How To Make a Concrete Volume Knob

In this video we'll be making a stylish desktop volume control knob so that you can finely adjust the loudness of your music in a tactile way.
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Here's a link to the potentiometer (choose B500R from the drop down box):
US: ebay.to/2CT2VSS
UK: ebay.to/2CRnEGK
DE: ebay.to/2kW1ziX
To vote on which project I do next, download Maker Amino and search for the term 'DIY Perks' to find the poll!
iOS: apple.co/1XSM7zD
Android: bit.ly/1SloVbK

[@TechByMattB]

It would be cool if the LED was integrated with the potentiometer so the amount of light it emitted would correlate with the volume level.

[@hearlyfilms]

+Tech By Matt I agree! That would make it next level awesome.

[@jeremybrown2149]

Glad to see someone was on the same train of thought I was!

[@BCzepa]

+Tech By Matt im fairly certain the reason this was not done is because it would cause disturbance in the output and we know matt is all about quality :)

[@dejayrezme8617]

+Tech By Matt You could do that with an arduino micro. Then you could also feed the potentiometer position digitally into the PC. It's rather easy to emulate an usb HID device like keyboard mouse or joystick with an arduino pro micro.

[@phonox]

+Tech By Matt You could always use a triple gang potentiometer to achieve that, a bit bulky though. Another alternative is to put a transistor or two on the power line that are controlled by one, or both,, audio channels for a similar effect.

[@sirdonalddust4088]

The concrete with the bubbles looks splendid. Started imagining using resin instead of concrete, and the different objects that could be set inside it. Wonderful idea.

[@joelvaldesjr.7404]

why not different colors of epoxy, it'll give it a swirly effect

[@sirdonalddust4088]

Yes, this is what I meant by resin.. epoxy resin.

[@JoshMillarTheWoodMillar]

you explain this in such a way that i didn't realize i wats a 12 minute video.

[@JavierMendozaAvila]

Josh Millar omg this was 12 minutes? Mind blowing

[@LucasFCardoso100]

This video is seven years and still hits perfectly. The attention to detail of this channel is so on point.

[@DIYPerks]

Don't forget to vote over on the Maker Amino app on what video you'd like me to make next. I'm quite intrigued in finding out what you guys would like. Voting ends next week btw, so get them in asap.

[@ChadLaFarge]

+DIY Perks I have to ask: did you consider wiring the pot to a female micro-USB connector, and the input/output 1/8 connectors to USB A socket, so that any charging cable could be used?

[@V0lvet]

+DIY Perks Are you working with instructables anymore?

[@mbaksa]

+Chad LaFarge Regarding your solution for input/output connectors - this would be serious misuse of connectors! You really shouldn't do something like this unless you have really, really good reason. Also, it is impossible, because USB A connector has only 4 pins, and DIY Perks' project requires 5 pins.

[@iamjimgroth]

+mbaksa four pins plus ground sheath.

[@mbaksa]

+Jim Groth Yes, the cable effectively has 5 "pins" (wires), but the connector does't. So there would be no point of having that kind of cable. And if you chop off connector(s), you end up right where DIY Perks ended.

[@elliotfenwick6871]

"the knob itself is pretty solid"

[@jelpy]

" With the shaft facing upwards"

[@63ch31]

"to prevent it running down the shaft and making it stiff"😂😂

[@nickkk420]

Wood....

[@janmetdepetop6007]

Lmao

[@ItsNessaTho]

omg you guys i can't 😂😂😂

[@JasonPatz]

I hope that you work out a system to keep making these videos for a long time to come where it is fun and rewarding for you. You do such an excellent job with every aspect from explanation to subject matter to design to videography. Keep up the great work!

[@DIYPerks]

Cheers!

[@kazzeely]

+DIY Perks What +Jason Patz said. Awesome presentation, explanation and supplying links for correct products etc. So many DIY guides does not and just assumes you know where and how to get what you need. And, as I have saw in a previous post, you could make audio books for sure. Great story voice! Keep the DIY videos coming, they are much appreciated!

[@CarlosFandango73]

totally agree. love your style of presenting. geeky yet understandable but professional and entertaining. top videos 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@revealingfacts4all]

100% agree. one of my favorite channels and always looking forward to new DIYs.

