Boss BR-600 Digital Recorder

[Adrian30]

Does anyone know anything about Boss BR-600 Digital Recorders? I’m really considering this recorder as my first buy in the area of recording. It can be connected to a computer via USB. Practically, I don’t know anything about recording or recording gear:messedup: . However, what I’m asking for is thumbs up or thumbs down for this product.

 

[helliott]

Can't speak to that model, but I have a Boss 1200-Cd and love it. But lots of other folks here swear by straight into the computer, so wait to hear their take. I like the standalone because it's most like an old fashioned studio the way you set up, but I don't know the computer route like these folks.

 

[wingsdad]

I say 'thumbs up' because if you're a 'raw beginner' at recording, Boss BR series recorders are 'guitar player friendly' in their design and interface, so they're easy to 'get your arms around' the process and to learn to use a standalone digital multi-track.

I had a BR-532 years ago, a 4-track unit that made for being a decent portable 'notepad' unit; the BR-600 is similar, a little more capable. Relatively inexpensive, self-contained, you don't need to get involved buying a bunch of outboard gear. A decent mic or 2 is all you need and you're on your way.

That said, bear in mind they have their limitations if you eventually find yourself 'getting into' recording. You'll want something with more bells & whistles and better audio capabilities. Or you may want to get into a computer-based system.

 

[Dreadman]

I haven't owned a stand alone recorder since Tascam's 424 (cassette machine) was popular but for years now I've used Cakewalk's Guitar Tracks Pro software.
(http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Cakewalk-Guitar-Tracks-Pro-3?sku=704988)

It's a damn nice piece of software for $100 and basically turns your computer into a 32 track recording machine. All the features of a multitrack machine and it comes with some pretty good amp models and effects plus there are a pile of drum beats built in.

I wouldn't want to dissuade you from the Boss unit if that's the right thing for you but I've been so happy with Guitar Tracks (for years) that I haven't even thought of buying a machine.

(EDIT) Wings really knows his music electronics. Maybe he could look over the specs for the Guitar Tracks software and let us know how it compares to some common stand alones.

 

[wingsdad]

Wings really knows his music electronics. Maybe he could look over the specs for the Guitar Tracks software and let us know how it compares to some common stand alones.

Thanks for that, D-man, but I really know jack about computer-based recording systems or track manipulation other than it's surely more powerful and less limited than using a DAW-based system like those in the Boss BR series. And that you can encounter latency issues, OS conflicts, periodic upgrades of software and/or hardware due to the planned obsolescence of that industry.

If you're doing a 'pro' studio thing, definitely: gotta be computer, and it best be ProTools based studio. But if you're a home recording hobbyist that's a musician first and recordist 2nd, you don't 'need' a computer.

Whatever I know was built from working with tape and analog studio gear, from just a bit later than after Hannibal crossed the Alps with it, and then finally exploring what digital recorders could do about 7 years ago with the Boss unit I mentioned. My thing is a hybrid of 'old-school' techniques and tools augmented by and mixed with a DAW's ease & convenience. [Edit: I just figured out how, and made a link to my current home studio setup in my sig. If interested, there it is...]

Most important plus for me with digital is you don't get the degradation, noise and bleed like with overlaying and submixing analog tape tracks. I still use analog gear as signal sources, or if it's a digital source, I convert or run it through an analog device to keep things 'warm & fuzzy'. To me, purely digital is too 'glassy' sounding, but that's just my opinion.

Also, I prefer to leave room for human error and spontaneity in the musical performance; there can be a tendency to rely on a computer (or even a DAW) to fix mistakes, correct pitch...extinguish any human touch.

That said, I don't in any way mean to say one can't or shouldn't start with a computer system. Your suggestion of Guitar Tracks as one simple way to go is surely a good one. If it's more convenient to go that route, than by all means, it's the way to go. But....a standalone unit like the 'little' Boss BR600 is independent and more easily portable.

Sun Valley Steve admits to being a neophyte with recording. I think applying the KISS principle may be the simplest way to start. Whether it's computer or DAW.

 

[helliott]

Great info for we less experienced recordists. I struggle with that end of it, sometimes to the detriment of the playing. Sorry to be so thick, but what's DAW?

 

[scorona]

I have the BR600 and like the ability to take it along with you anywhere. I use the built-in drum machine to keep tempo when I practice or get together with friends to play. Have not done too much recording with it yet, but have found it very versatile and the onboard mics are quite good. There is a good review here...

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90041&page=2&highlight=BR600

 

[ted s]

Holy crap Wings, glad you know what to do with all those dials..:thwap:

 

[Dreadman]

DAW = digital audio workstation (correct name for a stand alone recording unit)


Wings makes some good points about software recorders. You do need a fairly decent computer, you have to know some stuff about it to set up the software and minimize (or even eliminate) latency. Latency is when the incoming sound is delayed just a tiny bit. Frustrating but not too hard to correct.

 

[Adrian30]

Thanks everyone for your help. I just bought the BR 600, and I'm going through the manual (this thing's pretty thick). I'll keep you posted on my progress with this recording device. I certanly like it's portability. And this is all I can say for now.
Again, thank you for helping me decide.

 

[wingsdad]

Holy crap Wings, glad you know what to do with all those dials..:thwap:

:rotflmao: Yeah...that's really why I prefer the type of setup I have...I dig twiddling with 'real' knobs' and meters and things. The 'virtual' kind on a computer screen just leave me cold.

helliott makes a really good point. One of the pratfalls of recording yourself (or anyone else, for that matter) is getting overly wrapped up with setting things so precisely, or figuring out how to make something like an effect happen, that by the time you've figured out how to do it, you've lost the 'heat' of the inspiration and have to re-fire your jets, or you get so frustrated at not getting it figured out, you just lose it completely.

Good luck with the BR, Steve. A little tip is have the machine at the ready and go through the manual with it available. And just 'go for it'. There are (or used to be, anyway) User Groups for specific BR machines in the Yahoo Groups thing. Been a while, don't know if there's one for the 600, but you might find some support there, too. Most technique is pretty 'common' and there's a common set of jargon.

 

[stiggowitz]

Thanks everyone for your help. I just bought the BR 600, and I'm going through the manual (this thing's pretty thick). I'll keep you posted on my progress with this recording device. I certanly like it's portability. And this is all I can say for now.
Again, thank you for helping me decide.

I bought one about the same time, the manual is pretty clear and the onboard mic's are decent!
Like the portability!


stigg.