New BR model - the BR-800

[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.

[Ferryman_1957]

why would you use a recorder (except for portability) if you have a DAW anyway?

Good question. Im my case, I find DAWs cumbersome and complex, you have to resolve all kinds of software and latency problems, and you have to sit at the computer to use them. I don't like the mouse interface as a controller, and if I have to buy a separate controller pad I might as well have the recording studio under the controller pad! Plus the fact I spend all day working at a computer, I like to spend some time away from it.

I think if you are a serious "computer" musician, there is no choice - it would be DAW all the time. But there are lots of folks who find it easier to get into recording with a BR type machine. It just works, you just have to learn about recording techniques, not a whole bunch of related software issues.

Cheers,

Nigel

[The Gobi Desert Canoe Club]

Why do companies always wait until I bought something only to bring out a new model the very next week. Doh Willie

[launched]

Why do companies always wait until I bought something only to bring out a new model the very next week. Doh Willie

Ain't that life for you! 

I'm not a huge fan of DAW aside from the mixing and editing advantages. Nigels comments regarding the problems when trying to get input devices working properly are morbidly accurate. Here's a few more reasons why I prefer self contained recording devices(Or at least my MBR):

1. Instant On/Embedded Operating System. It takes very little time to set up and start recording.
2. Portability. A lot of the better music on this site has been recorded in closets, cupboards, bathrooms, automobiles, campsites and cottages.
3. It's easier to test your mastered recording with a portable device, especially with the MBR, because in mastering mode you can play the song back without having to compile an mp3 first. Small modifications allow you to switch between headphones, pc speakers, home audio, car audio, etc.

[Tony W]

another post eaten.

Nigel and Mark hit some very fine points, I'm going to hit one more.

I spend in the neighborhood of 10 hours a day looking at a computer screen. The thought of any more is repulsive to me. I'll take my self-contained recording devices any day of the week, just to avoid the screen time.

[Bluesberry]

another post eaten.

Nigel and Mark hit some very fine points, I'm going to hit one more.

I spend in the neighborhood of 10 hours a day looking at a computer screen. The thought of any more is repulsive to me. I'll take my self-contained recording devices any day of the week, just to avoid the screen time.

I agree completly with this statement.  Same for me, thats why I wnat a "studio-in-a-box" too.  Plug in, hit record, mix, add drums, record some more, mix, master, finished...I like that.