Behringer FBC1010 Foot Controller

Some here say they rad the manual and STILL couldn't get it working...I read only HALF the manual, and it's been working perfectly right from day 1! Maybe it's because you have to actually READ the manual, and go step-by-step when you're first figuring out how to program it, but after the first time programming, it was super easy and made much more sense.

No sound out...controller only

Use it for gigging, use it for studio, never had a problem after 6-8 months CONSTANT use!! The patch-change buttons change every time, the CC pedals control the right thing every time! What more could you ask for? The only reason this gets an 9 and not a 10 is that there is a little bit of latency when changing from some patches to others. Not entirely sure if it's the amp receiving slowly or the controller sending slowly, but I've had to work around it for live use...not that bad, less than 1 second delay to switch to some patches.

Never had to deal with them for this, but was able to get all info (manuals, etc.) online BEFORE I made the purchase...that's sweet!!

I teach guitar and bass for a living. I use it in lessons with my Behringer v-ampire to instantly call up the appropriate tone for the songs I'm working on with students. I also record and gig fairly regularly. Never had a problem onstage, never had it change patches on me when I wasn't changing them intentionally, never had it lose settings...in short- it does what it's supposed to do with no problems! For the money, you can't get a better foot controller...and it's programmable to do what YOU want it to do, and control the parameters YOU want to control!

After having read a lot of reviews here, it seemed to me as if you'd need a degree in rocket engineering before you could understand half of the programming of this unit... So I downloaded the manual from Behringer's site before purchasing the unit. Read it thoroughly, and no longer understood what all that fuzz was good for. I think programming is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. People complaining that you can't assign what you want just haven't read the manual, I guess. So after I purchased the unit, I got it out of the box and programmed it to do what it should in about an hour time for ALL my presets. (I use it to control my G-Major)

Here's the problem. Came home from the store, programmed the unit, started to use it for about half an hour. Hey strange, the expression pedals aren't sending ANY MIDI signals in the first third of their range of movement. After that third, they do what they're supposed to do. Probably a calibration problem. So I run the calibration procedure once. Still the same. Twice... D*mn, it doesn't make a difference at all ! Mailed their online support, got an answer the same day to take the unit back to the store and pick up a new one. So I did today, just got home: the unit I have now shows the SAME problem !!! And on top of that, it changes presets when it feels like it without even touching the pedals !!! So this one's even worse than the first one. They have a serious software problem with this unit... Called the store, and tomorrow I can go pick up another new one :-) This time I'm gonna test it over there, and not leave before I get a decent working unit. They have five in the store at the moment, I hope at least one does the trick :)

Must say that I got a real quick response from the online support team.

Based on the features I saw in the first unit, this thing is exactly what I was looking for. Powerful control over all parameters that I need to work with. I guess I'd give it a higher score if I'd got a fully working FCB 1010 :-)

The manual isnt so hot, but it's still understandable. I did have to look on Yahoo groups to calibrate my pedals (which the company SHOULD have done for me.) Despite that I got it to do everything I wanted. I'm switching to different patches, on multiple processors simultaneously with one switch. Both pedals work fine, as does tap temp, midi notes, ect. I don't have any idea why so many people are bitching about this unit. I'm NOT at all experienced with midi, and I got everything I wanted working in a day. I read these reviews about people who have had "X years experience with MIDI" and they can't work this board. Makes ya wonder huh?

makes no sound

Behringer gear seems to be pretty dependable for gigging despite what some snobby ass techs think. This particular unit is pretty solid.

don't know.

It was the cheapest pedal board with 2 expression pedals that I saw on musiciansfriend.com. I didnt want to spend $300 on that ground control pro , and have to buy additional pedals.