[@paz5655]

+DIY Perks ill buy one of these from you. A suggestion - A more advanced version of this could have multiple LEDs (or a strip) that represents the volume. Even the potentionmeter controlling the brightness of the LED as well as the volume would work great.

[@TigerGreene]

I get the strong feeling this guy plants, grows, and chops his own trees for project wood. Like a BOSS.

[@cyberspearmint]

Awesome video! For anyone else thinking of trying this: everything I've found online points to logarithmic potentiometers being better to use for volume control... linear pots don't really follow what your ear expects for volume control.

[@jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot4171]

My father is a structural engineer. FINALLY! A use for all of the cellular concrete core-samples we have packed away!

[@adilator]

Your videos have become way better lately. Gone are the days you used to put towels inside PC cases.

[@cameltoast]

I love that you do everything the cheapest way possible, but still do it correctly. Thank you for not lighting the heat shrink on fire with the match. Sincerely, The Owner of a Heat Gun Esquire

[@xenerius2151]

hey ! for those who wants to try this, here some ideas : - try to use a microcontroller (an Arduino NANO or a nodeMCU ESP32 should do the trick) so you can make the build more versatile (you could control LED or dim lights) - use paint in the concrete mix to color it, there are a lot of tutorials on how you can do it - integrate it directly to a desk by cutting a hole in it man your ideas are really good and it gives me a lot of ideas for my projects !

[@guhong4396]

I think concrete base color is perfect. Anyways I'm struggling with find the right potenciometer, I just found 10k ohms, it can works???

[@xenerius2151]

@@guhong4396 of course ! also depends on the type of pot you using (linear, logarithmic, etc...)

[@JgHaverty]

Mate, love your videos, but (as mentioned by others), you really SHOULD be using a logarithmic potentiometer. Yes, the linear pots work "fine" but Im sure you notice, as you get above "half" on the pot you arent really at "half volume" yet. I'd also recommend some kind of rig to keep the wires from being pulled out, but thats probably not a huge deal. anyway, one last thing, you can STAIN concrete! I swore you were gonna mention that, but yeah you can color concrete quite easily. A black concrete knob with that white glow under neath would be absolutely boss :) Great video, thanks!

[@DrZipZwan]

seems to me he likes concrete style. Not all of us do, thats why somes paint concrete... ;)

[@Earlzo2325]

@@DrZipZwan wat?

[@TheAechBomb]

I've tried both linear and log pots for volume, and honestly linear sounds more correct to me.

[@mikohenriksson450]

@@TheAechBomb Of course use what you prefer, but decibels are calculated logarithmically. Mixerboards, audio interfaces and guitars also use logarithmic potentiometers because of that.

[@parp]

@JgHaverty I never thought I would see an audio nerd on a DIY channel I thought I was the only one

[@TorresinhoLFC]

More LED Stuff please.

[@type1break]

yes!

[@vladyerus]

+Top Skills agreed

[@Megabobster]

+Top Skills Or electroluminescent!

[@greenaum]

EL's nice, cos you can buy the driver modules, and they just run on 12V. Then it's just a matter of cutting and joining wires together, endless fun! So many colours too. Actually I was talking about the LM3914 bargraph chip in another post here. Using that, but having the outputs drive transistors instead of LEDs, might be great. Then the transistors drive driver modules, that drive EL wire and panels! You could have a bargraph as big as... anything! Square metres of the stuff instead of LEDs. For audio modulation, I think just a capacitor and maybe a resistor or two, and drive it from the output of a small amp or preamp. That'd be niiiice!

[@SpaceCatCat]

Yeeee defenetly

[@xStayCurious]

An excellent addition to your videos would be including all of the required materials in the description so people could go out and buy everything needed for the DIY and watch the video to walk them through it, as apposed to going through the video and making a shopping list simultaneously. Despite that, absolutely fantastic video, amazingly precise instructions and particular working, left me with no questions. Thank you for such an awesome idea!

[@jvrcb1715]

This is my favorite DIY channel. Hope you keep making great stuff and sharing it with us!! I love the range of materials and techniques you use. I would've never thought about blending concrete with electronics. Great design!

[@savioluis7431]

You just did this so well. something I always wished for from all the big audio companies. I always wished I had a huge (exactly) what you made available to me. thanks for this one. You do make people's wishes come true. A million thanks!!!

