BR-864

[BuleriaChk]

Hi, all,

I have a BR-900CD and a BR-600.  I have rhythm sequences edited via the software using the ROLAND file folder in my root directory.

My BR-900CD is in for repair, which may be expensive. I don't use it for recording, however, only as a front end for performing, and I'm thinking I might be able to substitute the BR-864.

  If so, I am wondering about the BR-864 - can I copy my ROLAND folder to its memory, and will the BR-864 accept my patterns and sounds that currently apply to the 600 and the 900CD?

Thanks,

Chuck

[BuleriaChk]

According to Roland t/s, the answer is "NO"......

[64Guitars]

Sorry for not replying sooner.

According to Roland t/s, the answer is "NO"......

Actually, I believe they're wrong. The file layouts for the BR-900CD, BR-864, and BR-600 are nearly identical except for a machine ID string written into the header of each file. When the BR-864 sees "BR-900" in the header, it rejects the file as incompatible. See this message in the Yahoo! group for more info:

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/BossBr/message/1919

It's easy to change "BR-900" in the file header to "BR-864" using a hex editor. Then the BR-864 will load the file without any complaints. If you're not comfortable using a hex editor, I wrote a program a couple of years ago that will update the headers for you. Or you can use Christopher Arndt's python script which you'll find in the Files section of the Yahoo! group here:

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/BossBr/files/Software/

Of course, you should only modify a copy of the BR-900 file - not the original file.

[SteveB]

I'm not disputing any advice given by 64G as I freely admit I'm not clued-up in computer message language. But what I can say is that the drum machines in the BR864 and BR900 are not the same. I've had both machines and was disappointed that I couldn't replicate exactly what I'd programmed in one into the other. I presume if you can move/use your folder, the patterns(?) that you've created may sound different to what you programmed. Just my twopennorth...