Hey guys,
I’m looking for controllers with endless encoders instead of simple knobs (producing 0-127 values)
I only found Arturia Beatstep but read that the encoders working not so perfect.
Do you know any other controllers?
One of the better budget options is the Behringer BCR2000 Finding a unit on eBay should not be hard.
But are you looking for any specific size or price?
I remember the Behringer … but it’s a monster on the desk. I would prefer something smaller, like the Arturia.
I found also theDJ Techtools Midi Fighter … it’s not so cheap but really nice …
any other?
Dont get the beatstep…its a great idea badly executed! I did see a kickstarter for a encoder box…will scour my history
another interessting thing would be building one by myself 
… a controller board is needed, some rotary encoders, a case and some coding … sounds simple - but it’s not imho. 
https://ask.audio/articles/5-easy-ways-to-make-your-own-midi-controller-on-a-budget
Properly done encoders with visual feedback are the hardest thing to get.
At 138 Euros on Thomann, everything currently on the market (including DIY kits) will end up more expensive than a BCR2000 - which is quite a shame actually.
Even after 12 years, Behringer didn’t manage to update it. The closest things would be the DJ Techtools Midi Fighter Twister
or the Behringer X-Touch Mini
Both offer less encoders per $ on a single workspace.
I’m also looking for a replacement to mine (first gen unit from 2004 which survived 100+ gigs), but came out empty handed so far.
Edit: forgot also this one: http://lividinstruments.com/news/code-midi-controller/
Discontinued, was too expensive anyway.
The X-Touch mini is new to me. Looks cheap but maybe the encoders working better than Arturias on the Beatstep? Maybe I’ll will give it a try.
Seems there is a OS X software that uses the X-Touch for use with Lightroom
there are some critics about Novations autmap software and the encoder resolution seems not very high (maybe like on Beatstep) … but it’s interessting. thanks!
take a lookNovation Nocturn.
I’ve had one of these. Either the build quality is really bad, or I was just unlucky - but the encoders quickly stopped working, got all glitchey.
Also, it only does 7bit - 128 possible values. Try to look for 14 bit CC/NRPN support, and the number of good controllers shrink even further.
Perhaps try looking into standalone controllers like the Faderport too? It certainly has the resolution, but a single fader - not encoder/pads.
That 14 bit High Res thing is nice indeed, but that leaves out only the DJTech Tools box, which has a weird form factor - at least to my taste (and doesn’t seem to be particularly small either).
As I’m a cheap bastard, I’m eyeing this one instead: http://www.thomann.de/gb/akai_midimix.htm
No encoders or high res. but it seems easy to stack 2 of them (if ever needed), switch one to a different midi channel and sync all physical controls with the SW side with the “send all button” - that should give roughly equivalent functionality as a BCR2000 in a less bulky format…
You can also look at this one:Novation Remote ZeRO SL MkII
there are some critics about Novations autmap software and the encoder resolution seems not very high (maybe like on Beatstep) … but it’s interessting. thanks!
I’ve had one of these. Either the build quality is really bad, or I was just unlucky - but the encoders quickly stopped working, got all glitchey.
Also, it only does 7bit - 128 possible values. Try to look for 14 bit CC/NRPN support, and the number of good controllers shrink even further.
Perhaps try looking into standalone controllers like the Faderport too? It certainly has the resolution, but a single fader - not encoder/pads.
Thank you as well. Unfortunately in my town this controller is not in the store, and I was not able to touch it.
I understand that it is a budget. Comments about it are very different.
I need your opinion. By the way, I also became interestedThe X-Touch mini.
They aren’t producing them any more, but I bet you could find a Livid Instruments Code second hand, and it may be close to what you’re looking for:http://lividinstruments.com/news/code-midi-controller/
First off, check Thomann and other places, they have all lowered the price of the Behringer CMD series to like 30 euros, it is pretty small and has a nice feel (Designed for DJs, so build quality is good)
The CMD range is modular, there are pads or encoders, or clip triggers, all in separates and can be bolted together if needed.
Also check out this guy, he has been working on this for about a year or so, and has just done the first release.
Thats cool … the Behringer CMD DV-1 for 35 EUR … reviews are not so nice, but for that price I’ll give it a try. Thanks for the info, Bungle!
Found and bought a (like) new CMD DC-1 for 25 EUR (from a privat seller). Let’s see what arrives.
Trying to figure out now ,how to make a Duplex-config now. Seems that’s not too difficult.
Thanks again guys for your very helpful input.
Ok - I didn’t expected too much for that price … but I expected that big pads are not such hard to push buttons 
… nothing for playing sounds - more for switching only. I think I re-sell this controller.
… but the Duplex controller map is working so far.
Thanks for the update.
Unfortunately, I think there’s a very good reason why those controllers can be found for so cheap after entering the market at around 80 euros…
On a side note, just for playing notes and muting/unmuting + transport control, I have great fun with that little guy:
http://www.thomann.de/cz/korg_nanopad_2_black.htm?ref=search_rslt_nanopad+2_268274_1
Doesn’t replace a BCR2000, but it is pretty much non obtrusive in front of a notebook, and despite being pretty minimal it is actually useful.
By default it triggers notes (that can be changed to cc with the korg utility), and it has a built in arpeggiator triggered from the touchpad.
I use it as a “shortcut for the keyboard shortcuts” since I’m playing guitar with Renoise most of the time, and have at best one hand available - next step would be a foot controller, but I’m not there yet.
It doesnt have encoders but i gotta say that the novation launch control, which i recently acquired, has some high quality knobs and is perfect when paired with the akai lpk25.
pretty cheap but effective way to play a little live keyboard with some filter cutoff and resonance or whatever effect.
also the vestax pad one is cheap but sooo well built and the pads are great (no midi channel assignment per pad though, only per bank).