Before using this unit,
carefully read the sections
entitled: “USING THE UNIT
SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT
NOTES” (Owner’s manual p.
2–3; p. 4–5). These sections
provide important
information concerning the
proper operation of the unit.
Additionally, in order to feel
assured that you have gained
a good grasp of every feature
provided by your new unit,
“Basic Operation” and
“Owner’s manual” should be
read in their entirety.
The manual should be saved
and kept on hand as a
convenient reference.
How to use this manual
The BR-1600CD Owner’s
manual consists of two
volumes “
and “
“Basic Operation” explains
the sequence of turning on
this unit, recording, playback,
mixing down and making an
original Audio CD.
Basic Operation
Owner’s Manual
”
.”
Common operations and display items
Connecting other devices
Turning on/off the BR-1600CD
Adjusting the display’s contrast
Listening to the demo songs and selecting songs (Song Select)
Basic operation of the recorder
Preparing a song for recording (Song New)
Selecting an input source for recording (Input Select)
Adjusting the input source volume (Input Sensitivity)
Recording with effects (Insert Effects)
Selecting drums to act as a guide for recording
Adjusting the recording level
Setting an audio input’s left-right position (Input Pan)
Applying reverb for a warmer sound during recording (Reverb)
Recording
Rectifying recording mistakes (Undo/Redo)
Recording a new track while listening to an earlier recording (Overdubbing)
Mixing audio from various tracks onto a stereo track (Mix Down)
Saving your song (Song Save)
Adjusting volume and compression for CD writing (Mastering Tool Kit)
To use the BR-1600CD, please
read this book first.
“Owner’s Manual” covers the
functions which are not
mentioned in “Basic
Operation.” Please read it for
finer settings and more
sophisticated use of the BR1600CD.
Writing your finished song to a CD (Audio CD Write)
Listening to your audio CD (Audio CD Play)
Printing Conventions in This Manual
• Text or numerals enclosed in square brackets [ ] indicate buttons.
[PLAY]
[CURSOR]CURSOR button
• Reference such as (p. **) indicate pages in this manual to which you can refer.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the
written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.
PLAY button
Page 2
Contents
Common operations and display items................................................4
Top screen.................................................................................................................................................... 4
Current position.......................................................................................................................................... 4
FUNCTION buttons ([F1] through [F4])/PAGE SCROLL buttons .................................................... 4
When recording stereo inputs to a stereo track ...................................................................................24
Adjusting the input source volume (Input Sensitivity)......................25
Recording with effects (Insert Effects) ...............................................26
Turning off effects ....................................................................................................................................27
Selecting drums to act as a guide for recording ...............................28
Setting up a drum track (Track Type Select) ........................................................................................ 28
Playing drum sounds............................................................................................................................... 29
Displayed shortly after the power is turned on, this is the
main BR-1600CD screen. Among other important
information, the top screen presents the name of the
currently selected song, the current position within the song,
the level meters, and remaining recording time on the hard
disk.
Regardless of the screen that you are currently in, you will
always be able to return to this screen by pressing [EXIT/
NO] several times (although you may sometimes have to
wait until the BR-1600CD completes the current process).
In Mastering mode only, the top screen changes to the screen
like that shown to the left.
Unless otherwise specified, all procedures described in this
manual will require you to return first of all to the top screen.
Current position
fig.06-02d
Marker number
Measure
HourFrame
minute
Beat
Second Sub Frame
Cursor
The current position within the song is indicated in terms of
time at the top right of the display. In addition, this position
is also indicated in terms of bars and beats to the left of this
time value.
The displayed time is based on MIDI Time Code (MTC), and
as such, it is presented in terms of hours, minutes, seconds,
frames, and sub-frames. Note that different devices use
different MTC specifications.
If you want to synchronize the BR-1600CD with another
MIDI device using MTC, you will first of all need to set both
to the same MTC specification. At the time of purchase, the
number of frames per second will initially be set to 30 (nondrop) on the BR-1600CD.
FUNCTION buttons ([F1] through [F4])/PAGE SCROLL buttons
fig.06-04
Function buttons
Page Scroll buttons(Left)(Right)
[F1] through [F4] are called the FUNCTION buttons. At the
bottom of the display, you will find the names of the
functions that are assigned within the current screen to each
of these buttons.
If an explanation from this manual were to refer to “[F1]
(WRITE)”, you would know that pressing [F1] would select
the “WRITE” function as displayed immediately above the
button.
When “” and/or “” is displayed on the left and right of
the screen, respectively, it will indicate that the BR-1600CD
could not fit all of the relevant content on-screen and that
some content is hidden in the direction of the arrow. The
PAGE SCROLL buttons [] and [] are used to
display this hidden content. Press [] to scroll the screen
to the left, and press [] to scroll the screen to the right.
Although you can also scroll the screen by holding down
[] or [] from CURSOR, this can be done much quicker
using the PAGE SCROLL buttons.
4
Page 5
Scroll Bar
Common operations and display items
fig.06-08
Cursor
fig.06-03
(Left)(Right)
(Up)
(Down)
Scroll Bar
When you see a scroll bar at the right of the screen, it means that the
BR-1600CD could not fit all of the relevant content in one screen,
and there is additional content hidden at the top or the bottom.
The scroll bar itself represents the entire display content, and
the black portion represents the range of that content that is
currently being displayed.
To view the hidden content, press CURSOR [] or []
to move the display area up or down respectively.
When the display area is moved up, the black area in the
scroll bar will also move up, and when the display area is
moved down, the black area moves down.
The BR-1600CD’s cursor is represented either as an inverted
character, a frame, or an underline in a section of the screen that
allows settings to be made. When represented as a knob icon, the
knob is shown in black.
If the current screen contains a number of such sections, you can use
[CURSOR] to move between the corresponding setting items. In
addition, when you press and hold down [CURSOR], the on-screen
cursor will move continuously in the corresponding direction. If
you need to speed up the motion of the cursor, press and hold the
CURSOR arrow for the required direction of movement, and then
press the CURSOR arrow for the opposite direction. This action will
cause the cursor to move more quickly around the screen.
Example: To move the cursor quickly to the right
Press and hold CURSOR [], and then press [].
Example: To move the cursor quickly downward
Press and hold CURSOR [], and then press [].
TIME/VALUE dial
fig.06-05
The TIME/VALUE dial is used to change the cursor position,
values, or characters. In the case of values, these are
increased when the dial is turned clockwise, and reduced
when the dial is turned counterclockwise.
VALUE 1/PAN, VALUE 2, VALUE 3, and VALUE 4 knobs
fig.06-07
These knobs can be used to change the values of parameters
indicated by knob icons () on-screen.
Turn clockwise to increase a value and counterclockwise to
decrease it.
In addition, you can also use these knobs to make large changes in
pattern and loop phrase numbers when a pattern selection screen
for rhythm patterns, bass patterns, or loop phrases is displayed.
5
Page 6
●
Connecting other devices
fig.07-01
MIDI Sequencer etc.
MIDI IN
MIDI Sequencer,
MIDI Sound Module, etc.
MIDI
OUT
DIGITAL IN
Computer
USB
DIGITAL
LINE OUT
CD Player,
Rhythm Machine, etc.
MicrophoneKeyboard etc.
GT-8, CD Player, etc.
OUT
LINE IN
AC Adaptor
Monitor Speaker with
digital input (coaxial),
Digital Amp, etc.
Set the polarity switch
as shown below.
Foot Switch
Stereo
Headphones
(FS-5U etc.)
To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers
or other devices, always turn down the volume and
turn off all devices before making any connections.
Audio Set etc.
Expression Pedal
(Roland EV-5 etc.)
The pin assignment for the XLR type connectors is as
shown below. Before making any connections, make sure
that this pin assignment is compatible with that of all your
other devices.
fig.XLR
Electric Guitar
or
Electric Bass
6
Page 7
Connecting other devices
Connect the guitar, bass guitar,
1
microphone, etc. to the BR-1600CD’s
input jacks.
Guitar, bass, etc.:
Connect to the GUITAR/BASS jack on the front panel.
Microphone for solo vocals:
Connect to the INPUT 2/MIC 2 input jack on the rear
panel.
CD player, keyboard, etc.:
Although CD players, keyboards, and the like can be
connected to any of the input jacks INPUT 1/MIC 1
through INPUT 8/MIC 8 on the rear panel, it is
recommended that you use INPUT 3/MIC 3 through
INPUT 8/MIC 8, since a guitar, bass guitar, or solovocal microphone may need to be connected later on.
For this example, let’s connect the L channel to INPUT
7/MIC 7 and the R channel to INPUT 8/MIC 8.
Multiple microphones for recording
chorus vocals or drums or the like:
Connect to any of the input sources INPUT 1/MIC 1
through INPUT 8/MIC 8 on the rear panel.
Connect the LINE OUT L and LINE
2
OUT R jacks on the rear panel to your
amplifier.
If you will be using headphones,
connect these to the PHONES 1 jack.
The BR-1600CD’s LINE OUT L/R jacks must always
be correctly matched with the amplifier’s left and
right inputs.
If necessary, connect an expression
3
pedal or foot switch to the BR-1600CD.
Any MIDI or USB connections should
also be made.
Precautions When Making Connections
• When a guitar or bass is connected to the GUITAR/BASS jack, the INPUT 1/MIC 1 input jack will be deactivated and
will not accept any sound input.
• Noise may be generated when the pickup on your guitar or bass is close to the BR-1600CD. Move the BR-1600CD and
guitar further apart to eliminate this noise.
• The location of microphones relative to speakers could result in feedback being produced. This can be remedied by:
1. Changing the orientation of the microphone(s).
2. Relocating the microphone(s) at a greater distance from the speakers.
3. Lowering volume levels.
• For more detailed information regarding the operation and setting of expression pedals, refer to “Using an expression
pedal” (Owner’s Manual; p. 84).
• For more detailed information regarding the operation and setting of foot switches, refer to “Using a foot switch” (p. 12).
• For more detailed information regarding the operation and setting of MIDI devices, refer to “Section 5 Using MIDI”
(Owner’s Manual; p. 221).
• For more detailed information regarding USB operation and setting methods, refer to “Section 6 Using USB” (Owner’s Manual; p. 239).
• When a condenser microphone is connected to an XLR input jack, phantom power at +48 V can be supplied from the BR1600CD. For details on how this is done, see “Using condenser microphones (Phantom Power)” (Owner’s Manual; p. 264).
7
Page 8
Turning on/off the BR-1600CD
Turning on the BR-1600CD
Use the POWER switch to turn the BR-1600CD on and off.
Once the connections have been completed (
devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.
fig.07-02
Before turning on the power, the
1
volume of all connected devices should
be turned all the way down.
2
Loop the AC adaptor’s cord around the
cord hook and connect its plug to the
BR-1600CD’s DC IN jack.
This will ensure that, even when the cord is accidentally
pulled, the power will not turn off as a result of the plug
being pulled out of the DC IN jack, and the jack itself
will not be subjected to excessive force.
fig.07-03
), turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on
p. 6
POWER Switch
If any CD players, keyboards, etc. are
4
connected to the BR-1600CD’s input
jacks, turn on these devices first.
5
Press the BR-1600CD’s POWER switch.
The power will turn on and the opening screen will be
displayed. After a few moments, the message “Now
Checking...” will appear, and this will be followed by the
message “Now Loading...”. When the top screen
appears, it indicates that the BR-1600CD is ready for use.
fig.07-04d
6
If an amplifier or any other similar device
is connected to the BR-1600CD’s output,
this should be turned on last of all.
