The Boss DR 880 Rhythm Machine has many qualities that make it an ideal tool for those lonely guitarists and bassists out there who are unlucky to find a drummer for a soul mate. This intricate device is a powerful computer that can whip up an exceptional array of percussions, drums, and bass sounds straight from the coveted SRX library of Roland. Featuring a wide collection of innovative waveforms, this powerful piece of machinery also has the capability of outputting the right beats straight out of the user’s imagination.
This device has a huge range of features. These include preset tunes included in the programmed interface, the Groove Modify Feature, and even an added functionality that enables the input of ghost notes. With regard to the EZ Compose feature, the user can quickly dial in accessible programmed beats so that the user would not have to go through long methods of dialing beats. The Groove Modify has intensive beat options that enable the input of triplet feels and others. In addition to all these features, fills, ghost notes, and grace notes can also be inputted for fill-in notes.
Pro 1: Outstanding Sound Quality
The very noticeable attribute that makes the Boss DR 880 Rhythm Machine a standout above all drum machines is the outstanding sound quality that it produces. Close to the real instruments that it copies, or even better, this rhythm machine has enough power to make any lone member feel like he or she has a portable drummer on hand.
Pro 2: Ghost Notes
The addition of the ghost notes is a very nice feature, because the user may be able to choose emphasized and augmenting notes to his favor. In a whole measure, ghost notes are those musical notes that tend to have weaker sounds or beats as compared to those stressed notes.
Pro 3: Reliability
Another thing that makes Boss DR 880 Rhythm Machine great in its own is its reliability during practice times. With loop settings, multiple time signature options, and fully adjustable timing options and sounds, this device can save people a lot of dollars of practice in studio rentals. The multiple tonal options ensure any artist of any genre that there will be available options for them.
Pro 4: Synthetic and Authentic Sounds
Finally, the user may also have the choice of having synthesized sounds in exchange for authentic sounds, which is capable of satisfying the user’s techno fetishes. Synthesized sounds could be used for those dance songs that keep a party going. The authentic sounds, on the other hand, are those that are used in band situations.
Con: Steep Learning Curve
Of course, this product is definitely not without its flaws and luckily, it is just one minor shortcoming compared to its major strengths. The only noticeable flaw of this device is the steep learning curve that is required for the user to master the art of dialing in the perfect rhythm. This complicated device may require users to totally get used to all of its functions and jargons first before even starting.
What Others Are Saying About The Boss DR 880 Rhythm Machine
The Boss DR 880 Rhythm Machine are a top rated guitar according to consumer reports on the net with an average of 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon. Here are a few comments:
“This unit has amazing sounds and the amount of “humanization” (or perhaps anthro-imitative capability [? :-p ]), from relaxing the time (laying back, pushing forward), the velocity, and bending/fingering, makes this unit very usable for REAL demos and REAL music. “
“I use mine every single day and simply cannot recommend it enough to… well, anyone who is serious about recording, jamming out, or composing a professional sounding piece of music with complete and total control of the situation. I strongly urge anyone who buys this drum machine to get the DVD as well. Frankly, you’d be an idiot not to. “
“I just set up my sequencer to quantize or groove quantize and every hit is perfect. It doesn’t get any easier or sound any better than this. If you’re looking for a drum machine, look no further and you’ll never look back.”
“The Roland (Boss) DR 880 is an amazing machine!! It’s literally a band in a box and your in control of everything! Certain functions on the DR 880 are a no brainer, while others require that you read the owners manual. But if you also buy the DVD owners manual that’s avaliable, you will thank yourself over and over again like I do! It’s step by step instruction that shows you how to put a round peg in a round hole and if you can’t figure this machine out by watching the DVD, then your a complete idiot and have no business owning something this incredible!”
Final Thoughts: Incredible Features despite Difficulty
Despite the level of difficulty that the product has, the Boss DR 880 Rhythm Machine has many incredible features that are more than enough to attract any aspiring guitarist, bassist or vocalist. Sure, the intricacy of the functions may be discouraging for a few, but once these people learn how to operate the machine, then this may actually become overall one of the most outstanding rhythm machines in the entire world.
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June 22, 2011
Electronic Drums, Recording Equipment