The battery-powered Boss BR-800 Digital Recorder is like having an audio studio to go. The BR-800 recorder's sleek design is made possible by touch-sensor switches and SD-card recording media. Record up to 4 tracks simultaneously with 8 tracks of simultaneous playback plus an additional stereo track dedicated to the Boss BR-800's built-in rhythm generator.
The BR-800 recorder's powerful onboard effects processor includes GT-10/10B effects, VE-20 vocal effects and harmonies, and COSM-based acoustic-guitar body modeling. An EZ Recording feature interactively guides you through the recording process. A built-in stereo microphone makes instant "Song Sketch" recording possible. No matter where you roam, you'll never miss a moment of musical inspiration with the Boss BR-800.
EZ Recording
Whether you're creating intricate, multi-layered songs or point-and-capture field recordings, the Boss BR-800 makes the recording process fast and easy. Beginners will love the new EZ Recording mode that interactively guides you through the recording process. Other helpful features include the convenient Retry function, which recues automatically to fix mistakes, and Song Sketch recording for instant, one-touch capture. There's also a built-in stereo condenser microphone plus a DR-880-quality rhythm generator for adding drum and percussion tracks to your songs.
Pro Effects
Enhance your recordings with the powerful BOSS effects onboard the BR-800. Many of the effects are derived from BOSS's flagship processors, including vocal effects from the VE-20, COSMguitar/bass amps and effects from the GT-10 series, modeled acoustic-guitar body effects from the AP-1 preamp, which imparts pro-quality miked-up sound and rich body tone to line-recorded acoustic guitar. You'll be amazed at how much processing power is built into this little recorder, and how excellent the effects sound.
Mobility
You can power the BR-800 from the included AC adaptor, or, for ultimate mobility, it can be powered from six AA batteries. Record anywhere! Stereo microphones are also built into the BR-800 for instant "Song Sketch" recordings - great for capturing song ideas (acoustic guitar and vocals, for example) from any location.
USB Enhanced
The BR-800 digital recorder's USB compatibility enables a variety of functionality with computers. Connected to a PC, the BR-800 will function as a USB audio interface for recordings that utilize the internal effects. The BR-800 can also function as a control surface for DAW software.
Get a complete, portable music-production solution. Order today!
SPECIFICATIONSBR-800 Digital Recorder
- Number of Tracks
Track: 8
Simultaneously recording track: 4
V-Track: 64 (8 V-Tracks per each Track)
Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+1/-3 dB)
- AD Conversion
24 bit
24-bit + AF method (GUITAR/BASS input)
*AF (Adaptive Focus) method is a proprietary method from Roland that vastly improves the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of the A/D and D/A converters.
DA Conversion: 24 bit
- Compatible Card Capacity
SD Card: 1 GB to 2 GB
SDHC Card: 4 GB to 32 GB
- Data Type
HiFi (MT2) Roland/BOSS original format
16 bit linear stereo WAV format(*) *SONG SKETCH only
- Recording Time (for multi-track recording) *Conversion in one track
1 GB: 8 hours 40 minutes
2 GB: 17 hours
4 GB: 34 hours
8 GB: 68 hours
16 GB: 136 hours
32 GB: 272 hours
* The above-listed recording times are approximate. Times may be slightly shorter depending on the number of songs that were created.
* The above number 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.
- Recording Time (for SONG SKETCH) Stereo recording
1 GB: 90 minutes
2 GB: 3 hours
4 GB: 6 hours
8 GB: 12 hours
16 GB: 24 hours
32 GB: 48 hours
- Nominal Input Level
GUITAR/BASS jack: -10 dBu
INPUT 1 to 4 jacks: -50 to -20 dBu (XLR type), -26 to +4 dBu (1/4" TRS phone type)
LINE IN jack: -10 dBu
- Input Impedance
GUITAR/BASS jack: 1 M ohm
INPUT 1 to 4 jacks: 3k ohms (XLR type), 47 k ohms (1/4" TRS phone type)
LINE IN jack: 10 k ohms
Nominal Output Level: LINE OUT jacks: -10 dBu
Output Impedance: LINE OUT jacks: 1 k ohm
- Recommended Load Impedance
LINE OUT jacks: 20 k ohms or greater
PHONES jack: 32 to 100 ohms
Residual Noise Level: LINE OUT jacks:-85 dBu or less (IHF-A Typ.)
