![]() ![]() ![]() Two audio outs are parallelled on the analogue and digital outs again, four channels of an ADAT stream can be output as an alternative. All digital formats supported in USB 2.0 mode are available here, bar the 24-bit/96kHz ADAT S/MUX format. ![]() The ADAT input can still be used, too, but only four of the eight channels are available. When using USB 1.1, rather than the faster USB 2.0, only three analogue input signals and one stereo digital signal can be recorded at once, although the analogue audio is actually a mixed stereo signal again, as discussed elsewhere in this review. It seems that Mac drivers are on their way, but with no ETA. Currently, that software will be running only on the PC: no Mac drivers were available at the time of this review (late November 2004), and there's not even basic Core Audio compatibility at the moment. Quality mic preamps, built-in dynamics processing and a zero-latency monitoring option add up to a pretty good spec for what is a budget interface, one that can operate at up to 24-bit/96kHz.Īnd that's before I make mention of the built-in one-in/two-out MIDI interface, which allows up to 32 MIDI channels to be sent from your host software alongside the audio. A maximum of eight channels of audio returning from your ASIO2- or WDM-compatible host software can be monitored in stereo, or in a multi-channel surround mix, via analogue or digital connections. The BCA2000 allows you to record up to eight audio channels, selected (with a few restrictions, of which more in a moment) from three analogue sources and two, four or eight digital audio channels, and routed into your computer via the USB 2.0 connection (if your computer can't handle USB 2.0, operation can take place over USB 1.1, but the slower nature of that protocol means you can interface fewer simulataneous channels - see the box above on the right for details). What we have is a device that offers just enough analogue ins, comprehensive digital I/O, and a fair amount of analogue outs. However, if Behringer's early publicity led you to think that the BCA2000 is also a MIDI hardware controller, it categorically isn't - none of its knobs or faders transmits MIDI data of any kind. The BCA seems a little anomalous in the company of these two MIDI controllers it may be mounted in a box of the same shape, but it offers control of a different kind - over the audio and MIDI data moving in and out of your computer. The company's BCA2000 is part of their new B-Control family, the first two members of which were reviewed in SOS last month. Although that reputation is largely undeserved these days, it has to be said that those devices which are the most modest in their demands on USB bandwidth are also the most successful.īut what about USB 2.0? This is a much faster format than earlier versions of USB, and if Behringer's latest computer-oriented release is any indication, the newer format is going to be found at the heart of very affordable gear. There's a fairly widespread impression that USB 1.1 may not be up to audio and MIDI interfacing. Photo: Mike CameronĬompleting Behringer's B-Control family, the BCA2000 combines audio and MIDI interfacing with routing and mixing features, and preamps - and all for under £200. There are even dual headphone sockets and a guitar-friendly high-impedance input on the front edge of the unit. This is a busy unit for under £200, with dynamics processing (controls are on the left at the top), reasonable metering (top right), a clear indication of signal flow (see the block diagram with LEDs, below the dynamics controls), and built-in mic preamps. ![]()
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