Control Elements and Connections, Nrpn

B-CONTROL FADER BCF2000-WH

+A note command can only be assigned to keys, footswitches and push functions of the encoder.

Control 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 manual’s 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 Touch

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 Control (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).

Program 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 we’ll give you useful tips on how to use them. An illustration of the control elements with the corresponding numbering can be found on the next page.

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 LED 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 ENCODER 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 LED illuminates if the footswitch is pressed.

FOOT CTRL LED illuminates when the footcontroller is actuated (MIDI data is sent).

Permanently fixed functions are assigned to this key section:

STORE saves presets.

LEARN gets you to the LEARN mode.

EDIT gets you to the EDIT mode.

Using the EXIT 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 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 PRESET 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.

These are the MIDI connectors of your B-CONTROL. Depending on the operating mode, MIDI OUT B doubles as

MIDI THRU.

This is the SWITCH connector for connecting a footswitch. Its polarity is automatically detected.

CONTROLLER connector. Here, you can connect an expression pedal that can be used for controlling assignable MIDI data.

3. CONTROL ELEMENTS AND CONNECTIONS