Do I need a mixing board to go with my Boss BR-8? If so, what would me the purpose? Someone "on the street" told me, but I'm not really sure if they know what they're talkin' about.
You can do it either way, but most people I know don't use them. If you wanted to, you could use one with a larger mixer for use with more outboard effects, or to tie in to an existing studio. Other than that, I don't really see much need for it.
You don't need a mixing board. However, nicer preamps help tons. Roland doesn't include the best pre's on their digital recorders. Whomever suggested an external mixer might have meant a Mackie (or the like) for the pre's, which are at least better than the Roland pre's. Be that as it may, you'd probably want to consider a dedicated pre before buying a mixing board just for the preamps.
You don't need a mixing board. However, nicer preamps help tons. Roland doesn't include the best pre's on their digital recorders. Whomever suggested an external mixer might have meant a Mackie (or the like) for the pre's, which are at least better than the Roland pre's. Be that as it may, you'd probably want to consider a dedicated pre before buying a mixing board just for the preamps.
I personally use a Mackie, in part for its decent pre's. If you only record one signal at a time, like most homewreckers, you will get more bang for the buck with a dedicated pre. For the price, the ART tube preamp has received decent reviews. It gives good value for its price of around $100 and it would definitely be a drastic improvement over the BR-8 pre's.
Of course, if you are willing to spend more $, you can also find much better pre's.