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Forums - Computer music & technology
Subject: bitstream
Original Message 1/20 30-Dec-01 @ 01:47 AM - bitstream
howdy, I'm interested in the Bitstream by waveidea for controlling the redrum, and mixer in reason. Any comments on it? I would like to have a channel cut option, I'm not sure if it supports this?
Message 2/20 10-Jan-02 @ 02:49 PM Edit: 10-Jan-02 | 03:11 PM - RE: bitstream
Just bought a Kenton Control Freak SE for about £125 UKP cheaper than the Bitstream Pro... (£225 ukp) and from what I'm hearing and from what I've found out I'm *really* glad I've got the Kenton..
I'm not trashing the bitstream, but on talking to people from both companies and people who bought them it seems like one solution (Control Freak) has been thought out a lot better than the other, even if on the surface it doesn't look quite as appealing...
The Bitstream has more controllers (8 30mm Sliders, 32 knobs and a few other buttons) against the ControlFreak SEs (16 60mm Sliders, 16 Buttons, 8Function buttons & Datawheel) which on the surface, looks a lot better specified but I hear the implimentation of them is really messy and as a result it isn't as configurable as the Control Freak e.g. The Bitstream is limited to sending CC numbers on specific knobs/sliders only.. knob 1 will only send out CC on 1, 31, 81 etc.etc...)
Bitstream has less memories than the Kenton (both "snapshot/scene" memories and program memories for "complete configurations"). The Kenton holds 256 Snapshot memories and 64 Program memories (so you could hold all necessary configs for VST, Reason, Pro52, Junglist, etc.etc.)
Also, the midi implimentation isn't as extensive -both allow NRPN, Sysex etc. but the bitstream is limited to less bytes per message etc.
They both come with PC based editors to make assigning controls easier, and I know that the Freak comes with premade templates for many synths, VSTIs, and apps (such as Cubase VST, Reason, Logic) and making your own is dead simple!!
I've also heard spurious things about the build quality of the bitstream.. though without actually using one I can't testify for or against that.. I do know that the Control Freak is pretty farkin' solid..
Its a shame Waveidea only sell the bitstream via their website, so its hard to go and actually get a play on one to see how it performs...
I can start to see why Control Surfaces like Emagics Logic Control and Steinberg's Houston are more expensive though, with the implimentation of motorised controls and stuff.. though whether they should be *that* expensive is open to question...
There are plenty of other features I'd like to see implimented in a good control surface, but for now the Control Freak gets my vote - can't really say a bad thing about it at the mo'...
Marc_D
I'm not trashing the bitstream, but on talking to people from both companies and people who bought them it seems like one solution (Control Freak) has been thought out a lot better than the other, even if on the surface it doesn't look quite as appealing...
The Bitstream has more controllers (8 30mm Sliders, 32 knobs and a few other buttons) against the ControlFreak SEs (16 60mm Sliders, 16 Buttons, 8Function buttons & Datawheel) which on the surface, looks a lot better specified but I hear the implimentation of them is really messy and as a result it isn't as configurable as the Control Freak e.g. The Bitstream is limited to sending CC numbers on specific knobs/sliders only.. knob 1 will only send out CC on 1, 31, 81 etc.etc...)
Bitstream has less memories than the Kenton (both "snapshot/scene" memories and program memories for "complete configurations"). The Kenton holds 256 Snapshot memories and 64 Program memories (so you could hold all necessary configs for VST, Reason, Pro52, Junglist, etc.etc.)
Also, the midi implimentation isn't as extensive -both allow NRPN, Sysex etc. but the bitstream is limited to less bytes per message etc.
They both come with PC based editors to make assigning controls easier, and I know that the Freak comes with premade templates for many synths, VSTIs, and apps (such as Cubase VST, Reason, Logic) and making your own is dead simple!!
I've also heard spurious things about the build quality of the bitstream.. though without actually using one I can't testify for or against that.. I do know that the Control Freak is pretty farkin' solid..
Its a shame Waveidea only sell the bitstream via their website, so its hard to go and actually get a play on one to see how it performs...
