Boss BR Series - User Manual

The BOSS BR-1600CD is a digital recording studio designed to offer a comprehensive suite of tools for musicians and producers. This device integrates advanced effects, flexible recording options, and streamlined workflow features, making it suitable for both studio and live applications.

Function Description

The core function of the BR-1600CD is multi-track digital recording, allowing users to capture and mix multiple audio sources. It supports a variety of recording modes, including LIN, which converts data recorded in MT1/MT2/LV1/LV2 modes from older BR-1180CD models.

A significant feature of the BR-1600CD is its extensive effects processing capabilities, which include algorithms inherited from the BOSS GT-6B bass multi-effects processor. These "COSM OVERDRIVE BASS AMP" algorithms provide a wide range of amp modeling, overdrive, and distortion effects, allowing bassists to shape their sound with high-quality modeling. The effects blocks, such as COSM Comp/Limiter, COSM Overdrive/Distortion, COSM PreAmp&Speaker, Equalizer/Wah, Noise Suppressor, Foot Volume, FX (Octave, Enhancer, Slow Gear, Defretter, Ring Modulator, Phaser, Flanger, Pitch Shifter, 2x2 Chorus, Short Delay, Vibrato, Humanizer, Tremolo, Pan), Chorus, and Delay, can be rearranged in their connection sequence, offering creative flexibility. The device comes with 20 new preset patches (P101-P120) utilizing these algorithms.

For vocalists, the BR-1600CD offers powerful Vocal Tool Box functions. Pitch correction allows users to specify desired time and corrective pitch within a song, enabling precise vocal tuning. The Harmony Sequence function provides the ability to specify the time and pitch for each harmony voice, facilitating detailed backing chorus arrangements.

Mastering capabilities are integrated through the Mastering Tool Kit. This feature allows for simplified adjustments of the amount and sonic quality of mastering effects, as well as the naturalness of the effect, using the VALUE dials.

The device also supports MIDI Slave Sync, enabling the BR-1600CD to act as a slave device. Its playback time and speed can be synchronized to MIDI Time Code (MTC) received at the MIDI IN port, making it compatible with other BR Series devices or MIDI sequencers.

Usage Features

The BR-1600CD is designed for intuitive operation, with several features aimed at enhancing the user experience.

For pitch correction, the "Correction Event Map" allows for detailed settings. Users can select a patch, enter the Vocal Tool Box pitch selection screen, and then access the Map Edit screen. Here, they can input the time at which pitch correction should start and the desired pitch, creating "correction events." The initial state includes an "AUTO" correction event at the beginning of the map, which corrects all pitches in semitone increments after the specified point. New correction events can be inserted, and the start time and pitch (C, C#, -A#, B, OFF, AUTO) can be specified using the TIME/VALUE dial. The "SMOOTH" parameter (ranging from -100 to +100) allows for fine-tuning the correction speed, either making it more rapid or smoother than the patch's default setting. Unnecessary correction events can be deleted. It's important to note that a Correction Event Map can only be saved to a single song.

Similarly, for backing chorus settings, the "Harmony Event Map" provides detailed control. Users can select a patch, enter the Vocal Tool Box pitch selection screen, and then access the Harmony Sequence Parameter screen. From there, the Map Edit screen allows for inputting the start time of the backing chorus and the pitch for each of the three harmony voices. The initial state includes an "AUTO" harmony event, which automatically adds backing chorus based on the rhythm arrangement's chord map after the specified point. New harmony events can be inserted, and the start time and pitch (C, C#, -A#, B, OFF, AUTO, with options for octave up/down) for each voice can be specified. Unnecessary harmony events can be deleted. Like pitch correction, a Harmony Event Map can only be saved to a single song.

The Mastering Tool Kit effects and volume can be adjusted using VALUE knobs 1-3. VALUE 1 (DYNAMICS) controls the difference between high and low volume levels, affecting the natural dynamics. Turning it right decreases volume range for overall level, while turning it left increases range for natural dynamics. VALUE 2 (TONE) boosts low and high frequencies when turned right, and produces a more subdued tone when turned left. VALUE 3 (NATURAL) adjusts the speed of effect application; turning it right applies effects more slowly for a natural sound, while turning it left applies them more rapidly in response to volume peaks. Setting any of these knobs to the center maintains the patch's original effect. These knob settings are applied to all patches but are not saved to individual patches. Users are advised to listen carefully to avoid distortion when adjusting these parameters.

Importing songs from BR-1180CD/1200CD models is a straightforward process. Users insert a CD-R/RW disc containing backed-up songs into the BR-1600CD's drive, then navigate to the DATA CD/BACKUP MENU and select RECOVER. From the list of backup songs, individual songs or all songs can be selected for conversion. The BR-1600CD converts the selected songs, including recorded data, PAN/EQ settings, CHORUS/REVERB SEND LEVEL, effect patches (excluding EG MULTI 1 algorithm), rhythm arrangements, rhythm patterns, and loop phrases. Markers and their links are deleted during this process.

Synchronizing the BR-1600CD as a MIDI slave involves connecting it via MIDI cable to a master device (another BR Series unit or a MIDI sequencer). In the BR-1600CD's Utility Menu, users access the SYNC settings. If another BR-1600CD is the master, its "Sync Generator" is set to "MTC," and the slave BR-1600CD's "MTC Type" is set to match the master, with "MTC Slave" set to "ON." If a MIDI sequencer is the master, it must be configured to transmit MTC, and the slave BR-1600CD's "MTC Type" is set to match, with "MTC Slave" set to "ON." Once synchronized, playback or recording on the master device will trigger synchronized playback or recording on the slave. A brief stabilization period may occur at the start of synchronization, during which pitches might be unstable.

Exporting all tracks in waveform files (WAV/AIFF) at once via USB is a new feature in Version 2. Previously, tracks had to be exported individually. Now, users can select to export all tracks simultaneously by choosing the "-" option instead of a specific track number during the export process.

Other enhancements include an easier way to check drum sounds by switching to the drum Edit screen, allowing users to play drum sounds directly. Additionally, SMF import now supports up to 999 measures when importing data via CD-R/RW discs or USB.

Maintenance Features

The manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features beyond general operational guidelines. However, the ability to back up and import songs via CD-R/RW discs serves as a crucial data management and preservation feature. This ensures that recorded projects can be safely stored and transferred, mitigating the risk of data loss. The USB export function for WAV/AIFF files further enhances data portability and backup options, allowing users to transfer their work to computers for archiving or further processing. The system's reliance on CD-R/RW discs for song conversion implies a need for proper disc handling and storage to ensure data integrity. Regular saving of songs after making corrections or adjustments is also emphasized to prevent loss of work.

Boss BR Series Specifications

General

Type	Digital Recorder
Phantom Power	Yes (on some models)
USB Connectivity	Yes
CD Burner	Yes (on some models)
Display	LCD
Recording Format	WAV, MP3
Inputs	XLR, 1/4"
Outputs	1/4", RCA
Built-in Effects	Yes
Power Supply	AC Adapter