BCF2000 with Mackie Universal Control on Pro Tools 10?

[jakedavis]

Hey guys, I'm running Pro Tools 10 on a relatively new Macbook Pro running Lion. I'm in the market for cheap but easy to use control surfaces and I found a good deal on the Mackie Universal Control (original, not pro).

I'm wondering, if I also purchase a BCF2000, can I have 16 channels assigned at once (8 to the mackie, 8 to the bcf) for hands-on mixing. And then just use the Mackie for all transport/recording related functions.

And while I'm on the topic, could I then also plug in my M-Audio Axiom Pro keyboard and use it's faders for the drums (8 mics).

Effectively leaving me with 24 faders/pans, a controller, and not much money spent. Or is there something I'm overlooking here. And if anyone has insight on how to get it all to work nicely, that'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[grovephil]

I use the BCF with PT10, you can move between banks quite easily, and the transport commands work. I don't have much need for more surfaces, though you may. When you change groups the BCF faders reflect what is on screen. If you need to switch between say Drums & Guitars, set up groups for these and it's quite quick. Keep in mind the physical space you're in, maybe less is more..
The axiom doesn't have motorised faders, that may be an issue. I imagine it would be possible to set up three control surfaces - there's 4 "slots". You just need to configure them all correctly.

[Simon says]

The BCF2000 works well in PT, I just plugged it in, set it up and job done. it is quick scanning through the different channels and shows clearly where you are in PT - I mke do with one easily. There is a nice little movie on youtube outlining how it works. Hope that helps.

[jakedavis]

Can you turn off/on click and off/on preroll with the BCF with one click of a button? That's crucial for me. The one other thing about the BCF that i'm not a huge fan of is that it doesn't have track names displayed on the actual device.

[grovephil]

Cmd K toggles pre/post roll, 7 toggles click, why not use key commands? I can see that track naming could be an issue though.

[Simon says]

The BCF works in emulation mode in Pro Tools, and you cannot edit/program functions in that mode. Those two controls are not there as part of the original set up. What I am not sure of is whether you can edit changes to controls that are then reflected when you switch it back to emulation mode. I would drop a call into Behringer support, as that is not clear in the manual.

Personally I have no issue in track names not displaying, but then I am used to it, but I see why you would want them. I find it better in mixing than tracking, I do not use it for that at all I find keyboard shortcuts far quicker.