Plug the AC adaptor into a power outlet.
3
IMPORTANT
•A small amount of noise may be output from the BR-1600CD when it is turned on. Although this noise is neither loud
nor the result of a malfunction, it can cause speakers and other similar devices to be damaged if the amplifier volume
is turned up at this time. It is important, therefore, to ensure that the amplifier is turned on last of all.
• In order to protect the BR-1600CD’s circuits, no operation will be possible for a short period of time after the power is
turned on.
8
Page 9
Turning off the BR-1600CD
1
If an amplifier or any other similar
device is connected to the BR-1600CD’s
output, this should be turned off first
of all.
2
Press and hold down the BR-1600CD’s
Turning on/off the BR-1600CD
3
Press [ENTER/YES].
The message “Save Current?” will appear.
Song Protect is activated for the demo songs already
included in the BR-1600CD at the time of purchase,
and for this reason, the power will turn off without
the message “Save Current?” being displayed.
POWER switch for approximately 2
seconds.
The message “Shutdown OK?” will appear.
fig.07-04ad
4
Press [ENTER/YES] once again.
The message “Storing Current...” will appear and
saving of the currently selected song will begin. When
saving has been completed, the message “Now
shutdown...” is displayed, and the BR-1600CD will
automatically turn off a few moments later.
If you do not want to save your song at this time,
press [EXIT/NO]. The BR-1600CD will turn off
without the song being saved. In such a case,
however, all audio that was recorded and data that
was edited since you last saved the song will be lost;
accordingly, be careful not to press [EXIT/NO] by
mistake.
(IMPORTANT) Precautions when turning off the BR-1600CD
• Always use the POWER switch to turn off the BR-1600CD’s power. Recorded audio data, mixer settings, etc. are not
stored as the corresponding operations are completed; rather, they are stored when the song is saved or when the
power is turned off automatically. Therefore, when the BR-1600CD is turned off by pulling out the AC adaptor’s plug
or by any other method not involving the POWER switch, all recorded audio data, mixer settings, and the like will be
lost. This practice can also lead to song data being lost or to the hard disk being permanently damaged, and it should
be avoided.
• Before removing the AC adaptor from the power outlet, be sure to confirm that the BR-1600CD has turned off fully
(i.e., the display is not lit). The AC adaptor should not be disconnected while data is being saved as this will result in
the loss of recorded audio data and other song contents (i.e., mixer settings, effect patch data, etc.).
• The hard disk motor will continue to run for a short period of time after the power has been turned off. Accordingly,
the BR-1600CD should not be moved immediately after it has been turned off. Note that failure to observe this
precaution can result in damage to the hard disk mechanism.
What is meant by saving songs?
In the BR-1600CD, recorded or edited audio data is only temporarily stored on the hard disk until the song that
contains it is saved. For this reason, if the power is turned off before the song has been saved, all of your recorded and
edited data will be lost. The Save function prevents this from occurring by storing the recorded and edited data on the
BR-1600CD’s hard disk.
Note that songs can be saved at any time, not only when the power is being turned off. For more detailed information,
refer to “Saving your song (Song Save)” (p. 56).
9
Page 10
Adjusting the display’s contrast
In certain locations, the BR-1600CD’s display may be difficult to read. In such cases, use the following procedure to
adjust the display’s contrast.
fig.53-25
1
3
2
4
2
1
Press [UTILITY].
The Utility screen will appear.
fig.53-26d
2
Move the cursor to the LCD
CONTRAST icon and press [ENTER/
YES].
Alternatively, press [F1] (LCD) if the LCD
CONTRAST icon is currently displayed.
The LCD Contrast screen will appear.
fig.53-27d
3Turn the TIME/VALUE dial to adjust
the contrast.
Setting range: 1 through 16
Higher values produce a darker display and viceversa.
4When you have finished adjusting the
contrast, press [EXIT/NO] several times
to return to the top screen.
If you press and hold [UTILITY] while turning the TIME/VALUE dial, you will be able to change the contrast in real
time. Choose the method that best suits the BR-1600CD’s setup.
10
Page 11
Listening to the demo songs and selecting songs (Song Select)
When the BR-1600CD is turned on, the top song is automatically selected and all data necessary for playback is
loaded. When the loading of this data has been completed, the name of the song will be displayed.
If you wish to work on a different song, you can select that song using the following procedure. Demo songs are
stored on the BR-1600CD. Let’s now select one of these songs to listen to. (Refer to the Demo Song List leaflet.)
fig.07-05
1
2,3
2
2,3,4
1Press [UTILITY].
The Utility Menu screen will appear.
fig.07-05d
2Move the cursor to the SONG icon and
press [ENTER/YES].
Alternatively, you can press [F2] (SONG) if the SONG
icon is currently displayed.
The Song Menu screen will appear.
fig.07-06d
3Move the cursor to the SELECT icon
and press [ENTER/YES].
Alternatively, press [F2] (SELECT) if the SELECT icon
is currently displayed.
The Song Menu Selection screen will appear.
fig.07-07d
4Move the cursor to the song you want
to listen to and press [F4] (GO).
The message “Now Loading...” will appear and
loading of song data from the hard disk will begin.
After a few moments, the message “Complete!” is
displayed to indicate that the data has been read.
• In certain cases, the message “Save Current?” will appear during the procedure described above. This indicates that
the currently selected song contains recorded audio data and/or edited data that has not been saved. If you want to
save the song, press [ENTER/YES]; if this will not be necessary, press [EXIT/NO]. Note that if you press [EXIT/NO],
the recorded audio data and/or edited data will be lost; accordingly, be careful not to press this button by mistake.
In other cases, the message “Re-Load Current?” may appear. This indicates that although the currently selected song
contains recorded audio data and/or edited data that has not been saved, all such changes are to be discarded and the
song is to be restored to its previously saved condition. If you want to discard the changes and restore the song, press
[ENTER/YES]; if you want to cancel loading, press [EXIT/NO]. Note that if you press [ENTER/YES], the recorded
audio data and/or edited data will be lost; accordingly, be careful not to press this button by mistake.
• The demo songs contained in the BR-1600CD are intended for personal enjoyment only. Usage of these songs for any
other purpose without the permission of the copyright holder is prohibited by law. The data contained in the demo
songs may not be copied or used in secondary works without prior consent of the copyright holder.
11
Page 12
Basic operation of the recorder
Playing and stopping
fig.07-09
2
1,341,3
1In order to avoid being startled by
sudden loud noises, turn the PHONES
1 & 2 VOLUME knobs and the
MASTER fader all the way down
before proceeding.
3Slowly raise the PHONES VOLUME
knob(s) and the MASTER fader until
the playback can be heard at a suitable
level.
1,3
4Press [STOP].
2Press [PLAY].
The BR-1600CD will start playback. The playback
position is shown in real time at the top of the display.
In addition, the playback volume for each track is
indicated by the level meters.
Using a foot switch
With a foot switch (such as the optional BOSS US-5U or Roland DP-2) connected to the FOOT SW jack on the BR1600CD’s rear panel, you can use your foot to start and stop performance. Use the following procedure to set the
function of the foot switch.
The BR-1600CD will stop playback.
1Press [UTILITY].
The Utility Menu screen will appear.
fig.07-05d
2Move the cursor to the SYSTEM icon
and press [ENTER/YES].
fig.07-06d
12
3Move the cursor to FOOT Switch and
select “PLAY/STOP” using the TIME/
VALUE dial.
4Press [EXIT/NO] several times to return
to the top screen.
5Operate the foot switch.
The song will alternate between play and stop each
time you press the foot switch.
Page 13
Adjusting the volume
fig.07-09a
Basic operation of the recorder
12
1Move the MASTER fader up and down
while the song is being played.
The overall volume changes in response to the
position of this fader. The display on the MIX level
meter changes in response to the volume.
In certain cases, distortion will occur when a fader is raised too high. In particular, this occurs when the corresponding
level meter rises beyond the 0 dB point. In such a case, lower the fader until the distortion is no longer present.
2Move the Track faders for each track
up and down.
The volume of each track changes in response to the
position of the corresponding fader. In addition, the
display on each track’s level meter changes in
response to its volume.
13
Page 14
Basic operation of the recorder
Changing the current position
The current position within a song can be moved regardless of whether or not the song is being played. Any one of a
number of different methods can be used to change the current position.
• When the current position is changed, it takes a bit of time before you can carry out the next operation. This time is
necessary for reading of data from the hard disk that will be needed for playback at the new song position.
• It is not possible to change the current position while recording.
Using the transport buttons
The song position can be changed using the transport buttons located on the bottom left of the front panel.
fig.07-09b
2
3
1
5
1Press [ZERO].
Moves you to the time location 00:00:00-00.00.
2Press [FF].
The current position will move forward by one
second.
3Press [REW].
The current position will move back by one second.
4
4Hold down [STOP] and press [FF].
After the BR-1600CD has checked the V-Tracks
currently selected for each track, the current position
will jump to the point in the song at which the last
recording was made.
5Hold down [STOP] and press [REW].
After the BR-1600CD has checked the V-Tracks
currently selected for each track, the current position
will jump to the point in the song at which the first
recording was made.
14
Page 15
Basic operation of the recorder
Using TIME/VALUE dial
A cursor is displayed below the time for the current position on the top screen. Use the TIME/VALUE dial to change
the time values and to move the current position.
fig.07-09c
1,3
2,4
1Move the cursor to the seconds,
minutes or hours value.
fig.07-101d
Minutes
HoursSeconds
2Turn the TIME/VALUE dial.
The current position will change in units of seconds,
minutes or hours.
3Move the cursor to the measures or
beats value.
fig.07-103d
Measures Beats
4Turn the TIME/VALUE dial.
The current position will change in units of measures
or beats. “- - -” will be displayed after measure 999.
15
Page 16
Basic operation of the recorder
Using markers
A number of song markers are set up in the demo songs in advance. These markers can be used to jump to the
corresponding positions within the song.
fig.07-09D
12
1Press MARKER [SEARCH].
The current position will jump to the location of one
of the markers that has been set. Each time
[SEARCH] is pressed, the current position will
jump forward to the next nearest marker. Note that
the marker number corresponding to the current
position is displayed at this time.
3Move the cursor to the value in the
Marker box, and then use the TIME/
VALUE dial to specify a marker
number.
The current position will jump to the location of the
corresponding marker.
2Press MARKER [SEARCH].
The current position will jump back. Each time
[SEARCH] is pressed, the current position will
jump back to the previous nearest marker.
• Up to 100 markers can be set up at will within a song. For more detailed information, refer to “Placing markers in your
song (Marker)” (Owner’s Manual; p. 48).
• The number of the marker at the current position is shown in the display’s Marker box. If no marker has been set up at
this position, “- - -” is displayed.
16
Page 17
Basic operation of the recorder
Playing back repeatedly (Repeat Function)
Use the Repeat function to play a certain section of the song
in a repeated fashion.
This function can also be combined with punch-in and punch-
out to carry out loop recording (Owner’s Manual; p. 45).
fig.07-09f
2,4,5
(A)(B)
Position
for playback
1Move to the song position from which
looped playback is to be started.
2Press [REPEAT].
[REPEAT] will start to flash and the current position
will be specified as the start position (A) for repeat
playback.