Display: 128 x 64 dots (Backlit LCD)
- Connectors
GUITAR/BASS jack (1/4" phone type), INPUT 1--4 jacks (XLR type / 1/4" TRS phone type),
LINE IN jack (Stereo miniature phone type), FOOT SW/EXP PEDAL (1/4" TRS phone type),
LINE OUT jacks (RCA phono type), PHONES jack (Stereo 1/4" phone type), USB connector, DC IN jack
USB Function: Audio Input/Output, MIDI Input/Output, File Transfer, BUS Power operation
- Power Supply
DC 9V: AC Adaptor
Size AA Dry battery x 6 (alkaline batteries recommended)
USB Bus Power
- Current Draw
280 mA (DC IN)
480 mA (USB Bus Power)
Battery Life for Continuous Use: Approximately 5.5 hours
(Alkaline dry batteries, with continuous playback of 8 tracks, phantom power off) * May vary according to usage conditions, phantom power used, batteries used, and type of SD card used.
Accessories: SD Card (1 GB), AC Adaptor, USB Cable, BR-800 DVD-ROM, Owner's Manual
Options (sold separately): Footswitch: FS-5U, Pedal Switch: DP-2 (Roland), Expression Pedal: EV-5 (Roland), FV-500L/FV-500H, Soft Case: BA-CB1
Size and Weight
Width: 11.37inches (289mm)
Depth: 7.24 inches (184mm)
Height: 2.28 inches (58mm)
Weight: 1.96 lb. (890g)
Custom Guitar's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks Normal wear and tear Power surges Dust, internal heat and humidityOther plan features include:
For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks) For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax. Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold Plans are renewable on new gear*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.
Displaying reviews 1-10
Back to top
PreviousNext »
I am a previous user and big fan of the BR-600 and Micro BR. Once I saw this and I had to have it. This thing has a slick new look, new effects and drums, touch controls, and you can use it as a control surface for your PC DAW if you're so inclined. A lot of great steps forward!But then they took a giant leap backwards. I feel the need to make sure as many people as possible know about this before purchasing:You can't edit tracks on this unit.That's right, a crucial feature that was in the BR-600 and the Micro BR (and all other digital recorders of this kind) has been REMOVED.On previous units you could work within a track by moving segments around or copy/pasting them to other parts of the track/other tracks. On this one, there is no way to do that. You can copy a track in its entirety to another track, but that's it. They actually expect you to export all of your stuff to your computer in order to do any track editing. So much for the "portable music production solution" as they print on the box; you've been chained to your computer, like it or not.If this matters to you (and if you're looking for a portable digital recorder that frees you from your computer, this DOES matter to you), then wait. Maybe they'll update the firmware and correct this ridiculous decision (and yes, this was a conscious decision by Boss "based on market feedback"). Or maybe you should look elsewhere.Boss BR-800 Digital Recorder
.Flimsy! You wouldn't want to take this unit on the road! My first problem was the sensitivity of the controls. At 1, or 10 I saw little difference! They didn't even say which way was harder or softer touch! The scroll wheel should be way higher then it is. With my big hands, I can't touch one thing on this unit, without touching something else, so I have to use a pencil. Then there's the scrolling! Scrolling, scrolling, scrolling...scrolling your life away! Anyone who has ever had a Digitech GNX4 home studio knows what I'm talking about. That unit had an easy to use recorder, where you just had to punch a few buttons, without going through endless scrolling screens! Unfortunately Digitech stopped making the GNX4, or I would have bought another one! This unit is scroll city! Menu, after menu, to do even the simplest things, except for the easy record, which is basically an old analog stereo recorder It does what it says it does; but you will spend a lot of time to learn how to use it. And the software that comes with it; is just like the unit itself; is overly complicated. I'm a musician; not a recording sound engineer! I want something simple! I don't want to spend the next six months trying to figure out how to import a song! Like Lynyrd Skynyrd says; be a simple kind of man! Unfortunately Boss, and so many others; just don't get it!
Boss BR-800 Digital Recorder
.Software was missing, tried downloading with serial number from cubas manufacturer website and get a bad serial number message, I ended up returning the gear after Custom Guitars Friend says it will take some time to get any software to me and they were not even sure if they could, sell at product that comes with recording software then make the customer wait a few weeks with no gaurantee you will even get it?
Boss BR-800 Digital Recorder
.This is pretty sweet. First off I've never owned a muti track recorder before, but I've used them in various bands. I was able to figure out pretty much everything that I need to know on this over a few hours of doing quick little "scratch track" recordings. It has the COSM effects which are fully programable down to amp/dist./mod/comp./dly. I use my own direct from my amp but the built in features are pretty useable and believable. I gave it a 4.5 on quality only cause I could see how the faders may feel weak. But when you put money into something like this just take care of your equipment and you'll be fine. I've done a full song from bass/guitar tracks with layers/drums/mixed and mastered all in a few hours. Its really easy to use and pretty easy to understand even without diving too much into the manual. Boss pretty much made this usuable for us idiots out there who hate manuals and just want to lay down some tracks. Boss Fan!
