How do I set up multiple BCF2000 devices in Sonar?
First, have all 3 units powered off. Next, hold down the button directly underneath the 4th rotary encoder while powering it on. Keep holding that button until NCSo flashes on the screen and it will go to EG. You can let go of the button when EG appears on the screen. Then press the Exit button, and NCSo should appear on the screen again. Repeat this process for each unit.
Next, open Sonar then go to Options> MIDI devices (SonarX1 Edit> Preferences> MIDI> Devices). You should have BCF2000 port 1, 2, and 3. You should also have 2-BCF2000 port 1, 2, and 3. If you have additional units, they will show up as 3-BCF2000 port 1, 2, and 3 respectively. In the input and output sections, check BCF2000 port 1, 2-BCF2000 port 1, and 3-BCF2000 port 1. You can leave ports 2 and 3 unchecked. Press OK, then go to Options> Controllers/Surfaces (Sonar X1 Edit> Preferences> MIDI> Control Surfaces).
If you have any devices in the Controllers/Surfaces window, delete all of them so we can start fresh. Add a Mackie control with its input and output port set to BCF2000 port 1. Press OK. Add another Mackie Control (not the Mackie control XT), and set its inputs and outputs to 2-BCF2000 port 1. If you have an additional controller, add a third Mackie Control and set its inputs and outputs to 3-BCF2000 port 1. Then you can close the Controller/Surfaces window.
Create a session in Sonar that only has 9 tracks. Notice that each one of the BCF2000’s has an illuminated button on Channel 1. This is light to look at in the next step.
Go to Tools> Mackie Control – 2 (Sonar X1 its located in the Utilities menu), then press the configure layout button. On your second BCF2000, very very slowly turn the first rotary encoder until that light on the second unit goes out. You will only turn the knob about an 1/8th of an inch before the light goes out, so just be sure to turn it slowly. When the light goes out, click the button in Sonar that says “press again when done”. You should notice on the first BCF2000 that ALL faders are in the up position, and the second BCF2000 only the first fader is in the up position. Close the configuration window.
Add an additional 8 tracks to Sonar, bringing your track count up to 17.
Go to Tools> Mackie Control – 3 (Sonar X1 located in the Utilities menu), then press the configure layout button. On your third BCF2000, very very slowly turn the first rotary encoder until that light on the second unit goes out, only turn it only a little further than you turned it on the second unit. Click the button in Sonar that says “press again when done” to see if the 3rd unit’s first fader is in the up position. If it isn’t, click on the configure layout button and try again. It will take a few tries with the 3rd unit to get it to work. When thats done, everything should be set up and working correctly.
When you need help, Sweetwater has the answers!
Our knowledge base contains over 28,000 expertly written tech articles that will give you answers and help you get the most out of your gear. Our pro musicians and gear experts update content daily to keep you informed and on your way. Best of all, it’s totally FREE, and it’s just another reason that you get more at Sweetwater.com.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Select manufacturers may require that only the manufacturer’s products qualify towards the minimum purchase amount needed to be eligible for promotional financing. Otherwise, an invoice that meets the minimum purchase amount and contains at least one qualifying manufacturer product is eligible for promotional financing. No interest will be charged on promo purchase balance, and equal monthly payments are required on promo purchase until it is paid in full. The payments equal the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next whole dollar. These payments may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to the prior months’ rounding. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
The estimated required monthly payment shown which excludes taxes and delivery equals the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next cent. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to this rounding. These payments apply only with the financing offer shown. If you make these payments by the due date each month, you should pay off this amount financed within the promo period, if it is the only balance you are paying off. If you have other balances on your account, this payment will be added to any other minimum monthly payments.
Applies only to select items from this manufacturer. Ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more details.