3Move to the song position at which
playback is to be looped back.
4Press [REPEAT].
[REPEAT] will start to light up and the current
position will be specified as the end position (B) for
repeat playback.
5To redo these settings, press [REPEAT]
once again, and turn it off.
In this condition, the start position (A) and end
position (B) for repeat playback have been cleared.
Repeat Steps 1 through 4 to set new positions.
6Move the current position to a point
before (B) and start playback.
When the song position reaches (B), it will
automatically jump to (A), and the section between
(A) and (B) plays back repeatedly.
•A gap of at least 0.5 seconds is required between the start position (A) and the end position (B) for repeat playback. As
a result, (B) cannot be set up at a position within 0.5 seconds of (A).
• Playback is not repeated when the playback is started at a song position after (B).
Recorded variations that use V-Tracks are included in the demo songs. We will now change V-Tracks to listen to
these variations.
fig.07-09k
What are V-Tracks?
Each BR-1600CD track comprises sixteen different
virtual tracks, one of which is selected for recording
and/or playback. In other words, performances can
be recorded onto a total of 256 tracks (i.e., 16 x 16),
and any sixteen of these tracks can be played back at
any one time. The term “V-Track” is used to refer to
the virtual tracks that make up each BR-1600CD
track.
fig.07-09g
14
1Press [V-TRACK].
The V-Track screen will appear.
fig.07-10d
The V-Track currently selected for each track and the
presence or absence of data in each V-Track are
indicated on the V-Track screen.
18
2
2
3
(): Currently selected V-Track (containing
recorded audio data)
(): Currently selected V-Track (not containing
recorded audio data)
(): V-Track containing recorded audio data
( ): V-Track not containing recorded audio
data
( ): The V-Track from Track 9/10 last used for
mastering (Final Mastering Track)
Page 19
Basic operation of the recorder
2Move the cursor to the track whose V-
Track is to be changed, and then use
the TIME/VALUE dial to select a new
V-Track.
The symbol indicating the currently selected V-Track
will move to this new V-Track.
fig.07-106d
3Press [EXIT/NO] to return to the top
screen.
4Press [PLAY] to start playback.
You will now hear the song with the variation that
has been recorded on the newly selected V-Track.
However, if this V-Track contains no data, the
corresponding track will be silent.
5If you wish to store the modified
settings, save the current song (p. 56).
• It is not possible to change V-Tracks while recording.
• Tracks 9/10 through 15/16 are all set to stereo and each comprises two individual tracks; accordingly, V-Tracks can
only be selected in sets of two for these tracks. In other words, it is not possible to select a different V-Track for the left
track and the right track in a stereo pair.
19
Page 20
Basic operation of the recorder
Turning tracks off temporarily (Track Mute)
When recording a band or the like, it is often necessary to turn off just the vocalist’s track to listen to the combined
sound of the instruments. In a situation like this, the BR-1600CD allows you to temporarily turn off the audio from
specific tracks (Track Mute).
fig.07-09h
132
1Hold down [TRACK MUTE] and press
the track button for the track(s) you
want to mute.
The track button(s) will start to flash to indicate that
the corresponding track(s) are now muted.
3To cancel a muted condition, again
hold down [TRACK MUTE] and press
the track button for the track(s) for
which muting is to be canceled.
The track button(s) will stop flashing to indicate that
the corresponding track(s) are no longer muted.
2Press [PLAY] to start playback.
No audio will be output from the muted track(s).
Even if its fader is raised, the audio from a track will
not be heard when it is muted.
• When a track is muted, its condition will be the same as if its fader had been moved all the way down. Muting does
not cause recorded audio data to be deleted.
• Track Mute is not enabled for tracks other than those whose Track Type is set to AUDIO (p. 28). The Track Mute is also
cancelled with the track type is changed.
4If you wish to store the muted
condition, save the current song (p. 56).
20
Page 21
MEMO
21
Page 22
Preparing a song for recording (Song New)
If you are going to record your own performance from scratch, you will first of all have to create a new song free of
any recorded audio data. This operation is referred to as “Song New,” and it is carried out as follows.
fig.07-15
14
1Press [UTILITY].
The Utility Menu screen will appear.
fig.07-16d
2Move the cursor to the SONG icon and
press [ENTER/YES].
Alternatively, you can press [F2] (SONG) if the SONG
icon is currently displayed. The Song Menu screen
will appear.
fig.07-17d
5
2,32,3
3Move the cursor to the NEW icon and
press [ENTER/YES].
Alternatively, you can press [F3] (NEW) if the NEW
icon is currently displayed. The screen for creating a
new song will appear.
fig.07-18d
22
Page 23
Preparing a song for recording (Song New)
4Use the TIME/VALUE dial to select the song’s initial track type.
For example, let’s select USE DRUMS for this song.
Initial Track Types
16 AUDIO TRACKSAll tracks from 1 through 15/16 are set up as audio tracks.
USE DRUMS
USE BASS
USE LOOP PHRASE
USE DRUMS + BASS
USE DRUMS + LOOP PHRASE
USE BASS + LOOP PHRASE
USE DRUMS + BASS + LOOP PHRASE
Track 15/16 is used as a drum track, and the remaining tracks 1 through 13/
14 are used as audio tracks.
Track 13/14 is used as a bass track, and the remaining tracks 1 through 11/12
and 15/16 are used as audio tracks.
Track 11/12 is used as a loop phrase track, and the remaining tracks 1 through
9/10, 13/14, and 15/16 are used as audio tracks.
Track 15/16 is used as a drum track, Track 13/14 is used as a bass track, and
the remaining tracks 1 through 11/12 are used as audio tracks.
Track 15/16 is used as a drum track, Track 11/12 is used as a loop phrase
track, and the remaining tracks 1 through 9/10 and 13/14 are used as audio
tracks.
Track 13/14 is used as a bass track, Track 11/12 is used as a loop phrase track,
and the remaining tracks 1 through 9/10 and 15/16 are used as audio tracks.
Track 15/16 is used as a drum track, Track 13/14 is used as a bass track, Track
11/12 is used as a loop phrase track, and the remaining tracks 1 through 9/10
are used as audio tracks.
Track types can be freely changed even after Song New has been completed.
5Press [F4] (GO).
The message “New Song...” will appear on the display and a new song will be created. When finished, the message
“Complete!” will appear and the display will automatically return to the top screen.
In certain cases, the message “Save Current?” will appear during the procedure described above. This indicates that
the currently selected song contains recorded audio data and/or edited data that has not been saved. If you want to
save this new data, press [ENTER/YES]; if you don’t want to, press [EXIT/NO]. Note that if you press [EXIT/NO], the
recorded audio data and/or edited data will be lost; accordingly, be careful not to press this button by mistake.
23
Page 24
Selecting an input source for recording (Input Select)
Before you start recording an instrument, you will have to select the input source to which that instrument has been
connected. Furthermore, when you select an input source, the appropriate insert effects for that input source will be
automatically selected and applied to the input.
fig.07-19
INPUT SELECT
button
Recording guitar or bass guitar
Press INPUT SELECT [GUITAR/BASS].
[GUITAR/BASS] will light up, indicating that either the INPUT 1/
MIC 1 jack on the rear panel or the GUITAR/BASS jack on the front
panel can be used as the input source. (Any time a plug is inserted
into the GUITAR/BASS jack, this input source will be given priority
and the INPUT 1/MIC 1 jack will be deactivated.)
In addition, an effect will be automatically selected from the insert
effects’ guitar bank, and this will be applied to the audio input.
Recording guitar + Vocal
Press INPUT SELECT [GUITAR/BASS] and
[VOCAL] simultaneously. (SIMUL)
The INPUT SELECT [GUITAR BASS] and [VOCAL] buttons will
light up, indicating that INPUT 1/MIC 1 jack on the rear panel or
GUITAR/BASS jack on the front panel has been selected as input
sources. (The INPUT 1/MIC 1 jack and the GUITAR/BASS jack
share the same internal circuitry.)
In this condition, an effect will be automatically selected from the insert
effects' simul bank, and this will be applied to each input source.
Recording a solo vocal microphone
Press INPUT SELECT [VOCAL].
[VOCAL] will light up, indicating that the INPUT 2/MIC 2 jack on
the rear panel has been selected as the input source.
In addition, an effect will be automatically selected from the insert
effects’ microphone bank, and this will be applied to the audio input.
When connecting an electric guitar to the BR-1600CD, be sure to use
the GUITAR/BASS jack.
Note also that when an acoustic guitar is being recorded using a
microphone, the microphone should be connected to the INPUT 1/
MIC 1 jack. The INPUT 2/MIC 2 jack should be used for connecting
the microphone used for vocals.
Recording a number of microphones
When recording stereo inputs to
or instruments onto separate tracks
a stereo track
Press [MULTI-TRACK] from INPUT SELECT.
[MULTI-TRACK] will light up, indicating that jacks INPUT 1/MIC 1
through INPUT 8/MIC 8 on the rear panel have all been selected as
input sources. (The INPUT 1/MIC 1 jack and the GUITAR/BASS jack
share the same internal circuitry. When an instrument is connected to
the GUITAR/BASS jack, this input source will be given priority and the
INPUT 1/MIC 1 jack will be deactivated.) In addition, an effect will be
automatically selected from the insert effects’ multi-channel bank, and
this will be applied to each audio input.
Press INPUT SELECT [STEREO TRACKS].
The INPUT SELECT [STEREO TRACKS] button will light up, indicating
that jacks INPUT 1/MIC 1 through INPUT 8/MIC 8 on the rear panel
have all been selected as input sources. (The INPUT 1/MIC 1 jack and
the GUITAR/BASS jack share the same internal circuitry.)
In this condition, the eight input sources will be mixed in stereo, and
you will be able to record this mix to a stereo track. In addition, an
effect will be automatically selected from the insert effects' stereo
bank, and this will be applied to the stereo mix of the input sources.
• When a guitar or bass is connected to the GUITAR/BASS jack, the INPUT 1/MIC 1 input jack will be deactivated and
will not accept any sound input.
To learn more about the Input Select buttons, see “Operation of the INPUT SELECT buttons” (Owner’s Manual; p. 280).
24
Page 25
Adjusting the input source volume (Input Sensitivity)
The output from guitars, bass guitars, microphones, keyboards, and other instruments all enter the BR-1600CD as
continuous electrical waves. This type of output is referred to as an analog signal. Inside the BR-1600CD, circuits
known as A/D converters are used to convert these analog signals into digital signals. If the volume of an analog
signal is too high, unpleasant distortion will occur in the corresponding digital signal; however, if the volume of this
signal is too low, the noise that is generated during conversion to digital will become very noticeable. Once
distortion or noise becomes obvious in a digital signal, it is extremely difficult to restore the quality of the sound
using any amount of post-processing. In order to record with good sound quality, therefore, it is extremely
important that you adjust the volume of the analog signal in such a way that the source can be made as loud as
possible without distorting. Adjustment of a source’s volume while it is still an analog signal is carried out using the
INPUT SENS (Input Sensitivity) knob.
fig.07-20
2
If it lights up occasionally when the
1Play the instrument to be recorded.
2Check whether the PEAK indicator for
that instrument’s input source lights up
when the instrument is played hard.
If it lights up frequently:
The volume is too loud. Turn the INPUT SENS knob
for the corresponding input source counterclockwise
to reduce the volume to a level where the PEAK
indicator lights up only occasionally when the
instrument is played hard.
