Behringer FBC1010 Foot Controller

I'm an studio engineer and a dedicated software/hardware "tweeker" so I may have an advantage in the programming arena, but MIDI footcontrollers are in my experience extremely simple pieces of gear that are a breeze to program and edit once you read the manual. This one is no exception, and is an improvement over many (like the Digicrap Control series) by not requiring you to step on two switches/pedal simultaneously to access most features (also keeps you from inadvertently switching your MIDI channel transmit # or some other parameter when your big foot accidentally hits two adjacent switches). Very intelligent and well-implemented design. Manual is written in good English and is short and to the point. Nothing missing or confusing, and new features have already been posted on their site with concise instructions.

NA - it's a controller, and has no effect on audio quality, signal flow, etc.

OK, there's a major issue here that is common to all of these MIDI footcontrollers that I've bought over the last couple years (incl most of the Digitech series, the ART X-15,etc.), and this pedal is no exception. Problem is that the relatively short distance the sensor connected to the inside of the expression pedal has to be calibrated into 127 increments for the MIDI spec. This is easily enough accomplished in a "stable" circuit, but unfortunately the expression pedals live in a highly fluid "analog" world where even tiny changes in a variety of factors(like force applied to the pedal, angle of impact, loosening of nuts) affect the extremities this sensor will travel to. And if these extremities are decreased by even 1% then you will no longer be returning to MIDI CC# value 0 in the heel position but instead will be at MIDI CC# value 1, which is unacceptable if you're using the expression pedal for pitch control. In the cases of every other pedal I've used there is an included "calibration procedure" for just this eventuality, but not so in the Behringer manual. However, as it turns out a calibration procedure was built into the OS, they just didn't see fit to include it in the manual. Luckily enough users complained about this shortcoming that Behringer offered the fix on the uk.music.guitar group, which I found through the link in the review below. Incidentally, my pedal worked perfectly for the first 3 weeks before the pedals started registering this shift, and if this calibration procedure works properly than I have nothing but praise for this unit. I don't understand why builders of these MIDI footcontrollers with expression pedals don't incorporate a very simple circuit into them that would provide for this eventuality by activating whenever the pedal made contact with the top or bottom extremity and automatically registering a 0 or 127 respectively, as these are the only areas where most of us (in most applications, like pitch control) will able to discern the difference between a 1 number change in CC#. (As most of us will not be able to hear the difference if our chorus depth is at 56 or 57, but WILL be hear a 20cent pitch differential as out of tune). At any rate, as far as pure "build quality" this unit is built ALOT sturdier than the Digitech Control pedals I've gone through. Not quite as sturdy as the heavy duty ART X-15, but the ergonomic design of the FCB1010 (with offset row switches and a raised second row - very smart, and the switch design itself, which is easier than the ART buttons to activate but not so sensitive that an inadvertent brush with the side of your foot will activate them, like the Digicrap) makes it far more "reliable" in terms of actual use. So if the calibration procedure works correctly (and only needs to be performed once a month as opposed to every other day like "some" pedals) I give this a 10. If not, a 5. So I'll average the difference.

Haven't dealt with them directly yet, although I just posted my recalibration question on their site (before discovering the answer in the review below - which BTW I searched the whole web for and came up with nothing before I went through these reviews - this is why I love harmony-central!) However, due to the fact that they've already posted several upgraded features that users were complaining about and responded to the calibration complaints on the uk.music.guitar group leads me to believe they're doing an excellent job in this category. So an 8

This is by far the best MIDI footcontroller I've found yet, and I use ALL my gear to the fullest extreme it is programmed to accomplish. I don't even want to go into how I program this to simultaneously switch patches on my G-major and Triaxis while sending CC#s to an Electrix FilterFactory to set its Filter Type and LFO type while simultaneously providing me real-time control (via the expression pedals, set to different MIDI channels so the G-major MOD CC#s don't affect the Electrix and vice versa) over the Electrix Filter Frequency, Resonance and at least 5 different FX parameters on the G-major, all with the press of one switch... and all these parameters can be changed for every preset. Incredible amount of control, and implemented superbly. I bought this unit specifically because I needed something that sent out numerous CC#s to control gear like the FilterFActory, which doesn't store presets (thus program changes) but has MIDI implementation. This is the only pedal currently on the market that accomplishes this. However, I'd really like to see it transmit MORE CC#s (at least 8, like Axess' new controller that's still in pre-production). Sending 5 program changes is really unnecessary as most current MIDI gear has MIDI-mapping capabilities and can thus accomplish this on its own, so maybe some of these switches could be reconfigured to send CC#s instead of PC#s. Then this pedal would get a 11. All told, however, this pedal has MORE features than any combination switch/expression pedal MIDI footcontroller currently on the market, and its CHEAPER than most of them to boot! My congrats to Behringer for an excellent product at an excellent price point.

This unit is very easy to program. It does get tedious to go through and edit every preset. My biggest problem was trying to figure out how to send control change messages. I eventually realized that it doesn't send control change messages. After figuring out it's functions it is a breez to program.

The relay switching and midi messages are sent as soon as you step on the footswitch, no delay. This really helps out with sound.

The expression pedals seem a little flimsy. But I haven't had any problems. I have had it for less than a week.