[@eduardoaguirre1427]

You are like the Bob Ross explaining how to do stuffs! Nice job!

[@qwiser123]

You are probably the single most best DIY channel I've ever stumbled upon. I really love the fact that you only use tools and materials that are most likely available to regular people. I subscribed and hope to see more amazing projects!

[@thelynxdr1355]

Now.. I really don't need to make this.. .. But i really need to make this!

[@rasmis]

+TheLynxDr If you have access to a core drill, you could make one from any type of rock. Slate could be cool. Quartz would probably fall apart, but if not, it'd be the coolest thing ever.

[@63ch31]

+rasmis You, Sir, just inspired me to make something horrifyingly cool!

[@rasmis]

ted clubber lang I'm glad. Thinking about it, if you don't go round, but eg hexagonal, it can be done with an angle grinder and a (cheap) diamond disc.

[@greenaum]

If not quartz... I wonder how fast you can grow a crystal? You can get those science sets for kids to grow their own in a container of water, little crystal gardens even. They might not be the strongest, since they don't grow in the bowels of the Earth containing tons of pressure and ridiculous temperatures. But I suppose you could get a load of crystals (or pebbles, or interesting rocks and crystals from a rock and crystal shop {which do actually exist} ), and encase them in something like clear epoxy. Temperature and chemical reaction problems taken care of, somehow. Then you could have a knob with lots of crystals in it, encased clear, in a round mould. Or better than epoxy, one of the least reactive substances known... glass! Of course you'd need a glass-blower, someone with the right furnace and tools. They pour glass all the time. Get 'em to encase whatever crystalline doodads into some good glass. THEN you've got yer knob! Actually do you even get chunks of quartz that big? Do they sell them? For how much? I bet "a lot" is part of the answer. Still there's always offcuts of marble or something. Or jet, or some other attractive rock. They can't throw away semi-precious rocks fast enough. Except when they're hawking it on some QVC-type jewellery channel, with as little shame or dignity as a KZbin advertising sponsor.

[@adizivojevic8635]

Same here

[@bozsoendre]

At last, a sponsor that I'm interested in and not just skipping over 30 seconds, because I'm not listening to audiobooks or in the need of a website.

[@CJWarlock]

Nice idea and well shown making of it. I'm into electronics and technical stuff around home and a lot of DIY so I can appreciate a good idea and a proper teaching how-to-make-it narrated with a wider audience in mind (i.e. not technical folks also). I've discovered your channel a few months ago. Well edited videos. Congratulations on your achievements. Keep up the good work. Greetings from Poland. :)

[@tennicktenstyl]

Oh, so maybe you know where I can buy that potentiometer? There's literally no place in Poland with stacked 500 ohm potentiometers. do you think 1000 ohm one will work?

[@CJWarlock]

Actually I'm surprised it's 500 Ohm. Such a low value inbetween output and input of the next audio block (i.e. an amp)? For headphones it might make sense though. Don't worry, 1k Ohm should work too with headphones and for just interconnect cable - actually a bigger value (22 kOhm, 47 kOhm, etc.) would be better. Jut buy any potentiometer that has similar physical dimensions and a value in range mentioned above and you're good to go with the project. :) Example offer of 50k linear - RV16GN(PH)-41CC-B50K-15KQ: www.trim-pot.com.pl/Katalog.aspx?cat=2&p=2 (I've just googled that). TME has a 10k linear version. As I said, it depends whether you need it for headphones or an interconnect cable.

[@tennicktenstyl]

CJWarlock okay, I got my 50K linear one from old buzzy speakers and it works surprisingly good.

[@CJWarlock]

Cool. Just as it should work. Have a nice audial experience.

[@carnaciousG]

Every tutorial on the internet should have this huge amount of accuracy and details, awesome !

[@irreationale5658]

So on point! And I really like the details that you perfectly match the music at 10:42 (from background music to live audio and the other way around)! Great! :)

[@mcshawnboy]

I watched the floating crystal video first from KZbin promoting the project as I watched other videos. I didn't make the connection until I had just this morning viewed the DIY projector and rotary encoder volume knob. I'm in agreement with many other people that you may be the most pleasant British gentleman whom I ever heard! A definite contrast to many far flung exiles as once I was a fan of cringe humor, with Ricky Gervais & Jim Jefferies who claims lineage to the first person sent to Australia for being naughty!

