Knob Atrophy

[zach156]

Hi everyone, first post here. After having my p5 rev 4 for close to a year now, I'm noticing that the filter cutoff knob has slightly more give than when I bought it. This might be a silly question, but is it perfectly normal for knobs to "break in" a bit? Given that the cutoff knob gets a lot of attention, is it normal for it to turn, say, 10% easier than other knobs that don't get as much attention?

[g3o2]

I have observed the same behaviour on the desktop version. This does not seem to have a big impact on controllability though: just be gentler with the knobs and the control will still be as subtle as before.

[Darryliaz]

Hi everyone, first post here. After having my p5 rev 4 for close to a year now, I'm noticing that the filter cutoff knob has slightly more give than when I bought it. This might be a silly question, but is it perfectly normal for knobs to "break in" a bit? Given that the cutoff knob gets a lot of attention, is it normal for it to turn, say, 10% easier than other knobs that don't get as much attention?

Hi, it is quite normal for knobs to "break in" over time, especially with frequently used knobs like cutoffs. However, if it changes too much, you may need to check it again.

[urnished]

Subway Surfers Online said: 
Hi everyone, first post here. After having my p5 rev 4 for close to a year now, I'm noticing that the filter cutoff knob has slightly more give than when I bought it. This might be a silly question, but is it perfectly normal for knobs to "break in" a bit? Given that the cutoff knob gets a lot of attention, is it normal for it to turn, say, 10% easier than other knobs that don't get as much attention?

The fact that it now turns about 10% easier than the others could simply be due to the mechanical wear from frequent adjustments. I’d say it's normal—but if you start noticing performance issues, it might be worth getting it checked.

[HockeBocke]

If you are worried that the cutoff pot will "wear out" if you use it
frequently, maybe try a expression pedal ....
Then your left hand is free to do pitch bends and / or bass notes   

Cheers !

[ANZV]

I've been wondering about this too. I use Filter cutoff a lot (shocker) and it's got a lot more give than when it first arrived.

I know some people like this, but I actually much prefer the stiffer resistance. Control is still totally fine, but I wondered if there was ever a way to restore that original resistance, by somehow tightening or replacing the knob.

[___theinfluence]

I have the same change in resistance on my cutoff knob too.

I’d wager that it has to do with the pot grease used from the factory wearing in a bit.

I’ve fixed encoders before where after cleaning up and reassembly (where I likely lost some grease), they’d work perfectly, but would have much less resistance than before.

[gus]

Hi everyone, first post here. After having my p5 rev 4 for close to a year now, I'm noticing that the filter cutoff knob has slightly more give than when I bought it. This might be a silly question, but is it perfectly normal for knobs to "break in" a bit? Given that the cutoff knob gets a lot of attention, is it normal for it to turn, say, 10% easier than other knobs that don't get as much attention?

This is normal! Even better is that it means you are having fun with your synth  . Pots have damping fluid applied when they are manufactured, which loosens up over time with use. The lighter feel won't affect the electrical function of the pot.