Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Capturing Your Song Ideas Pt. 3 or Songwriting while traveling

In addition to the other suggestions that I mentioned about capturing your song ideas while you're out and about, I found another device that some producers and musicians use to get their ideas down while away from their stationary recording devices. Because I have not personally bought this particular product, I cannot tell you if this device is the best one to use or not. I'd suggest googling this product and reading reviews of it to see which one is best for you.



Meet the ultimate palmtop guitar companion and recording studio. Only slightly larger than an iPod, the tiny-yet-powerful Micro BR is a dream for musicians on the go. The Micro BR offers four simultaneous playback tracks (plus 32 V-Tracks), MP3 compatibility, onboard multi-effects, built-in rhythm patterns, a tuner, USB, an SD Card slot, and more. No guitar case or gig bag should be without one!

Features:
Ultra portable, only slightly larger than an iPod

4-track playback, 32 V-Tracks

Loads and plays MP3 files

Multi-effects onboard; dedicated guitar input

Time-Stretch and Center Cancel features (including MP3 files)

293 rhythm patterns

Built-in tuner and microphone

USB port for data transfer

SD Card slot for recording media, 128MB card included

BR in Your Pocket or Guitar Case
The Micro BR is so small you can put it in your pocket! It measures just 136.0 mm x 81.0 mm x 21.4 mm (5-3/8" x 3-3/16" x 7/8"). But even though it's tiny, the Micro BR packs an entire studio's worth of features into its tiny case. There are a dozen buttons on its front panel, nine knobs, and even a built-in microphone for quick capture.

4 Tracks & More
At its core, the Micro BR is a four-track studio with four simultaneous playback tracks and two simultaneous record / input tracks.However, there's more to this recorder than meets the eye. Each of the four main playback tracks also has eight companion V-Tracks (for a total of 32), so you can record take after take after take, then pick your best material for final mixdown.

Drum Machine & Effects Onboard
Given the Micro BR's small size and low price, you might be surprised to find the next two features onboard: (1) Almost 300 drum patterns are included. Use them for play-along inspiration or even as song foundations. The rhythms don't consume any of the four playback tracks -- they play back independently. (2) A quality multi-effects processor is onboard, including a time-stretch algorithm for changing the tempo of your audio tracks without changing pitch -- a great tool for both audio editing and phrase training. The Time Stretch feature can also be used with MP3 data; the Micro BR's Center Cancel feature can be applied to MP3 data as well.

MP3 Compatibility
The Micro BR is capable of loading and playing MP3 files. Load up your favorite guitar hero song via USB, slow down the tempo with no pitch change, and learn all of your favorite licks. You can even use the Micro BR as a standard MP3 player. All of your data is stored on convenient SD (Secure Digital) media found in common electronics shops. The included 128MB card, for example, can record approximately 65 minutes of audio when one mono track is selected.
Technical Info
Power Supply (Optional): PSA-120S