Odd meters with the BR80 ???

[Magicaldog]

Hi all Home recorders !

I just ordered the BOSS BR80 after watching a bunch of Youtube clips but after reading the manual that I found online I got a little worried if the BR80 can handle off meters like 3/4, 7/8 etc.

I also wonder if it's possible to change meters in a song like begin with 5/4 and then change to 7/4 on a certain measure.


All help is appreciated

Thanks in advance

[64Guitars]

Hi Magicaldog and welcome to Songcrafters.

The built-in preset patterns for the BR-80 are all in 4/4 except for the various metronome patterns and one pattern called "BALLAD 3" which is in 6/8. However, you can also import your own custom patterns from standard MIDI files and these can be in any meter you like. So, yes, you can have meters like 3/4, 7/8, etc., but only if you create the patterns on your computer using a MIDI sequencer, then import them into the BR-80. If you want to create rhythm progressions using only the built-in preset patterns, then you're limited to 4/4 (except for "BALLAD 3" and the metronome patterns).

You string patterns together in a sequence that Boss calls a "rhythm progression". For each step in the rhythm progression, you specify which pattern to play, how many measures to play it for, and the tempo to play it at. So, yes, you can change meter within a song. For example, step 1 of your rhythm progression might be a pattern in 5/4 that you've imported from a MIDI file and you might choose to play it for 12 measures at 130 BPM. Then, in step 2, you could switch to a different pattern that's in 7/4 and play it for, say, 16 measures at 162 BPM. And so on.

You can also combine preset patterns and imported patterns in the same rhythm progression. For example, step 1 might be a preset pattern in 4/4 that you play for 8 measures. Then, in step 2, you could switch to an imported pattern in 3/4. And in step 3, you could switch to another preset pattern. And so on.

[Magicaldog]

Hi 64Guitars

Thanks a million for your thorough explanation. YOU made my day 

It's a mystery why BOSS doesn't include odd meters ( Deal Breaker for many players ) with the BR-80 but very good that they allow importing those odd meters.

Let's see how long the Jog wheel last before it needs caring? ( Good that I have 3 Years Warranty from www.thomann.de ) 

Thanks again and have a REALLY nice day.