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!
