BOSS Micro BR-80 pocket sized digital multitrack recorder offers pro mixes on the move

BOSS's Micro BR-80 pocket sized digital multitrack recorder offers pro mixes on the move

For musos on the move looking to capture the moment when the muse strikes, Boss’s new portable Micro BR digital recorder could be the very thing.

BOSS's Micro BR-80 pocket sized digital multitrack recorder offers pro mixes on the move

The bijou recorder offers two tracks of simultaneous WAV-format recording, plus eight tracks of playback, and no less than 64 virtual tracks for anyone hoping to recreate Bohemian Rhapsody on a budget.

Capable of recording up to 550 hours, the device packs dedicated inputs for connecting a guitar, a microphone, or any stereo line-level device, as well as a USB port and headphone out.

There’s also two built in stereo field mics and onboard COSM guitar and bass effects, dedicated vocal effects derived from the VE-20 Vocal Performer, and a powerful suite of mastering effects.

BOSS's Micro BR-80 pocket sized digital multitrack recorder offers pro mixes on the move

The BR-80 can be found online for around £200, which seems pretty tremendous value to us.

Here’s the full spec sheet:

MICRO BR® BR-80: Digital Recorder

Plug into the Ultimate Micro Studio

Tracks
MTR Mode
Tracks: 8
Simultaneously recording track: 2
V-Track: 64 (8 V-Tracks per each Track)
eBand Mode
Tracks: 2 (stereo)
Simultaneously recording track: 2 (stereo)
LIVE REC Mode
Tracks: 2 (stereo)
Simultaneously recording track: 2
*Either the playback or the recording
Recording Media
SDHC Memory Card (4 GB to 32 GB)
SD Memory Card (1 GB to 2 GB)
Data Type
MTR Mode
Linear (Bit Depth: 16 bits)
eBand Mode
eBand Songs (Recording/Playback)
WAV (Bit Depth: 16 bits, Playback only)
MP3 (Bit Rates: 64 kbps to 320 kbps, Playback only)
LIVE REC Mode
WAV (Bit Depth: 16 bits, Recording/Playback)
MP3 (Bit Rates: 64 kbps to 320 kbps, Recording/Playback)
AD/DA
AD Conversion
24 bits
DA Conversion
24 bits
Sample Rate
44.1 kHz
Recording Time (conversion in one track)
MTR Mode
3 hours (1 GB), 100 hours (32 GB)
eBand Mode
eBand Song: 4 hours (1 GB), 130 hours (32 GB)
WAV 16-bit, stereo: 1.5 hours (1 GB), 50 hours (32 GB)
MP3 128 kbps, stereo: 16 hours(1 GB), 550 hours (32 GB)
LIVE REC Mode
WAV 16-bit, stereo: 1.5 hours (1 GB), 50 hours (32 GB)
MP3 128 kbps, stereo: 16 hours (1 GB), 550 hours (32 GB)
* The above-listed recording times are approximate. Times may be slightly shorter depending on the number of songs that were created.
* The above number of the MTR mode is the total for all the tracks that are used. If each of the eight tracks contain an equal amount of data, the length of the resulting song will be approximately 1/8 of the above.
Other
Nominal Input Level
GUITAR/MIC IN jack: -20 dBu (GUITAR/MIC SW = GUITAR), -40 dBu (GUITAR/MIC SW = MIC)
LINE IN jack:-10 dBu
Input Impedance
GUITAR/MIC IN jack: 1M ohm (GUITAR/MIC SW = GUITAR), 6k ohms (GUITAR/MIC SW = MIC)
LINE IN jack: 10k ohms
Nominal Output Level
PHONES/LINE OUT jack: -14 dBu
Output Impedance
PHONES/LINE OUT jack: 22 ohms
Display
Graphic LCD 128 x 64 dots (with backlit)
USB Functions
24-bit/44.1 kHz USB-AUDIO (Hi-Speed USB)
USB Mass Storage Class (Hi-Speed USB)
BUS Power operation
Connectors
GUITAR/MIC IN jack (1/4″ phone type)
LINE IN jack (Stereo miniature phone type)
PHONES/LINE OUT jack (Stereo miniature phone type)
USB connector (mini-B type)
DC IN jack
Power Supply
DC 9V: AC Adaptor (sold separately)
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 2
Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 2
USB Bus Power
Expected battery life: Approximately 6 hours (Alkaline dry cell batteries/with continuous playback of 8 tracks, power save function)
* May vary according to usage conditions, batteries used, and type of SD card used.
Current Draw
130 mA (DC IN)
Accessories
SD Memory Card, SONAR X1 LE DVD-ROM, USB Cable (mini-B type), Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 2, Owner’s Manual
Options (sold separately)
AC Adaptor (PSA series), Silicone Rubber Case and Carrying Pouch: BA-BR80S
Size and Weight
Width
138 mm
5-7/16 inches
Depth
86 mm
3-7/16 inches
Height
22 mm
0-7/8 inches
Weight
140 g0 lbs. 5 oz.
0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

