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Need a quick simple and easy way to record (Boss micro BR??)

T

theshadow2001

Jun 17, 2004
3,089
8
Ireland
#1
As the title suggests I want a really quick easy and hassle free way to record things such as my practicing so I can hear myself back.

As well as that I sometimes like to play around with vocal harmonies just for kicks. So a four track type thing would be cool as well.

I want it to be cheap and really easy to use. As in take it out of the box press record and away we go. Features aren't really that important just want it to be able to handle bass signals. Sound quality isn't of the upmost importance either since its only for messing around.

I want to be able to put what ever I have on it on to my PC as well in a relatively hassle free way

So I was thinking of getting the Boss micro BR does anyone who owns this agree it would suit my needs? Does anyone have any other suggestions?
 
#2
I just got a Micro BR for Xmas, and after a few days I'm getting it figured out. It took me a while to learn that you can record MP3's directly, but only one track. If you want to multi track it involves writing to file formats that are unique to the device and then converting them to MP3 afterwards.

If you want to practice vocal harmonies this unit would be a good choice, you can lay down one track and then hear it while singing to another track, no problem. Be aware that this unit will only record one track at a time, though, so if you want to play and sing and record both simultaneously it's not possible.

Finally, if you want to transfer all of this to you PC as MP3's it's pain. The built in converter takes a long time to export each track.

I still have not tried mastering a multi-track recording, I'm sure it would be faster to mix on the Micro and then only have to convert one file to MP3 to use it on your PC.

Also, on the Roland site there is a "BR Series Wave Converter" that will, as you might guess, convert the Boss files to *.wav's on your PC, which is a lot faster than converting them to mp3's on the device.

Hope this helps, drop me a line if/when you get one and we can compare notes. I'm still learning how to get the most out of this device. On the whole, between the recording capabilities and all of the practice tools this thing has builit in I am very happy with it so far.

Pete in Tucson
 
#3
theschnitt said:
If you want to practice vocal harmonies this unit would be a good choice, you can lay down one track and then hear it while singing to another track, no problem. Be aware that this unit will only record one track at a time, though, so if you want to play and sing and record both simultaneously it's not possible.


Pete in Tucson
Click to expand...

Actually Im pretty sure it records 2 at a time. You have to hold both the track buttons down at once when you select it. I may be wrong but I think I tried that.
 
#4
It's a qualified "sort-of." One can record the "guitar" input (1/4" jack) and also the built-in condensor mic at the same time, but no other combination of inputs.

Man, it's a great device, but it has taken me 3 days of pretty heavy use to figure it out. You CAN multitrack direct to MP3, so please disregard my mistaken idea above. However, when the unit is in MP3 record mode, the built-in rhythms and drum sounds are not accessable.

Pete
 
#5
Thanks guys it's these little things that you would miss out on because of the lack of a manual on the boss website which is quite annoying. If anyone has any other ideas for something around the same price or cheaper to record I would be more than open to suggestions
 
#6
I plan on getting this, the StealthPlug. Plug straight from your bass into the USB port on your computer. Includes effects, amp modeling, recording programs, a speed trainer that slows down music without changing pitch, change pitch without changing tempo, and play with headphones.

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Great price too.
 
#8
These are the same things I considered a while ago and wound up with a fostex MR-8HD mainly because it can record 4 tracks simotaneously, and basicly because of the hard drive. It's very easy to use and a lot of fun. The format is WAV for transfering to PC, so you have to deal with that. Strait up, you get more for the coin.
Recording your self practicing is incredible. When you think you sound good, then play back, you suck, hit undo, and try again. You are your own hardest critic, so kick it where it counts, literally, you can actually see the count!
 
#9
I agree 100%, recording yourself practicing is a real eye-opener.

The Fostex looks fantastic, but it's $400. The Boss unit is $229. Dollar-for-dollar I think the Boss is a great recorder, with some limitations. I cannot for the life of me figure out why they did not put a simple click track on it, the metronome programs all feature a "ding" to start the measure that is beyond annoying. The work-arounds are a pain.
 
#10
Is it possible to hear what you've recorded instantly on your computer or on the unit itself by pressing a play button or some such thing. Because if you could that would be me sold on it pretty much.

Edit: Just looked at the 3D model on the boss site could I stick a cable from the line out to the line in on my PC for listening to play back on my PC itself
 

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