[@InspireToMake]

Love it!!! Great project!!!

[@TheOfficialALIMINATORPlays]

how have you not been noticed? I love your work!!!

[@InspireToMake]

+TheOfficial ALIMINATOR Thanks =)

[@technologybasics4019]

Think I'm going to try this one, glad you added the bit on the end with the LED and the perspex that would look great in the middle of the hardwood and concrete!

[@mimikyoo]

man, surface dial looks so cool

[@railwaymedialondon]

the fact this comment is 3 years old makes me feel old

[@capnskustomworks]

Now, this video has been suggested to me several times over the past few weeks, and (partly due to the timing) I kept thinking, "I have a sneaking suspicion that this may be an April Fool's Day prank..." Well I finally watched it, and to my pleasant surprise this is actually one of the more interesting Maker videos I've recently seen! Good on ye, brethren! Keep it up!!!

[@cloackzilla]

Probably the best channel of KZbin.

[@Magnetar47]

This is the first DIY Perks video I watched, that too by chance. Been hooked to this channel ever since. :)

[@Browningate]

This adds a whole new meaning to "turning it up to 11".

[@brianalinaitwe3239]

His voice is so soothing! ... i can listen to it all day whilst learning some great stuff i will never actually do. Okay confession i did try out the PC DIY and its cool stuff

[@DerpRob]

5:50 "I do recommend going for something of reasonable quality, because cheap ones tend to break quite easily" *Proceeds to break the wire 5 seconds later*

[@kjamison5951]

You are so inspiring. You have a great voice, its so calming and all of your videos are concise and to the point - no unnecessary waffle. Keep making the videos! Thank you!

[@thijsdebont]

Very nice project! And I'll try one for myself :). Concerning the potentiometer. The value of 500 ohms isn't set in stone (pun). A 1k or 2k will work just as well and demand less of the audio source. Even pots up to a 100k will give similar results. Going below 500 ohm is not a good idea, since the source might become to heavily loaded (not be able to deliver the needed output current ).

[@typicalyeeterz553]

Exactly why I’ll be using a 50K pot. How about pots that can go beyond 100K, even up to 1M

[@victortitov1740]

Almost all sources are designed to drive headphones, which can be as low as 16 ohms. The lower the resistance, the less mains pickup you'll have (anything above 10k should be fully shielded), and the less voltage noise the pot will present (the second is rarely a problem with consumer audio, it begins to matter at circa 100db snr). So going even lower is probably not that bad of an idea. Yet, many sources have output impedance of 50 ohms, so approaching that, you'll lose some amplitude. 500 ohms is a great choice, in my opinion. 1k and above will not work well with headphones, it's too high.

[@lucaslautaromartinez7939]

@@typicalyeeterz553 hi, it is an old comment from an old video, but if you can, please could you tell me if that worked out? Even GPT tells me that 500Ω is a good value, but if I go as high as 1k or beyond it'll generate damages

[@typicalyeeterz553]

@@lucaslautaromartinez7939 Unfortunately, I never got the chance to try that out since posting it, but if you want to know if it works, I think the last place to trust is ChatGPT due to false information being all too common

[@nickcook3948]

I couldn't find any 500ohm pots so bought 1k instead and then put a 1k resistor across the first and third legs of each bank which works perfectly.

[@EvilOverlord96]

If you are using it for controlling the volume of your pc, you might want to use an encoder + microcontroller, to adjust the system sound volume via USB. It could also give you some more possibilities with the lighting (which I liked most).

[@WatchingPup]

You have a very calming voice. I shall listen to you while I try to fall asleep.

[@k_8609]

now i know where Microsoft got idea for surface dial

[@willb3698]

There were so many things here I could have criticised - but frankly this is great! I really like concretere - so thought I should shut up a watch. And I did - and what a great little project!! Simple but effective. and very satisfying for people who dodn't have that much experience. You are giving them max bang for buck! Thanks!!

[@yuchenglong672]

Hi perks,Nice work.I really like it,and all your other episodes.I have a suggestion for this project though:I think it will be more handy to add a dimmable LED light to show the current volume level by showing different brightness.So when we play any sound from mute status,we will be able to know how loud it would be.Is it possible?Great video,definitely worth a thumb up.

