CME Bitstream 3x users, any good?

[tigali]

Looks like exactly what I need. Why does it not get mentioned on here more often? Is it not as good as it looks?

[8O]

http://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=90160 - looks like mixed reports regarding build quality...

[tigali]

I had seen that thread but it's from 2008. I'm wondering why the controller is not mentioned much around here when it looks like such a great piece of kit. As the last poster in that thread states, the build quality is not an issue anymore, and these things are still for sale at the moment. So, what gives?

I like my rotary knobs and I'm looking for something with more knobs than my nanoKontrol and an XY function to play alongside my Launchpad. This one looks like just the ticket but I'm wary as it doesn't get talked about much. I'm thinking there must be other issues.

[Nick Shepherd]

uc-33 is by far more popular... dont really know why but i allways prefered them over the Bitstream, played around with the CME a few times but i felt more comfortable going back to my uc-33e afterwards.

but i seen some people use it, like Robert Babicz (Rob Acid) a while ago, so maybe its just a matter of taste ? Uc-33 is propably the most widespread Live controller apart from maybe the APC which is something completly different imho

[tigali]

Yeah, my search keeps bringing me back to the uc-33e. They are insanely popular. I'm just drawn to the extra features of the Bitstream.
Just out of curiosity, was Babicz using other controllers with it or was that his only one?

[tigali]

I'm also thinking that if not the Bitstream, I'd probably go for the BCR2000. I don't see much between it and the UC 33e but the Behringer is cheaper. (not a huge fan of faders)

[Hei©o]

i was to buy Bitstream 3x, during the research time, i come down to used Lemur, and now on iPad 2 and TouchOSC. I`ll probably get an iPad and Touch. The price of an cheapest iPad 2 and Bitstream are not so much different here at my place.

I already own an UC33e and two Behringers BCR2000, they are both very good controllers, i use BCRs2000 for Ableton and UC33 for Reason.

[3phase]

i had the bitstream.. faders and knos are chineese not the best feel on the planet but not really worse than the other cheapo faderboxes.. its very solid build..that the reason i sold it 5kg just for a controler is too much for my hardware based live setup..for people that only use controlers the beatstream offers a stable position on the table thanks to its wight..

from the internal possebilitys its a swiss army knife.. a problem solver that even supplys a clock for a roland 303..and inbuild paregiator.. joystick..ruber band.. little motion sequencers..but to fiddely for me to use..

it can do things like haveing 2 controlers on one knob where the middle position is zero..ideal for fx sends.. so 2 alternat fx on one knob... but setup needs ages.. a controler that grows with you and your setup.. mackie emulation makes it pretty usable straight out of the box...

the evolution is lightwight and just offers normal controler sends.. but is easy to use..
the behringers are heavy and limited.. only the motorfaders are a plus..

in the end of the day none is prefect.. a bitstream in plastic housing lightwight with motorfaders would be the one i want..

[tigali]

in the end of the day none is prefect.. a bitstream in plastic housing lightwight with motorfaders would be the one i want..

Let's hope there's something at Messe.

[Nick Shepherd]

Just out of curiosity, was Babicz using other controllers with it or was that his only one?

its allready a few years ago, but as far as i remember he brought... Bitstream, Korg nanoKontrol, propably a kaoss pad + laptop with live

[3phase]

Just out of curiosity, was Babicz using other controllers with it or was that his only one?

its allready a few years ago, but as far as i remember he brought... Bitstream, Korg nanoKontrol, propably a kaoss pad + laptop with live

and no 303?

[Nick Shepherd]

and no 303?

hmn, actually i am not sure about that... just had a look at his desk while getting some drinks from the bar, but it looked more like a full-digital ableton setup he brought that night... i could be wrong though

[sawanotsuru]

i've got one and really love it, the knobs feel nice n chunky, the faders are a little less so, but still fine and feel 'right', the crossfader is a bit wimpy, so probably best to avoid any qbert type shizzle. the software makes it really easy to set up and the developer has recently announced that he plans on making the firmware open source so there could be some interesting developments inside these boxes very soon. check the wave idea forum.

also, the arpeggiator is quite cool.

feel free to ask me anything else you might want to know..

[tigali]

Thanks very much. If/When I take the plunge I'll be in touch.

[ibt]

Gui Boratto was using it a lot - lots of youtube vids of him playing with a Bitstream-monome-Lemur-Max-Live combination.. (but he’s since switched to an apc40 I think)

The uc33 would be more practical for gigs(much lighter and backpack size), but if it’s for the studio, the Bitstream does have 8 more pots, + the LFO, arpeggiator, motion, 100 controller snapshots, and 64 arpeggiator snapshots - pretty cool, and do give you extra production options. You can pick them up on eBay for about €150/200

It would be great if the open source plan takes off and brings new energy and functions