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NAMM 2014: Behringer X-Touch series (Video)

USB control surfaces

The NAMM show in Anaheim, California has been a big one for Music Group, the parent company of Behringer, Midas and Klark Teknik, with plenty of exciting releases for SOS readers.

Behringer have launched a new range of universal USB MIDI control surfaces under the new X-Touch banner. While these new control surfaces seem like the spiritual successors of the BCF2000 and BCR2000 controllers, they have greatly improved feature sets and higher prices to match.

The first of the three controllers is the X-Touch Universal Control Surface ($599) which features nine touch-sensitive motorised faders, eight LCD scribble-strips for quick overview of track names and settings, as well as eight endless rotary encoders with LED collars for visual feedback on position. It also sports a full transport section including a scrub/shuttle wheel and bar/beat display.

Then there's the X-Touch Compact ($399) which has the same motorised faders as its larger sibling and a total of 16 rotary controls. It also has a dual-layer mode which allows the user to switch between DAW and instrument editing applications.

Both of these feature built-in Ethernet, USB and MIDI interfacing to provide direct access to PC or Mac computers, MIDI devices and to be used as an X32 remote control. They also have internal power supplies so there’s no need for ugly wall warts.

Finally, there’s the bus-powered X-Touch Mini ($99) with a 60mm master fader and the same dual layer mode as the X-Touch Compact. It also features eight rotary knobs with LED collars and 16 illuminated buttons (including transport control).

“These all-powerful control surfaces really let you get your hands on your software,” said Product Manager Bert Niedermeyer. “You’ll love the tactile feedback you get from the controller surface, and you’ll wonder why you ever relied on a mouse. They really feel that good!”

http://www.behringer.com/namm/x-touch/

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