I can start to see why Control Surfaces like Emagics Logic Control and Steinberg's Houston are more expensive though, with the implimentation of motorised controls and stuff.. though whether they should be *that* expensive is open to question...
There are plenty of other features I'd like to see implimented in a good control surface, but for now the Control Freak gets my vote - can't really say a bad thing about it at the mo'...
Marc_D
Message 3/20 10-Jan-02 @ 08:10 PM - RE: bitstream
What ever happend to the Novation Controller/ I use my o1v mixer for all remote needs.
Message 4/20 15-Jan-02 @ 03:30 AM - RE: bitstream
That Novation controller is a bit behind schedual from what I've read. Too bad, it looks kewl. Uhm, so anyways, you're saying that the Kenton stands up a bit better in the configuration dept. hey? Personally, the look of the Bitstream seems like it would be easier for me to make the connection between what's on the pc's screen and the physical unit itself. However I've never used a controller before, so I don't really know what I'm talking about.
I don't know of any site's that sell the kenton online, if you do could you please let me know, thanks.
I don't know of any site's that sell the kenton online, if you do could you please let me know, thanks.
Message 5/20 15-Jan-02 @ 06:39 AM - RE: bitstream
I know someone that bought the radikal tech SAC-2k thing...
sure looks cool, but $1500? jeez
sure looks cool, but $1500? jeez
Message 6/20 15-Jan-02 @ 10:43 AM - RE: bitstream
www.kenton.co.uk
www.turnkey.uk.com
The Bitstream does on the surface look simpler, but I didn't like the idea of always having to use the same controls for the same cc, without any option of re-configuring them.. also, the fact that it seemed to only have THREE program locations (for complete configurations) seemed really limited..
With the Kenton, they actually seem to listen to users and upgrade the firmware periodically with new stuff (like beefing the snapshot memory upto 256 scenes etc.)
There are other useful design features that show its been well thought out, like using the shift key for "auditioning" sliders/buttons etc. so you know what they are without changing the value etc. (The name of the control appears in the LCD)
The more expensive controller surfaces like the one influx mentioned are indeed VERY tasty, but the prices (for now) are prohibitive and take up of control surfaces is slow (people are still too used to slow and clunky clicking with their mice..)
www.turnkey.uk.com
The Bitstream does on the surface look simpler, but I didn't like the idea of always having to use the same controls for the same cc, without any option of re-configuring them.. also, the fact that it seemed to only have THREE program locations (for complete configurations) seemed really limited..
With the Kenton, they actually seem to listen to users and upgrade the firmware periodically with new stuff (like beefing the snapshot memory upto 256 scenes etc.)
There are other useful design features that show its been well thought out, like using the shift key for "auditioning" sliders/buttons etc. so you know what they are without changing the value etc. (The name of the control appears in the LCD)
The more expensive controller surfaces like the one influx mentioned are indeed VERY tasty, but the prices (for now) are prohibitive and take up of control surfaces is slow (people are still too used to slow and clunky clicking with their mice..)
Message 7/20 15-Jan-02 @ 07:17 PM - RE: bitstream
Just thinking about the setup. On the website, it says that you need a midi in/out soundcard to hook up the bitstream. I have a s/b live card, if I got one of those game port midi dongle things would that work?
Message 8/20 15-Jan-02 @ 11:16 PM - RE: bitstream
Why not use the waveidea midi-remaper to control various things in reason with any midi controler. you could make up differant presets in midi remapper for all of your reason needs and just use a keyboard with a couple of knobs to do eveything.
Message 9/20 16-Jan-02 @ 07:20 PM - RE: bitstream
ok? Sure, why not. Uhm, don't really know what the midi remaper does. Does it come with the controller anyways? Anyways, could someone please tell me if I can use my sb live to connect the bitstream or not? Thanks
Message 10/20 17-Jan-02 @ 10:35 AM - RE: bitstream
Yes, you can use the joyport adapter thingy with midi in and out connectors....
My vote still goes on the Kenton though...
M_D
My vote still goes on the Kenton though...
M_D
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