BOSS's Micro BR-80 pocket sized digital multitrack recorder offers pro mixes on the move
And here’s the full press release.

BOSS SHIPS MICRO BR BR-80 DIGITAL RECORDER

Los Angeles, CA, July 21, 2011 – BOSS is now shipping the MICRO BR BR-80 Digital Recorder, an updated and improved version of its popular MICRO BR multitrack recorder. The first MICRO BR, launched in 2006, was a big hit among musicians, offering pro-quality multitracking in a handheld device only slightly larger than an iPod™. With an eight-track upgrade, the latest BOSS guitar and vocal effects, built-in rhythms, onboard stereo mics, fun jamming and practice features directly inherited from BOSS’ eBand® JS-8, and a Live Record mode that instantly turns the BR-80 into a stereo handheld field recorder, the BR-80 is sure to become an indispensable companion for guitarists, songwriters, and musicians everywhere.

The newest MICRO BR is small enough to fit in a pocket, but packs a host of features for pro-level music production. To start, it offers two tracks of simultaneous WAV-format recording, eight tracks of playback, and 64 virtual tracks for advanced editing and mixdown. High-quality stereo condenser mics are built in for up to 550 hours of recording time (with optional 32 GB SDHC card) for quickly capturing song ideas and rehearsals. Also included are dedicated inputs for connecting a guitar, a microphone, or any stereo line-level device.

With a next-generation processor at its core, the BR-80 delivers incredible effects processing with uncompromised sound quality. Onboard are world-class COSM® guitar and bass effects, dedicated vocal effects derived from the VE-20 Vocal Performer, and a powerful suite of mastering effects. As with all BR-series recorders, effects are easy to dial in, letting users capture pro sounds with little effort. Under the hood, power users can tweak the effects in detail via an extensive set of adjustable parameters.

To aid in songwriting, the BR-80 has a full complement of backing rhythm tracks in a large variety of musical styles. The rhythms feature top-quality drum and percussion sounds and are organized into patterns designed for use in different song sections.

The newest MICRO BR also offers an extensive set of features for music practice and jamming. eBand mode provides a huge library of backing tracks and rhythm patterns to play along with, and users can import their own WAV or MP3 songs. Variable speed playback, variable pitch, and A-B Repeat features enable players to learn riffs and practice songs in different keys and tempos. In addition, the Center Cancel function allows users to minimize the sound of guitar solos and vocals in pre-recorded tracks.

A USB port lets musicians use the BR-80 as an audio interface with effects for computer-based recording, and also to import and export WAV and MP3 audio tracks. Powerful software is bundled with the BR-80, including Cakewalk’s SONAR X1 LE, the eBand Song List Editor, BR Wave Converter and Rhythm Editor.

The BR-80 is available now with a suggested retail price of $299.
For more information, please visit: http://www.bossus.com/gear/productdetails.php?ProductId=1167

One Comment on “BOSS Micro BR-80 pocket sized digital multitrack recorder offers pro mixes on the move”

  1. The new Micro BR-80 is in many ways a great improvement upon the old Micro BR (2007),
    but is has a serious flaw: No external powered stereo microphone input is now available.
    The internal stereo electret mics can only go so far, for any serious work, external powered
    stereo microphone input is required, which worked fine on the old Boss Micro BR unit.

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