eauhm wrote:
Ah, yeah ok, I can see how that could be a problem.
However, in my experience, a full turn of an encoder on the bcr is translated into a full turn of a dial on a device in reason... So in that case the there's not really a difference between using a pot or an encoder, right? Also, I've noticed that by rolling the encoder between my thumb and index finger I can easily make it turn multiple complete turns. So I think I understand the issue, but I don't really experience it
Yeah, that. The issue is not an issue. I can't remember a single device where that happens in reason (i'm trying to remember a reason device where you have to make a lot of pot turns.). But basically, if the pot in reason doesn't make more than a full turn, you won't need to do it on the BCR/BCF encoders. And you have the added value that if you look to the pot on reason and it is at a given position, you're there, that's it.
The only problem with the BCR (IMHO), is that the pots are all equal. All the same, and you don't have a display, saying what it is controlling. A good solution, would be to be able do define the color for the leds (you can't as they are all red). In my case, i use the BCR2000 a lot to control the mixer channel strip. I made a remote control map myself, dividing BCR2000 in sections. I have it divided in two quadrants, with the same amount of encoders for each side. Left quadrant is EQ, right Quadrant is Dynamics plus gain. Top quadrant is Inserts/Sends. Being push encoders, they not only set the insert/send on/off, and you also control the amount. These encoders toggle Insert and Sends on the BCR2000 program selectors at the right. Then the buttons control what is on and of (HPF, LPF, EQ, E, Notch, etc, Compressor, Gate, and i even have a toggle for the chain order. All things said, this gives me full control over a single channel, except for the stuff i already control with the BCF2000: Faders obviously, mute, solo and pan are the default, with the encoder program selectors, i programmed Wide, Gain, and the channel vu meter.
Other little tricks i did that really help me to make fast mixes with this arrangement either with project control overrides or remote map editing, are changing sequencer tracks up and down with the left BCF2000 learn and exit buttons. Reset the mixer meter and changing meter modes with the same buttons on the second BCF2000. Record enable/disable, Loop on/off, and advancing the mix position (i only control 16 channels with the two BCF2000).
As for the BCR, whilst it's controlling a single channel, i can advance in reason's sequencer, and it will rearrange the leds at each change i do. Still, i give you a little navigating advise, reason has a way of implementing automation that turns the usage of the BCR2000 a bit odd, because it has the potential to control every device. So for midi tracks, you always have to create an additional automation track for the channel of that device, and in the sequencer you will have a midi track for the device, multiple automation tracks for the device, and an automation track for that device's channel. I found that having the sequencer tracks with the same order as the SSL tracks is a good work practice ( you have to remember that when you advance in the sequencer, you have to hit the next track twice if it is a midi device). Mind that this is not a BCR/BCF issue, but a reason implementation issue...
Another nit pick i have with reason and remote devices, is that when you move the base remote channel, reason mixer does not advance in its screen. In big projects this is a drag. In result, you might be a completely different set of tracks than the ones you're seeing. I got to a good point where i can "see" where i am, either toggling to the gain "view" of the BCF encoders, and in the case of the channels and bcr2000, i just toggle back and forth with the track selector. But when starting a mix, i always include some prep'ing because of my controllers. Much as when we worked with big consoles you would write the name of the tracks on gaffe ribbon, and stick it to the base of the mixer, i always work my way on the mix on the first runs, color coding the project, setting remote overrides, if the project wasn't based on one of my templates, order tracks in the sequencer and the mixer, in a logical, tidy manner. Plus defining song structure with blocks, helps a lot for navigating the project. While this might seem too much disregarded, but it's my opinion it saves a lot of time on the long run.
Finally, i also created custom remote maps for Lab One Red Queen, and reviewed a lot of the original remote maps to my own ideal (Thor, NN-XT, Redrum, Alligator, etc...). Something that i advise people to do, as each one has its own idea of control and where in the BCR2000 will the stuff be located for each device.
Good Luck.