How about using a PCA9685 PWM chip to controll the LEDS. OK 16 channels may be overkill, but I use one in a project that controlled the LEDs over my marine reef tank. In my case I can program the ramp up and down periods for each of four channels, with 0 to 4095 steps which makes for smooth dimming. I'm sure it would be easy to use an AtoD option for a POT to give the PWM range rather than a simple time loop.
Also, if you are looking at controlling strings of high power LEDs then a simple way is to use Meanwell LDD drivers. These are constant current devices between 300mA and 1500ma, and can be used with 6v - 50v power supplies.
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