The Boss Micro BR

Andrew.Glose · #1 10-12-2007, 09:48 AM

I'm heavily considering buying this piece of gear in the near future. The only thing stopping me is: there's been no feedback from a bass player using this device.

If anyone has insight or experience, it would be well appreciated to share it.

I'm not too fond of driving an hour and a half to the nearest guitar center only to put up with the place while I try and test this thing out. And the search results don't turn much up, hence this dedicated thread.

Andrew

Racermech · #2 10-12-2007, 10:04 AM

Boss BR-2? I searched Roland's website and saw no such thing...

Andrew.Glose · #3 10-12-2007, 10:11 AM

Sorry, mate.

I didn't bother to make sure it was the device I was talking about before I posted it.

Lowpro · #4 10-12-2007, 10:21 AM

Hey man, I've got one, it's a great piece for the money. However there's no downloadable's that I know of for the piece so if you were hoping you could put some downloadable amp models or effects on there it doesn't have that. For portable recording it's awesome. 230 bucks for something like that is great, HOWEVER if you just want to record from your computer and you live in a dorm (Like me) I use the Line6 Toneport. I'm gonna say flat out it's not the best but the latency is minimal, I never notice it, AND it has downloadable amp models that sound good as well as bass pedal effects. I like to use both.

Infernal Affair · #5 10-12-2007, 10:22 AM

I think the problem is it hasn't gotten proper exposure in the bass community. Another problem is that it isn't a proper effects unit so it's hard for it to get categorized on the boards. It's a 4 track recorder foremost, but it does have a few effects, mostly basic. You'll see quite a few dudes advocate the Korg Pandora, but it seems hardly anyone has gotten the Micro BR, even though it'd be incredibly useful as a practice tool and recorder. That being said, it's on my list of things to buy. What do you want to know about it? How it sounds? I've done quite a bit of research on it myself, but most of the info I have is hearsay.

Andrew.Glose · #6 10-12-2007, 10:37 AM

Awesome.

I've heard that it could be iffy with bass 'tone,' and by that, I mean, without effects. I'm really not concerned about effects so much as I'm concerned about being able to practice with it and record ideas (and play over loops I create). I mainly want to hear feedback on how it responds to bass frequencies when recorded.

I've been looking for a portable practice unit with a loop feature, so I can play over ideas/progressions. All other features are just the icing on the cake. But man, are they great to have.

I've got a birthday coming up, so this could be what I'm gunning for, ya know?

**David Wilson** · #7 10-12-2007, 10:53 AM

I use it for simple recording, and like it.

Here are some bass samples I recorded with it: http://bass.dmw.ftml.net/

I set up a song arrangement to record the same licks with different basses to compare the sounds side by side.
In case you're interested:
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2 is a fender 75 ri jazz
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4 is a lakland dj4

Swift713 · #8 10-12-2007, 11:35 AM

I like mine just fine. I don't really use the effects, they're not horrible but they're nothing special either. I mostly use my Zoom B2 for modeling and effects and the Micro BR for recording. The drum patterns are pretty limited but potentially useful like an upscale metronome and it's good that they don't take up any tracks. I have gotten some decent tone recording bass direct with the BR's compression. It has a nice clear sound. The models aren't as good as the Zoom's. I wouldn't recommend it as an effects processor, modeler or pre-amp but for headphone use and recording it's a fine thing. I just got an adapter to run 2 1/4" into the 1/8" stereo line in so I can play bass along with my other drum machine. Navigating the menus can be just a little annoying but what do you expect from something so small?

jdbutz · #9 10-18-2007, 09:21 AM

How is the Boss Micro BR as a training tool? I'm trying to decide between the Micro BR and the Tascam MP-BT1. I'm looking to be able to slow the tempo down on songs and create loops to learn cover tunes. I like the ability of the Micro BR as a recorder, but how is it as a trainer? How does it compare to the Tascam MP-BT1? Thanks!

Geddyfleaharris · #10 10-18-2007, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdbutz

How is the Boss Micro BR as a training tool? I'm trying to decide between the Micro BR and the Tascam MP-BT1. I'm looking to be able to slow the tempo down on songs and create loops to learn cover tunes. I like the ability of the Micro BR as a recorder, but how is it as a trainer? How does it compare to the Tascam MP-BT1? Thanks!

I bought the Boss Micro BR and think it's a pretty cool little tool if you use it for what it is intended. I did not buy it as a trainer or an effects unit. It has numerous guitar sounds and a few bass sounds but, IMO, modelling is not it's primary use. It is marketed as a mini, portable 4 track recorder.

I also have the Tascam CD-BT1. Obviously CD's instead of MP3's. I really like this unit too if you use it for what it is intended. Yes there are effects on and a few other goodies but learning songs on it is very cool and easy. Especially if you want to cheat and slow the song down. So unless the MP-BT1 has different functions from the CD-BT1 it is not a recording device but a training device.

I did not find that either of the units were very intuitive to use meaning the function, key selections etc did not come naturally, IMO. I found both units need to be played with and use of both manuals to get going is pretty much essential.

jdbutz · #11 10-21-2007, 09:23 PM

I'm leaning toward the Boss Micro BR, because you can use it as a trainer along with the recording aspect. Anyone else have any opinions?

69nites · #12 10-21-2007, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdbutz

I'm leaning toward the Boss Micro BR, because you can use it as a trainer along with the recording aspect. Anyone else have any opinions?

if you use the google search and search "micro br" there was an awesome thread about this in recordings.

EDIT here it is for ya

Boss Micro BR and alternatives

jdbutz · #13 10-23-2007, 09:25 PM

Thanks!

Baird6869 · #14 10-23-2007, 10:16 PM

I hate my Micro BR.

The instructions suck and it is too easy to delete hours of work by pressing (or forgetting to press) a button.

The unit is extremely confusing and if you want to use the drum tracks..... good luck!

I am very technical computerwise, but this thing is not something you can use out of the box.

I tried using this as a simple little 4 track recorder. Lay down the bass, a couple guitar tracks and a vocal. Terrible! It is extremely difficult not to inadvertantly erase everything you have worked on for hours.

Just my opinion, but beware.

Sonic_Stuff · #15 12-16-2007, 12:47 PM

Yes, it can be confusing at first, but it's a good tool. For anyone starting out, I would recommend checking this tutorial. Somebody was asking about the use as a trainer. It has two features that enable the use that way, listen to them here.

syciprider · #16 12-16-2007, 08:11 PM

The Fostex MR8 MKII is easier to use. It maybe a bit bigger but if you wanted a Micro BR for recording on the move and you're travelling with a bass anyway, how much more difficult will it be to carry a more capable and intuitive recorder that fits in a gig bag pocket?

Oh I'm off topic.