Boss Review: BR-864

History:

Purchase: samash worl wide web

What I Like About This Boss BR-864: sound and price, The nice thing is that the menus and buttons are user friendly, EQ, PAN easy to figure out. Moving through the menus is a breeze. Clear and bright display. To many options to give it a 10.

What I Do NOT Like About The Boss BR-864: Just a bit of info that is not that obvious from the BR-864 promo material (inc. Roland website): the USB interface on the BR-864 does not support Windows 98 and according to Roland Product Support, it is unlikely that a driver will be developed for Windows 98. I suppose that this shouldn't be a surprise since Windows 98 is getting a bit long in the tooth but it's a shame for those who have it and don't wish to upgrade.

Boss BR-864 Quality Rating: In comparing this to the Boss BR-532, I would have to say that the patches have been VASTLY improved. Out of the box, the majority of the patches can be used without tweaking. There is a lot of depth to the amount of tweaking that can be done. It is set up much like any of the other multi-effect units that are out there - the even added the ability to connect an EXPRESSION PEDAL. The expression pedal can do anything from adjusting the volume to acting as a wah pedal. Editing patches is very easy and almost intuitive. There is a lot of depth in terms of what can be tweaked - moreso than in some of the multi-effect pedals than I have seen.

Review Summary: Since this is a recorder, it can work with virtually any type of music, although the patches are geared towards guitar/bass/vocal. There are no really lush keyboard amp sims or things of that nature, but with some creativity - you can create any effect that you like.

Rating of this Boss product: 5

This Boss BR-864 Recording Gear Review Submitted By: lalus

Review Date: 2003-11-28