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Product: CME Bitstream 3x
[1] For what purpose was the Bitstream 3X designed ?
The Bitstream 3X is a fully programmable MIDI controller that allows you to take full control of any MIDI software or synthesizers, samplers, ... in real time.
With its large amount and type of controls (knobs, sliders, ribbon, joystick, crossfader, ..), it will find a place in both studio and live environments.
[2] Do I need to know MIDI to use the Bitstream 3X ?
No, basically the Bitstream 3X features 2 operating modes : Standard and User.
The standard Mode is already programmed for the most common software, it does not require any programming, it generates all MIDI events required to control all soft synths and sequencers
The User mode is an advanced mode where the user can configure in depth all parameters assigned to each control of the Bitstream 3X.
This mode may require some MIDI knowledge.
[3] What is the purpose of the Sync-24 connector ?
The Sync-24 output allows to synchronize a vintage gear (TB303, TR808, TR909, ...) with the Bitstream 3X.
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The Sync-24 output can be driven from the internal Bitstream 3X sequencer, or by one of the 2 MIDI inputs (MIDI, USB), all selectable from the menus.
[4] Is the Bitstream 3X able to emulate a Mackie control mode ?
Yes, from Firmware V1.5 and higher, a mackie control emulation has been implemented.
Different controls are emulated, please see the dedicated application note for further information
This emulation can be reached by pressing the "Mode" button until "Mackie control" is displayed on the LCD
Please note using the Mackie control mode requires to program the Bitstream 3X with the Mackie control library, this programming is done using the configuration software
[5] Do I need to use the external power adapter delivered with the bitstream 3X ?
If you are connecting the Bitstream 3X on the USB port then you do not need to use the external adapter, the Bitstream 3X can be powered from USB.
If the Bitstream 3X is connected to the computer or synth via MIDI cables only then you have to use the external power adapter
[6] What is the difference between MIDI Thru and MIDI Outs ?
The MIDI thru output port is the "image" of the MIDI In port.
It allows to easily integrate the Bitstream 3X in any MIDI setup.
The MIDI thru port does not send the MIDI events generated by the Bitstream 3X.
The MIDI Out 1 port is used to send the MIDI events generated by the Bitstream 3X, it is also capable to send incoming events from MIDI In connector (if merger functions are enabled).
The MIDI Out 2 port is used to send the MIDI events generated by the Bitstream 3X, it is not used to send incoming MIDI events, but only dedicated to send internal events.
Both MIDI Out 1 and MIDI Out 2 are also available on the USB port.
[7] Do I need to install a driver to use the Bitstream 3X connected to USB ?
No, the Bitstream 3X is driverless since it is compliant to the USB MIDI specification, and therefore runs without any additional driver (on Windows Xp, Me, Mac).
It is highly recommended to use Windows Xp with service pack 2 installed (some Windows bugs have been corrected in the SP2)
[8] The Bitstream 3X does not require any driver, what is the purpose of the driver available in the download area ?
The driver available in the download area is not a real driver.
When connected to USB, the Bitstream 3X is automatically recognized as a USB MIDI device on Win Xp, Me, and Mac.
The device name assigned to the Bitstream 3X (on Windows only) is "USB audio device".
The purpose of the Wave Idea "driver" is to replace this generic driver name with a more convenient string "Wave Idea Bitstream 3X".
Installing this "driver" is therefore not mandatory, it is only used to update the name of the generic windows driver
[9] What is the purpose of the expansion port ?
The expansion port allows to connect additional controls to the Bitstream 3X. In the future, Wave Idea will propose different low cost hardware (to be connected to this expansion port).
These expansion modules will be fully managed by the Bitstream 3X and therefore seen as additional potentiometers for instance.
Depending on the customer requirements, Wave Idea will decide the type of controls to be found on expansion modules. (joysticks, touchpad, sliders, buttons, ribbon, ...)
The format of the Bitstream 3X expansion port is proprietary, there is no documentation available that may help you to build your own expansion module.
