Zoom Mrs-8 vs Boss BR-864

  • Thread starter Thread starter Fartone
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Fartone

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I know you're all gonna say "computer".

But seriously, if anyone has experience with these 2 units, I'd appreciate advice.

2 inputs is fine, my voice sux, and a built-in drum machine will suffice. What about ease-of-use, editing, etc. I am brand-new to recording.

Thanks alot!

/F
 
I have had both!

Actualy!
I prefer the Zoom MRS-8 over the Boss.
The drum machine is far more simple than the Boss and the effects are as simple to use as the drum machine.
The only nag I have is the fact that there is no USB port on the Zoom so you will need a USB card reader to export your files to PC or Mac for CD burning.
The Boss has a USB port for export but you have to convert your files from Boss format to wav right on the machine, thats bad as you have to use up space on your Flash card to convert.

The Zoom also has a file converter program that you can download and install on your PC or Mac(for free) and you just plug the card into the USB reader and convert on your pc for backup and burning and such. or you can mix down as I do with a MP3/Wav recorder (iRiver IHP-100 20 gig hd).
I record this way as I have had enough of using PC's (made less music on pc's and spent more time fixing issues).

Other than the mentioned things I think the Zoom is the better for the money.
Its as simple as a for track but with all the bells and fun stuff of digital.

The Boss and Zoom both DO NOT have Phantom power, so if you were planning to use condensor mics you will need a Pre or just a Phantom box(Rolls) to power them.

I recomend the Zoom as you can tell! If you live near a Sam Ash or a store that has both go try them both and see what you think. Anoy the sales guy a while! :D
 
Get used Yamaha AW16G from ebay for $600.00 is they way to go. Its one of the best workstations you can buy.
 
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Fart, a lot of us here like computers but choose not to use them for recording music at home. There are many reasons--portability, tactile controls, stability, ease of use, space, etc.--that can contrinute to using a machine like the ones you mention. I've used a Yamaha aw16g the 2 1/2 years, and it's perfect for my needs. Full-on computers are not always the best answer for everyone.

Best,

J.
 
I agree

I have owned the AW16g myself and liked it for some reasons and not for others.

That is why I encourage a person in your shoes to go and try a few machines as they are all diferent for diferent reasons.

I have settled on the MRS-8 for the fact that I find it to be simple yet I can do many things with it. The AW16g is also a great machine but I found myself digging to much into the manual.

So what I am saying is the AW16g may be a perfect recorder for deepwater and jeffree but not for me, as the MRS-8 is perfect for me but not them.

Try them out and realy ask alot of questions dont be afraid to talk the sales guys ear off as that is what you need to do to get answers before you to buy something and its his job to know the stuff. If he seems uneducated on the units you are looking at then ask others.

Anyway pick whats best for you and have a ton of fun! :)
 
You're absolutely right, Blaze. Get out there and see and touch before buying if at all possible. And don't trust anyone, including the experts, too much.

J.
 
Expert!

:) Experts is a four letter word or is it seven! I agree, if a magazine says that "This thing Rocks, and is perfect for every one!" then the editor or writer is HIGH!

Oh and I forgot this link!
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/zoommrs8/

Its a group I and others got going for MRS-8 users it is open to all who wish to join!

later
-BS
 
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