Overview
The WVC wireless encoder knob is the handheld controller that communicates with your base unit. It is available in multiple variants and supports up to six weeks of battery life between charges. This guide covers knob operation, controls, modes, and accessories.
Knob Variants
| Variant | Encoders | Display | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Knob | 1 | 1 OLED 128x128 | Simple systems with one volume zone |
| Dual Knob | 2 | 1 OLED 128x128 + 1 OLED 128x32 | Two-zone systems (for example, mains + subwoofer) |
| Concentric Knob | 2 (concentric shaft) | 1 OLED 128x128 | Two-zone control in a compact form factor (inner encoder has no push-button) |
| Quad Knob | 4 | 1 OLED 128x128 + 1 OLED 128x32 | Four-zone independent control (4 encoder positions, no click on outer encoders) |
All knob variants are compatible with all WVC base station models. See Channel Groups and Multi-Unit Control for how encoders map to zones.
Controls
Single Encoder Knob
- Rotate: adjust volume for the active channel group
- Short press: toggle between Slow Mode and Fast Mode
- Double-click: cycle to the next channel group. The display shows the group's custom name (for example, "Front", "Sub") if one has been set, otherwise "Group 1", "Group 2", etc.
- Long press: open the settings menu
Click function: On single-encoder knobs, the click can be configured to either cycle channel groups or trigger Mute via the app settings.
Dual Encoder Knob
- Top encoder: controls the first channel group (same controls as Single Knob)
- Bottom encoder: controls the second channel group independently
- Double-click either encoder: cycles both zones to the next channel group pair
Concentric Knob
The Concentric knob places two encoders on a single concentric shaft. The outer encoder follows the same control pattern as a Single or Dual knob's main encoder (rotate, short press, double-click, long press). The inner encoder rotates to control its assigned channel group, but has no click action.
Quad Knob
The Quad knob exposes 4 encoder positions, each mapped to its own channel group. The encoders rotate to control volume; the outer encoders have no click action.
Volume Modes
Slow Mode
Each click of the encoder changes volume by approximately 1%. Use this for fine-tuning.
Fast Mode
Each click changes volume by a configurable percentage (default: 4%; adjustable up to any value via the LF Audio AuralSync app). Use this for quick, large adjustments. For example, jumping from 100% to 0% in 10 clicks when set to 10%.
Battery and Charging
- Charge the knob for approximately one hour before first use.
- Battery life is up to six weeks between charges.
- Charge using the included USB-A to USB-C fast charging cable.
- The knob automatically sleeps when not in use. There is no need to turn it off. Leave it on at all times.
- The sleep timeout is configurable in the AuralSync app. To turn the knob on for the first time, use a small screwdriver or similar tool to press the button on the bottom of the unit.
Auto Shutoff and Hardware Sleep Mode
The knob includes an optional hardware sleep mode that powers down the knob at the hardware level after a configurable period of inactivity. This is distinct from a simple display timeout: the entire knob enters a low-power hardware state.
Configuring the timeout:
- The auto shutoff delay (5 to 240 seconds) can be configured in the AuralSync app or on the knob itself.
How it works:
- When the knob has been idle for the configured duration, it enters a deep hardware sleep, consuming almost no power.
- To wake the knob, simply turn the encoder. The knob wakes in under a second when it is still on the current channel. If interference is high, a channel re-scan may take a few seconds.
- There is no need to manually power the knob off when leaving your vehicle. Hardware sleep handles battery conservation automatically, even if the knob is left in the car for days.
Because wake-up is nearly instant and battery consumption in sleep is negligible, most users leave the knob powered on at all times and rely entirely on hardware sleep for battery management.
Competition Mode
When Competition Mode is enabled (via the AuralSync app or the base station settings), the knob display stays on continuously and never sleeps. If the knob disconnects from the base unit while Competition Mode is active, the system mutes or limits volume depending on the configured mode. This is useful during SPL competitions or shows where you need constant visibility and controlled behavior.
Clip Warnings on the Knob Display
Starting in firmware 3.10.0, the knob shows live clip warnings reported by the base unit so you can see input clipping at a glance without opening the app or looking at the WVC display.
- Volume screens: A CLIP indicator appears next to the temperature reading on every screen as soon as any input is clipping. This is a system-wide indicator. If any RCA input is being driven into clipping, you will see it here.
- FFT / Equalizer screen (PRO only): A per-channel CLIP marker appears on each input panel that is currently clipping. This lets you see exactly which channel is being overdriven so you can dial back the right output on your source or DSP.
- Severity: The CLIP marker grows as the level of clipping increases: first as plain text, then as a boxed marker, then as a filled badge. A filled badge indicates sustained, severe clipping that should be addressed immediately by reducing the source level.
What to do when you see CLIP: Reduce the volume on your head unit, DSP, or upstream source until the indicator clears. Persistent clipping degrades sound quality and can stress amplifiers and speakers, especially at low frequencies.
Real music can briefly hit clipping on transient peaks without sounding bad. A solid, steady CLIP marker is the one you want to address. Brief flickers during loud passages are usually fine.
Note (firmware 4.1.0): When the Knob is paired with a PRO or PRO-6 base on firmware 4.1.0+, the Knob settings menu adds a Clip Detection item with four levels (Off, Low, Medium, High). This controls how readily the CLIP indicators light up. The value syncs with the WVC touchscreen and the AuralSync app, so changing it on any one surface updates them all. See Signal Analysis Features for what each level does.
Factory Reset
Hold the encoder button while powering the knob on, or in the menu navigate to Reset > Factory Reset, then confirm. This clears pairing and returns the knob to first-boot state.
Smart Home Menu
Knobs with firmware 3.9.0+ have a Smart Home menu (Main Menu > Smart Home) where the WVC base station's home-mode state can be toggled and re-paired. See Smart Home Integration.
Knob Mounts and Cases
All mounts use double-sided tape and built-in magnets to secure the knob in place. When installing a replacement mount, ensure the two magnets in the holder base are oriented to attract (not repel) the magnets in the knob before pressing them fully into place.