting more by "feel" is nice on an intuitive level.
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I use both methods myself. Makes it quicker sometimes...
Barry
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[DELETED]

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ttoz wrote:looks like text boxes are here to stay :)
Sure does. Pretty clear and significant poll results.

Sean Costello

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valhallasound wrote:Hi everyone,

Working on some GUI changes for future Valhalla plugins, and want to know how often people use the text boxes above/below a knob/slider/etc. to change the value, versus just using the knob/slider/etc.

Any and all feedback welcome.

Thanks,

Sean Costello
I use text values very often when something needs to be precise. Sometimes even using the fine knob control button (shift or ctrl or alt or whatever), the knob doesn't go to the value and is over or under. So it's very much appreciated.

It's also nice when the values make sense. But sometimes plugins don't, and the value is just specific to whatever variable in an algorithm that doesn't have a quantifiable value. But even then it's nice.

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I voted for number 2 but I absolutely love being able to have the option to do it. I have a few plugins that don't work this way and it drives me crazy.
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+ 1 for plugins without driving me crazy as they tend to skip the exact setting I'd like, especially important when sounds are layered or for some other reason tweaked in relation to each other where slight differences are wanted. Voted 2. Tend to "zoom in" on the sound I like (after mucking about quite a bit, usually...) by knobs/faders/whatever and then want to be able to easily enter a precise value.

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If I know the value i want then yes I go straight to text, but if I'm searching for the right sound then I adjust the knobs.
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I never use text boxes, I tune with my ears but there must be option to fine-tune (shift) and ultra fine-tune (ctrl-shift/alt-shift). Even if I tune by ears, visual feedback is important too.

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