[@Doramius]

Very smart. You can get more air bubbles out and an even smoother surface using a small vibrating device, like a back-massager set to low, and gently vibrating the project for a few minutes. For a glossy surface, use firm plastic, or glass. Using cheap narrow glass candle holders from a 5&10 or thrift store work really nice. Note, get really cheap glass, as you may have to break it to get the concrete out. Again, cheers for the video!!!

[@PanicOwl]

10:07 "now to stop it dripping down the shaft and making it stiff"

[@GenesisLZH]

More like 9:30 now

[@heikolaur6093]

69 likes as well rn

[@Ajaxburger]

The first sponsor I downloaded immediately on any video. Great integration.

[@SpaceCatCat]

2:38 UFF, the small cut in the side from the router. xD

[@ChunkySteveo]

All your makes are so well done - a visual and audio feast! I always go from... huh? Why that... Oh that's cool... man I need to make that... how have I lived without one of these.... right lets build it!! :)

[@STMK02]

It would be awesome to see you make a wireless version of this, that can connect with either wifi direct or Bluetooth. That would be Awesome and make a cool coffee table accessory while controlling Audio.

[@retradnews]

Would be possible with an esp32. The Bluetooth device would have to be As an input device (as a keyboard for example) but then you need a power supply...

[@Aldarux]

Watching your channel has given me a reason to purchase a garden shed. My girlfriend probably won't like this fact!

[@AboveEmAllProduction]

would be cool to have the LED be brighter as the volume increases - and dimmer when the volume lowers.

[@janmetdepetop6007]

Perhaps if you could find a potentiometer with a third row of contact points you could do exactly that. And just solder the usb contacts to the pins.

[@janmetdepetop6007]

You buy a TRIPLE GANG potentiometer with the same 500 ohm linear specs and just wire the usb power input for the Led to the extra pins. To get it to light consistently with volume you may have to experiment with resistors. Or you can check with the LED and potentiometers specs whether it wouldn't hit or dim from peak brightness too fast.

[@alexandrecosta2567]

you can also mix the stereo into mono signal and you'll have spare connections both in the usb and the pot for the LED light

[@prophetofficial6688]

But that's stupid. Many producers like me work hard to add stereo effects and ad "life" to music. But go ahead.

[@BenBrandt22]

Simple and elegant, I love the variety of materials. Nice work.

[@haterhater6409]

question do you normally listen to elevator music

[@kiefac]

David Lodge it's probably from the KZbin audio library so he doesn't get copyrighted

[@AliYassinToma]

kiefac he can use ncs

[@majestic._]

it wouldn't fit the mood

[@Fluli]

David Lodge I do XD 7000 seconds on nyanelevator :D

[@steamsteam6607]

It appears you prefer 009 Sound System Dreamscape .

[@JOELY713]

This is one of the coolest DIY projects I've seen.

[@proyectosledar]

brilliant

[@nico8273]

+Proyectos LED We see each other once again gaston lol

[@freddymetcalfe4904]

Amazing videos. Thanks so much for your innovative methods of turning normal every-day items into rather impressive masterpieces.

[@heikolaur6093]

"this is just a cheap one, so this should represent what you guys can do at home" oof

[@CesarMartinez-wi7wc]

i dont even have a router so 🤷

[@diegofernandezg]

@@CesarMartinez-wi7wc you can use a chisel

[@adsicks]

I really like this idea. These are nice decorative knobs. You can also slip some shrink tubing on the headphone extension to add extra shielding/insulation and shrink that before you shrink the tubing from the usb side....

[@If_Only_I_Knew_Why]

Audiophiles: *Heavy Listening*

[@boldbeagle6678]

This is a really nice instructional video, man. Very clear, detailed, yet concise instructions. I also liked your additional suggestions for customizing the look of the work.

