Voters
6
André RehnströmultracelloRxGrmlAJ KerezyPhillip holtonAldo

Logarithmic Slider/Fader Response (Audio-Appropriate Scaling)

Description:

Add an option for sliders/faders to use logarithmic (or otherwise audio-appropriate) scaling instead of linear scaling, so control resolution matches how humans perceive loudness and common audio parameter behavior.

Problem:

Many parameters in audio are not perceptually linear:

  • Loudness is perceived roughly logarithmically; linear fader movement can feel “too sensitive” near the top and too coarse near the bottom (or vice versa, depending on mapping).

  • Frequency, filter cutoff, and some FX parameters are typically best controlled on a log scale for usable resolution across the range.

  • For performance, users need predictable fine control where it matters most (often around common operating ranges), not uniform numeric steps.

Without a log option, users may struggle to dial in precise values quickly, especially on small screens.

Proposed Solution:

  1. Add a "Response Curve" option per slider/fader
  • Options such as:

    • Linear (current behavior, default)

    • Logarithmic (audio)

    • Exponential (optional)

    • Custom curve (optional advanced feature)

  1. Define curve behavior per parameter type (optional smart defaults)
  • For volume/gain controls, provide a dB-oriented mapping that feels like a mixer fader.

  • For frequency-like controls (if applicable), use log mapping across the frequency range.

  • Keep the option explicit so users can choose what feels right.

  1. Display and value mapping
  • Ensure displayed values remain meaningful (e.g., dB for gain).

  • Provide consistent min/max and scaling when bound to AU parameters, with optional calibration for each parameter’s range.

  1. Compatibility and safety
  • Existing projects keep linear unless changed.

  • Curve changes affect only how the control maps movement to values, not the underlying parameter range.

Benefits:

  • Much better control resolution for typical audio tasks.

  • Faster, more confident adjustments during performance.

  • More “mixer-like” feel for gain controls.

  • Reduced accidental overshoots when touching faders quickly.

Examples:

  • Volume fader:

    • Log/dB curve provides fine control around -12 to 0 dB where most mixing happens.
  • Filter cutoff:

    • Log curve makes the low-mid region easier to control without cramming resolution at the top end.

This summary was automatically generated by GPT-5.2 Thinking on 2025-12-29.

Original Post:

When using the slider widget, Id like to have an option to set a non linear response-curve. Example when using it to control a low-pass filter or other fx id like a higher resolution where the sweet spot is.

Curve: Linear/logarithmic

Curve slope: XY

6Votes
Voters
6
André RehnströmultracelloRxGrmlAJ KerezyPhillip holtonAldo

Discussion

1
Leave a comment
Michael
Michael
Sun Mar 17 2024 11:39:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Open
AJ Kerezy
AJ Kerezy
Wed Jul 31 2024 02:20:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

YES.... even for the single slider this would be helpful. EXAMPLE: I have a slider to control tempo; for me I almost never go above 160 BPM, in fact most of the time I am under 120. SoooOOooo - I need a slider with finer grain control in the lower range, and less control in the higher range. A logarithmic slider would be a beautiful thing.