Suitable for the newsgatherer with a side gig as a musician (or dreams, at least), Boss’ Micro BR-80 is a digital recorder with some extra features for the musician inside.
As a traditional recorder, the iPod-sized BR-80 handles stereo WAV files (16-bit, 44.1 kHz) or MP3 (64 kbps–320 kbps). All saved to SD and SDHC cards.
However, the BR-80 throws in a number of goodies such as Boss COSM guitar effects, vocal effects and drum patterns. A USB connection allows for off-loading of files and use of the BR-80 as an audio input device (with effects).
The BR-80 can also operate as a multitracker with eight-track playback and 64 virtual tracks available (with sufficient memory). A pair of built-in condenser mics allow for input along with 1/4-inch guitar/mic input and 1/8-inch line-in.
Ships with Sonar X1 LE DAW software, BR Wave Converter and Editor. Price: $299.