• If a suitable volume cannot be obtained even when the INPUT SENS knob is used, it is quite possible that the output
volume of the instrument itself is improper level. In such a case, make sure that the instrument’s volume is at a
suitable level, and then repeat the adjustment procedure described above.
• If you are using a condenser microphone that requires phantom power, no sound will be output from the microphone
until the phantom power is turned on. Refer to the user’s manual that came with your microphone, and then turn on
the phantom power if the manual indicates that it is necessary. For more detailed information regarding usage of
phantom power, refer to “Using condenser microphones (Phantom Power)” (Owner’s Manual; p. 264).
instrument is played hard:
The volume is at a suitable level and does not need to
be adjusted.
If it never lights up:
The volume is too low. Turn the INPUT SENS knob
for the corresponding input source clockwise to raise
the volume to a level where the PEAK indicator lights
up only occasionally when the instrument is played
hard.
Each PEAK indicator lights up when the corresponding analog signal reaches -6 dB, and distortion occurs in the A/D
converter when this signal rises beyond 0 dB.
25
Page 26
Recording with effects (Insert Effects)
When an input source is chosen, a suitable insert effect for that input source will be selected automatically by the BR-
1600CD. For example, when GUITAR/BASS has been chosen, an effect will be selected from the guitar bank; when
VOCAL has been chosen, an effect will be selected from the MIC bank; and so on.
Each bank contains a number of different effects (Effect Patches) with various different settings that affect the sound.
Let’s now select some of these patches.
fig.07-21
2
1
1Press [EFFECTS].
The insert effects’ patch screen will appear.
fig.07-22d
Patch number
Whenever a patch is selected, the effect sound will be muted for a short period of time (i.e., 20 to 50 ms) in order to
prevent switching noise being output.
At the time of purchase, the BR-1600CD’s preset patches (P001 to P050) and user patches (U001 to U050) will contain
the same effects.
2Using the TIME/VALUE dial, change
the patch number and select the
desired effect.
The sound of the insert effect will change each time a
different patch is selected.
26
Page 27
Recording with effects (Insert Effects)
Turning off effects
You may want to turn off an Insert Effect in order to record the input source as is. If this is the case, use the following
procedure to turn off the effect (Effect Off).
fig.07-22a
1
1Press [EFFECTS].
The insert effects’ patch screen will appear.
fig.07-23d
2Press [F1] (ON/OFF).
The insert effect has been turned off.
[EFFECTS] will go out, indicating that the insert effect
has been turned off.
fig.07-24d
2,3
3If you would like to re-apply the insert
effect, press [F1] (ON/OFF) once again.
The insert effect has been turned on.
[EFFECTS] will light up, indicating that the insert effect
has been turned on.
[F1] is used to toggle the insert effect between on and off.
Even if an insert effect has been turned off, it will be automatically turned back on whenever a different INPUT
SELECT button is pressed or a different patch is selected.
27
Page 28
Selecting drums to act as a guide for recording
It is often difficult to keep playing a part at a fixed tempo until you have become very familiar with it. If you play
along with the BR-1600CD’s internal drums, however, this type of variation in tempo can be dramatically reduced.
Thanks to the highly realistic sound of the BR-1600CD’s PCM drum samples, you’ll be able to enjoy the great feeling
of playing along with actual drums. What’s more, if you record along with a drum track, you’ll be able to perform
editing in units of beats and bars later on.
You can use bass and loop phrase as well as drum as a guide. Please refer to “Section 3 Using Rhythm” (Owner’s
Manual; p. 145).
Setting up a drum track (Track Type Select)
In order to set up the BR-1600CD to play drum sounds, use the following procedure to designate Track 15/16 as the
drum track.
If USE DRUMS was selected during SONG NEW (p. 22), Track 15/16 will be already set up as the drum track and the
following procedure will not be required.
fig.07-25
3
2
1
1With the top screen displayed, press
[TRACK TYPE SELECT].
The Track Type Select screen will appear.
fig.07-26d
2Press [F4] (DRUMS).
This operation sets up Track 15/16 as the drum track.
fig.07-06ad
For more detailed information regarding track types,
refer to “Setting the track type” (Owner’s Manual; p.
149).
28
3Press [EXIT/NO] to return to the top
screen.
Page 29
Playing drum sounds
fig.07-27
Selecting drums to act as a guide for recording
1Press the track button for Track 15/16
several times until it starts to flash.
You can press this button repeatedly to cycle through
the available statuses, which are: Flashing → Lit →
Unlit.
Unlit:No drum sounds will be played.
Flashing: Drum sounds will be played only when the
BR-1600CD is recording or performing
playback.
Lit:Drum sounds will be played even when
the BR-1600CD is stopped.
2Press PROGRAMMABLE RHYTHM
[ARRANGEMENT/PATTERN] so the
button is not lighted.
Each time this button is pressed, it toggles between lit
and unlit.
12433
On (Arrange Mode):
In this mode, drum patterns can be arranged and
played back in accord with a song structure
comprising intro, verse, fill, bridge, break, and ending
elements. Once you have an idea of your new song,
this function allows the complete drum structure to be
easily created.
3Play the song from the beginning.
The BR-1600CD will start playback of the drum track.
4Use the Track 15/16 fader to adjust to
the appropriate volume.
Off (Pattern Mode):
In this mode, a rhythm pattern of one or several bars
in length is played repeatedly. This type of playback
can be used instead of a metronome, and it can also
provide a useful guide track when you are working
on ideas for new songs.
29
Page 30
Selecting drums to act as a guide for recording
Selecting drum patterns
the BR-1600CD features preset drum patterns. Let’s choose one of these patterns to play with.
When this button is lit, it may need to be pressed to
turn it off.
2Press PROGRAMMABLE RHYTHM
[EDIT].
The Pattern Select screen will appear.
fig.07-81d
1277
3Move the cursor to Drum Pattern
Group.
fig.07-81d
4Turn the TIME/VALUE dial to “P” for
the Drum Pattern Group.
fig.07-81d
30
Page 31
5Move the cursor to the drum pattern
number.
fig.07-30d
6Select a drum pattern number using
the TIME/VALUE dial.
7Play the song from the beginning.
The BR-1600CD will start playback of the selected
drum pattern.
Selecting drums to act as a guide for recording
At the time of purchase, the BR-1600CD contains drum patterns only in Preset patterns (P001–). User patterns (U001 –)
and Song (S001–) are provided for you to freely create your own drum patterns, and these patterns are initially empty.
If you select “U” or “S” at this time the BR-1600CD will not be able to play back a rhythm track.
• In addition to the TIME/VALUE dial, the VALUE knobs can also be used at this time. Turn the VALUE knob
immediately below the drum pattern number (i.e., VALUE 4) to change this number.
• Even while the drum pattern is being played, you can repeat Step 6 above to select a new pattern. In such a case,
playback of the newly selected drum pattern will start as soon as the previously selected drum pattern has ended.
31
Page 32
Selecting drums to act as a guide for recording
Changing the drum pattern tempo
Two simple methods are available for changing the tempo of the drum track.
● Set the new tempo using the TIME/VALUE dial
● Tap the new tempo using [TAP]
Set the new tempo using the TIME/VALUE dial
fig.07-07a
3
3
4
1Make sure that PROGRAMMABLE
RHYTHM [ARRANGEMENT/
PATTERN] is extinguished.
If this button’s indicator is lit, press
PROGRAMMABLE RHYTHM [ARRANGEMENT/
PATTERN] to turn it off.
2Press PROGRAMMABLE RHYTHM
[EDIT].
The Pattern Selection screen will appear.
fig.20-008d_ptn.bmp
12
3Move the cursor to “TEMPO” and
select a suitable tempo using the TIME/
VALUE dial.
You will be able to hear how your new setting
changes the playback tempo.
The tempo can be set anywhere within a range of 25.0
to 250.0 BPM. (Beats Per Minute—A value that
indicates the tempo in terms of the number of quarter
notes occurring in one minute.)
4After you have set the tempo, press
[EXIT/NO] several times to return to
the top screen.
32
5If you wish to store the pattern’s
tempo, save the current song (p. 56).
Page 33
Selecting drums to act as a guide for recording
Setting the tempo using [TAP]
In addition to setting the tempo using [CURSOR] and the TIME/VALUE dial, you can also set it by tapping your
finger on [TAP] at the desired tempo. (Tap Tempo)
This feature proves extremely useful when you want to match the playback tempo to that of an audio CD but don’t
know the actual BPM value.
fig.07-07a
1
1Tap your finger on [TAP] four times
with approximately the same interval.
The tempo will be set based on the average tapping
interval.
In addition to the two methods indicated above, it is also possible to specify tempos much more precisely for each
individual measure. For more detailed information, refer to “Setting tempos and beats for individual measures
(Tempo Map/Beat Map)” (Owner’s Manual; p. 198).
And a further method also enables you to control the BR-1600CD’s tempo by synchronizing it with the tempo of an
external MIDI sequencer. For more detailed information, refer to “Synchronizing external MIDI sequencers and
rhythm machines” (Owner’s Manual; p. 225).
33
Page 34
Selecting drums to act as a guide for recording
Changing the drum sounds
Drum patterns can be given a completely new feel by changing the sounds of the drums that they use.
When this button is lit, it may need to be pressed to
turn it off.
2Press PROGRAMMABLE RHYTHM
[EDIT].
The Pattern Select screen will appear.
fig.07-28d
123
3Press [F1] (SETUP).
The Pattern Setup screen will appear.
fig.07-32d
4Move the cursor to Drum Kit and select
a new drum kit using the TIME/
VALUE dial.
The drum pattern will be played using sounds from
the newly selected drum kit.
fig.07-32d
34
Page 35
Selecting drums to act as a guide for recording
A short period of time (i.e., 1 or 2 seconds) is required for the switching of drum kits. Although you will not be able to
hear the drum pattern during this period, this is normal and is not the result of a malfunction.
Although this section described a playback method where a basic rhythm (Drum Pattern) of one or several bars in
length was repeated indefinitely, you can also arrange and play back drum patterns that have been matched to a song
structure comprising Intro, Verse, Fill, Bridge, Break, and End Crash elements in any order. This type of combination
is referred to as a “rhythm arrangement.” For more detailed information regarding rhythm arrangement operations,
refer to “Using rhythm arrangements” (Owner’s Manual; p. 187).
35
Page 36
Adjusting the recording level
fig.07-33
1
2
1Play the instrument to be recorded.
The level meters on the display change in response to
the instrument’s volume.
fig.07-33ad
Rather than changing the volume of effect inputs, the INPUT LEVEL knob adjusts the volume after effects have been
applied. As a result, factors such as distortion and the effect of compressors are not influenced by this knob.
2Use the INPUT LEVEL knob to ensure
that the peak display for any level
meter does not rise above 0 dB when
the instrument is played hard.
36
Page 37
Setting an audio input’s left-right position (Input Pan)
When recording from a number of different microphones at the same time or in other similar situations, you can
widen the overall sound by setting the left-right position (i.e., the pan) of each microphone before recording is
started.
fig.07-34a
3
3
2
1
SIMUL:
1Press CHANNEL EDIT [PAN].
The pan setting screen will appear.
fig.07-34d
2Press [].
The screen for setting input pan will appear.
fig.07-35d
Two knobs are displayed—one for INPUT 1, the other
for INPUT 2.
