Now shipping, the Boss BR-800 digital recorder is the ultimate portable multitracker -- this battery-powered studio sports touch-sensor switches, SD-card recording media, USB connectivity, onboard Boss effects, and much more. The BR-800 can record up to four tracks and play back up to eight tracks simultaneously, as well as create an additional stereo track with the built-in rhythm generator.

Designed to be easy to use, the BR-800 is ideal for just about any kind of recording application, from multilayered songs to field recordings. Bringing the "easy" part back to the forefront, the portable recorder also includes EZ Recording mode, a feature that interactively guides you through the recording process. Other notable features include the Retry function, which re-cues automatically to fix mistakes; Song Sketch recording for instant, one-click capture; the built-in stereo condenser microphone; and the built-in rhythm generator, which is useful for adding drum and percussion tracks to your songs.

You can use the BR-800's onboard Boss effects to enhance your recordings. Choose from the vocal effects from the VE-20, COSM guitar / bass effects from the GT-10 series, the modeled acoustic-guitar body effects from the AP-1 preamp, and many other effects included with the BR-800.

The BR-800 is powered by the included AC adaptor or six AA batteries. Its USB connectivity makes file transfers simple, while also letting the BR-800 function as a USB audio interface for recordings that utilize the internal effects. The unit can also act as a control surface for digital audio workstations (DAWs).

Features at a glance:

• Record up to four tracks, play back up to eight tracks simultaneously
• Powered by AC adaptor or six AA batteries
• Touch-sensor switches
• SD-card recording media
• USB 2.0
• Backlit LCD
• Onboard Boss effects
• EZ Recording mode
• Song Sketch recording
• Built-in stereo condenser microphone
• Built-in rhythm generator
• Weight: 2 lbs.

Boss's BR-800 digital recorder was originally introduced at MusikMesse 2010, and it is now available. Boss has officially begun shipping the BR-800 for $524 (MSRP).

For more information, visit the Boss Web site at bossus.com.