My Boss Br-800 
has been the single best investment to my Home Studio. I have used it extensively for over 4 years now. It has been my go to Audio Interface, an easy to use Controls Surface, and an excellent Effects Processor. So I thought I'd share my thoughts with you about this little gem!
has been the single best investment to my Home Studio. I have used it extensively for over 4 years now. It has been my go to Audio Interface, an easy to use Controls Surface, and an excellent Effects Processor. So I thought I'd share my thoughts with you about this little gem!
The BR-800 is a compact and
lightweight digital audio recorder designed for ultimate versatility and
convenience. The BR-800 provides 4 tracks of simultaneous recording,
and 8 tracks of simultaneous playback. It has an additional stereo track
that's dedicated to the onboard drum machine, which also includes an
editor. The built-in stereo condenser mics lets you record anytime,
anywhere without the need for extra equipment. Your files are captured
to widely-available SD/SDHC memory cards, supporting capacities up to
32GB. A 1GB card is included to get you started.
The BR-800has an easy-to-use interface that's based on touch sensors,
giving you precision control over all features. An onboard effects
processor gives you a wealth of guitar, bass, and vocal effects, while a
"Song Sketch" feature provides quick stereo WAV recording. A USB
connector allows you to use the BR-800 as a USB audio interface with
your Mac or PC, as well as use it as a control surface for DAW
applications. Cakewalk SONAR 8.5 LE (Cakewalk Sonar Music Production Software)
software is even included for
computer-based audio manipulation. For terrific versatility, the BR-800 can operate on a set of 6 AA batteries, USB bus power, or the included
AC adapter.
After doing some research I have posted the cheapest price I have found for a new unit. I paid $449 over 4 years ago and this thing has steadily remained within that price range. So when I found it for only $365, I was tempted to buy another one!
is a compact and
lightweight digital audio recorder designed for ultimate versatility and
convenience. The BR-800 provides 4 tracks of simultaneous recording,
and 8 tracks of simultaneous playback. It has an additional stereo track
that's dedicated to the onboard drum machine, which also includes an
editor. The built-in stereo condenser mics lets you record anytime,
anywhere without the need for extra equipment. Your files are captured
to widely-available SD/SDHC memory cards, supporting capacities up to
32GB. A 1GB card is included to get you started.The BR-800
has an easy-to-use interface that's based on touch sensors,
giving you precision control over all features. An onboard effects
processor gives you a wealth of guitar, bass, and vocal effects, while a
"Song Sketch" feature provides quick stereo WAV recording. A USB
connector allows you to use the BR-800 as a USB audio interface with
your Mac or PC, as well as use it as a control surface for DAW
applications. Cakewalk SONAR 8.5 LE (Cakewalk Sonar Music Production Software)
software is even included for
computer-based audio manipulation. For terrific versatility, the BR-800 can operate on a set of 6 AA batteries, USB bus power, or the included
AC adapter.After doing some research I have posted the cheapest price I have found for a new unit. I paid $449 over 4 years ago and this thing has steadily remained within that price range. So when I found it for only $365, I was tempted to buy another one!
Pros:
- Compact and portable design, ideal for musicians, journalists, and more
- 4 tracks of simultaneous recording, and 8 tracks of simultaneous playback
- Dedicated stereo track for the onboard drum machine, which also includes an editor function
- Built-in stereo condenser mic lets you record anytime, anywhere without the need for extra equipment
- Records to widely-available SD/SDHC memory cards, supporting capacities up to 32GB. A 1GB card is included to get you started
- Easy-to-use interface is based on touch sensors, giving you precision control over all features
- Onboard effects processor gives you a wealth of guitar, bass, and vocal effects
- "Song Sketch" feature provides quick stereo WAV recording
- USB connector allows you to use the BR-800 as a USB audio interface with your Mac or PC, as well as use it as a control surface for DAW applications
- Cakewalk SONAR 8.5 LE software is included for computer-based audio manipulation
- Operates on a set of 6 AA batteries, USB bus power, or the included AC adapter for terrific versatility
- 4 XLR inputs on the back of the unit, 4 trs 1/8 inputs on the back as well, and 1 high z on the front
- Headphone input on the front of the unit for zero latency monitoring or night time jam sessions
- Line in for recording from various sources
Cons:
- The Guitar to Bass simulator can have some hiccups and is not able to pick up polyphonic Bass chords without low end garble
- Most of the effects that include distortion are "overdone" in my opinion, but can be toned down and shaped into something more feasible
- The touch screen panel can be hard to get used to and if it gets oily fingerprints they will have to be cleaned before it will work properly again
- 24 bit recording is only available on while plugged in via USB
- Of the 4 XLR preamps on the back of the unit, only one of them has phantom power
- When using the Loop Record feature, there is a delay in the changing of tracks that can cause a little drop out of audio (1 sec. tops, see video)
Specs: |
|---|
| Simultaneous Rec Tracks | 4 |
|---|---|
| Simultaneous Play Tracks | 8 |
| Sample Rate | 44.1kHz |
| Bit Rate | 24-bit |
| Effects | Yes |
| Compression | Track Compression, Multiband Mastering Compression |
| Phantom Power | Yes (1 channel) |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 4 |
| Audio Interface | Yes |
| Computer Connectivity | USB |
| Built-in Mics | 2 |
| Analog Inputs | 5 x 1/4", 4 x XLR, 1 x 1/8", 1 x 1/4" (Footswitch) |
| Analog Outputs | 1 x stereo RCA, 1 x 1/4" (Headphones) |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| Storage | SD (up to 32GB) |
| Faders | 8 |
| Fader Throw | Compact (short-throw) |
| Power | DC 9V Adapter (Sold Separately), 2 x AA Batteries, USB Bus |
| Height | 2.31" |
| Depth | 7.25" |
| Width | 11.44" |
| Weight | 2 lbs |