New BR model - the BR-800

[64Guitars]

http://www.rolandconnect.com/product.php?p=br-800

(click to enlarge)

• 4-track simultaneous recording, 8-track simultaneous playback plus dedicated stereo rhythm track playback
• EZ Recording interactively guides through the recording process
• Powerful guitar, bass, and vocal effects derived from BOSS’s flagship processors
• Song Sketch recording for quick stereo capture in WAV format
• Built-in advanced drum machine with editor software
• Functions as a USB audio interface and DAW control surface
• Cakewalk SONAR 8.5 LE software with full audio loops and backing tracks included
• Built-in stereo condenser microphone for instant recording
• Sleek new interface based on touch sensors
• 1GB SD included (supports up to 32GB SDHC card)
• Runs on six AA batteries/USB bus power/AC adaptor (included)

From the Press Release...

"The BR-800 is expected to be available in May with an MSRP of $525.00."


The larger display should make the BR-800 easier to use than other BR models. For example, it displays the status of all 64 v-tracks at once:

The BR-800 includes new vocal effects from the Boss VE-20 Vocal Processor, including Doubling, Intelligent Harmony, and Pitch Correction.

[Bluesberry]

sorta inbetween a BR-600 and BR-900 in terms of functionality.  It looks nice at first glance.

[Tangled Wires]

Anyone wanna lend me a few quid??

[Ferryman]

I'd still love an MBR v2 with a few more bells and whistles. Just love that baby.

Might check this out though.

Cherers,

Nigel

[launched]

Yeah, I prefer my MBR because of the compact size, but the dimensions of this particular unit looks appealing to me. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the exact measurements, but it apears to be about the same size as a Dr. Rhythm drum machine. That is compact enough for me.

Not sure if I like the "tape/ribbon" style buttons as those are usually problematic from day one. But I think it is the only one that can be used as a DAW/USB recording interface. I'm tempted to save my Rubles for this one.

[Bluesberry]

The more I look at this the more I like it.  It looks like the perfect combination of portability and functionality.  I think they got a real winner here.  If I was starting from scratch right now, this is the unit I would want.  If I was someone like Mark, with a microBR, looking to step up a notch in terms of functionality, this would be my #1 choice.  This blows the BR-600 away, I am not even sure if they would continue that line after this.  This is a whole lot of recording functionality for the $$$ in a very portable device.  

[64Guitars]

Yeah, I prefer my MBR because of the compact size, but the dimensions of this particular unit looks appealing to me. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the exact measurements, but it apears to be about the same size as a Dr. Rhythm drum machine. That is compact enough for me.

Dimensions / Weight
(W) Width (W)    289 mm (11.38 inches)
(D) Depth (D)    184 mm (7.25 inches)
(H) Height (H)    58 mm (2.28 inches)
     Mass    890 g  (1.96 pounds)

Not sure if I like the "tape/ribbon" style buttons as those are usually problematic from day one.

I was thinking the same thing. I'd have preferred proper buttons.

I have a feeling that this is only the first of a new line of BRs. The BR-800 looks impressive but I'm tempted to wait and see if they announce a more advanced model. If this is meant to replace the BR-600, then I think I'd be more interested in whatever they come up with to replace the BR-900.

The new Cakewalk V-Studio 20 looks pretty cool though. For only $299 US, I'm tempted to buy one of those when they become available in May.

[Bluesberry]

"I have a feeling that this is only the first of a new line of BRs. The BR-800 looks impressive but I'm tempted to wait and see if they announce a more advanced model. If this is meant to replace the BR-600, then I think I'd be more interested in whatever they come up with to replace the BR-900."

good point

[launched]

Yes, Dave - There are lots of reasons to switch to this one. Too many to list. The expression pedal input, 4 recording inputs, 8 sliders, new effects, DAW interface, oh yeah!


Thanks for listing the measurements, 64 - Definitely a bit bigger thatn an MBR, but not too overly large, either.

I saw your post on the V Studio 20. Do you know if that will work standalone, or does it have to be connected to a computer?

[64Guitars]

I saw your post on the V Studio 20. Do you know if that will work standalone, or does it have to be connected to a computer?

I don't know for certain but my guess is that a computer is required for recording. The hardware probably isn't a recorder. It's just an interface/controller for the software.

[Davo]

Thats a spicy meatball.

[flyon90]

I don't know if its really that  much of an improvement over the br-600, I mean the 600 has vocal pitch correction (not that Ive ever used it) and other vocal effects.  The bigest improvement is probably the higher memory capacity which I'd think the BR-600 would be able to do with a firmware upgrade and why would you use a recorder (except for portability) if you have a DAW anyway?

[dwardzala]

I have a 600 and i see several advantages this has over the 600.

First the screen is much better.
Second, 4 inputs means it can double as a 4 channel mixer for a live setting or jam session, and tracking 4 inputs is obviously possible.
Third, it will function as a USB audio interface so you can record directly to the PC if you have DAW software (and you will since an LE version of sonar is included).  If it can send 4 inputs to 4 separate tracks - this would be the cat's ass (I suspect it doesn't though).

The 32 GB SD card support is a great improvement as well.

It appears the drum machine is an improvement over the BR600+ although without playing with it I can't say for certain.  I think the vocal effects are a step up as well.

Street on this will probably be in the high 4's initially, but I am going to try to save some money to upgrade from my BR-600.

[flyon90]

I know that there are improvements over the BR-600 but I don't think they really warrant me running out to replace my 600 for it.  Besides if you need a mixer you can pick up a 6 input Behringer for $50.  If your going to drop $500 why not pick up a copy of Pro Tools for home use and keep the BR-600 to record gigs and jam sessions?

[64Guitars]

Street on this will probably be in the high 4's initially, but I am going to try to save some money to upgrade from my BR-600.

Bananas At Large is taking Pre Orders at $449.00.