[10] Do I need to register my Bitstream 3X ?
Yes, by registering your product you will be able to download the latest available firmware, you will also get fastest support
[11] What is the purpose of the configuration software ?
The configuration software (Mac and PC available) is used to configure the Bitstream 3X in depth.
It is mainly used to access all parameters of the User operating mode, and will help the user to assign MIDI events to each control of the Bitstream 3X.
Once the Bitstream 3X User mode is programmed through the configuration software, the soft is not required anymore.
[12] Are the 5 buttons of the transport bar assignables over the 20 groups ?
No, the transport bar buttons generate the same MIDI event on all 20 groups of the Bitstream 3X.
These 5 buttons become assignables on all 20 groups when the SHIFT button is pressed (as the 8 programmable buttons).
The 5 transport buttons are thus able to generate different MIDI events on all 20 groups when SHIFT is active.
[13] What parameters can be programmed when using the User mode ?
Compared to the standard mode, the User mode allows to access to all parameters assigned to each control of the Bitstream 3X, among these parameters:
- All kind of MIDI events (including sysexs)
- Checksum (dedicated to sysexs)
- Min value
- Max value
- Midi delay between two successive events
- Chaining of controls (with crossfade option)
- MIDI channel
- Multiple MIDI events per control
- Curve models
[14] What parameters can be programmed when using the Standard mode ?
Compared to the User mode, the Standard mode is pre-programmed with standard MIDI events, only the following parameters can be changed when using the Standard mode:
- MIDI event (CC or Note)
- CC or Note number
[15] What common parameters can be programmed for both User and Standard modes ?
There are some common parameters to Standard and User modes, these common parameters can be programmed for both modes, among these parameters:
- Autosend: Used to automatically send the control value at startup
- Scene exclude: Used to exclude a control from being saved/restored to/from scene memories
- MIDI Outputs: Each control can be configured to be generated on the Bitstream 3X different MIDI outputs (MIDI Out 1, MIDI Out 2, USB Out 1, USB Out 2)
[16] How do I perform a reset to "factory default" configuration ?
To reset the Bitstream 3X to factory default configuration, proceed as follow:
- Press and hold the 3 buttons EDIT + OK + GROUP and turn on the controller.
The Bitstream 3X will display "Initializing ..." text.
Do not turn off the unit while it is initializing.
Initializing the Bitstream 3X will restore default mapping for User mode as well as all parameters to their default value
It is therefore mandatory to upload your whole assignments to a library file (using the configuration software) before restoring to factory default.
[17] How can I obtain the serial number of my Bitstream 3X ?
To get the serial number of the Bitstream 3X (required when registering for instance), you can use one of the 3 following methods :
1- From firmware V1.4, the serial number information can be obtained directly from the controller (Press EDIT button 4 times)
2- From a sticker located below the controller or on the package
3- When connecting the Bitstream 3X to the configuration software or to the Firmware upgrader
[18] How can I change the CC number assigned by default to each control ?
If you are using the Standard or Reason mode, you can change this parameter directly from the Bitstream 3X menus
If you are using the Mackie or User mode, changing the default CC number is done through the configuration software.
An application note regarding this issue is available in the download area.
[19] What is the purpose of the LCD string in the configuration software ?
When using the Bitstream 3X in User mode, a 16 characters user defined text can be assigned to each control
This text allows the user to remember which instrument / parameter is controlled.
In combination with the SHIFT button which prevents the controller from generating MIDI, the user can check the parameter assigned.
The LCD string is a parameter that can be assigned independently to each control of the Bitstream 3X.
[20] I own a Mac, can I use the Bitstream 3X software ?
Yes, all soft dedicated to the Bitstream are available for both Mac and Windows.
(Configuration software, Firmware upgrader)
Regarding the MIDI events generated by the Bitstream 3X, they are not dependant of the computer OS, thus compatible with any connected MIDI equipment
[21] What is the purpose of the "Reason" operating mode ?
