Behringer BCR32 Encoder

Decked out in a sleek and contemporary finish, BCR32 offers a similar control layout and feature set to its predecessor, aside from the newly-integrated sequencer and some notable enhancements.

You get the same 32 assignable rotary encoders – eight of which function as push encoders – but the top row has been brought down to join the other three, and the LED rings are now colour-coded for extra visual feedback.

There are still 20 assignable buttons up top, but 16 of these are now helpfully labelled with sequencer functions. On the right-hand side BCR32 has an OLED display that’s joined by transport, navigation and preset controls.

The sequencer's four tracks can function as mono/poly note tracks or drum tracks, and 12 banks of 16 patterns can be stored on the device, totalling 192. Each track has independent controls for loop start, loop length, clock division, direction and swing, and each can also have two independent MIDI controls, assignable to MIDI CC, program change, after touch or pitch bend.

The connectivity has also been significantly expanded, with footswitch inputs, USB-C and three MIDI connections (one 5-pin MIDI In, one Out and Out/Thru) joined by four CV/gate pairs and sync in/out, all on 3.5mm minijacks. This means that, unlike the BCR2000, BCR32 can sequence and control analogue and modular gear.

FEATURES

• 32 freely assignable multifunction rotary controls

• 8 push encoders with dual functionality

• 20 programmable buttons

• 32-step sequencer with 4 tracks

• Storage for up to 192 patterns