Behringer is working with the developer of the Zaquencer software on a new version of the BCR2000 MIDI controller BCR32 with 32 knobs and a built-in sequencer at $149.
In January 2021, Behringer first announced plans for a new version of its popular BCR2000, MIDI controller. This with first pictures of a prototype. Unlike the original, the alternative firmware Zaquencer will be installed in the unit.
Since 2022, there is now another update on this project that has been long awaited by many. The project has been quiet since 2022. Now, after a year, there is an update. The controller is now going into the external beta testing phase and will go later into production. With a bit of luck we will see it in stores this year.
We have just completed the firmware for the highly anticipated BCR32. The next and final step is to involve our external beta testers for final approval before moving to mass production.We apologize for the delay, as the firmware was quite complex, especially with the inclusion of the Zaquencer firmware. Thank you for your patience.
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Article From January 10, 2021
Behringer and its products are often discussed loudly and emotionally on social media. However, there is one product that is also accepted by the biggest clone critics, the BCR 2000. A MIDI controller that was loved by many because of its large feature set, good quality, and low price.
The controller was so popular that even an independent developer (ZAQ Audio) published an alternative firmware for it, which turns the BCR 2000 into a powerful MIDI sequencer. Also known as Zaquencer. Today, they announced that they are bringing the BCR2000 MIDI controller back onto the market. They will call it BCR32, will offer a completely new design and have many new features
Behringer BCR32
Behringer will not clone its BCR2000, but will completely revise it. Not just outside but inside too. For this project, they partner up with Christian Stöcklmeier, developer of the Zaquencer software. According to B., it will again be a MIDI controller with 32 knobs but also with a built-in sequencer. Probably one with 4 tracks, as the device not only has classic USB and MIDI but also 4 CV & gate outputs plus sync in/out. Very interesting in my opinion.
This is not the final design. According to B., these are the first render of a possible design. They wrote on Facebook:
We’re very excited to announce that we’ve entered into a collaboration with Zaquencer to bring back the highly sought after BCR2000 – however this time with the famous Zaquencer built-in. This is a draft only but we’re excited to start the development after we’ve received your feedback. We’re confident that we can offer the new BCR32 for US149. What do you think?
Update
Behringer BCR32 Features
- USB/MIDI Controller/Sequencer with 32 Multi-Purpose Encoders and Polyphonic 32-Step / 4-Track Zaquencer
- Universal USB/MIDI controller for triggering audio clips, MIDI events or any MIDI equipment
- Highly-acclaimed Zaquencer from ZAQ Audio for unmatched sequencer performance
- Compatible with popular DAWs or other music production software
- 32 multi-purpose encoders for custom assignment of parameters
- 4 virtual groups and 8 dual-mode encoders with push function
- 20 programmable buttons, assignable as note on/off, control and program change, MMC and system exclusive data
- All panel elements are freely assignable, manually or via user-friendly learn mode
- 32-step, 4-track Zaquencer featuring mono/polyphonic drum and note tracks
- Storage of all global parameters and up to 192 patterns, each consisting of 4 tracks
- 2 independent MIDI controls per track (program change, aftertouch, pitch bend, CCs)
- 4 CV/Gate and Sync connectors for controlling synthesizers, drum machines and other equipment
- 2 assignable footswitch connectors for handsfree control
- Multi-function OLED display for easy control of all parameters
- High visibility multi-color LED feedback to show status of all controls
- 1 MIDI input and 2 MIDI output connectors to serve as additional USB to MIDI interface
- MIDI input with merge function for cascading several control units
- USB powered compact design for ultimate portability
- Compatible with Apple iPad* via USB Camera Adapter (not included)
- Class-compliant MIDI/USB protocol for “plug and play” operation
- 3-year extended warranty upon registration
It’s nice to hear that Behringer is now working on a successor to its popular MIDI controller. Plus in collaboration with the developer of the Zaquencer software. They target a price of $149. For this, it will be a bestseller, I’m sure. Controllers with so many knobs plus a sequencer at this price are currently not available on the market. Looking forward to seeing the final product.
More information here: Behringer
Wow! As long as they don’t remove anything that made the original so great (sysex with -/+ values, nrpn etc),and hopefully allow for bcr2000 templates, this could become as classic as the original. Funny though, original is not something one would associate with the name Behringer, yet that’s exactly what the bcr2000 was; an original product not directly copying something else. Fingers crossed.
Real time sequencer or just a step sequencer and if so how many notes would it hold?
no info but we could inspire us at the Zaquencer feature set which will be probably inside this unit as well
32 steps @ different resolutions
x 16 banks x 16 patterns of 4 traks
This is the Kind of stuff I wanna see more of from Behringer.
The only good things by berhinger : old BCR2000 and this new one.
But just because they copy so much, even if i need one, i won’t buy this brand anymore…
Would be nice if the footwsitch inputs could copy as CV-pedal inputs, for volume, assignable CV/MIDI-CC etc.
I m quite critical on Behringer, but this time they show signs of originality and cooperation, without bashing anyone or crossing ethical barriers. That is the way to go!
Please add a “reset” input at the sync section
People crap on Behringer for their questionable products, and I get that to some extent, as a lot of their products have been… well, as said, clones of other things, but basically cheaper but also worse versions.
However, Behringer as a whole has definitely seemed to have worked hard to improve their products in terms of quality as well as giving them their own spin on them.
I’ve now seen people commend products like their effects, interfaces, and tools. – And one thing particular my uncle has praised them for, who is a keyboard-player and has actually been around in the ’70s and ’80s for the real stuff, as well as owning a few of the classics himself, is the synthesizer-clones they’ve been making recently.
He claims that they’re doing a better job with the Roland-clones than Roland themselves in terms of getting the sound like the originals. So they’re doing something right.
i didnt even know about the bcr 2000 ! i hope the new one does the same parameters ! will be looking forward to its release date . thank you . i had a long wait for the model d years ago . i bought three , wonderful units