Contents

IMPORTANT NOTES
Precautions Regarding the Hard Disk
Notes When Using Mics
About the CD-ROM Discrete Drums
Before Using CD-R/RW Discs
Introduction to the BR-1200CD
- Main Features
Panel Descriptions
- Top Panel
- Front Panel
- CD-R/RW drive
- Display
- Rear Panel
Common operations and display items
- Top screen
- Current position
- FUNCTION buttons ([F1] through [F3])
- Page Scroll
- Scroll Bar
- Cursor
- TIME/VALUE dial
- VALUE 1/PAN, VALUE 2, and VALUE 3 knobs
Basic Operation
- Connecting other devices
  - Precautions When Making Connections
- Turning on/off the BR-1200CD
  - Turning on the BR-1200CD
  - Turning off the BR-1200CD
- Listening to the demo songs and selecting songs (Song Select)
- Basic operation of the recorder
  - Playing and stopping
    - Using a foot switch
  - Adjusting the volume
  - Changing the current position
    - Using the transport buttons
    - Using TIME/VALUE dial
    - Using markers
  - Changing V-Tracks
  - Turning tracks off temporarily (Track Mute)
- Preparing a song for recording (Song New)
- Selecting an input source for recording (Input Select)
  - Recording guitar or bass guitar
  - Recording a solo vocal microphone
  - Recording guitar + Vocal
  - When recording stereo inputs to a stereo track
- Adjusting the input source volume (Input Sensitivity)
- Recording with effects (Insert Effects)
  - When you Want to Record the Input Sounds As Is
- Selecting drums to act as a guide for recording
  - Setting up a drum track (Track Type Select)
  - Playing drum sounds
  - Selecting drum patterns
  - Changing the drum pattern tempo
    - Set the new tempo using the TIME/VALUE dial
    - Setting the tempo using [TAP]
  - Changing the drum sounds
- Adjusting the recording level
- Setting an audio inputs left-right position (Input Pan)
- Applying reverb for a warmer sound during recording (Reverb)
- Recording
- Recording a new track while listening to an earlier recording (Overdubbing)
- Saving your song (Song Save)
  - Saving your song from the Utility screen
- Demo Song List
Section 1 Recording and Playback
- Playing back repeatedly (Repeat Function)
- Re-recording only the portion that is mistaken (Punch In/Out)
  - Manual punch in and punch out
    - Performing manual punch in and punch out using [REC]
    - Performing manual punch in and punch out using a foot switch
  - Auto punch in and punch out
    - Specifying the section to be re-recorded
    - Recording procedure
  - Repeating recording in a specific section (Loop Recording)
    - Specifying the section to be repeated
    - Specifying the section to be recorded
    - Performing loop recording
- Using V-Tracks
  - Switching V-Tracks
  - Assigning names to V-Tracks (Track Name)
  - Changing the Final Mastering Track
- Rectifying recording mistakes (Undo/Redo)
  - Undo
  - Redo
- Mixing audio from various tracks onto a stereo track (Bounce)
  - Setting the left-right position of each track (Pan)
  - Suppressing variations in volume (Compressor)
  - Adjusting the sound of each track (Equalizer)
  - Enhancing the sound (Loop Effects)
    - Applying reverb
    - Applying chorus, delay or doubling
  - Mixing the playback tracks to a single stereo track (Bounce)
  - Bouncing directly to a CD-R/RW disc
Section 2 Editing
- Placing markers in your song (Marker)
  - Positioning a marker
  - Clearing markers
  - Moving to markers
  - Editing markers
    - Moving markers
    - Naming a marker
    - Assigning an audio-CD song division to a marker
    - Changing scenes assigned to markers
    - Stopping automatically at a marker (Marker Stop)
- Registering and recalling mixer settings (Scene)
  - Registering, recalling, and deleting scenes
  - Recalling a scene without changing track volumes
  - Recalling scenes automatically during recording or playback (Auto Scene)
    - Setting an Auto Scene
    - Clearing an Auto Scene
    - Disabling Auto Scene
    - Setting Auto Scene control of effects and track EQ
- Finding the start or end of a section of audio (Scrub/Preview)
  - Using Scrub to find the start of a section of audio
  - Changing the scrubbing direction