The manual wasn't great to say the least but from information on yahoo groups I was able to figure out how to program it. It was my fist step into the world of midi stuff so that probably didn't help much. It definitely isn't plug and pay but once you figure it out its not too difficult to program, especially if you use one of the editors which are available.
Initially I was very disappointed with this unit because I wanted to set it up in stomp box mode with pedals 1-5 selecting patch's and pedals 6-10 toggling on and off effects on my Gmajor. While I was able to set it up to do this, the way the leds worked was really annoying. With the stock firmware the leds were effectively useless, I wanted the patch I had selected to stay light but also for the top row to indicate what parameters were on or off on the gmajor. I put up with this for a while but just when I was considering selling it I heard about the uno firmware, and for a couple of euros I now have the fcb1010 doing exactly what I wanted it to do.


Stock fcb1010 - 5
Fcb1010 with Uno Eprom - 8

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The chassis seems pretty solid and so do the buttons, however the expression pedals seem a little flimsy. I would have been better if they were metal.

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I use the Fcb1010 to control my Marshall Jmp1 and Tc Gmajor, and while initially I wasn't very happy with it, since switching to the uno firmware I am delighted with it. It would have preferred if i worked the way I wanted out of the box and didn't need to be upgraded with 3rd party eproms but for the price it is excellent.

Check out the yahoo groups, I think there are two. Anyway theyre full of really useful information and very helpful.

The manual was not terrible. I had to rely on other sources, however. I bought this unit to control a TC G major, and the combination has high PITA factor. The 1010 seems mostly to blame. I relied on several sources, including TC's helpful support page and Yahoo groups. I spent several hours getting these two to talk to each other properly on functions like tap tempo, boost, and fx bypass. Maybe it's me, but it took me several times to assign a cc # and value to pedals 6 and 7, and I'm almost positive I followed the instructions each time.

I'm pretty midi savvy. I've been using fx processors and midi since the 80's.
Do you know the firmware revision number? This was not obvious from the display, and I had to follow a manual procedure to figure out the revision number. That's kind of weak.

The sound of the buttons and gas pedals being pressed indicates sturdy construction and durability.

I'd gig with no backup.

Never dealt with 'em. Decent website, but TC does a better job of providing info on the combination of these two than Behringer does.

I play Van Halen to Van Morrison to jazz. I've been playing for 24 years. I plan to return this, unfortunately. I had high hopes. I got this and a G major to replace a huge pedal board (MKS) with stomp boxes. I'm going with the stomp boxes.

See a companion review under TC Electronic G major.

Had this board for 3 month now. It was my first midi flor board so i cant really compare, but I think over all its a goos board.
The programing is quiet hard in the begining and you have to put some time in to it... But when figuerd out the possibilitys are endless...
You will find that after you worked the thing out the programing is quick and easy.
I think its ok but its defenatly not plug and play!!!!!!

so it say a (3) in the begining a (9) after about 6h

Its not high quality but it is solid. all the kobs work ok. once calibrated the two effektpedals work ok too.
I personaly think a bit more visual feetback on the state of the board wouldent hurt, cause often its hard to tell what is actualy switched on or off.

have a few minor lock ups every now and then. Dont really know if its the amp or the board...
I would not use it for a gig, for recording its perfect tough

so i dont rate it...

Quick replays, on a couple of questions...
If its tru that the board is programable with the pc then they gave me the wrong info.
Manual is quiet shity, a bit more information on general midi stuff would be good.

As I said not for giging, perfect for practice, recording etc.
use the board to controll most of my gear (AMP,Loopplayer, drummachine etc...) I think its the only option u have if you dont wana pay big monny for a factory board for all your gear...

Very good value that board...