The pan for each of these is set to the central position
immediately after Song New is carried out.
MULTI-TRACK:
Eight knobs are displayed—one each for INPUT 1
through INPUT 8.
Immediately after Song New is carried out, the pan
for each of these is set to the central position.
STEREO TRACKS:
Eight knobs are displayed—one each for INPUT 1
through INPUT 8.
Immediately after Song New is carried out, the pan
for odd numbered inputs is set to full left, and the pan
for even numbered inputs is set to full right.
The number of displayed knobs depends on the
INPUT SELECT setting.
The knob where the cursor is located is shown in
black.
GUITAR/BASS:
A single knob is displayed for INPUT 1.
VOCAL:
A single knob is displayed for INPUT 2.
After recording, the pan values set here for each audio input are automatically copied to the corresponding recorded tracks.
3Move the cursor to the input source to
which pan setting is to be changed, and
then use the TIME/VALUE dial to
make a new pan setting.
The setting can also be carried out using the
VALUE1/PAN knob.
L100: Audio is moved to the extreme left.
0:Audio is moved to the center.
R100: Audio is moved to the extreme right.
37
Page 38
Applying reverb for a warmer sound during recording (Reverb)
Vocalists often find it easier to sing when a small amount of reverb is applied to their voice during recording. This
does not apply to vocalists alone—in fact, you will find that the presence of reverb on other instruments can also lead
to improved performances and better recordings, and this is particularly true in the case of instruments that play
melodies. We will now apply reverb to our input sources to see how it sounds.
fig.07-36a
33
2
1
1Press LOOP EFFECTS [REVERB].
The BR-1600CD will display a screen (Reverb Send)
for adjusting the amount of the audio being sent from
each track to the reverb.
fig.07-36d
2Press [].
The Reverb Send screen for the input sources will
appear.
fig.07-37d
4
GUITAR/BASS:
A single knob is displayed for INPUT 1.
VOCAL:
A single knob is displayed for INPUT 2.
SIMUL:
Two knobs are displayed—one for INPUT 1, the other
for INPUT 2.
MULTI-TRACK:
Eight knobs are displayed—one each for INPUT 1
through INPUT 8.
STEREO TRACKS:
A single knob is displayed for INPUT.
3Move the cursor to the input source
you wish to apply reverb to, and while
The number of displayed knobs depends on the
INPUT SELECT setting.
38
listening to the instrument to be
recorded, use the TIME/VALUE dial to
set a pleasant reverb send level.
When the reverb send level is 0, no reverb will be
applied; when it is 100, the maximum amount of
reverb will be applied.
Page 39
Applying reverb for a warmer sound during recording (Reverb)
4Press [EXIT/NO] to return to the top
screen.
• Although the sound you hear will include reverb, this effect is not actually applied to the sound to be recorded. (Only
the true sound of the performance will be recorded.)
• After recording, the values for reverb send levels set here for each audio input are automatically copied to the reverb
send levels of the corresponding recorded tracks. As a result, when you play back a track that was recorded with
reverb applied in this way, you will still be able to hear the same reverb. This may lead you to conclude that you
accidentally recorded the reverb together with the input source, but this is not the case. In actuality, the true sound
was recorded to the track, and reverb was reapplied to the recorded sound during playback. the BR-1600CD copies
these settings to ensure that the same sound heard during recording will be heard during playback; however, if you
no longer need to hear this reverb, set the corresponding reverb send level to zero. This will remove reverb from the
playback sound.
39
Page 40
Recording
In the previous sections, you have made all the necessary preparations for recording instruments as they are played
along with a drum pattern. We will now record one of these instruments.
fig.07-38
1,6
5
4,732
1Press [ZERO].
The current position will jump to the beginning of the song.
2Press the track button for the track to
be recorded (Recording Track).
The track button will turn red and start flashing to
indicate selection as a recording track.
The track buttons function in a different way for each
Input Select status. For more detailed information
regarding the relationship between the Input Select
status and the track buttons, refer to “Input select
status and track button functions” below.
3Press [REC].
[REC] will turn red and start to flash, indicating that
the BR-1600CD is now ready for recording.
4Press [PLAY].
Both [PLAY] and [REC] will light up and recording
will start. The color of the track button for the
recording track will change to red.
Since the BR-1600CD plays the drum pattern during
recording, the instrument can be played along with
the drums. Note, however, that the drums will not be
recorded onto the recording track. Only the
instrument itself is recorded.
5Press [STOP] when you want to stop
recording.
Both [PLAY] and [REC] will turn off and recording
will stop. Playback of the drum pattern will also stop
at this time. The track button for the recording track
will now start to flash green and orange.
6Press [ZERO].
7Press [PLAY].
[PLAY] will light up and the recorded performance
will be played back. Use the fader for the recorded
track to change its volume during playback.
8If you wish to store the recorded audio,
save the current song (p. 56).
• If you turn off the BR-1600CD without saving the
current song, the recorded audio will be lost.
• If the track type (p. 28) for any of the tracks 11/12
through 15/16 has been set to DRUMS, BASS, or
LOOP PHRASE, it will not be possible to select
that track for recording. However, if you want to
record to one of these tracks, its track type should
be set to AUDIO.
• After recording has been stopped, a period of 1 or 2
seconds may elapse before you can carry out the
next operation. This time is necessary for processing
of the recorded data and for reading of data from
the hard disk that will be needed for playback.
• The BR-1600CD allows a single, continuous
recording of up to approximately 13 hours in length
to be carried out. If a single recording reaches this
limit, the message “Memory Full” will be displayed
and recording will be stopped automatically. If you
want to continue recording in such a case, hold
down [REC] and press [PLAY] at the position were
recording was stopped.
40
Page 41
Recording
Input Select status and track button functions
*The following section describes the selection of audio tracks using track buttons. When any of the TRACK TYPE indicators are lit up,
Tracks 11/12 through 15/16 will each be selected for drum patterns, bass patterns, and loop phrases, respectively. It is important to
remember that the operation of these tracks will differ from that of standard audio tracks.
When the Input Select status is GUITAR/BASS:
Only one of the track buttons will flash, and the sound
source will be recorded to the corresponding track.
If a pair of adjacent track buttons (such 1 and 2, or 3 and 4)
are pressed simultaneously at this time, both of these
buttons will begin to flash, indicating that the
corresponding tracks have been selected as the destination
for a stereo recording. If you then press one of these track
buttons, things go back to the way they commonly are, with
only one track button flashing. This means that the
corresponding track has been selected to record in mono.
Note that whenever a pair of tracks from Track 9/10
through Track 15/16 is selected, the corresponding tracks
will always be selected for stereo recording.
Certain effects applied to mono input sources produce a
stereo output, and the BR-1600CD allows stereo tracks to be
selected so that this audio can be recorded. If the output of
such an effect were recorded to a mono track, the stereo
nature of the sound would be lost.
When the Input Select status is VOCAL:
Only one of the track buttons will flash.
If a pair of adjacent track buttons (such 1 and 2, or 3 and 4)
are pressed simultaneously at this time, both of these
buttons will begin to flash, indicating that the
corresponding tracks have been selected as the destination
for a stereo recording. If you then press one of these track
buttons, things go back to the way they commonly are, with
only one track button flashing. This means that the
corresponding track has been selected to record in mono.
Note that whenever a pair of tracks from Track 9/10
through Track 15/16 is selected, the corresponding tracks
will always be selected for stereo recording.
Certain effects applied to mono input sources produce a
stereo output, and the BR-1600CD allows stereo tracks to be
selected so that this audio can be recorded. If the output of
such an effect were recorded to a mono track, the stereo
nature of the sound would be lost.
When the Input Select status is SIMUL:
A pair of tracks are selected for recording, and the track
buttons for these tracks start flashing.
In this condition, the audio from the INPUT 1/MIC 1 jack or
the GUITAR/BASS jack, and the audio from the INPUT 2/MIC
2 jack will be recorded separately on the two selected tracks.
If one of the flashing track buttons were to be pressed at this
time, the other button would stop flashing and turn off,
indicating that a mix of the two input sources will be recorded
to the mono track corresponding to the flashing track button.
Note that whenever a pair of tracks from Track 9/10
through Track 15/16 is selected, the corresponding tracks
will always be selected for the separate recording of each of
the input sources.
When the Input Select status is MULTI-TRACK:
Track buttons 1 through 8 or 9/10 through 15/16 will all start
to flash. In this condition, the audio from INPUT 1/MIC 1
through INPUT 8/MIC 8 will each be recorded separately to
one of the tracks whose track button is flashing.
If any of the track buttons 9/10 through 15/16 are pressed
while track buttons 1 through 8 are flashing, these buttons
will turn off and track buttons 9/10 through 15/16 will all
start to flash. Similarly, If any of the track buttons 1 through
8 are pressed while track buttons 9/10 through 15/16 are
flashing, these buttons will turn off and track buttons 1
through 8 will all start to flash.
If you do not want to record to a specific track, press the
corresponding track button while it is flashing. It will stop
flashing and turn off, indicating that no audio will be
recorded to the corresponding track. If you decide to record
to that track after all, press the corresponding track button
once again. It will start to flash, indicating that the track has
been re-selected for recording.
When the Input Select status is STEREO TRACKS:
A stereo track is selected for recording, and the track button
for this track starts flashing.
In this condition, the input sources from INPUT 1/MIC 1
through INPUT 8/MIC 8 are mixed in stereo, and this mix
is recorded to the selected track.
If one of the flashing track buttons were to be pressed at this
time, the other button would stop flashing and turn off,
indicating that a mix of the two input sources will be recorded
to the mono track corresponding to the flashing track button.
Note that whenever a pair of tracks from Track 9/10
through Track 15/16 is selected, the corresponding tracks
will always be selected for the separate recording of each of
the input sources.
41
Page 42
Rectifying recording mistakes (Undo/Redo)
In cases where mistakes were made while playing the instrument or where volume levels could not be controlled as
desired during recording, you will be able to cancel this recording and return the BR-1600CD to its condition before
the start of this operation. (Undo)
In addition, if you then want to restore this recording, you can cancel the Undo and return the BR-1600CD to its
condition at the end of recording. (Redo)
Undo
fig.07-39
1
2
3
1Press [UNDO/REDO].
The message “Undo?” will appear.
fig.07-40d
2Press [F4] (UNDO).
The message “Complete!” will be displayed to
indicate that the Undo has been completed.
3Press [PLAY] to start playback, and
confirm that the recording has been
canceled.
4If you now want to cancel another
recording before the one just canceled,
repeat Steps 1 to 3.
Each time an Undo is performed, the BR-1600CD will
cancel the next newest recording.
• Once Song Optimization (Owner’s Manual; p. 70) has been carried out, Undo will no longer be possible.
• The BR-1600CD is capable of performing up to approximately 10,000 Undo operations.
• Undo can only be used with recorded audio data and edits performed on this data.
No other types of change can be canceled using this function.
42
Page 43
Rectifying recording mistakes (Undo/Redo)
Redo
Use Redo to restore a recording that was canceled using Undo. The procedure for Redo is as follows.
fig.07-40a
1
2
3
1Press [UNDO/REDO].
The message “Redo?” will appear.
fig.07-40bd
3Press [PLAY] to start playback, and
confirm that the recording canceled
using Undo has now been restored.
If you have used Undo more than once, Steps 1 to 3
can now be repeated to perform successive Redo
operations.
Each successive Redo will restore another canceled
recording.