  - Using Scrub and Preview to find the end of a section of audio
    - Enabling Preview
    - Using Scrub and Preview
- Editing a recorded performance (Track Edit)
  - Copying audio data (Track Copy)
  - Moving audio data (Track Move)
  - Exchanging audio data (Track Exchange)
  - Inserting a blank space between audio data (Track Insert)
  - Maximizing the volume levels of data recorded to the tracks (Normalize)
  - Deleting audio data and closing the resulting gap (Track Cut)
  - Erasing audio data (Track Erase)
- Organizing your songs
  - Displaying song details (Song Information)
  - Copying songs (Song Copy)
  - Erasing songs (Song Erase)
  - Making the most of hard disk capacity (Song Optimize)
  - Protecting a song (Song Protect)
    - Protecting a song (Song Protect)
    - Removing song protection
  - Naming a song (Song Name)
  - Saving your song (Song Save)
Section 3 Using Effects
- Makeup of BR-1200CD effects
- Using insert effects
  - Effect patches and banks
  - Modifying insert effect settings
    - Changing the sound of insert effects using the VALUE knobs
    - Changing parameters assigned to VALUE knobs
    - Changing effect block connections
  - Saving insert effect settings
  - Copying insert effect settings
  - Changing insert effect connections (Insert Effect Location)
  - Using an expression pedal
- Using loop effects
  - Changing the Loop Effect Settings
    - Chorus/Delay/Doubling
    - Reverb
- Using track-specific compressors (Track Compressor)
  - Switching track compressors between stereo and mono (Stereo Link)
- Using track-specific equalizers (Track EQ)
  - Setting the Track EQ
    - Switching equalizers between stereo and mono (Stereo Link)
- Fixing the pitch of vocals/Adding a backing chorus to vocals (Vocal Tool Box)
  - The Vocal Tool Box
  - Makeup of the Vocal Tool Box
  - Vocal Tool Box patches
  - Fixing the pitch of vocals (Pitch Correction)
  - Setting the correction method for vocal pitch (Pitch Correction Edit)
  - Making Detailed Settings for Pitch Correction (Correction Event Map)
  - Applying a backing chorus to vocals (Harmony Sequence)
  - Inserting rests in a backing chorus
  - Setting the application method for backing choruses (Harmony Sequence Edit)
  - Making More Detailed Backing Chorus Settings (Harmony Event Map)
  - Saving Vocal Tool Box settings (Patch Write)
  - Copying Vocal Tool Box settings (Patch Copy)
- Recreating the characteristics of different monitor speakers (Speaker Modeling)
  - Speaker Modeling patches
  - Using Speaker Modeling
    - Turning off Speaker Modeling
  - Modifying Speaker Modeling settings
  - Saving Speaker Modeling settings
  - Copying Speaker Modeling settings
- Mastering
  - Before using the Mastering Tool Kit
  - Selecting the Mastering Tool Kit
  - Adjusting the Mastering Tool Kit Effects and Volume
  - Mastering
  - Modifying Mastering Tool Kit settings (Edit)
    - Editing patch settings
  - Saving Mastering Tool Kit settings
  - Copying Mastering Tool Kit settings
  - Using Auto Fade In/Out
    - Performing automatic fade-in (Auto Fade In)
    - Performing automatic fade-out (Auto Fade Out)
Section 4 Using Rhythm
- Makeup of Drum/Bass/Loop Phrase
  - Drums
  - Bass
  - Loop Phrases
- Rhythm arrangements
  - Pattern mode and Arrangement mode
- Using drums
  - Setting the track type
  - Playing drum sounds
  - Selecting drum patterns
  - Changing the drum pattern tempo
    - Setting the tempo using [TAP]
  - Selecting a drum kit
- Creating drum patterns
  - Preparing for recording
  - Creating drum patterns using real-time recording
    - Practicing before recording (Rehearsal)
    - Recording in perfect time (Quantize)
  - Creating drum patterns using step recording
  - Correcting drum patterns (Microscope)
  - Changing the drum patterns groove (Swing)
  - Changing a drum patterns name
  - Copying drum patterns
  - Deleting drum patterns
  - Loading drum patterns from the CD-R/RW drive (SMF Import)
- Using bass
  - Setting the track type
  - Playing bass
  - Selecting bass sounds
  - Selecting bass patterns
  - Specifying bass pattern chords