The manual is of almost no help at all. The configuration setup is just plane UNintuitive !!
I have a lots of midi gear and i know very well how midi works but this thing is just a nighmare!! so if you don't know midi at all, forget it!! you won't learn with this peice of shit !!
I tried using it with my Rocktron voodu valve(thinking i could save a buck insted of buying a Rocktron controller)then i dicover i can't switch individual fx's on and off, i have to change patch every time!! big dissapointment !
Then i calibrate and try out the expression pedals... unusable !!!!!! max volume is low, the low is low, middle position is high and max is mute??? I tried calibrating many time, nothing worked..still random controller data !!
Then i found out you could upgrade your eprom !!!
What kind of company can sell you a product that's worth shit and then say: ho! It's cause you don't have the right software version !!!
Well if it's not the right fucking version why did you sell it in the FIRTS PLACE !!
I see guys that hade to make ther own Eprom software to make it work good!
Great for them, but personnaly i don't have the patience to fuck around with Eprom's when i just bought a 200$ product !!
This is the second time behringer gives me a shitty product!! cause, yes they do have inexpensive products but there is a price to pay for that.

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looks sturdy enough

The music store Archambalut in Montreal and Boucherville won't take it back !! But for behringer i dont know and i don't care, i don't even want to start with them !!

Your probably better off with anything els but this. pay a little more and save your selvs the trouble !

First off if you are planning on using this to control a rack effects unit be aware of the following. 1. It is difficult to configure especially if you are not familiar with midi code (There is a midi editor on the web to edit the board which really helps). 2. If you are planning to use it in a stomp box mode (I used it with a G-Major) i.e. one pedal controls the Chorus one the Reverb etc. be aware when you turn off an effect the pedal LED will remain light. This to me was annoying and just one of the reasons I returned the unit. 3. The pedals were to close together (To easy to hit and activate the one next to it) not high enough quality switches for me and were prone to not working consistently. Not really a good enough pedal board for a serious guitar player IMO. But very cheap at $150 I guess you get what you pay for.

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I did not have it for enough time nor giged with it so I can't say. Just a pridiction though I don't think it would hold up for an extended period of time.

Stinks.. Manual is virtually worthless, very little on the website. Be prepared to canvas the forums and ask? Just to get this thing working. No sysex downloads to speak of! All the sysex downloads are for Behringer vamps ect. FAQ suck and are useless there are only about 20? Even addressed and very little with regards to use with another manufactures product.

Mostly play Rock music and if this was a better designed board it could be alright to get by till you have more $. Axess sells a MFC5 5 switch Midi controller that although is a little more $225 would be a much better choice if you dont have $399 for the Ground Control or $700 for the Rocktron all access IMO.

I recently purchased the V-amp 2 and after a few gigs decided to purchase the FBC1010. I also ordered the Vampire lX112 and will use the amp as my monitor and L2 mode for direct outs. I joined the yahoo newsgroup "FBC1010" and within 2 hours had replicated all functionality of my previous Digitech product. (Not knocking Digitech in any way, matter of fact the document as you will see followed the same pattern as the RP-5).

Here is how I have programmed bank 00 of the FBC1010

Switch #1 Drive = on/off
Switch #2 Effects = on/off
Switch #3 Delay = on/off
Switch #4 Reverb = on/off
Switch #5 Compressor =on/off
Switch #6 Bank 1 Preset A
Switch #7 Bank 1 Preset B
Switch #8 Bank 1 Preset C
Switch #9 Bank 1 Preset D
Switch#10 Bank 1 Preset E
Wah
Volume

As you can see Switch #1-4 are equal to the Digitech RP-5 in program mode. Switch #5 is an added compressor (the document shows you how to make this a tap delay) and switch #6-10 is equal to Bank mode of the RP-5 or other related Digitech processors. I could have never achieved this from the manual.

But, if you combine the Yahoo news group, the manual and a little knowledge of midi (control changes and values) then this pedal is very easy to program. I will include a quicklist just as I done for my v-amp 2 rating.

I am currently using the FBC1010 midi out to the V-amp 2 midi in. From the left channel of the V-amp2 (balanced cable) to the pa. From the right channel to the effects return of my amp. I currently play a Les Paul Studio and use a Peavey Transtube. My wireless rig is a audio technicica piece of crap I bought at GC.

