BOSS Micro BR-80 pocket sized digital multitrack recorder offers pro mixes on the move

For musos on the move looking to capture the moment when the muse strikes, Boss’s new portable Micro BR digital recorder could be the very thing.

The bijou recorder offers two tracks of simultaneous WAV-format recording, plus eight tracks of playback, and no less than 64 virtual tracks for anyone hoping to recreate Bohemian Rhapsody on a budget.

Capable of recording up to 550 hours, the device packs dedicated inputs for connecting a guitar, a microphone, or any stereo line-level device, as well as a USB port and headphone out.

There’s also two built in stereo field mics and onboard COSM guitar and bass effects, dedicated vocal effects derived from the VE-20 Vocal Performer, and a powerful suite of mastering effects.

The BR-80 can be found online for around £200, which seems pretty tremendous value to us.

Here’s the full spec sheet:

MICRO BR® BR-80: Digital Recorder

Plug into the Ultimate Micro Studio

Tracks

MTR Mode

Tracks: 8
Simultaneously recording track: 2
V-Track: 64 (8 V-Tracks per each Track)

eBand Mode

Tracks: 2 (stereo)
Simultaneously recording track: 2 (stereo)

LIVE REC Mode

Tracks: 2 (stereo)
Simultaneously recording track: 2
*Either the playback or the recording

Recording Media

SDHC Memory Card (4 GB to 32 GB)
SD Memory Card (1 GB to 2 GB)

Data Type

MTR Mode

Linear (Bit Depth: 16 bits)

eBand Mode

eBand Songs (Recording/Playback)
WAV (Bit Depth: 16 bits, Playback only)
MP3 (Bit Rates: 64 kbps to 320 kbps, Playback only)

LIVE REC Mode

WAV (Bit Depth: 16 bits, Recording/Playback)
MP3 (Bit Rates: 64 kbps to 320 kbps, Recording/Playback)

AD/DA

AD Conversion

24 bits

DA Conversion

24 bits

Sample Rate

44.1 kHz

Recording Time (conversion in one track)

MTR Mode

3 hours (1 GB), 100 hours (32 GB)

eBand Mode

eBand Song: 4 hours (1 GB), 130 hours (32 GB)
WAV 16-bit, stereo: 1.5 hours (1 GB), 50 hours (32 GB)
MP3 128 kbps, stereo: 16 hours(1 GB), 550 hours (32 GB)

LIVE REC Mode

WAV 16-bit, stereo: 1.5 hours (1 GB), 50 hours (32 GB)
MP3 128 kbps, stereo: 16 hours (1 GB), 550 hours (32 GB)

* The above-listed recording times are approximate. Times may be slightly shorter depending on the number of songs that were created.
* The above number of the MTR mode is the total for all the tracks that are used. If each of the eight tracks contain an equal amount of data, the length of the resulting song will be approximately 1/8 of the above.

Other

Nominal Input Level

GUITAR/MIC IN jack: -20 dBu (GUITAR/MIC SW = GUITAR), -40 dBu (GUITAR/MIC SW = MIC)
LINE IN jack:-10 dBu

Input Impedance

GUITAR/MIC IN jack: 1M ohm (GUITAR/MIC SW = GUITAR), 6k ohms (GUITAR/MIC SW = MIC)
LINE IN jack: 10k ohms

Nominal Output Level

PHONES/LINE OUT jack: -14 dBu

Output Impedance

PHONES/LINE OUT jack: 22 ohms

Display

Graphic LCD 128 x 64 dots (with backlit)

USB Functions

24-bit/44.1 kHz USB-AUDIO (Hi-Speed USB)
USB Mass Storage Class (Hi-Speed USB)
BUS Power operation

Connectors

GUITAR/MIC IN jack (1/4″ phone type)
LINE IN jack (Stereo miniature phone type)
PHONES/LINE OUT jack (Stereo miniature phone type)
USB connector (mini-B type)
DC IN jack

Power Supply

DC 9V: AC Adaptor (sold separately)
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 2
Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 2
USB Bus Power

Expected battery life: Approximately 6 hours (Alkaline dry cell batteries/with continuous playback of 8 tracks, power save function)
* May vary according to usage conditions, batteries used, and type of SD card used.

Current Draw

130 mA (DC IN)

Accessories

SD Memory Card, SONAR X1 LE DVD-ROM, USB Cable (mini-B type), Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 2, Owner’s Manual

Options (sold separately)

AC Adaptor (PSA series), Silicone Rubber Case and Carrying Pouch: BA-BR80S

Size and Weight

Width

138 mm
5-7/16 inches

Depth

86 mm
3-7/16 inches

Height

22 mm
0-7/8 inches

Weight

140 g0 lbs. 5 oz.

0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

And here’s the full press release.

BOSS SHIPS MICRO BR BR-80 DIGITAL RECORDER

Los Angeles, CA, July 21, 2011 – BOSS is now shipping the MICRO BR BR-80 Digital Recorder, an updated and improved version of its popular MICRO BR multitrack recorder. The first MICRO BR, launched in 2006, was a big hit among musicians, offering pro-quality multitracking in a handheld device only slightly larger than an iPod™. With an eight-track upgrade, the latest BOSS guitar and vocal effects, built-in rhythms, onboard stereo mics, fun jamming and practice features directly inherited from BOSS’ eBand® JS-8, and a Live Record mode that instantly turns the BR-80 into a stereo handheld field recorder, the BR-80 is sure to become an indispensable companion for guitarists, songwriters, and musicians everywhere.

The newest MICRO BR is small enough to fit in a pocket, but packs a host of features for pro-level music production. To start, it offers two tracks of simultaneous WAV-format recording, eight tracks of playback, and 64 virtual tracks for advanced editing and mixdown. High-quality stereo condenser mics are built in for up to 550 hours of recording time (with optional 32 GB SDHC card) for quickly capturing song ideas and rehearsals. Also included are dedicated inputs for connecting a guitar, a microphone, or any stereo line-level device.

With a next-generation processor at its core, the BR-80 delivers incredible effects processing with uncompromised sound quality. Onboard are world-class COSM® guitar and bass effects, dedicated vocal effects derived from the VE-20 Vocal Performer, and a powerful suite of mastering effects. As with all BR-series recorders, effects are easy to dial in, letting users capture pro sounds with little effort. Under the hood, power users can tweak the effects in detail via an extensive set of adjustable parameters.

To aid in songwriting, the BR-80 has a full complement of backing rhythm tracks in a large variety of musical styles. The rhythms feature top-quality drum and percussion sounds and are organized into patterns designed for use in different song sections.

The newest MICRO BR also offers an extensive set of features for music practice and jamming. eBand mode provides a huge library of backing tracks and rhythm patterns to play along with, and users can import their own WAV or MP3 songs. Variable speed playback, variable pitch, and A-B Repeat features enable players to learn riffs and practice songs in different keys and tempos. In addition, the Center Cancel function allows users to minimize the sound of guitar solos and vocals in pre-recorded tracks.

A USB port lets musicians use the BR-80 as an audio interface with effects for computer-based recording, and also to import and export WAV and MP3 audio tracks. Powerful software is bundled with the BR-80, including Cakewalk’s SONAR X1 LE, the eBand Song List Editor, BR Wave Converter and Rhythm Editor.

The BR-80 is available now with a suggested retail price of $299.
For more information, please visit: http://www.bossus.com/gear/productdetails.php?ProductId=1167