2Press [F3] (REDO).
The message “Complete!” will be displayed to
indicate that the Redo has been completed.
• Please note that you will no longer be able to use Redo, once recording or editing has been performed after an Undo.
• Once Song Optimization (Owner’s Manual; p. 70) has been carried out, Redo will no longer be possible.
43
Page 44
Recording a new track while listening to an earlier recording (Overdubbing)
The BR-1600CD is a multi-track recorder, and in contrast to standard tape recorders, MD recorders, etc., multi-track
recorders allow you to record new tracks while you listen to tracks that have been previously recorded. This
capability is referred to as “overdubbing.” By recording the vocals, guitar, bass guitar, and other instruments onto
individual tracks, you ensure that the relative levels of instruments and their left-right positioning can be optimized
later on. In addition, it is also possible to replace entire performances for individual instruments.
fig.07-43
2,7
6
4,7 3
1Press the track button for a track that
has not yet been recorded.
The corresponding track will be selected for
recording, and the track button will turn red and start
flashing. The track buttons for tracks that have been
recorded will all be green.
2Move the faders for the previously
recorded tracks to the positions that
give suitable playback volumes.
3Press [REC].
[REC] will turn red and start to flash, indicating that
the BR-1600CD is now ready for recording.
1
4Press [PLAY].
[PLAY] will turn green, [REC] will change to a steady
red, and recording will start. Although you will be
able to hear the previously recorded tracks at this
time, none of this audio data will be recorded to the
recording track.
5Play the instrument to be recorded this
time along with the previously
recorded tracks.
Only this instrument will be recorded.
6Press [STOP] at the point where you
want to stop recording.
Both [PLAY] and [REC] will turn off, and the track
button for the recording track will now start to flash
green and orange.
44
Page 45
Recording a new track while listening to an earlier recording (Overdubbing)
7Move the recorded track’s fader to a
position that gives a suitable playback
volume, and then press [PLAY].
[PLAY] will light up and the track just recorded will
play back together with those tracks recorded earlier.
8Repeat Steps 1 to 7 as many times as
necessary to make the required number
of recordings.
9If you wish to store the recorded audio,
save the current song (p. 56).
If you turn off the BR-1600CD without saving the current song, the recorded audio will be lost.
Useful tip for overdubbing
When you are making a new recording while listening to previously recorded tracks, these tracks can drown out the
sound of the instrument currently being played, making it difficult to hear. In this type of situation, you can lower the
faders of the playback tracks, use pan to move either these tracks or the instrument being played to the left or right,
etc. to make it easier to hear this instrument.
“Setting the left-right position of each track (Pan)” (p. 46)
“Setting an audio input’s left-right position (Input Pan)” (p. 37)
45
Page 46
Mixing audio from various tracks onto a stereo track (Mix Down)
If you have constructed a song through repeated overdubbing, it is often the case that the recorded instruments will
sound disjointed in terms of volume and position, giving the impression that they’re not actually part of the same
performance. Nevertheless, if you combine each of these tracks into a stereo mix while readjusting the balance of
volume and pan settings, you will be able to convey the image of a single, complete song.
And if you intend to create an audio CD later on, your songs must be in the form of stereo tracks; consequently, you
will need to perform a mix down for each one.
A mix down is carried out as follows.
(1) Set the left-right position of each track (Pan).
(2) Suppress variations in volume (Compressor).
(3) Adjust the sound of each track (Equalizer).
(4) Widen the overall sound (Loop Effects).
(5) Mix the playback tracks onto a single stereo track (Bounce).
Setting the left-right position of each track (Pan)
fig.07-44
1
1Press CHANNEL EDIT [PAN].
The pan setting screen will appear.
fig.07-45d
3
2
4
3Change the pan setting using the
TIME/VALUE dial.
L100: Audio is moved to the extreme left.
0: Audio is moved to the center.
R100: Audio is moved to the extreme right.
2Move the cursor to the track to which
pan setting is to be changed.
You can also select a track by pressing its track
button. The track button for the selected track will
light up.
46
4Press [EXIT/NO] to return to the top
screen.
Page 47
Mixing audio from various tracks onto a stereo track (Mix Down)
Suppressing variations in volume (Compressor)
Each of the tracks 1 through 8 contains a built-in compressor, and these compressors can be used to smoothen out
differences in the volumes and peak levels of the corresponding tracks.
fig.07-46
2,3
3
4
1
1Press [COMP].
The compressor setting screen will appear.
fig.07-47d
2Move the cursor to the track to which
compressor setting is to be changed.
The track button for the selected track will light up.
fig.07-47ad
Press [F3] (TRACK 9-16) to switch to the setting screen
for Track 9/10 through 15/16. To return to the setting
screen for Track 1 through Track 8, press [F3] once again.
3
fig.07-47bd
THRESHOLD:
This parameter sets the volume level at which the compressor
starts to affect the sound. As the setting is made smaller (or more
negative), the compressor will become active at lower volumes.
ATTACK:
This parameter adjusts the time it takes for the compressor to
start affecting the sound after the volume exceeds the
threshold. Smaller values reduce the time until the
compressor starts working.
RELEASE:
This parameter adjusts the time it takes for the compressor to
stop affecting the sound after the volume drops below the
threshold. Smaller values reduce the time until the
compressor stops working.
The threshold, attack, and release parameters can also be
adjusted directly using the VALUE 1–3 knobs, respectively.
4
3
Move the cursor to the parameter to which
Press [EXIT/NO] to return to the top screen.
setting is to be changed, and then use the
TIME/VALUE dial to make a new setting.
• In addition to the cursor, the track buttons can also be used to directly choose the track to which settings are to be changed.
Furthermore, if the track buttons for tracks 1 and 2, tracks 3 and 4, tracks 5 and 6, or tracks 7 and 8 are pressed in unison at this time,
you will be able to modify the settings for the two selected tracks at the same time. This function is extremely useful when you want
to match the compressor settings of stereo tracks. By changing compressor settings in this condition, all parameters can be set to the
same values. And as the compressors from the two selected tracks will operate as a stereo compressor in this situation, differences in
the balance of left and right volumes can be easily eliminated.
• In addition to the parameters displayed on-screen, the compressors also feature other detailed parameters. For more detailed
information, refer to “Adjusting a compressor” (Owner’s Manual; p. 109).
• The compressor can be used on up to 8 channels, and while with the factory settings it is applied to Tracks 1–8, you can apply it to
Tracks 9/10–15/16 instead of Tracks 1–8. (“Selecting tracks to be compressed” (Owner’s Manual; p. 110)).
47
Page 48
Mixing audio from various tracks onto a stereo track (Mix Down)
Adjusting the sound of each track (Equalizer)
Each of the tracks contains a built-in three-band equalizer (EQ), and these can be used to adjust the low, mid, and
high bands of audio recorded on the corresponding track.
fig.07-48
2,3
3
4
1
1Press [EQ].
The equalizer setting screen will appear.
fig.07-49d
2Move the cursor to the track to which
equalizer setting is to be changed.
The track button for the selected track will light up.
fig.07-49ad
3Move the cursor to the parameter to
which setting is to be changed, and
3
HIGH:
This parameter adjusts the sound of the high band. It
is used to change the brightness or thinness of a
sound. The high-band EQ can be used effectively on
hi-hats, cymbals, etc., and it also used to adjust
sibilance (the harsh “S” sound often present in
vocals).
MID:
This parameter adjusts the sound of the mid band. It
is mainly used to change an instrument’s degree of
power or presence, and can be extremely useful when
used on vocals, guitars, saxophones, and other
instruments that play melodies. Human hearing is
most sensitive in this mid-range and the main part of
an instrument’s sound is usually found here;
accordingly, the mid-band EQ can be used effectively
on nearly all instruments.
LOW:
This parameter adjusts the sound of the low band. It
can be used to change the degree of punch in bass
guitars, kick drums, and other instruments at the
rhythmic core of a song. Note that low-band EQ has
little effect on brighter instruments such as strings or
cymbals.
then use the TIME/VALUE dial to
make a new setting.
fig.07-49bd
48
The high, mid, low and parameters can also be
adjusted directly using the VALUE1, VALUE2, and
VALUE3 knobs, respectively.
4Press [EXIT/NO] to return to the top
screen.
Page 49
Mixing audio from various tracks onto a stereo track (Mix Down)
If the setting is raised to an excessive level, the volume of the corresponding range will be too high, and there is a
danger that this could damage your hearing. In addition, sound will become distorted and external audio devices such
as headphones may be damaged. Accordingly, you should take extra care when making this setting, and if necessary,
do so with the volume turned down.
• In addition to the cursor, the track buttons can also be used to directly choose the track to which settings are to be
changed. Furthermore, if the track buttons for tracks 1 and 2, tracks 3 and 4, tracks 5 and 6, or tracks 7 and 8 are
pressed in unison at this time, you will be able to modify the settings for the two selected tracks at the same time. This
function is extremely useful when you want to match the EQ settings of stereo tracks. By changing EQ settings in this
condition, all parameters can be set to the same values. Note that since tracks 9/10 through 15/16 are fixed as stereo
tracks, the parameters for the left and right sides of each of these tracks will always change in the same way. It is not
possible to modify the settings of the left and right sides individually.
• In addition to the parameters presented on the display, the equalizers also feature other detailed parameters of sound
settings. For more detailed information, refer to “Adjusting a three-band equalizer” (Owner’s Manual; p. 110).
49
Page 50
Mixing audio from various tracks onto a stereo track (Mix Down)
Enhancing the sound (Loop Effects)
The BR-1600CD’s mixer features CHORUS/DELAY/DOUBLING and REVERB as loop effects. When used correctly,
these effects can add a feeling of spaciousness and depth to the sound.
What are Loop Effects?
Effects that are connected between a mixer’s effect-send and effect-return are referred to as Loop Effects. With this
type of effect, you can adjust the degree to which the sound is affected by changing the send level for the
corresponding mixer channel (or in our case, for the corresponding BR-1600CD track). Since each track has its own
send level, the degree to which each track is affected can be easily changed—for example, a lot of reverb can be
applied to vocals, a little reverb can be applied to drums, and so on. In contrast to insert effects (p. 26), which affect a
particular sound, Loop Effects can be said to affect the overall sound.
For more detailed information regarding settings, refer to “Using loop effects” (Owner’s Manual; p. 112).
Applying reverb
fig.07-50a
1
1Press LOOP EFFECTS [REVERB].
The BR-1600CD will display a screen (Reverb Send)
for adjusting the amount of the audio being sent from
each track to the reverb.
fig.07-50d
If this screen does not appear, use either [] or
[] to call it up.
2
3
3While listening to the playback from
the selected track, use the TIME/
VALUE dial to adjust the reverb send
level until you like what you hear.
When the reverb send level is 0, no reverb will be
applied; when it is 100, the maximum amount of
reverb will be applied.
fig.07-50bd
2Move the cursor to the track to which
reverb is to be applied.
You can also move directly to a track by pressing the
corresponding track button.
50
4If necessary, repeat Steps 2 and 3.
Page 51
Mixing audio from various tracks onto a stereo track (Mix Down)
Applying chorus, delay or doubling
fig.07-51a
12
3,5
3,6
4
1Press LOOP EFFECTS [CHORUS/
DELAY].
The BR-1600CD will display a screen (Chorus/Delay
Send) for adjusting the amount of the audio being
sent from each track to the delay or chorus.
fig.07-51d
If this screen does not appear, use either [] or
[] to call it up.