  - Changing the bass patterns tempo
- Creating bass patterns
  - Preparing for recording
  - Creating bass patterns using real-time recording
    - Practicing before recording (Rehearsal)
    - Recording in perfect time (Quantize)
  - Creating bass patterns using step recording
  - Correcting bass patterns (Microscope)
  - Changing the bass patterns groove (Swing)
  - Changing a bass patterns name
  - Copying bass patterns
  - Deleting bass patterns
  - Loading bass patterns from the CD-R/RW drive (SMF Import)
- Using Loop Phrases
  - Setting the track type
  - Playing Loop Phrases
  - Selecting a Loop Phrase
  - Adjusting the Loop Phrase and Drum Volume Balance
  - Changing the Loop Phrase tempo
    - Setting the tempo using [TAP]
- Creating Loop Phrases
  - Using a portion of an audio track
  - Using wave data on a CD-ROM/R/ RW disc (Loop Phrase Import)
    - Reading all files at once
  - Specifying and modifying the source loop phrase (Time Modify)
  - Modifying Loop Phrase settings
  - Assigning Loop Phrases to track buttons
  - Copying Loop Phrases
  - Erasing Loop Phrases
- Setting the Universal Beat for Drums, Bass, and Loop Phrases
- Using rhythm arrangements
  - Selecting a rhythm arrangement
  - Changing the rhythm arrangement tempo
    - Setting the tempo using [TAP]
  - Modifying rhythm arrangement settings
- Creating rhythm arrangements
  - Assembling drum and bass patterns
  - Erasing All Pattern Assignments at One Time
  - Inserting patterns
  - Inputting chords
  - Changing and moving chords
  - Deleting chords
  - Inserting chords
  - Assembling Loop Phrases
  - Erasing All Loop Phrases at One Time
  - Inserting Loop Phrases
  - Copying a Loop Phrase from a rhythm arrangement to an audio track
  - Modifying all of the loop phrases in the current rhythm arrangement (Arrangement Modify)
  - Naming and saving rhythm arrangements
  - Copying a rhythm arrangement
  - Deleting a rhythm arrangement
- Setting tempos and beats for individual measures (Tempo Map/Beat Map)
  - Setting tempos for individual measures (Tempo Map)
  - Setting beats for individual measures (Beat Map)
- Using a metronome
  - Setting the track type
  - Playing a metronome
  - Selecting metronome sounds
  - Adjusting the Metronome and Loop Phrase Volume Balance
- Creating Drum and Bass Patterns Simply and Easily (EZ Compose)
  - What is EZ Compose?
  - Using EZ Compose
    - Creating a pattern
    - Adding a chord progression
    - Adding a fill-in
    - Pasting In Rhythm Arrangements
Section 5 Using the CD-R/RW Drive
- Creating Audio CD
  - Precautions
  - Setting the time between songs (Pre-Gap)
  - Writing Songs to Discs
    - Writing songs individually (Track At Once)
    - Writing several songs at once (Disc At Once By Song)
    - Creating Audio CDs with Audio Tracks Separated by Markers (Disc At Once by Marker)
  - Playing Back Audio CDs
  - Enabling playback on CD players (Finalize)
- Using the CD-R/RW drive to exchange data
  - Saving Recorded Songs to CD-R/RW Discs
    - Backing up a song (Song Backup)
    - Reading backup songs back into the hard disk (Song Recover)
  - Saving Data on the Hard Disk to CD-R/RW Discs
    - Saving Data to CD-R/RW Discs (User Backup)
    - Reading backup user data back into the hard disk (User Recover)
  - Saving the Entire Contents of the Hard Disk to a CD-R/RW Disc
    - Saving the Hard Disk Contents to a CD-R/RW Disc (HDD Backup)
    - Reading backed-up hard disk contents back into the hard disk (HDD Recover)
  - Copying and writing waveform data
    - Copying waveform data from a computer to the audio tracks (WAV/AIFF Import)
    - Copying audio track waveform data to computers (WAV/AIFF Export)
  - Playing SMFs using external MIDI instruments (SMF Player)
  - Erasing data from a CD-RW disc (CD-RW Erase)
  - Setting the time until the CD-R/ RW drive stops (CD Hold Time)
- Importing songs from CDs to audio tracks
Section 6 Using MIDI
- MIDI fundamentals
  - What is MIDI?
  - MIDI connectors
  - MIDI channels
  - MIDI Implementation Charts
- Playing drum and bass patterns on external MIDI sound module