[@lazarnedeljkovic5615]

Now you can say to your friends "I have a concrete knob"

[@entriphy]

Lazar Nedeljkovic ;)

[@midassandahl5076]

My knob is very hard and sturdy

[@pauhull]

Williams f1 best team ever

[@SpaceCatCat]

And ur face tops it all of :D

[@mark9294]

😂

[@fubumaruda2128]

The most ooga booga style piece of tech I've ever seen. It looks like a homage to the dude that invented the wheel. Siiick

[@DominoSixO]

Nice way to make someone stfu while listening music, just throw that concrete on their head and pull it back from the cable :)

[@Alpha-1-Omega]

🤣

[@blaarghwee]

Oh man that looks so nice! I have a bodhrán (Irish Celtic drum) that really looks like the moon. I've always wanted to put a light in it but to control the volume with it is next level.

[@jippalippa]

Dauym son, i love your videos

[@rich1051414]

I nearly fell out of my chair laughing. I was just bashing my amp yesterday because its volume knob is stupid big compared to the amp. You just took that to a whole... notha... level.

[@Hellsong89]

+Richard Smith You know that chancing the volume knob is not that hard thing to do, also it makes kinda interesting project at the same time?

[@alfonshomac]

random comment so you appear higher in search engines

[@wonkyfishnut]

*yes*

[@microsoftpowerpoint3039]

?

[@marnickbar4794]

@@microsoftpowerpoint3039 He explained it you baffoon

[@janpeter7739]

@@microsoftpowerpoint3039 He explained it you baffoon

[@microsoftpowerpoint3039]

:(

[@maxuuell]

This channel is awesome. The explanations are very approachable and I always end up feeling like I can do these cool projects.

[@koberko]

Have you considered building Arduino smart thermostat? That's something I'm very interested in, and would love to see good DIY video about it.

[@sparkevpilot]

+Dejan Kober This!

[@mrteecee]

Nice project, understandable and great voice and narration text. Why can't others make their DIY/hobby project videos do like this? :D (Oh, well I really know the answer: You worked a lot to make it this enjoyable...)

[@MrHandwerk]

nice Video :)

[@theLuigiFan0007Productions]

DIY Perks Great project! I absolutely love the idea. I would do this to the circuit board of a pair of broken USB headphones or cheap a USB soundcard! Then the audio is transferred over USB to the sound processor from the headphones/soundcard, which has wires soldered to the potentiometer. You plug it in like any USB device and it has an audio output, along with power for the LED. Plus, USB audio is higher quality because it doesn't pick up noise from other computer components, although there isn't much of it (this one's for the audiophiles XD). You could even build a mic into the knob because the circuit for that would be there from the sound processor. When I do this, that's what I'm doing. Mic and knob in one! You could put a pretty decent stereo mic in the wooden bottom with one mic in a cutout hole on each side of the base.

[@ColinLittley]

would be nice if the led was put in parallel with a third potentiometer on the rotary pot with a 1k resistor in series as this would vary the brightness of the led as you reduce or increase the music volume.

[@maxximumb]

+Colin Littley Doing this you would either burn out the LED when the volume was low, or burn out the pot when on full volume. Better to go with a 555 PWM.

[@ColinLittley]

If you consider the LED is after the 1K resistor then it would only ever reach the max brightness it would not burn out as with the second rheostat being in parallel to the LED it would simply provide a bi pass for that voltage level. when the volume knob was turned.

[@kiltedvet420]

the plexiglass and led looked pretty sweet. i might try to make this for the PC.

[@syn010110]

why would you use a linear pot and not one with an audio specific log curve

[@elliot8294]

You wouldn't. an A500R would work much better for controlling the volume than a B500R

[@Murdocxx4]

4 years later and I was looking for this comment

[@tensevo]

Whatever works.

[@hebinyao709]

I can't help but thumb up every one of your videos.

[@Robert-ob8ek]

Nice! Have you also thought of using an arduino micro (USB HID) and a rotary encoder instead to adjust the pc volume itself? It's also fun to add media keys or programm shortcuts.