They are very helpful and friendly. I have contacted them about setups and such and they have helped out.

I use this to control a Peavey Rock Master preamp and a TC Electronic G-Force. The G-Force accepts control change messages for a lot of functions but the FCB1010 only sends a control value, not a change. I had to work around this and use program change messages for stuff like tapping in the tempo of a song. I loose some available presets like this but I have heard that Behringer is developing a software update for it to send control change messages.
The two relay switches are a big plus. They are the main reason I bought this unit. Each of the two relay switches have stereo jacks and can send the other jack's switching pulse also. This helps out a lot since my preamp uses a stereo jack. I can select any of the three channels with just one cable and one of the FCB1010's jacks being used.
One thing I don't like is that the expression pedals are kinda springy. If you press it all the way forward and release it, it comes back up a little. This interferes with controlling pitch shifter and such. Also if you move it a little, not just all the way forward, and release it the value changes.
Overall though I am very satisfied with this unit.

Extremely easy to use...the manual is also perfect...walks you through anything you might want to do.

Sounds great just sitting there...no complaints :)

Haven't had it that long, but it is a heavy, metal and durable rubber build badass, just like everything else behringer makes

No clue

Ok, I'm gonna explain my midi setup for those of you who want a good example of the capabilities of this thing. Before the FCB1010, I used an Alesis QS-8 for its sounds and to midicontrol a Korg MS-2000R. I basically wanted the FCB1010 for instant program changes. Also, the expression pedals are a nice feature. So, I just had a midi cable going out from the QS-8 to the MS-2000. Now, I want to be able to use the FCB1010 to change programs on the QS-8 and the MS-2000, but with the FCB1010 going into the "MIDI IN" on the Alesis, you can't just use the "midi out" to go to the ms2000 or the FCB won't control the MS2000. If you use the "MIDI THRU" to go from the Alesis to the MS2000, then the FCB won't control the Alesis. Therefore, I have the FCB going into the Alesis and then a midi cable going from the "MIDI OUT" and the "MIDI THRU" into a Midiman 2x2 merger, and out of the merger into the MS2000. With this setup, the FCB affects both synths. Now, it gets even more complicated. With my bands setup, someone else is using the MS2000 from an Alesis QS-6. Unfortunately, the person not using it has to be on a different channel on the Alesis than the setting for the MS2000 so that they aren't affecting the MS2000 while the other person is playing (this only matters if both people are playing at the same time, one playing on the MS2000 and the other on their respective Alesis. So while one person uses the MS2000 on channel 1, the other person changes to channel 2. Now, for the same reason, you don't always want the FCB to affect both the QS-8 and MS2000. Now, as you may know the FCB is capable of sending 5 program change commands simultaneously. The trick is, you should globally set all program changes from slot 1 (of 5) to always happen on channel 1 and all program changes from slot 2 on channel 2. That way, whenever I'm on channel 2, I can have the program change affect the Alesis but not the MS2000. Now, for fun I'm going to try and diagram the cable setup...hope this works...
FCB1010(out)---(in)Alesis QS-8(out)----(in)Midiman
(thru)----(in)Merger(out)----
|
(in)
Alesis QS-6(out)---(in)Midiman
Merger
(out)
|
(in)
Korg MS-2000R

Not really applicable, Its a midi foot controller.

This foor controller is the cheapest around. It has 10 preset foot switches and 2 expression pedals. I bought it mainly because I need something for my j-station. I knew that it was too good to be true. Unfortunately it is. Well.... Part of it. I had the choise between a new FCB 1010 and a used boss FC-50.. well here is the deal: FCB: 10 patches, 2 switches (To switch amp channels by midi) 2 expression pedals for only 350 dutch guilders (160 euro) including power adapter (Built in) against a Roland FC-50, no Expression pedals, no power adaptor and only 5 presets accessible at one time, used. How hard can it be?

It is made of metal, the well known sturdy buttons. nothing to complain.. The only problem: the expression pedals, abit how to say this, NOT solid.. In fact mine dont work. The switching part is great though..

Crap... the expression pedals dont work.. I dont want it any more.. What if this thing breaks during a gig?

I havent called them.. I'l;l go back to my dealer for the FC-50 + singe expression pedal

Well, I need a Midicontroller for my J-Station and the fc 200 by roland or other things like it are WAY to expensive.. so i am going with the FC 50

I had a V-twin for 5 hours and brought that one back also... Behringer is exit for me.. Sorry.

Very easy to use. Patch editing can be done standing up. Manual excellent, clear (as usual for Behringer).

A few of the more esoteric options need the manual handy before you can set 'em, but they're mostly fire-once-and-forget settings.

N/A: it's a MIDI controller!

Built like the proverbial brick outhouse.

One problem: some seem to ship with the expression pedal not quite calibrated properly (or knocked out of calibration in transit). Behringer have provided a recalibration procedure for this - see my webpage below.

Absolutely a 10. Followed up to the one problem by email AND to the newsgroup thread concerned with a fix.

I'd buy another like a shot: I own a JMP-1 and JFX-1 rack rig, and it works a treat with them.

No comparision, in terms of features for the price.

See http://www.altrion.org/fcb1010.html for my FCB1010 resources page.