  - Drum sounds and note numbers
- Synchronizing external MIDI sequencers and rhythm machines
  - Synchronizing a MIDI device to the rhythms tempo using the MIDI timing clock
  - Synchronizing a MIDI sequencer to the playback time using MTC
    - Changing the TIME field display
  - Synchronizing a MIDI device by recording its tempo changes on the BR-1200CD (Sync Track)
  - Setting the starting time of synchronization (Sync Offset)
- Controlling MMC-compatible devices from the BR-1200CD
- Controlling track volumes via MIDI (MIDI Fader)
  - Turning MIDI Fader on and off
  - Setting the MIDI channel for MIDI Fader
  - Confirming the current fader positions
- Inputting drum and bass patterns from a MIDI keyboard (MIDI Recording)
- Using MIDI to Control the Switching of the Insert Effects (Effects Program Change)
Section 7 Using USB
- Before Using USB (Overview)
  - Operations that can be performed via USB
  - Compatible OS
  - Connecting a computer
  - Structure of data on the BR- 1200CDs hard disk
- With Windows
  - Backing up the BR-1200CDs data
  - Reading backup data back into the BR-1200CD from the PC (Recover)
  - Saving BR-1200CD track data in WAV/AIFF format (WAV/AIFF Export)
  - Loading WAV/AIFF files in BR-1200CD tracks (WAV/AIFF Import)
- With Macintosh
  - Backing up the BR-1200CDs data
  - Reading backup data back into the BR-1200CD from the PC (Recover)
  - Saving BR-1200CD track data in WAV/AIFF format (WAV/AIFF Export)
  - Loading WAV/AIFF files in BR-1200CD tracks (WAV/AIFF Import)
Section 8 Other Convenient Functions
- Adjusting the displays contrast
- Tuning instruments (Tuner)
  - Setting the reference pitch
  - Tuning
- Mixing audio-device output with the BR-1200CDs output (Audio Sub Mix)
- Using condenser microphones (Phantom Power)
- Creating a MD protected from digital copying
- Changing the content of the level meter display (Pre/Post Fader)
- Initializing all BR-1200CD settings (Initialize)
- Performing hard disk operations
  - Viewing information about the hard disk (Hard Disk Information)
  - Initializing the hard disk (Disk Initialize)
  - Initializing only one of multiple partitions
Section 9 Appendices
- Insert effect algorithm list
  - BANK: GUITAR
    - 1. COSM OD GUITAR AMP
    - 2. ACOUSTIC SIM
    - 3. BASS SIM
    - 4. COSM COMP GUITAR AMP
    - 5. ACOUSTIC GUITAR
    - 6. BASS MULTI
    - 7. COSM BASS AMP
    - 8. COSM OD BASS AMP
    - 9. COSM COMP BASS AMP
  - BANK: MIC
    - 10. VOCAL MULTI
    - 11. VOICE TRANSFORMER
    - 12. COSM VOCAL COMP
    - 13. MIC MODELING
  - BANK: STEREO
    - 14. STEREO MULTI
    - 15. LO-FI BOX
  - BANK: SIMUL
    - 16. VO+GT.AMP
    - 17. VO+AC.SIM
    - 18. VO+ACOUSTIC
- Insert effect parameter functions
  - Acoustic Guitar Simulator
  - Acoustic Processor
  - 3 Band Equalizer
  - 4 Band Equalizer
  - Bass Simulator
  - Bass Cut Filter
  - Chorus
  - 2x2 Chorus
  - Compressor
  - COSM Comp/Limiter (COSM Compressor/Limiter)
  - COSM Overdrive/Distortion
  - COSM PreAmp&Speaker
  - De-esser
  - Defretter
  - Delay
  - Distance
  - Doubling
  - Enhancer
  - Flanger
  - Foot Volume
  - Humanizer
  - Limiter
  - Lo-Fi Box
  - Mic Converter
  - Noise Suppressor
  - Octave
  - Pan
  - Phaser
  - Pickup Simulator
  - Pitch Shifter
  - Preamp
  - Ring Modulator
  - Short Delay
  - Slow Gear
  - Speaker Simulator
  - Sub Equalizer
  - Tremolo
  - Tremolo/Pan
  - Uni-V
  - Vibrato
  - Voice Transformer
  - Wah
- Speaker Modeling parameter functions
  - SP Modeling (speaker modeling)
  - Bass Cut Filter
  - Low Freq Trimmer
  - High Freq Trimmer
  - Limiter
- Mastering Tool Kit parameter functions
  - Equalizer
  - Bass Cut Filter
  - Enhancer
  - Input
  - Expander
  - Compressor
  - Mixer
  - Limiter
  - Output
- Effect parameters assigned to VALUE knobs
- Insert Effect Patch List
- Vocal Tool Box Patch List
- Speaker Modeling Patch List
- Mastering Tool Kit Patch List
- Preset Rhythm Arrangement List
- Preset Drum Pattern List
- Preset Bass Pattern List
- User Loop Phrase List
- Harmony Sequence Chord Note List
- Troubleshooting
- Error Messages
- MIDI Implementation
- Specifications
- Index