[@DrZipZwan]

1. This type of potentiometer is not the best choice of this build, even using the type with double gain. As mentioned by others, you really SHOULD be using a logarithmic potentiometer. Yes, the linear pots work "fine" but Im sure you notice, as you get above "half" on the pot you arent really at "half volume" yet. 2. Same DIY build >>> Arduino + Rotary Encoder. The advantage here is that negative side of using linear potentiometer exampled above is not present, and also important it show the volume level on the PC screen. learn.adafruit.com/pro-trinket-rotary-encoder/example-rotary-encoder-volume-control 3. Esay verson of Rotary Encoder Volume Control: www.instructables.com/id/Digispark-Volume-Control/ or www.instructables.com/id/USB-Volume-Controller-Potentiometer-Based/ 4. Same build, but here with RGB feature!! pretty cool, Mat should have opted for this one, as we all know he is capable of great builds and he loves Leds/RGB. dangerousprototypes.com/forum/index.php?topic=7654.0#p62863 5. Ultimate build, which is WIRELESS!!! patrickmccabemakes.com/hardware/Dial/ 6. Easy method that do not require any build/DIY, and very great option, for those who is not into DIY and like a neat Desk, as less device as possible: Great soft, which REALLY should be checked!! www.nirsoft.net/utils/volumouse.html PS/ my Config: When Alt Key Pressed + Mouse Wheel When Mouse is above TaskBar , to be able to change Volume with only one hand ;)

[@captainfallsalotatppic2508]

That's pretty cool, and i love the look of the concrete with the air pockets. The base can be round and the knob itself can can be a different shape like square or triangle or other shape. Like you stated, can use mdf or plastics or metals or mix and match and use plastic metal and lumber. Personally, I will add the led light with remote so I can chose different colors or just have the lights change colors on their own... The sky the is the limit on what can be used when making this diy project...

[@xxLGcrisspy]

You should make a multi monitor arm/stand

[@Consul99]

I'm new to this channel and infact the genre of DIY itself. However I must say I don't think there are many better channels out there. The editing and camera shots are brilliant and the voice-over sounds like it was done by someone on par with Morgan Freeman. And while the content is somewhat sparse it's high quality. You also seem to be friendly and engage with the audience which is possibly the best thing you could do on youtube these days, where youtubers are so disconnected from their fans.

[@TheBlackBeltPanda]

Solder a TIP31 transistor to that LED power cable and stereo cable and it'll blink with the music =P

[@Knifeguy0]

Really cool idea

[@tacticalAV]

I tried this with granite left over from a slab of my kitchen counter top... looks and feels really nice, carbon fibre would also look sweet.

[@spectro742]

couldn't you add the led into the potentiometer circuit so that is corresponds with the volume?

[@tennicktenstyl]

no.

[@spectro742]

ok

[@sweliam1]

Yes.

[@troyam6607]

how?

[@sweliam1]

Just hook up another pot and connect them in series. Choose a pot that can handle the voltage of the led, attach the positive power wire to the input, the negativ to the output and the ground to the third. Boom. Now you got a variable LED.

[@LaskyLabs]

If I'm gonna build one of these I'm gonna make my own AMP and DAC to go with it, and use some super thick cables to avoid interference. This'll useful when I decide to do that!

[@DonJohn87_YT]

*NEXT PROJECT:* DIY CNC ROUTER with arduino! :D

[@krisztianszirtes5414]

+Dv8 Already up on tinkernut. And it works, I already tried it even.

[@DonJohn87_YT]

Krisztián Szirtes Yeah I've found some projects like this on other channels, but the video here are so well made! :) -Will check out tinkernut ;)- Honestly the cnc router on thinkernut's channel is probably the worst one I've seen so far...

[@Simon-nx1sc]

not really a 'diy perk', like the other small projects on this channel. (I mean that it doesn't really fit in here.)

[@crixi__]

Good job! You should do a follow up on this one with a volume knob that spins indefinitely and is connected via USB, so that the volume control is software controlled and therefore not limiting like the potentiometer is. :) I think this would be even more appealing for people to build. ☺️

[@peeeepsi]

does this affect audio quality? Also why not a log style potentiometers since volume is logarithmic in nature

[@rationalmartian]

+itHrtzWhenIP If it isn't an incredible expensive audiophile set up, which is doubtful, and as long as one gets a quality Pot, you shouldn't really notice.

[@Valtra103]

+itHrtzWhenIP He is wrong both with value (should be 5k - 20K, depending on surrounding impedances) and it should be log.

[@el6magiko]

@@Valtra103 can you explain 5k to 20k and impendances real quick,which one should i get?thanks

[@VauxhallViva1975]

Clever idea, and nice looking finished unit. The weight of the concrete would also be good to hold the unit in place so it does not move around. Nice work and video.

