BR-8 Troubles

[T-SIS]

Just recently, after a few years of using it to record... my BR-8 poo'd the bed and when I turn it on it just gives me a "0000000000000" schpiel instead of the standard "Roland Boss yadayada." Anyone have a quick diagnosis?

[Frambo]

Hi T-SIS
Does it have a 'reinitialize' or restore factory setting function mentioned in the manual? If it does and that works it will probably erase user settings.
I guess you've got your stuff backed up on Zip disks or another harddrive.
Good luck ~ hopefully it hasnt died on you.
The BR1600CD ~ that could be a good upgrade if you continue with a stand alone recorder.

[T-SIS]

Hey, thanks alot! I'll try that ASAP and if that doesn't work, I'll take your advice on the BR1600CD.

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Frambo:

I posted this question in the "Equipment" forum and got only a small bit of info.

Considering a vendor's deal on the BR1600 coupled with some monitors; however, I've heard the 1600 is plasticated--light and not built as well as the Yamaha SIABs; what's your take, especially "sound" quality?

I've done some good stuff with the Yamaha 2816; however, it has been buried by Yamaha and I would not want another unit with so many confusing routing postures, as per the manual.

Appreciate your take?

Thanks,
Green Hornet

[Frambo]

Hi Green Hornet

I havent looked into any of the current Yamaha product but based on past experience would expect it to be very good quality. I've worked in music retail for a number of years but due to wholesaler politics we havent done Yamaha for a few years and I'm not up with their latest stuff. I'm in the guitar dept and would have to ask the tech boys if they have been keeping up with the comptetion ~ we do mainly Roland, Boss, Zoom (as well as PC and Mac and software).
I've been very happy with my BR1600CD. It has proved to be excellent value for its features, quality and price ~ and they are much cheaper now than when I got mine.

Sound quality ~ I've found it to be excellent. Also, with time I'm getting better with recording techniques and mixing and mastering. Even my early efforts achieved quite good results considering I had little experience at the time, but like anything the results depend on the user.

re it being 'plasticated' ~ I wouldn't say it is built like a tank but it isnt flimsy either. Mine's not being transported very often so being fully bullet proof is not an issue for me.
Check out www.topsoundproductions.com ~ this studio chose the BR1600cd as their portable recorders and have developed their own wave file software for editing stuff recorded live in a BR1600cd once back at the studio and exported into computer. Interesting.

If I'd had more $$ and a lot more time for the bigger learning curve, I would have either gone Cubase (based on the recommendations of a colleague) or something in the Roland VS range.

I was initially uncertain about the BR but was lucky enough to see a demo by a Boss demonstrator who was able to answer my questions. Hopefully your local dealers have staff who can show whether the Yamaha, Boss etc suit your needs.

If you want to read up on user experiences on the BR1600CD there is a very good forum www.takeforum.com/br1600cd The posts there should reveal the good and bad aspects of the machine and hopefully convince you one way or the other about the Boss.

I hope my 2 cents worth is of some help
Good luck with the search. I'd be interested to see what set up you get in the end.

Cheers
Frambo

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Frambo:

THANKS a bunch for taking time to post your thoughts on the BR1600. I "like" the features of the BR1600, some of which are not on the Yamaha. But, I have the Boss 880 drum box and it has really great sounds, rhythms, and is, of course programmable. [Who has time to program these days?] So, I use the presets on the Boss and have a lot of fun.

Since I am familiar with the Yamaha "mysteries of recording procedure," I'm going with that box. Maybe in the Spring of 08, I'll buy the Boss unit just for the heck of it--also, who knows what improvements may be forthcoming by 08 Spring?

I'll post my take on the AW1600 in the equipment forum when I have a chance and put your Name in the title so you can take a look.

Many thanks again Frambo and enjoy the rest of the summer.

Green Hornet