Boss BR-1200CD Owner’s Manual

Pages 364

Year 2004

Language(s)

of 364

Boss BR-1200CD Specification

The Boss BR-1200CD is a comprehensive digital recording studio designed for musicians and producers seeking an all-in-one solution. It integrates an array of features that streamline the recording, editing, mixing, and mastering processes. The device is equipped with a 12-track recorder, allowing for simultaneous playback of up to 12 tracks, with each track capable of holding multiple virtual tracks for greater flexibility in recording takes and arrangements. It features high-quality 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, ensuring pristine audio fidelity.

The BR-1200CD includes a built-in CD burner, facilitating easy creation of audio CDs directly from the device. This feature is complemented by a suite of mastering tools that enable users to polish their mixes with professional-grade effects and finalization processes. It boasts a wide range of COSM effects, including guitar and bass amp models, vocal effects, and drum patterns, powered by an internal rhythm machine that offers realistic drum sounds and patterns to accompany recordings.

Connectivity options are versatile, with inputs for guitars, microphones, and line-level devices, alongside MIDI I/O for integration with external MIDI gear. The user-friendly interface is facilitated by a large LCD display and intuitive controls, which help streamline navigation and project management. The BR-1200CD also supports USB connectivity for data backup and transfer to a computer, enhancing workflow efficiency.

Overall, the Boss BR-1200CD is engineered for musicians who demand a robust and versatile tool for producing high-quality recordings with ease. Its combination of advanced features and ease of use makes it a valuable asset in both home and professional studio settings.

Boss BR-1200CD F.A.Q.

How can I record multiple tracks simultaneously on the Boss BR-1200CD?

To record multiple tracks simultaneously, connect your instruments or microphones to the input jacks. Use the Track Mixer to assign each input to a separate track. Press the 'Rec' button on each track you wish to record, then press the 'Record' and 'Play' buttons simultaneously to start recording.

What should I do if the BR-1200CD is not powering on?

First, ensure that the power cable is securely connected to both the BR-1200CD and a working power outlet. Check the power switch to confirm it is in the 'On' position. If the unit still does not power on, try using a different power cable or outlet. If the problem persists, contact Boss support for further assistance.

How do I export my recorded tracks to a CD using the BR-1200CD?

To export tracks to a CD, insert a blank CD into the CD drive. Use the internal CD burning function by navigating to the 'CD Write' menu. Select the tracks you wish to burn, and follow the on-screen instructions to finalize and burn your CD.

How can I reset the BR-1200CD to its factory settings?

To perform a factory reset, turn off the unit. While holding down the 'Track Edit' and 'Utility' buttons, turn the power back on. Follow the prompts to confirm the reset process. Note that this will erase all user data.

What is the best way to clean and maintain the BR-1200CD?

Regularly dust the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using any liquid cleaners. Ensure that vents are unobstructed to prevent overheating. Periodically check cables and connections for wear and replace as necessary.

How do I update the firmware on the Boss BR-1200CD?

Download the latest firmware update from the Boss website onto a USB drive. Insert the USB drive into the BR-1200CD's USB slot. Power on the unit while holding down the 'Track Edit' and 'Utility' buttons to initiate the update. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

What should I do if the BR-1200CD is not recognizing my USB device?

Ensure your USB device is formatted to FAT16 or FAT32. Reconnect the USB device ensuring it's fully inserted. Try using a different USB port if available. If the issue persists, test with another USB device to rule out compatibility issues.

Can I use the BR-1200CD as an audio interface with my computer?

Yes, the BR-1200CD can function as an audio interface. Connect it to your computer via USB. Install the necessary drivers from the Boss website if required. Set your DAW to recognize the BR-1200CD as the input/output device.

How do I troubleshoot sound distortion on my BR-1200CD recordings?

Check if any of the input levels are peaking and adjust them accordingly. Ensure that the tracks are not recorded too hot; aim for levels around -6dB. Verify that effects and EQ settings are not causing distortion. If necessary, reset settings to default and try recording again.

What are the compatible media formats for importing into the BR-1200CD?

The BR-1200CD supports importing WAV and AIFF files. Ensure that your files are in one of these formats and are stored on a compatible USB device for successful importation.