Boss BR-800 Digital Recorder
.This is my first recorder I ever bought & used. I did a whole research on different brands around this price range.There was brands like Tascam and Zoom and both sound great. What I like about boss is that it had better drum sounds and guitar effects than the other two brands. its just plain and simple really easy if you want to start with your one man band or just to have fun.I don't recommend for the people who are pros, but if you want to start recording start of with something that will sound clean and nice
it more than just a simple zoom and tascam recorder has 4 channel inputs plus for your guitar and bass.
great
it might be a little expensive but its worth it.
Boss BR-800 Digital Recorder
.I've used a variety of PC based software recording solutions and portable units since the old cassette based devices so I'm not exactly a newbie. I've had this device for awhile now and I do like it. For me, it is very easy to use. I was recording a song within 5 minutes of getting it out of the box. I bought it for getting my ideas to "tape" while on my lunch break at work and it works perfectly for this. The built in drum loops will get you by, but you will probably want to use the drum editor and come up with better stuff. The quality of the drum samples are ok, nothing special. The guitar effects processor in this thing SUCKS. Everything sounds thin and nasally. Like a stuck phase pedal or wah pedal stuck with the toe end down. Like a harmonizer or octave effect is on all the time and set at 0. Very weird very digital sounding. The more notes you play, chords or whatever, the worse it sounds. This is for anything with any kind of gain on it. The cleans are ok. That said, if you want to get some ideas down and build a song, this will do it. The bass simulator is kind of cool. You aren't going to be making any polished professional sounding demos with it.
Boss BR-800 Digital Recorder
.The recording part of the BR-800 does just what it says, but you have to do a lot of scrolling to set up even a simple song. Anyone who has a DigiTech GNX4 guitar work station can tell you what a simple recorder can be, but unfortunately DigiTech stopped making them, and the BR-800 isn't simple. You will be scroll, scroll, scrolling!But the quality of the BR-800, to put it in simple language; stinks! They are telling you that when you turn it over to put the batteries in...you should put it on stacks of newspaper to prevent damaging the controls. Say what? Somehow I get the feeling that this piece of equipment isn't going to last me very long if I have to take precautions just to change the batteries. One would think that they would have at least provided a plastic cover to protect the recorder if you wanted to take somewhere besides your home studio, but they didn't.If I had to compare BR-800 to one of Boss's standard foot pedals for quality it would get a -1000. The foot petals are built to last, but the BR-800, is a plastic rip-off!It does record well, but don't plan on taking it with you to a gig to record the band, because this is strictly a studio recorder!My concern is that if I have to protect the controls just to put batteries in, how long are the controlls going to last; just by toching them?
Boss BR-800 Digital Recorder
.Complex machine that requires a separate purchase of a learning DVD to best use its features to their full potential.
Boss BR-800 Digital Recorder
.I've used boss multitracks for long time and when i tried this one i was dissapointed to find out it doesn't have a Marker function at all, so if you record a track and then you want to add some vocals or solos etc. you have to use "rewind" or "ff" buttons to find the spots you wanna start recording on, with markers you can just jump to the spot you marked anytime you need it.
Markers are basic functions every single multitrack has, i can't believe they missed that.
Boss BR-800 Digital Recorder
.I am brand new to home recording. My only experience with home recording prior to purchasing the BR-800 was a short hour or so with the Micro BR that I borrowed from our drummer a year or so ago. Frankly, I found the Micro to be a pain in the rear, got frustrated with it and put it up until our next rehearsal where I happily gave it back to our drummer.I am happy to report that the BR-800 is light years easier to use. Again, I'm a complete "newbie". I was up and running in a matter of minutes. I was able to record a complete track that included rhythm guitar, drums, bass and lead guitar; each on separate tracks, by using the "Loop Record" function (a very cool feature). I probably spent maybe 1.5 hours total and most of that time was reading the instructions and setting up my room. Once I felt comfortable enough with the process, it literally only took about 5 minutes to record the tracks by simply looping.Next I was able to record some demo samples of my amps. This time I used the built-in mics. Again, I might have spent an hour total and that included mastering, exporting to my computer and uploading to SoundCloud. Additionally, the built-in mics produeed a very good quality sound, much better than I expected.Bottom line, this unit has a lot of fun features such as rhythm tracks, jam along, phrase sampling, etc... all the things that make playing by yourself a bit more fun. But the best feature, IMO, is it makes recording fun for a newbie. I was so happy to find that this unit delivered on its promise as a easy to use unit.The only area where I struggled and had to call tech support was when I got ready to transfer my recordings to the computer. I didn't follow what the book was saying and the process called out in the book doesn't really follow what tech support told me. That said, tech support was outstanding and they were very easy to contact via phone.
Boss BR-800 Digital Recorder
.