NAMM: Boss BR-1600CD Recording Studio

BR-1600CD (Click for a close-up)

Rear Panel (Click for a close-up)

New at the 2004 Winter NAMM show is BOSS' BR-1600CD Digital Recording Studio. Capable of recording up to eight XLR or 1/4-inch inputs simultaneously and playing back 16 tracks of digital audio, this CD-burning studio is ideal for recording a band, multi-mic'd drums or multiple performers. And with new Drum, Bass and Loop Phrase tracks, users can create full backing arrangements. The BR-1600CD comes loaded with COSM modeling effects and a Vocal Tool Box, plus a 40GB hard drive, CD-RW drive, USB and more.

The BR-1600CD's eight XLR inputs with phantom power are ideal for miking a drum set or multiple vocalists. Up to eight tracks can be recorded simultaneously using the easy "Multi-Track" recording mode. Each input includes a compressor, 3-band EQ and low cut filter for shaping the sound. Users can also tap into onboard effects ideal for guitar, vocals and more. These include overdrive/distortion and guitar amp modeling similar to the popular BOSS GT-6, plus acoustic guitar and bass effects, mic modeling, a Vocal Tool Box with auto pitch correction and a Harmony Sequence function for creating harmonies.

More than just a digital recorder, the BR-1600CD is a full production machine, offering three independent backing tracks. The programmable Drum and Bass tracks come with PCM sounds for creating complete arrangements, while the Loop Phrase track lets users choose from onboard phrases or load their own drum and bass loops via USB. The USB port also makes for a great way to transfer tracks between the BR-1600CD and a computer, while Roland's V-LINK technology allows music and video to be integrated when used with an optional Edirol video machine.

MSRP: $1,595