garageCube

[CYEAW]

As promised here is a short review of the BCR2000 working with Modul8.

First, i must mention the context in which i use Modul8. I use it specifically for live video mix during concerts.
I mix pre-processed clips created from footage or graphics. So as it is for concerts, i need to organise and store my media by track.

Modul8 is a good choice for me as it enables live compositing and video mix, but it is limited in my case with only 8 layer sets and 5 media sets (i will post a list of suggested features, soon).

The BCR2000.
It is a knob-full midi control surface :
. 24 rotary knobs
. 8 physical push/rotary buttons (i say physical as there are 3 additional virtual groups)
. 16 push/toggle buttons
. 4 additional push/toggle buttons

I/O
. 1 midi in
. 1 midi out
. 1 midi out/through
. 1 usb
. 2 pedal switch jacks in

What you must do first :
You must download the firmware update (1.06) of the BCR2000 if you do not have this version installed (http://www.behringer.com/05_support/bc_ ... m?lang=eng).

It's easy to check this out as it the firmware version is the first info displayed on the screen.
You will need a sysex dump application to update the firmware as it comes as a sysex file. I suggest you use Sysex Librarian, which is a simple and free app (http://www.snoize.com/SysExLibrarian/).

Why should you update ? Because without ver. 1.06, the BCR2000 does not store your presets !

Modul8 midi mapping
Assigning layer sets and media sets
I basically use the first 8 buttons to switch from one layer set to another and the other 5 ones to switch my media sets.
Be aware that you can configure these buttons as toggle or not, in my case i disabled the toggle mode. But in other cases it can be useful to quickly see (red light on/off) what parameter is active or not (for your layers for instance). You have 3 buttons left that can be used for invert/flas/still if you want (i don't use video capture).


The rotary knobs
I assign all other kind of controls to the rotary knobs. In my first set up, i used only 3-4 layers so i had enough knobs to assign 8 parametters to each layer as contextual midi mapping :
- contextual alpha
- 3 rotation axes
- 3 color modulate
- 1 contextual scale


As i have an Evolution MK225c Midi keyboard, i use it to trigger clips in layers and i use the modulation wheel to control general alpha channel and the modulation wheel to control speed.

Other assignments are made using the mouse.

Regarding modul8, the BCR2000 works really great. It doen't even need drivers to operate in USB mode !
I have to get used to it, so i could use its deeper controls (virtual groups, for instance).

It's a great and solid interface where you can put rubber tape to note your set up.

I think that using it along with a keyboard and the BCF2000 cold be the ultimate configuration for modul8 at an affordable price.

Here ends my short review of the BCR2000.

CYEAW

[gmint]

Thanks for the review. I've been looking at the BCF since before it came out (actually, I really don't know if it's shipping even now), however I've owned several Behringer products in the past with varying success.

Typically, I think the industrial design of Behringer's products is absolutely great. For example, the VMX-300 DJ Mixer is far and away my favorite mixer design. However, I've had several strange problems with it making it literally unusable for live performance (e.g. wierd crossfader dropout problems even on brand new units). My biggest concern is reliability with their products. I mean, that's not to say that I haven't had some OK experiences with some of their products, but it seems like it's just so hit and miss with them.

That being said, I'll look forward to see how you're ongoing experience with the BCR series goes...

[gmint]

At least partially, on your advice CYEAW, I got a BCR2000 and used at my event this past weekend. I have to say, I was pretty overwhelmed when I first got the unit. I mean, I use a UC-16 with Traktor and with M8 (at least until I got the BCR) and there are just SO many controlls. I really do love the push button knobs (in fact, I wish all the buttons had that functionality) and I love having everything at my fingertips.

As for how I set mine up, I basically assigned all possible layer controlls for each layer to a preset (e.g. Preset-01 = layer 1, Preset-02= layer 2, etc.) with the channel faders assigned to the push knobs on all layers. The way I figured it, if I'm going to have 32 knobs then I'm damn well going to make sure I controll everything with them. In retrospect, it is a little confusing (especially since the LED rings don't accurately reflect the current position of the layer fade levels when I switch between presets) , but I don't know that I'm willing to only put a subset of controlls on the BCR.

CYEAW, have you changed the way you use your BCR as of your last writing? I think you'll agree with me that we could REALLY benefit from MIDI feedback. Maybe it will be in 2.0 or possible to implement with the Python scripting (fingers crossed). Also, it sounds like the new MIDI framework will have some great features that will really make it more usefull.

All in all, I'm pleased with the BCR (although I couldn't get the BCedit software to see my BCR -- a matter in which Behringer tech support was, surprise, worthless). I think it's an INCREDIBLE tool for Modul8, I just hope it holds up under extensive use!