Another BR-8 question

[Joe Lafo]

It appears that the BR-8 has been discontinued. Does anyone know the reason why? I've been considering buying the unit because I've heard good things about it - user friendly, relatively inexpensive, etc. - but now not sure. Is Boss replacing it with an updated version (therefore more $$)?........given the reviews I've read about it and a friend's recommendation, I'm inclined to go with it nonetheless, but would like to get a few opinions.

Thanks.

[72fender]

Roland has replaced the BR-8 with a new model, the BR-1180. The BR-1180 is as simple to operate as the BR-8. What Roland did was enhance the BR-1180 with 2 master mix-down tracks (9&10), PCM drums and the CD burner. This along with the massive 20GB harddrive will along to record 'linear' (no compression).

If you're like me, can play bass & lead guitar and keyboards, you could make great sounding CDs because the BR-1180 has Mastering Tools and you can import drum loops to have a more natural sounding drums. If it wasn't for gigin' live with my band I would produce my own CDs.

The BR-8 is still a great buy, I've seen prices of $450 - $599. If you only want to record yourself and want a enty level, very ez to use digital recorder. You know it records to ZIP media, a 100MB ZIP disk will have about 5mins of recording time, if using all 8 tracks but you can change the 100MB ZIP drive to a 250MB ZIP drive this will give you 15mins of recording, again if using all 8 tracks. This will void your warranty (1yr) if you buy a new unit.

I went from recording on a Fostex X-14 (basic analog 4tr) to a BR-8. I was recording my first song on the BR-8 about 45mins after opening the box, it's that easy .

[TJ Weger]

I am also new to the digital way of doing things. I've had and used an old Fostex 280 4-track cassette machine for the last decade, and have produced some fairly good recordings (in spite of it and myself!), but I'm wondering about this new BOSS machine.

I've heard that hard-drive recorders aren't as forgiving as tape when it comes to riding the signal close to the saturation point for optimum S/N ratio. Is this true?

I'm VERY intrigued by this BOSS BR-1180CD. I record about 98% of the time alone, so being able to record only 2 tracks at most simultaneously isn't too much of an issue for me. Plus, I like that "all-in-one" package, since I'm on the move a lot, and I can literally take it with me under one arm. Very cool.

My other big question is sonic quality. I'm old school, and just plain like the warmer sound of tape. When I heard the hard disc recorders back some years ago, I thought they were too sterile sounding. Have they improved on that?

Thanks for anything anyone can tell me!

[Peter D]

I'm new to the board and am happy to see this thread. My only experience with home recording is with an ancient Fostex X-55 4-track. I am a non-performing songwriter and very low tech using acoustic guitar, acoustic-eclectric mandolin and, on occasion a Strat. For the past two months I've been thinking about trying the BR-8 because of all the good things I've heard about it. Now, I see it's being discontinued and the BR-1180 CD is the new hot all-in-one unit.

I downloaded the spec sheet and some infor re the 1180 last night, but still have some questions. One being the XLR inputs and phantom power. Can one use the old Shure SM-57 without phantom power with the unit? Also, what is and isn't included with the unit? I got the impression that the AC adapter and punch-in switch were accessories that had to be purchased separately. Does anyone know if that's true?

I should add that almost all my stuff is recorded live and I'm looking for something to produce fairly high quality work tapes and cds to be sent to publishers, managers, etc. Any assistance you can offer is appreciated.

[krango]

According to the printed literature on the BR-1180 I picked up at the G.C. over the weekend:
"ACCESSORIES: AC Adaptor: PSB-3U, Effect Patch List/Rhythm Pattern List; Discrete Drums (CD-ROM; BR-1180CD only) -- OPTIONS: CD-R/RW drive (for BR-1180): CDI-BR-1, Expression Pedal (EV-5), Foot Switch (FS-5U), Pedal Switch (DP-2)"
...So it looks like the adapter is included, not any pedals.

[mkg]

That's right. I bought the 1180cd yesterday, adaptor and sample cd of drum tracks were included, but no footswitch. Looking forward to using this, but as of now am still reading the manual. Summer project is to cut a cd of originals.

[Peter D]

Krango & Mkg - Thank you for the information on the BR-1180 CD unit. I've had a heck of a time trying to get any info from Boss or local dealers. Many have tried to tell me that the unit isn't going to be available until the end of June, but, that appears to be inaccurate info.

Mkg - I hope that maybe, you'll post some of your impressions when you start using your unit. Right now it's what I'm leaning toward purchasing, but I've got a lot of people trying to talk me into computer-based recording. I have a Sony VAIO RX-543 running a cpu at 1200mhz which I purchased with the idea of doing mixing using something like Cool Pro Edit or whatever it's called. Thanks again for your assistance.

[mkg]

Peter D, will do. I've just scratched the surface so far, tried the 100 guitar and bass voicings, and listened to the different drum kits and arrangements. Some of the bass sims are very nice. Of the ninety or so guitar amp sims I found fifteen or so usable, but I'm not big on heavy distortion and such. As far as drums, I'll probably do most of them in real time using the track buttons.
Haven't tried vocals yet, but many effects are listed. The Mastering Tool Kit looks very promising, too.
Plug-ins in the back for about anything you can imagine.
Manual is full of info but not the best-written I've ever seen.

Computer may be the way to go, mine just isn't up to the task, and the all-in-one unit seems like a good solution for my needs.
Will let you know how it goes once I get some time on it.