UC-33/e vs BCR2000

DJ Gear & Hardware Hardware: Controllers, Mods and Gear
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UC-33/e vs BCR2000

Please pardon for the large post.. :slight_smile:

Looking to add some knob control to compliment my monome setup. I used search and couldn’t find a thread on this subject already, so I figured I’d make one because these controllers are old but still useful and relevant. I plan on using a setup with 8 channels in live of possibly volume and mostly FX. So a few points I’d like to have people clear up between the two are
-build quality (both case and actual components)
-driver quality
-am I really going to hate soft takeover that much?
-is there better controller for the price?
-Difference between UC-33/e?
I was dead set on the BCR mostly because I heard the build quality of the UC was horrible. After some searching I’ve heard users say the UC’s build is actually pretty good. Then I realized, it’d be nice to have some faders plus the UC is smaller plus the BCR is ugly. Either way my facts on the units are too cloudy to make a definite decision, so if you all could post which you have used and which you prefer. And no K2 recommendations or anything, I’m looking for cheaper control.
Thanks a ton for the help! :smiley:

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You’d be mad to take the BCR over the UC-33e. There is NOTHING wrong with the build quality, and it is class compliant (ie - no drivers required).

BUT - soft takeover on the UC-33e DOESN’T WORK in Ableton Live.

The difference between the UC-33e and the UC-33 is just that the UC-33e can “dump” it’s settings via sysex. Not that important.

Now go buy a UC-33e!

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[quote]-am I really going to hate soft takeover that much?
[/quote]

YES, espessially if the FX are per channel (if it was available anyhow)

Pots are just horrible IMHO for anything except dedicated control of a device e.g 3 band EQ

About the same, neither feel particularly solid IMHO.. plasticy

What about a BCF2000 ?

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I’ve got a uc33e in trying to get rid of if your looking to get one

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So basically if the volume wasn’t where I left it and I moved a fader, it would jump? bummer..

I thought about it, but it’s far too large and not as cost efficient IMO.

If you still have it in about two weeks I’ll possibly take off your hands.

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The BCR2000 is still considered one of the better Ableton Live controllers, next to the ACP-20 and 40 ofcourse. :wink:

You don’t have to believe me, you may also take Tim Excile’s word for it. :wink:

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My only concerns of the BCR are its size and lack of faders. The thing really is gigantic. Trust me though, if I don’t go with the BCR it won’t be because it isn’t a good controller.

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Pm me when you want it

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Basically, the majority of current day (4 deck) controllers is bigger. :wink:

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Good point, but I’m not comparing it to DJ controllers per se.. really looking more into developing my live set :slight_smile: unfortunately that means less mixing, but I’ll definitely keep a traktor mapping handy of whichever controller I purchase.

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Well, if it’s less mixing, I don’t see the direct need for faders, maybe knobs could give you a more precise control than faders.

one time a friend of mine had a live gig, brought and mapped both his UC33 and his BCR2000.
Not even half way through the gig he let the UC33 be for what it was and only used the BCR from that point on.

And to be honest, if your working live gig with automations, I’m thinking automated faders would help you loads more. Try to see if the BCF does anything for you, next to a BCR.
(This is taking in account you already have a LaunchPad.)

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I will look into the bcf, but the reason I would like faders is that I’ll be running some apps on my monome where I’ll have 8 channels so it would be nice to have volume control through a fader on them. As for the launchpad I’m afraid you’ll be seeing a post in the buy/sell forums soon enough. Sort of sad to see it go but.. not really. Anyways thanks for the tips n such.

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Well, if you’re selling the launchpad, you might want to look into the APC-20?

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Take BCF, it has motorized faders… exactly what you need. If not then BCR.

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I gotta be honest, but you you can be way more precise with an endless encoder set to relative mode! :slight_smile:

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About the APC 20, I currently am using a monome with 128 buttons, which is why I’m selling the launchpad. I gotta know when to stop with the buttons :slight_smile:
I’m seriously torn though.. I may just pick one and if I don’t like it return it.. dunno.