Subject:Behringer B-Control

Posted by: Illogical

Date:4/11/2006 7:50:38 PM

Has anyone tried the B-Control with Acid Pro 6?

http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHBCF2000

Subject:RE: Behringer B-Control

Reply by: nlamartina

Date:4/11/2006 8:05:19 PM

Yes. It works beautifully, and I always think to myself, "I can't believe I only paid $200 for this." It makes a huge difference in workflow, because you can keep an eye on your tracks but still make a large number of simultaneous adjustments without having to scroll about with the mouse. Also, it takes no time to set up, other than updating the firmware and drivers.

- Nick

Subject:RE: Behringer B-Control

Reply by: alltheseworlds

Date:4/11/2006 10:32:14 PM

Nick, Are you using the fader version ? This sounds very interesting. Can you tell us a little more about how you've got it set up ? Are you just using the faders for individual tracks ? Are the knobs any use ?

Subject:RE: Behringer B-Control

Reply by: nlamartina

Date:4/11/2006 11:40:11 PM

Yes, the BCF is the fader version (the BCR is the knob version). I have it connected via USB (although it works just as well hooked up via MIDI cables to my sound interface), and I've found that its "Mackie For Cubase" emulator mode works best for Acid (or Vegas).

Each fader corresponds to a fader on screen, and since they're all motorized, the snap up with each track I add, as well as moving along with my automation. I can control 8 channels at a time, and switching fader banks is as easy as pressing the "Preset" button forward or back, so even for my larger, 50+ tracks projects, it's still very useful.

The transport controls are to the lower right; FF, RW, Play/Pause, and Stop. When FF/RW'ing, Acid even snaps the cursor to the nearest grid mark. I also have a foot controller hooked up, which leaves my hands free to do other things during some of my wild editing sessions.

The knobs by default control the pan for each track, but they can also be used to change record assignments and FX. The buttons below that control muting, soloing, arming, and track selection. Changing it to automation mode is as simple as pressing the downshift key and "Edit".

Another nice feature is that you can download a virtual LCD scribble strip from Behringer's site, which shows the name of all your banked tracks on your monitor (wherever you place it), which emulates a Mackie scribble strip. It really helps keep things straight.

Keep in mind that I didn't have to customize any of the above setup (although Acid lets you define Mackie functions to an amazing degree). Just plug it in, set your ports in Acid, and that's it. Behringer (justifiably) has a very poor reputation when it comes to hardware, but this little guy is one of their exceptions. I mean, it's made of plastic instead of metal, and it's a bit flimsy, but this is something that sits on my desk. I'm not throwing it across the room. I've had it for 6 months, and it still works like new.

- Nick

Subject:RE: Behringer B-Control

Reply by: Illogical

Date:4/12/2006 6:10:23 AM

Great feedback Nick, ya sold me...I'm gonna go buy one today.

Subject:RE: Behringer B-Control

Reply by: Illogical

Date:4/12/2006 4:39:17 PM

Well, guess I'm not buying one today...Guitar Center sux ballz and Daddy's Junky is just, er, junky. I live in the middle of Boston and somehow it's still easier to order stuff online.


Anyway, I've heard the faders are kinda noisy on the B-Control...any thoughts on that?