2Press [F2] (EDIT).
The Chorus/Delay Edit screen will appear.
fig.07-52d
3Move the cursor to TYPE and select the
desired Loop Effect using the TIME/
VALUE dial.
CHORUS:
A chorus effect creates sound a little off, and by
adding this to the original sound, it allows the sound
to be thickened. You can have the effect seemed to be
surrounded by the sound.
DELAY:
A delay effect works like an echo by repeating the
original sound after a specific delay time. You can
apply this effect on instruments that play melodies to
create a richer, thicker sound with no loss of presence.
DOUBLING:
A doubling effect is essentially the same as a delay
with an extremely short delay time. You can use this
effect to make an instrument recorded in mono sound
like it was actually recorded in stereo.
4Press [EXIT/NO] to return to the
Chorus/Delay Send screen.
51
Page 52
Mixing audio from various tracks onto a stereo track (Mix Down)
5Move the cursor to the track to which
chorus, delay, or doubling is to be
applied.
You can also move directly to a track by pressing the
corresponding track button.
fig.07-52ad
6While listening to the playback from
the selected track, use the TIME/
VALUE dial to adjust the send level
until you like what you hear.
When the send level is 0, no effect will be applied;
when it is 100, the maximum amount of effect will be
applied.
7If necessary, repeat Steps 5 and 6.
You can only select one chorus, delay, or doubling effect. Different types of chorus, delay, and doubling effects cannot
be used together.
Once all the necessary settings have been made, you will be able to start recording (bouncing).
52
Page 53
MEMO
53
Page 54
Mixing audio from various tracks onto a stereo track (Mix Down)
Mixing the playback tracks to a single stereo track (Bounce)
If you have made all of the necessary track settings as described in the previous sections, all that now remains is to
combine your tracks and record this mix in stereo.
In addition, you can also record from one track to a different track using just the BR-1600CD in a procedure known
as “bouncing.”
If you are using Drum, Bass or Loop Effects, these can be combined with the playback from the recorded tracks in the mix down
process. To do this, first of all press the track button for the Drum, Bass or Loop Effect track (Track 11/12 through 15/16) several
times until it lights up or starts to flash. Then, use the track’s fader to adjust its volume to a suitable level and bounce the Drum,
Bass or Loop Effect track to a different track.
As you will probably want to master (p. 58) your song later on, let’s bounce to Track 9/10.
fig.07-53
1
6
3,6324
1Press [REC MODE] several times until
the BOUNCE indicator lights up.
All inputs sources will be automatically muted at this
time.
2Press track button for Track [9/10].
This button will turn red and start to flash, indicating
that Track [9/10] has been selected as the destination
for bouncing. Note that the track buttons for tracks
that have been recorded will all be green.
5
3Press [REC], then press [PLAY].
Both [PLAY] and [REC] will light up and recording
(bouncing) will start.
4When you reach the end of the song,
press [STOP].
Both [PLAY] and [REC] will turn off, indicating that
bouncing has been completed.
54
Page 55
Mixing audio from various tracks onto a stereo track (Mix Down)
5To check the track recorded by
bouncing, lower all faders except the
one for Track 9/10, and move the fader
for Track 9/10 to a position that gives a
7
If you wish to store the track recorded by
bouncing, save the current song (p. 56).
This process of adjusting the tone and balance for
each track, and of then recording these to a single
stereo track is referred to as a Mix Down.
suitable playback volume.
6Press [ZERO], then press [PLAY].
The audio data bounced to Track 9/10 will now be
played back.
• If you turn off the BR-1600CD without saving the current song, the track recorded by bouncing will be lost. It is
important, therefore, that you save your songs regularly. Furthermore, if you intend to create an audio CD later on,
you must save the bounced mix-down track at this time.
• If audio data already exists on the track selected for bouncing, this data will be overwritten during the bouncing
process. If you want to prevent the data from being overwritten in this way, you should ensure during recording and
overdubbing that an empty track is reserved for bouncing. Note that even if you accidentally overwrite audio data as a
result of bouncing, you can use Undo to restore the data and cancel the bounce. “Undo” (p. 42)
• After bouncing has been completed, a period of 1 or 2 seconds may elapse before you can carry out the next operation.
• If you want to bounce an instrument being played live together with playback from previously recorded tracks, press
the appropriate INPUT SELECT button. This button will light up and muting of the input sources will be canceled.
You will now be able to record the instrument in combination with the playback tracks during the bounce process.
• Although the previous sections described a mix down in terms of bouncing within the BR-1600CD itself, you can also
mix down to an external recording device as mentioned above. To do this, simply connect the BR-1600CD’s LINE OUT
to the recording device, start recording on that device, and then start playback on the BR-1600CD. Note that there is no
need to set REC MODE to BOUNCE at this time and it is quite acceptable to leave it at INPUT.
55
Page 56
Saving your song (Song Save)
In the BR-1600CD, recorded or edited audio data is only temporarily stored on the hard disk until the corresponding
song is saved. If the power is turned off without saving the song, all newly recorded audio data, edited data,
modified mixer settings, etc. will be lost. The Save function prevents this from occurring by storing the recorded and
edited data on the BR-1600CD’s hard disk.
fig.07-11
2
1
1With the top screen displayed, hold
down [STOP] and press [REC].
The message “Save Current?” will appear.
fig.07-11ad
Song Protect has activated for the demo songs already included in the BR-1600CD at the time of purchase; accordingly,
the message “Protected Song!” will be displayed at this time and it will not be possible to save the song.
2Press [ENTER/YES]. (If you do not
want to save, press [EXIT/NO].)
The message “Storing Current...” will appear on the
screen and saving of the song will begin. When saving
has been completed, the message “Complete!” will
appear.
56
Page 57
Saving your song (Song Save)
Saving your song from the Utility screen
In addition to the above method, songs can also be saved from the Utility screen. Note that both methods save songs
in exactly the same way.
fig.07-12
1
2,3,4
2,3
1Press [UTILITY].
The Utility Menu screen will appear.
fig.07-13d
2Move the cursor to the SONG icon and
press [ENTER/YES].
Alternatively, you can press [F2] (SONG) if the SONG
icon is currently displayed.
The Song Menu screen will appear.
fig.07-14d
3Move the cursor to the STORE icon and
press [ENTER/YES].
Alternatively, you can press [F4] (STORE) if the
STORE icon is currently displayed. The message
“Save Current?” will appear.
4Press [ENTER/YES]. (If you do not
want to save, press [EXIT/NO].)
The message “Storing Current...” will appear on the
display and saving of the song will begin.
When saving has been completed, the message
“Complete!” will appear.
57
Page 58
Adjusting volume and compression for CD writing (Mastering Tool Kit)
When creating a CD, it is crucial that the overall volume of the song be reduced in order to allow its loudest parts to
be recorded without any degradation of sound quality. However, this reduction in volume can often result in CDs
that lack power and punch. In addition, since our ears are not as sensitive to sound in the low band of frequencies, it
may be difficult to hear these sounds even if the level meter indicates maximum volume, and this factor also hinders
the production of powerful-sounding CDs.
The Mastering Tool Kit contained within the BR-1600CD provides a means of eliminating this type of problem so
that you can easily create great-sounding CDs. When you use this Mastering Tool Kit, you will be able to smooth out
volume fluctuations in your songs and balance the sound in the low band of frequencies.
Audio CDs can be created without using the Mastering Tool Kit, and you can choose whether or not to use it.
Before using the Mastering Tool Kit
At the time of purchase, the BR-1600CD’s Mastering Tool Kit already contains 19 preset patches (P 001 through P019)
that cannot be overwritten, 19 user patches (U001 through U019) that can be used in any song, and 19 song patches
(S001 through S019) that are stored together with a specific song. User patches and song patches can be overwritten.
The Mastering Tool Kit can only be used with Track 9/10. If you have made recordings on tracks 1 through 8 and
11/12 through 15/16, you should first of all mix these tracks down to Track 9/10 as described in “Mixing audio from
various tracks onto a stereo track (Mix Down)” (p. 46).
Selecting the Mastering Tool Kit
To use the Mastering Tool Kit, you will need to set REC MODE to MASTERING.
fig.07-54
3
2
1
1Press [REC MODE] several times until
the MASTERING indicator lights up.
The Mastering screen will appear.
[MASTERING TOOL KIT] will also light up at this
time, indicating that the Mastering Tool Kit has been
applied to Track 9/10.
58
2Move the cursor to the Mastering Tool
Kit Patch number.
fig.07-56d
Page 59
Adjusting volume and compression for CD writing (Mastering Tool Kit)
3Select a Mastering Tool Kit patch using
the TIME/VALUE dial.
Start playback on the BR-1600CD, and select the patch
that gives the best sound for your song.
For more information regarding the modification of Mastering Tool Kit settings, refer to “Modifying
Mastering Tool Kit settings (Edit)” (Owner’s Manual; p. 130).
Adjusting the mastering volume
fig.07-56a
123
1Press [PLAY], listen to Track 9/10, and
set its volume to a suitable level.
2
Use the fader for Track 9/10 to set its volume
slightly lower than the setting that causes
full-scale deflection of its level meter.
Note that the volume you select here will have an
effect on the way in which the Mastering Tool Kit
shapes the sound and also in which the kit effect is
applied.
Full-scale deflection of the level meter will result in
sound being distorted during the mastering process.
On the other hand, if there is very little deflection in
the level meter, the effect of the Mastering Tool Kit
will be reduced.
As you set a suitable volume for mastering, listen to
the sound of the playback to confirm that it is not
distorting.
3Use the Master fader to set the overall
volume slightly lower than the setting
that causes full-scale deflection of the
MIX L/R level meter.
The mastering volume is determined by the volume
that you set here—in fact, this is the actual volume at
which you will write your song to the audio CD.
59
Page 60
Adjusting volume and compression for CD writing (Mastering Tool Kit)
Mastering
fig.07-56b
2
2
1,6
4,635
1Move the current position back to the
beginning of the song.
2
Use [CURSOR] and the TIME/VALUE
dial to choose the V-Tracks to be used as
the source and destination of mastering.
fig.07-56fd
The source V-TrackThe destination V-Track
3Press [REC].
[REC] will turn red and start to flash, indicating that
the BR-1600CD is now ready for recording.
5When you reach the end of the song,
press [STOP].
Both [PLAY] and [REC] will turn off and mastering
will stop.
When mastering has been completed, the current VTrack used as source will automatically switch to the
V-Track that you chose as the destination for
mastering. In addition, the BR-1600CD will also turn
off the Mastering Tool Kit (the [MASTERING TOOL
KIT] indicator goes out) to prevent the mastered track
from passing through the kit a second time.
6Start playback from the beginning of
the song and listen to the mastered
track.
If you are not happy with the results of mastering,
press [UNDO/REDO] to cancel the recording that
you have just made. (“Undo” (p. 42))
4Press [PLAY].
Both [PLAY] and [REC] will light up and mastering
will begin.
60
7If you wish to store the mastered track,
save the current song (p. 56).
Page 61
Adjusting volume and compression for CD writing (Mastering Tool Kit)
If you turn off the BR-1600CD without saving the current song, the mastered track will be lost.