I do not mic my amp as the direct signal (I use L1 mode) feeds the house mix. I also use my original pod bracket to hold my V-amp2. I will use the V-amp2 for small gigs that we play sometimes just through a power mixer. I love the carry on suitcase.

I have ordered the Behringer Vampire LX112 and will soon run my rig just like the schematic in the manual. I will run balanced cables for both left and right channels to the house, and according to the schematic I will run the output of my wireless to the pre dsp input on the back of the amp. I will also connect the midi out of the FBC1010 to the midi in of the Vampire LX112. This will consolidate my rig and setup time should be less than 5 minutes. Oh, yes, I will also transfer my patches from the V-amp2 via midi to the Vampire LX112. Within minutes, my amp should be ready to go.

I purchases a no name brand pedal board off of Ebay several years back. This pedal board has seen stomp boxes, an RP-5 for about 2 years and now with about a half an inch on each side the FBC1010.

After I completed programming, I peeled off the feet, took out my trusty 2" velcro strips that I purchased from WalMart's craft section and wala, a custom case for my controller.

The pedals are plastic though. The housing is built like a tank.

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I play in a variety band (cover band) from the 50's to today. I am one that needs to tap dance over choices of effects but wanted to simplify my setup time and still deliver a qood quality sound.

I've been playing for over 25 years. If it was lost or stolen I would purchase another immediately as I now will own two of Behringer's vamp products. And still may purchase the V-amp pro.

I love the versatility. I am tempted to program bank 01 to add every effect at the touch of a button.

Now for the quick tips

You don't need to worry about any global settings. Direct select is off by the factory. So here goes.

Select the switch you wish to edit (1-10)
Hold the Bank Down switch for 3 seconds
Press the Enter/Up switch once. (The green select led lites)
Make sure switch#1-5 led's are off. If any press until they go off
Make switch #6 led come on. If on press briefly until it blinks.
Press Enter/up and enter the control change number you wish to use(The chart is in the V-amp manual)
Press Enter/up
now enter the low value (00)
Press Enter/up
now enter the high value (127)
Press Enter/up
Repeat the entire process for switch#7 (controller#2)
and Switch#8/9 (Wah/Volume) was already set at the factory
Press down switch for 3 seconds. You should now see bank 00

These steps are how I programmed my first 5 switches as stomp boxes. Email me if you have any questions. The yahoo newsgroup document gives you all the values and several options. Also see my review of the V-amp2. I wrote the review before I purchased the midi controller. It's like night and day.

All features are already captured here. I'm sure it's the cheapest and the most advanced MIDI Controller at the price. Sending on five MIDI channels from one preset, two relay switches, two expression pedals, sending notes, CCs etc. gives you a huge potential to controll all your computer software/rack gears, guitar amps etc.

It's not easy to program if you're not in MIDI programming. But if you understand how MIDI works and know your other gears it looks that programming FCB1010 is simple but needs a lot of foot-dancing ;-) That's why I wrote a PC program for editing FCB1010 presets. If you need it please contact me. It's free and works in Polish/English/Dutch.

I give it 8 because it's not so simple for beginers and the manual doesn't help them. Some "real" preset programming examples could do it...

No sound of course ;-) But I used it with many processors like TC G-Major, TC G-Force, Line 6 modellers, amps (channel switching) and with Nuendo (PC) - I controlled transport, monitoring, "undo". It was very usefull when I recorded guitars myself, without any help, so I was able to control Nuendo from studio (PC was in control room). On the stage I used it to start/stop my MD player (backing tracks) using relay switches, tap tempo on G-Major, on/off tuner mute, controll MIDI line switch/looper and always without any problem.

I've never had any problem with my FCB1010. I have it for 5 years. It needs pedal calibration for time to time. All switches, pedals, relays works very well.

When I bought FCB1010 it had old ROM. Behringer sent me newer version each time I asked. I've never had problems with FCB1010 so I cannot say anything about their technical/repair support.

Cheap and good. Sometimes it's impossible but this time it's true ;-)