Re: [Harp-L] The new Boss recorder - detailed description



Hi, 

I researched it thoroughly. I found the 132-page owner's manual and
read it twice from cover to cover. It's rather a practice unit with the
recording feature. And it seems to be a great one. And I believe it will
be indispensable for the harmonica work outs I plan to undertake. Just
brief facts: 

- 4 analogue tracks with 32 virtual tracks (you can copy one and put it
in virtual freeing the analogue one)

- can record stereo using 2 tracks simultaneousely

- it has 293 drum/rythm patterns, inter alia, blues, jazz, R&B
included.

- has a streatch feature: slows down a tune without drop/raise in pitch
in the rage of 25-200%. Works with WAV and MP3.

-  has Central Cancel feature: it means you can cancel solo on any tune
of your influence (that is, minimize it to the extent possible - you can
define rage of frequencies to be canceled or minimized) and then you can
use that tune as a background music for your own solo - also works with
MP3 and WAV. Just imaging playing with the Muddy Waters's band or alike!


- it has insert effects: (1) Guitar: preamp, speaker simulator (up to
14), noise suppressor, FX: compressor, chorus, flanger, phaser,
tremolo/pan; Delay. (2) Voice/Mic: compressor, Enhancer, 4B EQ, Noise
Suppressor, Delay, mixer, limiter, Reverb. 

- two Ins: for guitar and mic - insert effects can be used for both

- punch in / punch out feature: say if you recorded your solo which is
great but with a mistake in some place, then you can mark that portion
of solo as point A and B and then use the feature. What happens is, you
turn on this feature and play again over your solo but this time
supposedly without a mistake (just start playing a couple of measures
prior to the mistake). All your solo remains the same and the marked
portion of the song is replaced with the new version you just played
once again. Smooth transition. All is done automatically. One
requirement: not less then 1 sec of time can be edited. 

- it also has built in mic for easier set up

- Mastering: you can do all the editing in the unit and make a separate
project in this one piece on the go. 

- you can use for your project I guess up to 8 tracks simultaneousely

- you can use some effects with mastering: compressor, mixer, limiter.


- you can make your own arrangements with the rhythm section:
Intro-Verse-Fill-Verse ... - End, etc. 

- Audio formats: (MP3) 44.1 kHz, 64kbps-320kbps, (WAV) 44.1 kHz, 8 bit
or 16 bit, mono or stereo, linear. In general Micro BR cannot use file
formats other than MP3 and WAV. 

- Records in WAV and MP3

- Has a phrase trainer - loops A-B portion of song

- has a repeat function: constantly repeats a chosen song. 

- has a built-in chromatic tuner (I guess built for the guitar and bass
guitar). 


My opinion. Many units have a bunch of functions but they often do not
allow to practice without any additional equipment and do not provide
true mobility and freedom. As for the Micro BR, it allows practicing
without a computer and any additional equipment - all you need your
harmonica and mic. You can prepare MP3 background music/songs in
Band-In-A-Box. And what is great, you can make your own projects and
then download your tunes to your PC. It for instance will allow me
participate in the on-line jams, which is not possible now as I can't
use computer at work for recording:) and I don't have one at home. 

One feature that is missing and that I find indispensable is
transcribing - raising and lowering the pith in steps. I guess it will
come in the next version. 

Check the video on the rolandus.com website. 



Hope that helps. I'm going to get me one, will use it with the
HoneyTone mini amp. 


Alex





>>> "Wally Walters" <bigwalter@xxxxxxxxxxxx> 25.10.2006 20:25:36 >>>
Has anybody been looking at the New Boss Micro BR?
It comes-out next month and looks like it'll cost around $220...
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=818 
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