All user reviews for the CME BitStream 3X

How long have you been using?

2 months
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What feature do you like most?

no limit configuration parameters control
(This is really a war machine)
mode "hook" very convenient for compensser the absence of motorized knobs
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What is so special that you like moin?

the usb port is not out 3em output "midi" (I think that is detail can be changed by a future firmware)
it would be good to have some good knobs endless but we do not all have little
I think for beginners in midi controller that can be a little confusing at first

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How do you rate the quality / price?

very good (370euros nine) in November 2012

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With experience, you do again this choice?

yes without a doubt and I'm ready to buy a second

- I IT CAN BE USED for 3 months

- What I like most:
* The automation (LFO, ARP, sampler) unique and never seen on a MIDI controller
* The quality of fab and finish are exemplary
* The multitude of controls on the front (Joystick, Ribbon, pots, faders, buttons ...)
* The dual MIDI outputs also available on USB
* Self powered USB port
* The output sync 24
* The quality of support Wave Idea and many ROM updates
* In fact I like it!

- What I like least:
* The hood of the crossfader a bit small for my taste (it is easy to replace)
* The weight (about 7 kg!) That stands for strength!

- Prior to this controller, I used the UC33 and the novation remote zero SL, both controllers are not expensive but the quality and durability are far from equaling the Bitstream 3X, UC33 and Remote are plastic, the Bitstream is metal

- The value for money

While the controller is more expensive than a Novation or UC33 but quality comes at a price!
We can find the bitstream is 379 euros including postage on the net, so the price / quality ratio is qu'honete!

- You do again this choice

Clearly YES!

I use it for a month and a half.
What I like most is its strength and the number of tests possible. In addition, features like LFO and the sequencer motion are unique to a MIDI controller.
Opening the box, the first thing that came to mind is: "p **** n! they do not care no customer at the mouth of the CME !"... the controller enters a aluminum carrying case (only the first 999 I think), the documentation is clear and precise (in English) and presented in a ziplock bag pvc type. Also included is the USB cable and a transformer for the case where you do not connect a computer (the bitstream is powered by the USB, still a good thing alone, mostly live).
mode "hook" for the faders and knobs replaces pretty well the lack of car ownership and endless knobs. In addition, the fact that these options are not present make it more compatible with apps like Bidule or energyXT example.
This controller is fully programmable by a software that is downloaded on their site and there are many presets already implemented for a variety of synthesizers, expanders, etc ...
I tested it in live situation and I had no worries about the reliability of the machine.
It is true, against the finishes are a bit lacking (plastic buttons, faders races / knobs non-uniform to the touch, but in the end, during a performance, you do not realize it).
Also, I was quite disappointed by the arppeggiator because you can not enter their own sequences (that it seems to me but maybe I'm too tried).
The ribbon controller is too small for my taste and not pressure sensitive (making it more real than an additional fader ribbon controller, but hey, for the real thing is more in Doepfer € 200! ).
I owned a BCF2000 that I no longer use because it is a plague of transport for lives (too bulky and not strong enough for my taste)
I find the price / quality ratio right (less than € 400 in Germany)
I would do this choice, unless competition does not offer big LE controller at the same price with the same strength and impeccable finish, which would surprise me, at least in the near future.
Finally, I think the bitstream that is more oriented live studio (Mackie Control mode is quite complicated to set up such and I think anyone looking for a controller to make the sound recording and mixing will be happier with BCF2000 example, or, if they can afford a real Mackie Control).
on the other hand, its strength makes it a great traveling companion and the number of possible controls makes it extremely practical to live, no more mouse!
It is better, in my opinion, having already strong foundation to use MIDI real potential of the machine (the side that it is fully programmable navigate through several sub-menus in the software configuration to really do what the one wants to).
I think it will please those who have both a computer and machines (it can be used as master tempo and MIDI sync, every knob / fader / button can be configured to send the cc's choose the channel of their choice). The number of defined functions is impressive (eg fader curve: one can draw the curve itself for each fader !!!). It will take me some time to really take in hand, but I'm sure it will become an increasingly large in my creative process (associated note with the modular apps like energyXT, it'll be awesome! !).
In short, I recommend it to those who already know the MIDI controller and are seeking a creative and effective, others may be a little confused by the machine in user mode (even if the standard mode will certainly make the happiness of a user Ableton Live for example).