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BCR32

Chapter 3

Controller mode

Turn the 32 push-encoders and 24 keys into a MIDI controller for your DAW and gear.

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In this chapter · 7
  1. 3.1Controller mode
  2. 3.2Assigning encoders and keys
  3. 3.3Choosing an encoder mode
  4. 3.4All 32 encoders push
  5. 3.5Controller output and MIDI Thru
  6. 3.6Storing and loading presets
  7. 3.7Coming from a BCR2000
3.1Basics

Controller mode

Press 1ZAQ/CTRL until the keys glow amber. The 32 encoders and 24 keys (5–24 and 65–68) then send whatever the current preset defines. The unit stores 64 controller presets. Source: Official

SettingOptions in the manual
AssignableKeys 5–24 and 65–68; all 32 encoders (turn for continuous values, push for on/off); both footswitches when set to CTRL in Settings
Message typeEncoders: PC, CC, NRPN, Pitch Bend, Aftertouch, GS. Keys: PC, CC, NRPN, Note, Aftertouch, GS, MMC.
Encoder modeAbsolute, ABS_14 (14-bit absolute), REL1–REL3 (relative), R1_14–R3_14 (14-bit relative), INC/DEC — see Choosing an encoder mode
Output routingUSB, MIDI A, MIDI B or a combination, set in the controller settings
3.2Basics

Assigning encoders and keys

There are two ways to give a control its message: set it by hand with 59EDIT, or let it learn from incoming MIDI with 62LEARN. Source: Official

By hand

  1. Hold 59EDIT and turn an encoder or press a key.
  2. Choose the message type with SELECT.
  3. Step through its options with 63< and 64>.

Key combinations

Hold 59EDIT + turn ENCODER or press a key
Opens that control’s assignment: type on SELECT, options on < and >.CTRL mode
Hold 62LEARN + touch a control
Assigns the control to the next MIDI message it receives.CTRL mode

Sources & further reading

Assign MIDI CC to encoder on Behringer BCR32 - Quick how-to

Unicyclic GEAR

A quick how-to: giving an encoder a CC in controller mode.

3.3Intermediate

Choosing an encoder mode

Each encoder has its own mode, set while assigning it (Assigning encoders and keys). Which one is right depends on whether the receiving end sends values back.

  • Absolute is the right choice when the DAW sends values back, because the LED ring then follows the parameter and nothing jumps.
  • Relative modes avoid parameter jumps when there’s no feedback. Per the manual, REL1 sends the minimum value for a left turn and the maximum for a right turn, REL2 sends 63 and 65 (what most DAWs call binary offset), and REL3 sends 1 and 65. The 14-bit versions (R1_14–R3_14) send coarse/fine byte pairs, and the manual’s table lists the exact values. Source: Official
  • 14-bit modes give 16,384 steps for smooth filter sweeps, but only if the receiving end understands 14-bit CC pairs or NRPN. Otherwise you’ll see jumps or doubled values.
3.4Basics

All 32 encoders push

All 32 encoders are push switches: turn for continuous values, push for on/off. Early spec sheets listed only 8 push encoders, matching the BCR2000. Source: Official

Forum suggestions include snapping an EQ band back to 0 dB or momentary FX sends, and a Bitwig owner uses them as plug-in bypass (Bitwig Studio). One owner says later firmware added encoder acceleration, and a forum post says the speed can be changed. Source: Press / owners

3.5Intermediate

Controller output and MIDI Thru

In CTRL mode, hold 59EDIT and press 61STORE. Keys 5 and 6 light blue. Key 5 sets where the controller sends; key 6 sets the MIDI Thru. Press SELECT to save, then 60EXIT. Source: Official

Key combinations

Hold 59EDIT + 61STORE
Opens the controller settings.CTRL mode
CTRL SETTINGS · Controller settingsHold 59EDIT and press 61STORE in CTRL mode; keys 5 and 6 light blue.

OUTPUT ROUTING

Turn SELECT for USB, MIDI A, MIDI B, MIDI A & B, USB & MIDI A, USB & MIDI B, or USB and MIDI A & B.

Key 5

3.6Basics

Storing and loading presets

Like a pattern store, a preset save goes to temporary memory first. Source: Official

Save a preset

  1. Press 61STORE and pick a location with 63< and 64>.
  2. Press 61STORE again to confirm the location, and a third time to write.
  3. Hold SELECT and press 61STORE to make it permanent.

To load a preset, step to it with 63< and 64>. It loads as soon as you reach it. Source: Official

Key combinations

Hold SELECT + 61STORE
Makes stored presets permanent.CTRL mode
63< or 64>
Steps through presets; each loads as soon as you reach it.CTRL mode
3.7Intermediate

Coming from a BCR2000

The BCR32 keeps the BCR2000’s BCL preset syntax, so old BCR2000 presets still work. Owners report that SysEx in and out work. Source: Press / owners

One owner’s review, updated after a firmware update, says SysEx now works, but for now only by copying the BCR2000’s SysEx TX messages onto the BCR32. The pre-launch worry that SysEx was missing dates from before anyone had a unit. Source: Press / owners

Sources & further reading