6
B-CONTROL FADER BCF2000/B-CONTROL ROTARY BCR2000
C ntr l Change (CC):
Control Change Messages are some of the most powerful MIDI
messages. Using them, a vast number of parameters and functions
can be recalled and automated. Individual control elements (faders,
rotary dials, keys etc.) can be assigned to CC messages on your
B-CONTROL. Because not only keys but also faders and rotary
dials can be used, control values can be controlled in real time
either statically or dynamically. A list with the standard controller
numbers can be found in this user manuals appendix.
NRPN:
Additionally, controllers that have no standardized assignment
can also be used, and can therefore be assigned according to no
predetermined rule. These controllers are called NRPNs (Non-
Registered Parameter Numbers). NRPNs are further subdivided
into MSB (Most Significant Byte) and LSB (Least Significant Byte)
in order to achieve a higher resolution. A lower resolution is
particularly easy to observe during fader movement of a mixer, in
which 7-bit (= 128 values) jumps in the signal level can be heard.
By subdividing NRPNs into MSB and LSB, you can achieve
14-bit resolution of faders and rotary dials, which means that the
movement of a fader is divided into more than 16,000 steps (214)!
In addition to NRPNs, there are also RPNs (Registered Parameter
Numbers). RPN commands are defined as GM (general MIDI),
GS (Roland) and XG (Yamaha) MIDI standards.
Pitch Bend
The pitch-bend wheel of a keyboard is used for tone modulation
and has its own commands in the MIDI format.
After T uch
MIDI keyboards featuring After Touch can respond to varying
key pressure even after you release the key (i.e. after the keystroke
is over) and can send this data via MIDI. This function either
reacts key-specific (key pressure) or it reacts to all notes at the
same time (channel pressure).
MIDI Machine C ntr l (MMC):
With MIDI Machine Control, you can assign transport functions
of a sequencer or drum computer (e.g. start, stop, FFW/RWD)
and locator points to individual keys with a permanently adjustable
time position (locate, punch in/out points).
Pr gram Change Messages and MIDI Bank Select:
Program change messages are used to recall programs/presets
in MIDI devices connected to your B-CONTROL. 128 program
numbers can be recalled. For devices with more than 128 presets,
use the bank select function, which lets you select a storage bank
before sending a program change.
Running Status:
Because the MIDI interface is a serial data transmission format
(meaning that its data is transmitted as a succession of individual
data segments), it became apparent very quickly that it may not
be fast enough. To avoid perceptible delays in the output of MIDI
data, Running Status was designed. It suppresses the
transmission of the status byte when the same MIDI messages
are transmitted in succession. This means that, for example,
during a continuous change of the data byte of a controller (e.g.
volume), the status byte is only sent once. The only thing that is
transmitted are the changes in the data byte. This goes on until
another status byte is sent. 8 bits are saved for each message
sent.
SysEx Dump:
System-Exclusive data refer to a function that makes
transmission of nonspecific data via MIDI possible. This is often
used for reading out memory contents and storing them externally.
The status byte notes the data type (SysEx) the first three data
bytes are a manufacturer ID, so that when you have a large MIDI
network, you can still talk to the correct MIDI device.
To make using several identical B-CONTROLs at the same
time possible, you can assign a device number (device ID) in the
global setup menu to each B-CONTROL, which assures that only
the correct device receives the data intended for it.
3. CONTROL ELEMENTS AND
CONNECTIONS
In this chapter, we will describe various control elements of
your B-CONTROL. All controls and connectors are explained in
detail, and well give you useful tips on how to use them.
The 8 infinitely variable push encoders are used to send
MIDI data. They have two functions (turn and press) that
can be assigned to different MIDI commands.
Each of these 16 keys can send one MIDI command.
The four-digit L D display indicates the current operating
software version briefly during startup. After that, it shows
the selected preset number. When in play mode, activating
one of the control elements indicates value changes on the
LED in real time. When in programming mode, it indicates
the type of MIDI commands, program/channel numbers and
parameter values.
Using the NCOD R GROUP keys, four so-called encoder
groups per preset can be recalled, so that eight PUSH
encoders for a total of 64 different MIDI functions are at
your disposal.
These LEDs indicate the following:
MIDI IN, OUT A and OUT B illuminate if MIDI data flows
through the respective connectors.
USB Mode illuminates if a USB connection to a computer is
active (your computer must be on).
The FOOT SW LEDs illuminate if the footswitch is actuated.
FOOT CTRL (BCF2000 only) illuminates when the footswitch
pedal is pressed (MIDI data is sent).
Permanently fixed functions are assigned to this key section:
STOR saves presets.
L ARN gets you to the LEARN mode.
DIT gets you to the EDIT mode.
Using the XIT key, you exit a programming level (edit mode/
global setup). Use it also to cancel a store or copy procedure.
The eight 100-mm faders of the BCF2000 are freely
assignable for controlling MIDI commands. They are
motorized, so they automatically slide into the predetermined
position when you switch to another preset. If the software
you are controlling or the MIDI device to which your
B-CONTROL is connected support parameter feedback, the
fader positions change automatically.
Using the PR S T keys, 32 presets can be recalled. The
preset number is shown in the display.
These four keys can be assigned to any MIDI command of
your choice.
The 24 infinitely variable rotary controls (encoders) of the
BCR2000 can be programmed to send MIDI control
commands. The LED circle show the current value.
These are the SWITCH connectors for connecting a
footswitch. Its polarity is automatically detected. On the
BCR2000, the first connector (SWITCH 1) can also be used
to connect a double footswitch with stereo jacks. In this
case, SWITCH 2 must remain unused.
3. CONTROL ELEMENT AND CONNECTION
