Vintage Synth Explorer Forums

Well I think I'm going to eventually pick up a midi controller for my nord micro modular. Unfortunately I'm rather confused by the features offered by many of the current models. Ideally I want something similar to the Encore Knobby or Doepfer pocketdial, but with keys. Basically I want a midi controller that has several virtual banks of control data for the knobs, thus allowing the unit to control a large amount parameters despite being limited to 8-16 knobs. For instance, 16 knobs and 4 banks would mean that I essentially have 64 knobs with which to work. It seems to me that many current models might be capable of doing this, but the manufactures never explicitly say so. Thanks I'd appreciate any help I can get.

Not exactly what you've described, but I've found the Behringer BCR-2000 to be a great controller for my recently acquired Nord Micro.
It'll merge incoming MIDI with it's own, so you can hook up any MIDI keyboard (synth or controller) to the BCR, then BCR to Micro Modular.

Maybe not the all-in-one solution you're looking for, but it's a whole lot of assignable knobs for cheap.

pricklyrobot wrote:Not exactly what you've described, but I've found the Behringer BCR-2000 to be a great controller for my recently acquired Nord Micro.
It'll merge incoming MIDI with it's own, so you can hook up any MIDI keyboard (synth or controller) to the BCR, then BCR to Micro Modular.

Maybe not the all-in-one solution you're looking for, but it's a whole lot of assignable knobs for cheap.

I've considered the berhinger, but I'm holding out to see if theres anything better.

get something with a text display, not just numbers so you have some feedback on what control is what

Altitude wrote:get something with a text display, not just numbers so you have some feedback on what control is what

Thanks, but I'm trying to keep the price down. The korg and novation controllers with these features are pricey enough to where I'd be better off selling the mmicro and picking up a G1.

Try and find a used Peavey PC1600x. I use this sliderbox, and it is a treat.

http://www.defectiverecords.com/pc1600/pc1600.html

I have not used the Behringer, but it gets good reviews and there is a lot of current support for it.


cheers,
Ian

I'm probably just going to pick up a oxygen 8 for cheap from spaceboys thread, I suppose i can make due with 8 knobs (not including the 3 on the micro) plus battery power is nice. Still interested in any advice though. Thanks for the great replies.

Haven't tried it myself but this Korg NanoKontrol looks like it might be a cool little add-on to a keyboard controller. Although if I'm reading the specs right it only has MIDI via USB, and no regular MIDI jacks. So it may not work for you, depending on your set-up.

pricklyrobot wrote:Haven't tried it myself but this Korg NanoKontrol looks like it might be a cool little add-on to a keyboard controller. Although if I'm reading the specs right it only has MIDI via USB, and no regular MIDI jacks. So it may not work for you, depending on your set-up.

Yep, it doesn't have midi sadly, this was verified by some guy in the dsi mopho thread.

nuketifromorbit wrote:I'd be better off selling the mmicro and picking up a G1.

it would worth the upgrade, for a stronger nm with knobs and perhaps a keyboard controller.

nuketifromorbit wrote:I'm probably just going to pick up a oxygen 8 for cheap from spaceboys thread, I suppose i can make due with 8 knobs (not including the 3 on the micro) plus battery power is nice. Still interested in any advice though. Thanks for the great replies.

Ugh, dont bother. Worst travesty ever. Hope you like 3 tier programming (i.e. hold this while pressing this, while turning that..)

Altitude wrote:

nuketifromorbit wrote:I'm probably just going to pick up a oxygen 8 for cheap from spaceboys thread, I suppose i can make due with 8 knobs (not including the 3 on the micro) plus battery power is nice. Still interested in any advice though. Thanks for the great replies.

Ugh, dont bother. Worst travesty ever. Hope you like 3 tier programming (i.e. hold this while pressing this, while turning that..)

Your too late, but keep in mind I only payed 60 shipped for it. Also the latter really doesn't bother me.

nuketifromorbit wrote:

Altitude wrote:

nuketifromorbit wrote:I'm probably just going to pick up a oxygen 8 for cheap from spaceboys thread, I suppose i can make due with 8 knobs (not including the 3 on the micro) plus battery power is nice. Still interested in any advice though. Thanks for the great replies.

Ugh, dont bother. Worst travesty ever. Hope you like 3 tier programming (i.e. hold this while pressing this, while turning that..)

Your too late, but keep in mind I only payed 60 shipped for it. Also the latter really doesn't bother me.

I hope it's at least a v2

[/quote]

I hope it's at least a v2[/quote]

I actually just tried to cancel my purchase after reading the harmony central reviews. Wow I had no idea it was that bad.

Oh, that does look bad..looks like some of those reviews are run through google translator though

Price Paid: 10,000yen (Japanese YEN) used
Submitted 06/30/2005 at 01:34pm by Fujimura
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Ease of Use : 10
It understands if you see that.

Features : 6
25 full size keyboard.
It is Cheap.
Often, even if a keyboard is pushed, it isn't returned.
Because of that, I perform an operation for him well.

Expressiveness/Sounds : No Opinion
no sounds.

Reliability : 3
It is low.
Sometimes, keyboard is hold.

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 5
A cheap keyboard.
A function except for that is good.
Only, a keyboard is pulled out, and it can't be evaluated.
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Do you understand any of this review?