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[kr4]

I have raised this request before but not for a while and I hope that something has changed.

I need to have physical volume control knob for MC.  There are many USB volume devices but I suspect they all work only on system volume and not on an app light MC.

Any ideas?

P.S.:  Here's an example-  https://www.amazon.com/LITROK-Controller-Computer-Multimedia-Adjuster/dp/B07GR864FV/ref=asc_df_B07GR864FV/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241935719665&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5827066103965547151&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9060354&hvtargid=pla-554405272004&psc=1

[wer]

Nothing needs to change.  You just need to familiarize yourself with the keyboard shortcuts available.

In MC, select the Player menu, then select volume.

You will see the keyboard shortcuts MC responds to for changing volume.

You can buy the Microsoft Surface Dial, as it supports customizable actions and can send the keyboard shortcuts.

[kr4]

Nothing needs to change.  You just need to familiarize yourself with the keyboard shortcuts available.

In MC, select the Player menu, then select volume.

You will see the keyboard shortcuts MC responds to for changing volume.

You can buy the Microsoft Surface Dial, as it supports customizable actions and can send the keyboard shortcuts.

Thanks.  Can I assume that there's no requirement to use the Surface Dial and that any 3rd party OS-compatible dial device will work?

[wer]

I don't know about other devices.  You will need to do your own research.

The way the industry works is when some company comes out with some new type of peripheral, all the software companies in the world do NOT race to make themselves compatible with it.  Instead it is the responsibility of the peripheral maker.  Most makers of human-interface-devices do this by providing software that allows their device to emulate a keyboard by sending keystroke codes.

Invesigate your device of choice.  If it can send keystrokes, then it will work with software that accepts keystrokes.

[Awesome Donkey]

I do know Schiit makes a control for powered monitors for example, which is probably not even close and of course I've never tried one myself.

https://www.schiit.com/products/sys

I have to admit it's an interesting idea, having a physical volume control for MC's volume control.

[kr4]

I do know Schiit makes a control for powered monitors for example, which is probably not even close and of course I've never tried one myself.

Not appropriate.

[kr4]

I don't know about other devices.  You will need to do your own research.

The Microsoft Surface Dial looks like it will probably work but not in my application.  It is too small to use on my rack.  OTOH, I might use it at my listening seat but it's BT range is only 2 meters.  This is really dumb because their BT mouse and BT keyboard have much longer ranges.

I think I'll buy one of the $30 USB devices and give it a try.

[wer]

I've used the Surface Dial, and for what is supposed to be a dial it is not remotely what I would consider small.  Small for a dinner plate, maybe.  It's 2 1/3in in diameter, so it seems to be bigger than the one you linked to, which has a 2.4in base, with a knob smaller than that.  It makes me wonder just how big of a "dial" you think you need.  But that's irrelevant; you must suit yourself.

I suppose it's worth pointing out that your concerns about "compatibility with an app like MC" are only germane if you have JRiver's volume mode set to "internal volume".

If you are willing/able to operate it in "system volume" mode then any device that adjusts the system volume is adjusting the JRiver volume.

Google "jriver volume mode" if you are not familiar...

[kr4]

I've used the Surface Dial, and for what is supposed to be a dial it is not remotely what I would consider small.  Small for a dinner plate, maybe.  It's 2 1/3in in diameter, so it seems to be bigger than the one you linked to, which has a 2.4in base, with a knob smaller than that.  It makes me wonder just how big of a "dial" you think you need.  But that's irrelevant; you must suit yourself.

I should have said that it seems too lightweight for my taste but I intend to visit a Microsoft store so that I can actually get my hand on it.

I suppose it's worth pointing out that your concerns about "compatibility with an app like MC" are only germane if you have JRiver's volume mode set to "internal volume".
If you are willing/able to operate it in "system volume" mode then any device that adjusts the system volume is adjusting the JRiver volume.

I am not sure that I am willing to do this.  However, while using "internal volume," MC responds to the keystroke inputs, Control+/Control-, for volume up/down and the cheapy USB VC can generate a wide range of keystroke outputs. 

Frankly, a BlueTooth option would be great if it had a ≥3m range.

[wer]

I felt the Surface Dial was pretty hefty.  Seemed sturdy, and made out of aluminum.

Bluetooth is simply radio waves, there's no magic to it.  The range of any RF device is a function of transmit power and receiving antenna, less obstacles.

Buy or mod yourself a larger Bluetooth antenna for your PC, and you will be able to operate bluetooth devices from considerably greater distances.  Google "bluetooth range extender antenna."

Good luck.

[kr4]

I felt the Surface Dial was pretty hefty.  Seemed sturdy, and made out of aluminum.

OK.  As I say, I will get out and see for myself.

Bluetooth is simply radio waves, there's no magic to it.  The range of any RF device is a function of transmit power and receiving antenna, less obstacles.
Buy or mod yourself a larger Bluetooth antenna for your PC, and you will be able to operate bluetooth devices from considerably greater distances.  Google "bluetooth range extender antenna."

Understood and a good idea.  However, I am loath to spend the $90 on it without a greater certainty of success.

Good luck.

Appreciated.   If I like it, I'll buy one for the on-rack use and try the BT upgrade to see if another one will work for the listening position use.

[kr4]

OK.  Good news.  I bought an inexpensiver USB volume control from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MV411BR/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and it works well with MC set for "Internal Volume."  The response to rotation is brisk in both directions and a push mutes/unmutes.   I plan to replace the knob with something heavier to improve the ballistics and feel.  I would also like to change the attenuation curve................
Anywho...One problem solved.   Now I will follow up with the Microsoft Surface BT knob.

[kr4]

Just to close the loop, I went to the Microsoft store because I wanted to actually see/feel this $100 knob and because Microsoft's specs for it say, "Bluetooth: Low Energy.  Frequency: 2.40 GHz.  Range: 2 meters."  Well, 2 meters is just not enough for a remote volume control.

At the store, I picked up the Dial, carried it two tables from the device to which it was linked and it continued to work at a distance of about 20 feet.  All good.