[@SamuelVella1995]

Why not connect the potentiometer up to the LED/light source, so that it dims with the volume as a sort of indication of the volume setting?

[@telefon72]

+Samuel Vella Then you will need a pot with three in- and outputs.

[@SamuelVella1995]

Good point.

[@satibel]

+telefon72 or you can build an active control with a quad op amp like an lm324, you wire each output to a follower that are going in an adder that powers the led through a small resistor.

[@KrisX7331]

Mechanical Fix use a transistor. Base goes to music source aka output of pot collector goes to vcc and emmiter to + of led. The minus of led goes to gnd.

[@TheColonyRed]

another level for a diy channel! thanks

[@Arek_R.]

That audio jack 3,5mm extenstion cable you used is one of the cheapest one... That cable is for about 1$.

[@noxious_nights]

Arek R. nobody gives a fuck

[@mattmoreira210]

How do I build an "abstract" volume knob, then? :)

[@DIYPerks]

+Matheus Moreira Haha, I like it! :)

[@flaccidpancake5793]

Matheus Moreira make it wierd

[@em0_tion]

Glue a dildo on the potentiometer or a fake 💩. No one would have seen it coming.

[@FusionDeveloper]

If you leave 1 - 2 inches of wire on the USB ends you cut off, then you can use them for other projects, rather than throwing them away. Also, if you paint the concrete, it sort of defeats the purpose of using concrete, but I guess you could use a sealant if you wanted to coat it in something. You could also somehow include ball bearings in a track, to help support the weight of concrete so it doesn't tilt if you lean pressure on the side. This is a great project and video, because it is the perfect balance of detail and lack of detail, which inspires lots of creative ideas.

[@iloveqatar]

Why don't you sell the stuff you create on etsy? It's a great way to sell your creations. Maybe even hire someone to build a bunch and sell limited editions.

[@zer0b0t]

Attention to the detail... I respect that. Good video.

[@kougaz]

is there a difference when using a 5K ohms potentiometer and 500 ohms potentiometer for volume adjustement? can anyone answers me plz...

[@lancelot_dev]

Yes, the sound will be a lot, a lot weaker.

[@armalvior]

Oh dear... I have to show this video to my brother, he's an Electrical Engineering major... He understand this in an instant.

[@ZacharyDaveyLambert]

Does anyone know of a way I can make this so it mutes when pressed down? Are there any potentiometers that can cut the signal off on a click?

[@midassandahl5076]

Im not an electrician but you could make it work; 1. Put the potentiometer entirely inside the concrete knob. 2. Get a button that works to mute/unmute with usb signal (i guess snatching one off an old pair of headphones isnt entirely impossible, otherwise, buy off the internet) and place it under the knob, so it sits between the base and the knob. If the button cant hold the weight, i guess some springs would work fine to help hold it 3. Tidy everything up 4. Done Or you could snatch the whole volume button contraption from an old audio device and rewire it to usb and make another base plate (just like his oak/acrylic base) and hide the components inside that.

[@jeffspaulding9834]

There are potentiometers with built-in push buttons, so it should be possible. The thing I'd be worried about is the weight of the concrete on such a button. Perhaps it'd be better to use a lighter material.

[@leberkassemmel]

I love it. I modified mine so the LED brightness is controlled by the audio. It looks really great!

[@constructivelydissatisfied]

Which additional components did you used for that? Could you sent me a instruction how to mod mine too? Thank you very much.

[@leberkassemmel]

Jonas Ritter It is a little bit more complicated. But i used a arduino. Check the resistance of the potentiometer, and then analog write to the led.

[@constructivelydissatisfied]

Thank you very much Michi Lo​. I'll try it on my own and hopefully get a working device ;)

[@eat_ze_bugs]

Don't be fooled thinking this is easy. I've already cut my hands 4 times, wasted 2 usb wires, snapped numerous saw blades, and destroyed my table just to make a $20 volume knob.

[@DIYPerks]

You need some DIY lessons bro :)

[@soberinho]

or a brain

[@janmetdepetop6007]

If you don't plan, think ahead and use, buy the right tools you aren't going to pull off anything. It's not without it's tricks but this really should be childs play given the clear instructions.

[@mmmpie]

but the experience.

[@afrog2666]

Sounds like you have NO skillz bruh. People like you shouldn`t have tools lol..