This review is written as I explore the new Boss recorder.
Before I begin I have thoughts about the unit that I’ve developed
from previous readings. We’ve been waiting to see it for more
than a few months. (Boss has hyped this one for some time.)
I will attempt to be as objective as possible. This writing
will be a step-by-step documentation of my impressions as
I use the first unit we’ve received.
OUT
OF THE BOX
Wow…..
I’ve never been so impressed with packaging. Boss took the
time to create a slick look for customers who open the box.
Everything needed is included and visible. The batteries (2-AA)
are included. The SD memory card (128MB) is pre-installed
in the unit. Basically after installing the batteries it’s
time to record. POWER UP Power up reveals a nice blue LCD
display. I go for headphones to check the demo…. Very nice
sound quality. The big surprise is Boss’ choice for demo;
usually demos are cheap and no very impressive. This is top
notch; the band sounds Incubus-like with full drums, guitar,
bass, and vocals up front. Honestly it’s too good. I can’t
believe that the demo was produced with the Micro; it had
to have other gear involved (sub-mixer, quality mics, real
guitar amp, etc.) Still…. quality playback and easy navigation.
IN
ACTION
Don
wanted a personal touch for this review and there’s nothing
more personal than using the gear. We’re going to plug in
a use the unit to create some recordings. I’m going to attempt
to fly without the manual; a true test for user friendly design.
Results: First recording attempt was interesting. The factory
guitar patch is loaded with delay. There are tons of amp models
and effects to play with. Most patches are usable from the
presets but I found that the input gain to be to much. It
took several minutes to figure out how to remove the delay.
The tuner is very easy to use and basic control functions
are very “industry standard.” The unit is easy to use.
Here
is the first recording LOW-LEE-TA RIFF
THE
MANUAL
In
the first 20 pages the manual explains everything you need
to get started. A helpful chart provides maximum record times;
96 minutes for mono wav files or 12 minutes for stereo on
the provided card. The unit can use up to 1GB cards for a
maximum record time of 755 minutes for mono and 94 for stereo.
The unit can also record MP3 format files for a maximum record
time of 1040 minutes of stereo on the 1GB card.
MICRO
RHYTHM
I think a cool feature for this unit is the included drum
tracks. I’ve read about this in the manual and put it to the
test for ease of use. Its easy to find rhythms that work.
There are more than 100 to choose from. Each rhythm style
has intro, fill, verse, and chorus patterns. The Micro can
also mix these patterns to create a rhythm arangment. It’s
fairly easy and sounds good.
THE END
In the big picture of recording the Micro BR is a dream come
true compared to the old tape 4-track days. To be somewhat
critical; the unit doesn’t come with a USB cable for PC connection.
On the other side with the right cable connecting to a computer
is super easy. The unit works without the need to install
any software; just plug and play. You can even store MP3 files
on the unit and listen to them as you would with an iPod!
For $229 there is nothing even close. If you’re in the market
for a multi-track recorder this is it. Guitar amps and effects,
drum machine patterns, USB connection, internal microphone
(that works very well), and more. Two-thumbs Up!
