I’m currently making a mega-map for my BCR 2000 to control the Octatrack but I’d be curious to see if anyone has any ideas.
If anyone is not familiar with the controls: there are 32 ‘presets’ which can contain totally unique mapping. The top section of the controls is split into 8 rotary encoders (with push-button function) and two rows of toggle buttons. This rotary encoders in this section can contain 4 groups of functions (you can switch between the groups at the press of a Group button). The two row of toggle buttons are shared between all groups.
The bottom section is a 8 (columns) x 3 (rows) of rotary encoders (no push-button). These stay constant whichever Group you’re in.
My current design is to have the first 8 Presets control 8 Octatrack tracks. Preset number 9 is designed to give you access to common used functions all on one ‘page’
PRESET 9:
Top encoders:
Group 1: Track Level
Group 2: Pan
Group 3: FX 1 Mix
Group 4: FX 2 Mix
Top encoders push button:
Group 1: Toggle Amp between -63 and +64 (mute track source but not FX)
Group 2: ?
Group 3: Toggle FX 1 Mix between 0 and 127
Group 4: Toggle FX 2 Mix between 0 and 127
Top row of toggle buttons: Track On/Off
Bottom row of toggle buttons: Solo
Bottom sections of encoders:
Filter Q
Filter Width
Filter Base
Repeated for each column, tracks 1-8. This obviously assumes that FX 1 will be Filter. In any case, they will control parameters 1-3 of FX 1
For the individual track Presets (1-8) I need some ideas.
Once I’ve got something useable I’ll share it out for anyone else that has a BCR 2000.
I made a custom rreset for my BCF2000 (Fader version).
So I thought i’d share some info.
(I don’t have my BCF hooked up right now. So I can’t check .precisely)
I believe cc61 (reading it from the manual) sends a cc request.
which you can use to update your lights (or in my case the faders) to reflect their current position. Very handy.
You can even program it, so it sends cc61 everytime you switch presets on the BCF.
Note 60 activates Combo Rec (records from all sources). useful for quick recording,
um this makes me want to buy one (and I hate behringer stuff usually) http://t.co/YhIcM1CCxX
The Zaquencer Firmware
The Zaquencer is a unique custom firmware for the Behringer BCR2000 that will turn it into a standalone MIDI step sequencer. It is not a preset but a new operating system for your BCR2000, effectively turning it into a whole different device. The Zaq Audio team wanted to give everybody access to an inexpensive but powerful hardware MIDI step sequencer by simply upgrading the BCR. According to them, the Behringer BCR2000 is the optimal hardware platform for a step sequencer because it’s very affordable, widely available and has the perfect controls and layout. Jacob Korn on using the Zaquencer
With releases on Labels such as Uncanny Valley, Running Back, Skylax or Permanent Vacation, Jacob Korn is now in demand on the German house scene for his tracks, remixes, and live sets. Being involved in the development of the Zaquencer Firmware in the final stage, he has now added it to his arsenal for creating his unique sound:
“I already use mostly hardware synths and sequencers, but the Zaquencer still brings something to the table. It’s as fun and intuitive as an oldschool analog sequencer, but it goes much deeper with possibilities if you want it to.”
You can even program it, so it sends cc61 everytime you switch presets on the BCF.
hey d4g how do you program BCR/BCF to send specific CC (61) on preset change. I can’t find it in manual or online. That would be awesome to have it automatically update lights and values
hey d4g how do you program BCR/BCF to send specific CC (61) on preset change. I can’t find it in manual or online. That would be awesome to have it automatically update lights and values
A free custom editor for the BCR and BCF…It allows you to program more than one midi message on on button, so every time you switch presets it also sends cc61. I also programmed it on the stop button, so I don’t have to switch presets to update the lights and faders.
But the setup part is a bit hard to explain.
Basically wat you have to do is:
-Program a button as cc61
-Record its midi message as individual bytes to another button who already has a midi message assigned. (hit the rec button on the last tab of the button editor and push the previously assigned button with cc61)
now you have a button which sends two midi message every time!
Hope this helps a bit.
This editor is very deep and a bit hard to setup/understand at first.
Hey there,
Nowadays I’m using an ipad to control my octatrack. But the Bcf always worked like a charm for me. I could still give you some tips, if u need help.
I Learned some new things things along the way. Be prepared for some heavy editing on the bc editor part, it is very deep.
The best new things I learned:
Recording longer than the 64 steps in the track recorder by setting all recorders to hold and using a toggle midi button.
using 3 separate midicommands to select the recording source (ab, cd or src3) without preconfiguring the octatrack.
You will not find a midi sequencer that’s capable of what the Zaquencer can do for under $1,000. Perhaps that’s exaggerated but I’ve not come across a more “live” in the moment, intuitive device than this. No menu diving, everything is a button press away.
Shout out to Christian, the developer. He’s way on top of his game. He’s incredibly clever…there’s nothing he hasn’t thought of, and he takes development suggestions seriously. The good news is that he’s always one step ahead in that regard.
In the new firmware, he’s really pushed the remote midi possibilities. On top of that, you can now use any of the 4 tracks as potential modulation destinations for any of the the other three running sequences. It’s bananas.
Obviously, the size of the Behringer in general is one of the real bummers about the unit itself.
That being said, I think it’s the best hack of a machine that I’ve ever come across.
You can head over to the Zaquencer website where I believe you can try out a demo of the software.
Anyone still using the BCR with their Octa? Could someone of you perhaps upload your BC Manager file in this thread in that case? Would be nice to see how you have solved the CC61 data request function. Am looking into it atm (though still waiting for my BCR to arrive), but when programming a custom type to an encoder it says “Error 1: Line 1: Status byte expected” But I can not find a function that gives me the option to enter a status byte in the custom type window.
The cc61 function worked perfectly for me (I put it on the preset select buttons for recalling when I switch presets).
I havent used the bcf for a while now and my pc is getting to old, so I cant remember precisely how I did it. The bc manager program is pretty deep.
What I do remember is:
dont use cc7 for track volume, because you dont get midi back to update the lights, use cc 46? (have to check octatrack midi implementation)
Program a button with cc 61 ( you can delete it later) and record that message back in bc manager ( you can record a message onto a button, like midi learn)
You have to tick a box first to enable sending midi messages on preset selection
Hi, thanks for the topic. Can you share your template please? I just bought an BCR2000 and it would be lovely to start with a template for the BC Manager.
