Behringer BCR2000 MIDI Controller with Rotary Knobs

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Playing software synths? Stop trying to mouse knobs on your screen -- wrap your fingers around 32 sturdy illuminated knobs on this MIDI rotary controller.

You're in control of your studio when you have a Behringer BCR2000 MIDI controller on your desktop. Giving you a slew of tactile controls on an intuitive, user-friendly surface, the BCR2000 sports row upon row of rotary encoders and buttons for precise tweaking and assigning of your DAW controls and virtual gear, without ever having to touch a mouse.

Tactile, Real-Time DAW Control

Whether your production weapon of choice is Ableton Live, Apple Logic Pro, or Steinberg Cubase, Behringer's BCR2000 gives you all the handy controls you could want for working within your DAW. Get your hands off that mouse and on the MIDI controller's 32 endless rotary encoders, each with a 15-element LED indicator.

Knobs for Software Synths, Effects, and More

The BCR2000 complete control over your effects, virtual instruments, and processors. Eight of the 32 encoders sport a push-to-set function, for fine-tuning an array of functions. Assign dedicated knobs and keys to your most-used functions, and do all your edits in real time, directly from the BCR2000. A small, multi-function, four-digit LED display shows you what's going on with your parameters while offering write-in fields for your own labeling.

5-Pin MIDI In/Out/Thru + MIDI Over USB

The BCR2000 puts you in command of your software instruments and music-production software, giving you full MIDI In/Out/Thru capability plus real-time, hands-on control of organ-drawbars, synths, samplers, virtual mixers, and more. Connect read more the MIDI controller to your computer via USB and you're good to go.

Features:

- Cascadable desktop MIDI controller with rotary knobs
- 24 high-resolution encoders with LED rings
- 4 virtual groups with 8 dual-mode encoders with additional push function
- 20 illuminated buttons freely assignable to all types of MIDI functions
- All panel elements freely assignable either manually or via Learn mode
- 2 additional multi-function footswitch connectors can be used to address all types of MIDI data
- 32 user presets, each with 4 encoder groups
- Configurable MIDI and USB modes for flexible system integration
- 1 MIDI in plus 2 MIDI outs, usable as an additional USB to MIDI interface
- Multi-function, 4-digit LED display with real-time parameter indication plus write-in fields for your own labeling
- MIDI input with merge function for cascading several control units
- Easy connection to any computer or expander using standard MIDI in/out connectors
- Generic USB MIDI support with Windows XP and Mac OS X
- Additional drivers and editor/librarian software available for free download from Behringer's website
- Ruggedly constructed to last through years of use

Straight-forward in design and intuitive to use, the Behringer BCR2000 gives you exactly what you need to control your virtual instruments.
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Web: https://www.behringer.com/service.html

Behringer BCR2000 MIDI Controller

The Behringer BCR2000 provides hardware enhancement for your digital workflow. Bridging the gap of the analog/digital divide, the BCR2000 gives you command over your virtual gear in programs like Cubase(r), Cakewalk(r), Logic(r) Audio, Ableton(r), and a multitude of other major audio software apps. While software-based music creation has done much to eliminate the bulky inconvenience of hardware rigs, it has left a void in the realm of tactile, real-time control. It is this void that the BCR2000 fills with style.

All Hands on Deck

The BCR2000 is an innovative, hands-on control surface with a total of 32 endless rotary encoders for the ultimate control of virtual synths, samplers, effects and signal processors. How about more intuitively controlling your synth or MIDI expander? With the BCR2000 controller this is reality--intuitive control with a real hands-on feel. Unlike using a mouse, the BCR2000 allows you to make multiple adjustments simultaneously--as many as your fingers will allow.

Full-Featured

The BCR2000 is USB compatible, features full MIDI In/Out/Thru capability and 32 endless rotary encoders, each with a 15-element LED indicator. Eight (8) of these rotary encoders have a special push-to-set function, allowing you to select, adjust and control a myriad of functions. Assign a dedicated knob or key to your most frequently used functions and make edits without touching the mouse. Tweak "front panel" settings by simply turning a knob. It's like having the real knobs for every control on the screen.

