MR-8 vs. Boss BR-532

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ricklh
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Ricklh

Ricklh

New member
Hello everyone, first post in this forum. Lately, I've been looking seriously at the Boss BR-532- even bought the video manual- but have discovered this MR-8 unit tonight, went to the Fostex site and printed out the 5-page info about it. Here's my present musical set-up: one Takamine acoustic guitar, a Behringer microphone, and a ART Tube MP pre-amp. That's it. I just wanna have something to record basic demo's on, song ideas, etc. So the MR-8 has no built-in drums, but I can always get a drum machine later. For $100 less than the Boss unit, I think this MR-8 is probably my dream machine, wouldn't you? Also, I get the impression that this MR-8 would be a whole lot quicker to learn than the Boss.
 
I happen to think that BOSS makes some great products, they've been around for a long time and have a solid reputation. When I was doing my homework (which unit is best for MY application) the MR8 won hands down. Now that I have had mine since Christmas, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm just a songwriter, no band, no giggin, none of that stuff. I have a decent PC, behringer ub1002 mixer, midiman Oxygen 8, and a Boss DR5 rhythm box (oh...and my ever-growing family of guitars). Most of this stuff is new to me and I really don't know how to use it properly yet. I do have the mr8 figured out pretty good because it is so USER FRIENDLY. Go with the mr8 my friend, you won't be disappointed.


bd
 
I second that, the MR8 is a clear winner here. I see the Boss as a product that is competing with devices like the PS5, Korg PX4 and Zoom PS 02. It (the Boss 532) certainly is a nice device and you would probably be very happy with it. However, you will probably out grow it very soon. I have heard that the drums don't sound very good from quite a number of people in other forums. There is more room to grow with the MR8. The only disadvantage for you is that the MR8 doesn't contain a groove box of any kind, and the amp simulator is so bad it's painful to listen to. If you're just after a unit to put ideas down quickly, that contains bass and drums, has useful amp modelling, and can transfer tracks easily to the computer, you might want to look at the Zoom PS 02, which is half the price of the Boss 532 and actually has a good sound. If you want something more serious that you will still like a year from now, I say go with the MR8.
 
I was comparing the 2 also and I went with the MR-8, then bought a used DR-5 off of EBAY for 150.00.

Total recording investment: 450.00

Fun that I am having with the MR-8: Priceless



:)


clif
 
I've also heard good things about the BR-532. A lot of people have had issues with some of the other units mentioned, but I've never seen complaints about the Boss.

The MR-8 has the advantages of being the easiest unit to use, and it uses uncompressed wav files. Better guitar effects and a built in drum machine would be cool, but as clif mentioned, you can get a much better drum machine to use with the MR-8. Same goes for effects - since the amp sims on the MR-8 are so bad I started using my POD, which blows away anything built into a recorder.
 
mrx,
Which POD do you use? I've been looking at them, but I just saw that Behringer has a V-Amp that comes with a case & a footswitch for about $100 less than the POD 2.0. Do you have any input on this?


bd
 
I have the POD 2.0, which I picked up because I use a Line 6 amp and floorboard. I figured the POD would be great for getting my same sound when just running through a PA. It turned out the POD/floorboard combination was too big to bring to "open mic" night, so I never used it.

Now, with the crappy amp sims on the MR-8, I started using it again and it's great. One consistent thing I've heard about the POD is that you sometimes have to be patient. Any sound you want is "in there", but since it sounds so different with every guitar, you have to apply the same care in finding your sound as you would with actual amps, effect, mics, etc.

I've barely scratched the surface with the POD, but have been very happy with Line 6 gear. It's so cool be able to dial in a sound (using real dials!) and hit a button to save. They took the same 'ease of use' design approach used on the MR-8. The forum on the Line 6 board is also very active and helpful.
 
Thanks for the input, I'll check out the forum. Any thoughts on the Behringer?


bd
 
I'll take a look. I love thier mixers, but didn't know they made guitar boxes.

Speaking of their mixers, while touring a new Guitar Center that opened out here, I saw a little $49 Behringer that looked like it had one XLR jack with phantom power - could be the answer for those trying to use condenser mic's with the MR-8.

The other thing about the POD (and other Line 6 gear), is how much of it you see used by "pro" acts. Sheryl Crow's band uses their amps, the Hip used tons of their stuff live, etc.

About the only issue with the POD is that the floorboard costs as much as the unit itself.
 
Yeah, that's kinda what's turnin me off with the POD. I think I'll go to GC and try out the behringer. That little mixer you're talkin about is the UB 502 same as my 1002 except 5 channel. The phantom power is a definite plus for the price. Anyone in need of a decent small mixer would be well served with that one.


bd
 
I have also heard great things about the Johnson J-station. looks like in runs around 150.00



clif
 
Thanks Clif,
I see in the MF catalog you can hear that one on line, I'm gonna check it out.


bd
 
I placed an order for the MR-8 today!! The company I ordered from won't get another shipment though til 2/13, so now I got to eagerly await it's arrival in about a week or so and dream about my little bedroom 8-track studio until then. Dang, I can hardly wait!!
 
Ricklh,
Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated.




Welcome aboard!

bd
 
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