All who own or tried the BR-800's

[Mach]

Are they worth it? I mean comparative to other outboard recorders. If you have several different types is the 800 your "go to" machine. I understand the 800 has great sound quality, but as in ease of use, learning curves & multi-functionality how does the 800 stack up to others like Tascam, Korg, Zoom etc...or any other portable multi-track recorders. Kinda like the Coke/Pepsi taste test. I only have DAW's to compare. 

Mach

[64Guitars]

The BR-800 is a nice recorder. But it's currently $449 at Sweetwater and you can get a Tascam DP-24SD for $30 less. Personally, I'd much rather have the Tascam. But it depends what your needs are. If portability is important to you, you might prefer the BR-800. And the BR-800 can be used as a control surface for your DAW. Also, the Tascam lacks a drum machine and doesn't have as many effects. But in a home studio where portability isn't needed and you make your drum tracks on the computer, the Tascam is much better in my opinion.

  BR-800:  $449.00  http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BR800

DP-24SD:  $419.99  http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DP24SD

DP-32SD:  $499.99  http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DP32SD

[Oldrottenhead]

I love my br800 and hardly use my micro br anymore. When I first got it there was a bit of a learning curve but as with any recording tool the principles are very similar. If you where a complete newby  to home recording that learning curve will certainly be a lot steeper. My only other methods of recording are daws and what I do on them always gets transferred to br800 for mixing. But I find daw takes too much time to set up that by time you are ready to roll the inspiration has gone. The br800 not unlike the micro br is ready to roll as soon as it's switched on. Recently I got an iPad and have used daws on that but again everything gets transferred to br800 for mixing and mastering.  At home it is usually just me plugged into it, but have used geir's in Norway in a group setting. That is something I am not so sure as to how to set everything up, but geir seems to be able to set it up for a live group recording with his eyes shut.
But what I really love about it is everything I need is in that box and ready to use immediately and every time I use it I discover something new that it can do.

[alfstone]

The BR-800 is a nice recorder. But it's currently $449 at Sweetwater and you can get a Tascam DP-24SD for $30 less. Personally, I'd much rather have the Tascam. But it depends what your needs are. If portability is important to you, you might prefer the BR-800. And the BR-800 can be used as a control surface for your DAW. Also, the Tascam lacks a drum machine and doesn't have as many effects. But in a home studio where portability isn't needed and you make your drum tracks on the computer, the Tascam is much better in my opinion.

  BR-800:  $449.00  http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BR800

DP-24SD:  $419.99  http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DP24SD

DP-32SD:  $499.99  http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DP32SD

I have both of them, and agree 100% with 64Gtrs. The portability makes the difference: if it's important for you, go to the BR-800. By ALL the other points of view, the DP-24SD is absolutely a better choice, at a lower price.

I add that I have an old BR-600 too, and I've often thought that Ive always been more comfortable with it than with the BR-800.

Alfredo

[fenderbender]

I bought the BR800 -I was under impressed with it really-possibly my fault .


I found it a little cumbersome and had very little to offer -compared to the  BR600( I'm still using the 600 )
So I sold it on.

I then bought the BR80 and found that it was worth it's weight in gold
I used it for making backing tracks for the odd gig I was doing.
I reckon tho' it's a personal choice in the end -whatever recorder rings your bell.

[Mach]

Thanks for the the input guys. I still haven't decided which one I want yet.
I notice that the old DP-24 had MIDI ports and they took those out on the
newer SD version...wonder why? I guess it doesn't support MIDI any longer?
I didn't find anything on the web site about it.

I do like the idea of effects sends on the Tascam that the BR doesn't have.
Also the USB connector ports are different (same purpose-transfer) but
the BR looks more like what a midi controller has. I guess that is for use
as a surface controller.

The Tascam looks like a better built machine and has 2 outputs.
The BR has the stereo built in mics and I don't see or have read
anything about mics for the Tascam. Phantom power for both=good.
More sim. playback is a plus for Tascam...drums a plus for BR...
decisions decisions....

As for sound quality could someone please chime in who has both?

Thanks,
Mach

[Hook]

Tascam!!!!!!!!
haven't used a br1600(have used br900,600 MBR & BR80) but i bet comparatively it's going to be slow as hell.
SD card...far superior.
16 or 24 bit
24 tracks w/virtual tracks!
much better screen, better eq i bet.
records straight to wav (no proprietary format)
good, solid build

No midi-I care not but I do see how that could be a deal breaker for some.
No drums & effects aren't quite as easy to use (no flipping through pre sets) but again not a big deal to me & I'm even getting the hang of the effects.
I love mine & I think it's far better sound quality and it's just fun to use!
Rock On!

[alfstone]

Tascam!!!!!!!!
haven't used a br1600(have used br900,600 MBR & BR80) but i bet comparatively it's going to be slow as hell.
SD card...far superior.
16 or 24 bit
24 tracks w/virtual tracks!
much better screen, better eq i bet.
records straight to wav (no proprietary format)
good, solid build

No midi-I care not but I do see how that could be a deal breaker for some.
No drums & effects aren't quite as easy to use (no flipping through pre sets) but again not a big deal to me & I'm even getting the hang of the effects.
I love mine & I think it's far better sound quality and it's just fun to use!
Rock On!

+1

Tascam, hands down

Alfredo

[Geir]

The best thing about the br800 is that you don't really need anything else

One guitar or even just a uke and you can make a complete song

You've got drums, mics, fx, mastering .......

And it sounds good

[Hook]

Even though I do seem rather bias, Geir is totally right. I've often thought about upgrading the car to the br800, if only for the loop effects...I miss that chorus.it also runs on batteries which is always a big plus for me.
Maybe you should consider both! The most important thing is to aquire more gear.
Rock on!