Get Hooked Up

Simply connect your BCR2000 to your computer via USB. Then assign and control MIDI/audio sequencers, software mixers or virtual synths/plug-ins with real knobs. You'll spend less time reaching for your mouse and more time enjoying music creation.

Features

- Unique, total-recall, cascadable desktop MIDI controller with analog feel and intuitive user interface
- 24 high-resolution encoders with LED rings for ultimate control over virtual mixers, synths, samplers and effects processors
- 4 virtual groups with 8 dual-mode, high-resolution encoders that feature LED rings and an additional push function
- 16 + 4 illuminated buttons freely assignable to all types of MIDI functions from note on/off, control change and program change to MMC and system exclusive data
- All panel elements freely assignable--manually or via user-friendly learn mode
- Two additional multi-function foot switch connectors can be used to address all types of MIDI data
- 32 user presets each with 4 encoder groups
- Configurable MIDI and USB modes for ultra-flexible system integration
- 1 MIDI In plus 2 MIDI Outs, usable as an additional USB to MIDI interface
- Multi-function, 4-digit LED display with real-time parameter indication plus write-in fields for your own labeling
- MIDI Input with merge function for cascading several control units
- Easy connection to any computer/expander, etc. using standard MIDI In/Out connectors
- Generic USB MIDI support with Windows XP and Mac OS X operating systems
- Additional drivers and editor/librarian software available for free download at www.behringer.com
- High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
- Conceived and designed by Behringer Germany

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (29 ratings)
Submitted May 2, 2008 by a customer from timexile.com

"The 303 of today"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
My intention is to stock up on a number of these and a wind turbine before we run out of oil and hell breaks loose. I will then flee to the hills and live in my straw bale house where I will program my own hands on improvisation/composing tool based entirely on these units, a lappy running reaktor, some keys and some pads... and some nice acoustic instruments... and mics... and good friends... and chickens, seeds, hand tools, workbench etc etc. These units are part of my vision for the future. The 303 of today.

Sound
Sound as FAQ

Features
The 2-way control implementation is is beyond reproach. If you're into patch building in reaktor/supercollider/max etc and you want to create your own context sensitive hardware control experience, there's nothing else around that does it at anywhere near this price range. Controller values are set and stored when the unit receives the MIDI signal for the relevant knob, the LEDs update properly and the values are stored. Even duplicated controls are linked together within the machine. It's totally unique in this respect. My M-Audio Project Mix is put to shame by this.

Ease of Use
Obviously the limited screen is hard to work with when programming it but they've done the best they could given the spec. The better alternative is to use the non-Behringer freeware BCREDIT app which is basic in terms of GUI and workflow but to the point, and also allows you read more to use some of the RHS buttons which usually remained locked when programming on the unit itself. Actually jamming with it is tops... the knobs are well spaced and the visual feedback is excellent. My only minor complaints are that the knob range is set to 360deg by default which isn't quite like non-rotary pots which are more like 300deg (it just means that getting the full sweep with a continuous movement isn't as easy), and that the knobs wobble a bit... but which ones don;t in this price range?

Quality
I haven't gigged with them yet as I'm still building a machine which uses them. I'm imagining it will last longer than my Korg MicroKontrol did (which died after 9 months), but not as long as my Evolution UC16 (which has been checked into the aircraft hold regularly since 2003 and hasn't coughed yet). But only time will tell. I've already snapped off one of the pots when it fell 3ft from my table to the floor and this one poor pot took the whole weight on its chin. I've also heard tales from other musicians that the knobs are prone to snapping. I made one attempt at fixing it with the wrong glue which didn't work but I reckon a bit of superglue will do the trick.

Value
Probably better value than a free lunch. Even more so as there is such a thing as it.

Manufacturer Support
Asked about 2-way communication before I bought it and they took a week or so to get back but gave me a knowledgable answer.

The Wow Factor
For nerds this is like a peak up the skirt of perfection

Musical Background:
gigging & recording full time for 3 years

Musical Style:
Britten meets Scott Walker meets AFX meets me
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