Boss DR 880 dr rhythm

[Glenn Mitchell]

I can get a hardly used unit for $150 now but the guy does not know how to use it, so can't show me.
One concern:
I notice Windows 7 is not mentioned (probably was not existing at the time) as compatible for backups, program fixes and communication.
(Who knows how long my XP machine will last.)

I've been over the FAQ's and the Demo and they can make it look good of course but it would be great if someone here has real experience?
Thanks

[peterp]

No experience with the DR-880, I have an old DR-550
but if you need the manual it is here
User manual http://media.rolandus.com/manuals/DR-880_OM.pdf
MIDI Implementation http://media.rolandus.com/manuals/DR-880_MI.pdf

I only used the DR550 for a short while, then went to hydrogen or trying to string loops in Audacity..
Found them a lot easier to use, than programming the old dr550  

[Speed Demon]

You should have no problems using this device with Windows 7.
One of the four laptops in my home is running Win7 and every device I've hooked up to that machine
has functioned perfectly with it. Go for it.

Gene

[Glenn Mitchell]

Thanks
I bought the machine for $100.
I'm currently wading thru the manual and I think I now have a handle on how it is supposed to be used.
Next is getting familiar with the process so it doesn't take so long.
There is no free lunch when it comes to getting a good drum track.

[64Guitars]

A DVD video tutorial for the Boss DR-880 is available for $29.95 here:

http://www.proaudiodvds.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=DR%2D880&Click=2040


Here's a short excerpt from it (the DVD is 2 hours long):


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I29biF0GWMY

[Glenn Mitchell]

That's great. thanks 64. He makes it look easy. Lol.

[Speed Demon]

Thank you, gentlemen, your info on the BR-880 is quite helpful.
I think one of these puppies will be under the tree Christmas morning.
Or a new computer. Not sure which at the moment.

[Glenn Mitchell]

I'd love to get a discussion going on drum machines. It would be ideal if it were machine specific but perhaps there are general issues as well.

[leighelse]

I'd love to get a discussion going on drum machines. It would be ideal if it were machine specific but perhaps there are general issues as well.

Nearly six years later I'm going to second your motion.

I find programming drum tracks the most gruelling and least satisfying part of recording my songs. I've used hardware drum machines in the 707 days, and more recently piano roll drums in a DAW. Now I'm using a Boss BR1600, and find the drums limiting. Unless I happen across a set of patterns with the right rhythm and feel, it's an exercise in frustration getting something close to what's in my head, however I approach the task.

I've started looking at hardware options. My wishlist includes:

• Reliable MIDI in and out
• High quality audio output
• The ability to work up patterns by playing in real time
• Step time editor
• Chain patterns into songs
• Swing (and ideally groove and feel) control
• Battery operation would be a bonus
• Ease of use
• Bonus wish: ability to import samples

I've been considering the following options, all of which have pros and cons:

• Korg Electribe Sampler
• Boss DR880
• Alesis SR18
• BKE Tech Beat Thang (reliability is an issue though, apparently)

If you're a user of one of the above and can comment on its suitability I'd love to hear your experience. And if there's another model you think I could consider, let me know.

[64Guitars]

Now I'm using a Boss BR1600, and find the drums limiting. Unless I happen across a set of patterns with the right rhythm and feel, it's an exercise in frustration getting something close to what's in my head, however I approach the task.

Have you tried creating your own patterns in real time? You can do that by tapping on the Track buttons (probably not very practical) or by attaching a MIDI keyboard or controller to the BR-1600. See page 153 of the BR-1600 manual.


Ever since it was announced at Winter NAMM 2014, I've wanted to get an Arturia BeatStep for creating drum patterns.

https://songcrafters.org/community/index.php?topic=20315.msg250047#msg250047



What impresses me most about the BeatStep is that the pads appear to be quite responsive, so you can tap out patterns with your fingertips. My AKAI Professional MPK25 keyboard controller has 12 velocity-sensitive drum pads on it, but I find that I have to hit them really hard to get a response, so they're not very practical for creating drum patterns. Judging by the videos, I don't think I'd have that problem with the BeatStep.

If you want even more features, there's also the BeatStep Pro:

https://songcrafters.org/community/index.php?topic=22584.msg276816#msg276816