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The B-Control Nano features four encoders and eight push switches.

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• Review
• Manufacturer's Description

If the Nano was half the size and had USB connectivity it'd be a much more attractive proposition.

The Behringer B-Control Nano can be thought of as the baby brother of the BCF2000. However, although it shares many of the same visual design cues, it offers but a small fraction of the functionality of its elder sibling. What’s more, the device is made completely from plastic, so it doesn’t score particularly well in the build quality stakes.

Rather bizarrely, Behringer have kitted the Nano out with just MIDI connectivity, making the device appeal more to hardware freaks than computer geeks (who would have preferred USB support). The unit can be powered either by an external AC adapter or from three AA batteries. With a physical footprint that’s just over half that of the BCF2000, the Nano is a little large for practical mobile use - given that it’s marketed as an ‘ultra-compact’ device, it's surprising just how big it actually is.

The top panel of the Nano features four endless rotary encoders. These are similar to those found on the BCF2000, but don’t have the LED position indicators.

A total of eight push switches are available on the unit, but some of these are used exclusively for house keeping functions. Internally, the Nano is quite flexible and configurable, but the manual must be consulted if you want to make the most of its features.

At £39, the Nano is an obvious choice if you’re working to a very tight budget. However, when you factor the cost of a MIDI interface into the equation, it starts to look a little less attractive.

If it was half the size and had built-in USB, Behringer would have been onto a winner.