The Reason mode is dedicated to the Propellerheads Reason software or any other soft compatible with the Propellerheads Remote technology.
Using this mode give a full control of the software, the Bitstream 3X is automatically detected and fully programmed to be used with Reason.
An application note is available on this site regarding this subject
[22] What is the purpose of the firmware upgrader software delivered with the Bitstream 3X ?
The firmware upgrader application allows to upgrade the firmware (embedded software) of the Bitstream 3X.
This application must be used only when a new firmware version is available.
Firmware upgrades are done through the USB or MIDI connectors of the Bitsream 3X
The software is available for both Mac and Windows.
[23] Where can I find the documentation of the configuration software ?
The help file can be reached from the configuration software:
- By clicking on the Help Bitmap
- From the software menu "Help"
[24] Are the Bitstream 3X software available for Linux ?
Yes, a Linux version for both the "firmware upgrader" and configuration software is available in the download area
Linux binaries (compiled on Fedora core 5) are available, in addition to the Mac and Windows versions
[25] What is the LFO automation ?
The LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) is used to generate values following selectable wafeform (sine, square, triangle, ..), generated values will be inserted in any programmable MIDI event
The goal is to automatize any MIDI event. For instance assigning a panpot variation following a sinewave, a cutoff variation on a good filter, or any other MIDI event
Different parameters can be controlled in realtime (frequency, amplitude, ...) with the help of 3 dedicated knobs
The LFO can be synchronized from the Bitstream 3X internal time base or from an external clock (Midi, USB)
[26] What is the motion sampler automation ?
The motion sampler is used to Record/Play some control movements
The user can record any control variation of the Bitstream 3X (knobs, sliders, joystick, ribbon, cross-fader, buttons, ...) then play it back in a looped mode.
Up to 8 tracks can be simultaneously played back, each track lenght can be configured from 1/2 to 4 measures.
The motion sampler can be synchronized from the Bitstream 3X internal time base or from an external clock (Midi, USB)
[27] What is the Arpeggiator automation ?
The arpeggiator is an engine able to generate MIDI notes On and Off to the different Bitstream 3X MIDI outputs (MIDI out 1, MIDI out 2, USB out)
The MIDI Notes events generated are following predefined patterns where the user can interact with a multitude of parameters in real time
Connect the MIDI outputs of the Bitstream 3X to any MIDI equipment (hardware or software) able to generate audio (expander, soft-synth, synth, ..) and you will hear the MIDI notes produced by the arpeggiator
Refer to the user manual of the Bitstream 3X to see all the parameters that can be accessed in real time
The arpeggiator can be synchronized from the Bitstream 3X internal time base or from an external clock (Midi, USB)
[29] Sometimes I see the error message 'MIDI overflow' on the LCD, what does that mean ?
If you encounter some MIDI overflow, it should come from a MIDI loopback in you MIDI setup.
MIDI loopback occurs when both MIDI In and Out (or USB In and Out) are connected to another MIDI equipment which is configured to retransmit incoming MIDI events on its output.
To avoid any MIDI overflow, you have to cut this MIDI loopback, this can be done by configuring the MIDI merger of the Bitstream 3X or configuring the connected MIDI equipment.
To turn Off the MIDI merger of the Bitstream 3X, go to the menus and disable the MIDI merger source where the loopback is present
[30] Can I control Ableton Live using the Bitstream 3X in Mackie mode ?
Yes, Ableton Live is compatible with the Mackie control mode, as well as the Bitstream 3X.
Using the Mackie control mode will add these new features :
- Some controls are automatically assigned
- Audio channels metering on the Bitstream 3X LCD
- Time infomation displayed on the Bitstream 3X LCD
- The Bitstream 3X transport bar becomes a remote sequencer
- Possibility to assign all the controls not emulated by the Bitstream 3X using the Live MIDI learn function
An application note describing the Mackie control emulation on the Bitstream 3X is available in the download area, it also describes how to setup Ableton Live when using this mode.
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