• The V-Track for Track 9/10 that was most recently used for mastering is set as the final mastering track. When you
subsequently use Disc At Once (p. 62) to create an audio CD, the BR-1600CD will give priority to the selection of final
mastering track for songs that you want to write to the CD. For more detailed information regarding final mastering
track, refer to “Changing the V-Track to be written to an audio CD (the Final Mastering Track)” (Owner’s Manual; p. 47).
• Commercially available songs often feature an effect that gradually reduces the volume at the end of a song (Fade Out).
In addition, some songs also feature a different effect that gradually increases the volume at the beginning (Fade In).
Although you can use the MASTER fader during the mastering process to replicate these effects, the BR-1600CD is
capable of performing automatic fade in and fade out. This capability ensures that volume changes are both gradual and
smooth, and it is referred to as “Auto Fade In/Out.” For more details regarding the usage of Auto Fade In/Out, refer to
“Performing automatic fade-in and fade-out (Auto Fade In/Out)” (Owner’s Manual; p. 132).
61
Page 62
Writing your finished song to a CD (Audio CD Write)
The procedures described above have allowed us to finish one complete song, so let’s now write this song to an
audio CD. In order to do this, you’ll need an unrecorded CD-R or CD-RW disc.
Methods for creating audio CDs
The BR-1600CD allows you to create audio CDs in three different ways.
Track At Once:
With Track At Once, only the currently loaded song is written to the audio CD. If you want to include other songs on your CD,
they will each have to be loaded and written in sequence. When you use this method, individual songs can be added to a disc
one at a time until it is full. However, the repetitive writing of individual tracks in this way can be considerably time
consuming, especially when you are compiling an album or any other type of audio CD with more than two or three songs.
Disc At Once By Song
The Disc At Once By Song method allows you to write a number of different songs selected from the BR-1600CD’s hard disk
to an audio CD in a single process. In this way, album creation and other similar operations can be carried out much more
conveniently. However, it will not be possible to subsequently add other songs to a disc that has been created using this
method. As a result, a considerable amount of disc memory could be wasted if only a few songs are written.
Disc At Once By Marker
With this method, you can place markers at the desired positions in a long audio track to divide the track into different
sections and can write each of these sections to an audio CD as a different song. A typical example of this type of long track
would be a continuous live performance recorded over an hour or more. Say this performance included five songs, you could
place markers at the beginning of each song to ensure that, once created, the audio CD would appear on a CD player as
containing five different songs.
Writing songs individually (Track At Once)
fig.07-56c
7
6,8
4,5,9,10,
11,12
4,5,6
3
fig.07-57d
11
1Load the song that you want to write.
2Insert an unrecorded CD-R or CD-RW
disc into the CD-R/RW drive.
3Press [AUDIO CD WRITE/PLAY].
The Audio CD screen will appear.
62
4Move the cursor to WRITE and press
[ENTER/YES].
Alternatively, you can press [F1] (WRITE).
The Audio CD Write screen will appear.
Page 63
Writing your finished song to a CD (Audio CD Write)
fig.07-58d
5Move the cursor to the TR AT ONCE
icon and press [ENTER/YES].
Alternatively, you can press [F1] (TR AT ONCE).
The Track At Once screen will appear.
fig.07-59d
6Use [CURSOR] and the TIME/VALUE
dial to choose the track and V-Track
that you want to write.
7Press [F4] (GO).
The Write Speed screen will appear.
fig.07-61d
9Press [ENTER/YES].
The message “Write Sure?” will appear.
10
Press [ENTER/YES].
The message “Now Writing...” will appear and
writing to the audio CD will begin. When writing has
been completed, the message “Finalize OK?” will be
displayed.
11
If you intend to write additional songs to
the same CD-R disc, press [EXIT/NO].
Alternatively, press [ENTER/YES] if no
more songs will be added to this disc.
If you press [ENTER/YES], the message
“Finalizing...” will appear and the finalization process
will begin. When the message “Complete!” appears, it
indicates that the finalization has been completed. For
more detailed information regarding finalization,
refer to “What is finalization?” (p. 67).
12
Press [EXIT/NO] several times to return
to the top screen.
13
Press the CD-R/RW drive’s EJECT
8Use the TIME/VALUE dial to set the
write speed.
Alternatively, if you want to use the write speed that
is currently displayed, proceed to Step 9.
Write speed
x2 (352 kbps)Writes twice as fast.
x4 (704 kbps)Writes four times as fast.
x8 (1408 kbps) Writes eight times as fast.
• The range of available write speeds can sometimes be limited by the type of media being used. In such a case, the BR1600CD will allow you to select only the supported speeds.
• If you are using CD-R or CD-RW discs intended for high-speed writing, the frequency of write errors may increase if
the x2 or x4 speed is selected. It is recommended that you use the x8 speed for high-speed discs.
• Although you could be forgiven for thinking that the x8 speed setting creates CD-R/RWs in half the time of the x4
setting, a slightly longer time will be required in practice. The data recorded in the BR-1600CD’s audio track is
converted into CD format during the writing process, and this accounts for the extra time requirement.
button to eject the disc.
This completes the writing process.
It may take a period of several seconds before the disc
is actually ejected.
63
Page 64
Writing your finished song to a CD (Audio CD Write)
Writing several songs at once (Disc At Once By Song)
fig.07-61a
11
9
7,8,12
6,10
3,4,5,8,
13,14
15
3,4,5,8
2
fig.07-64d
1Insert an unrecorded CD-R or CD-RW
disc into the CD-R/RW drive.
2Press [AUDIO CD WRITE/PLAY].
The Audio CD screen will appear.
fig.07-62d
3Move the cursor to WRITE and press
[ENTER/YES].
Alternatively, you can press [F1] (WRITE).
The Audio CD Write screen will appear.
fig.07-63d
4Move the cursor to the DISC. ONCE
icon and press [ENTER/YES].
Alternatively, you can press [F2] (DISC. ONCE).
The Disc At Once screen will appear.
5Move the cursor to the BY SONG icon
and press [ENTER/YES].
Alternatively, you can press [F1] (BY SONG).
The Disc At Once By Song screen will appear.
fig.07-65d
• If the message “Not Blank Disc!” appears, it
means that the CD-R disc already contains data.
In such a case, replace the disc with an
unrecorded one.
• If the message “Erase Disc?” appears, it means that
the CD-RW disc already contains data. If you then
press [ENTER/YES], the BR-1600CD will begin
erasing data from the CD-RW disc. Once this
process has been completed, you can proceed to the
following steps using the empty CD-RW disc.
6Press [F1] (INSERT).
Songs can now be selected for writing.
64
Page 65
Writing your finished song to a CD (Audio CD Write)
7Use the TIME/VALUE dial to select the
song that you want to write.
8Move the cursor to the right to display
the screen, and then use the TIME/
VALUE dial to set the V-Track that you
want to write.
fig.07-66d
At this time, “MASTER V-TRK” will be indicated for
the V-Track that was most recently used for mastering
(i.e., the final mastering track). This can be used as a
guide for setting the correct V-Track.
Only stereo tracks can be selected for writing, and you
will not be able to select mono tracks at this time.
The Write Speed screen will appear.
12
Use the TIME/VALUE dial to set the
write speed.
Alternatively, if you want to use the write speed that
is currently displayed, proceed to Step 13.
Write Speed:
x2 (352 kbps)Writes twice as fast.
x4 (704 kbps)Writes four times as fast.
x8 (1408 kbps) Writes eight times as fast.
13
Press [ENTER/YES].
The message “Write Sure?” will appear.
14
Press [ENTER/YES].
The message “Now Writing...” will appear and writing
to the audio CD will begin. When this process has been
completed, the finalization will start automatically.
When the message “Complete!” appears, it indicates that
writing has been fully completed.
9To cancel selection of a song, press [F2]
(DELETE).
The selection will be canceled.
10
To insert a song just before a song that
has already been selected, move the
cursor to the position you want to insert,
and then press [F1] (INSERT).
A new song will be inserted.
11
Repeat Steps 6 through 10 to select all
of the songs you want to write, and
then press [F4] (GO).
• The range of available write speeds can sometimes be limited by the type of media being used. In such a case, the BR1600CD will allow you to select only the supported speeds.
• If you are using CD-R or CD-RW discs intended for high-speed writing, the frequency of write errors may increase if
the x2 or x4 speed is selected. It is recommended that you use the x8 speed for high-speed discs.
• Although you may think that the x8 speed setting creates CD-R/RWs in half the time of the x4 setting, a slightly
longer time will be required in practice. The data recorded in the BR-1600CD’s audio track is converted into CD format
during the writing process, and this accounts for the extra time requirement.
15
Press [EXIT/NO] several times to return
to the top screen.
16
Press the CD-R/RW drive’s EJECT
button to eject the disc.
This completes the writing process.
For details regarding listening to the audio CD that
you have just created, refer to “Listening to your
audio CD (Audio CD Play)” (p. 70).
It may take a period of several seconds before the disc
is actually ejected.
65
Page 66
Writing your finished song to a CD (Audio CD Write)
Dividing long tracks and writing as multiple songs
(Disc At Once By Marker)
When audio CDs are created from live performances, non-stop DJ mixes, and other tracks recorded continuously
over long periods of time, these long tracks can end up being written to the CD as a single song.
With the BR-1600CD, however, you can use the marker function to set divisions at the desired points within such an
audio track so that it can be written as separate songs.
For more detailed information regarding markers, refer to “Placing markers in your song (Marker)” (Owner’s Manual; p. 48).
Using this function, you can create audio CDs containing live performances and non-stop DJ mixes with song
divisions at the appropriate points.
Applying markers at song divisions (CD Track Marker)
The first step in this process is to position markers at the desired song divisions using the following procedure. A
marker applied in this way is referred to as a “CD Track Marker.”
fig.07-66a
1Record the performance that you want
to write to the audio CD as a stereo
track (on any of the tracks from 1/2
through 15/16).
66
3
2Move the current position to a point at
which the song is to be divided.
Page 67
Writing your finished song to a CD (Audio CD Write)
3Hold down [TAP] and press [MARK].
A CD track marker is created at that point, and a “T”
will appear in the top screen’s Marker box. At the
same time, the CD track number is automatically set
as that marker’s name (i.e. CD01).
fig.07-67d
4Repeat Step 2 and Step 3 for each of the
points at which you want the track to
be divided.
Any CD track markers accidentally created at the
wrong position can be easily removed. (“Clearing
markers” (Owner’s Manual; p. 48))
5
If you wish to create an audio CD using
these settings, save the current song (p. 56).
This completes the division of the song and the
preparation for writing it to a CD-R/RW disc. Let's
now write the tracks and make an audio CD.
• Data cannot be written to an audio CD between the beginning of an audio track (i.e., time zero) and the first CD track
marker. If you want to write to an audio CD from the very start of an audio track, press [ZERO] to return to the start of
that track and then carry out Step 3.
• CD track markers cannot be created within 100 ms of one another. If this prevents a marker from being positioned,
clear the pre-existing marker and then carry out Step 3. (“Clearing markers” (Owner’s Manual; p. 48))
• Be sure to save your song before creating an audio CD. Settings will not be stored until your song is saved, and this
can result in song divisions not being recognized correctly during the writing process.
•A maximum of 99 songs can be written to a single audio CD. If you try to set a CD track marker that will result in this
number being exceeded, the message “Marker Memory Full!” will be displayed and you won’t be able to set it.
• Audio CD standards require that a CD track be at least four second long. CD track markers that define a CD track
lasting less than four seconds are disregarded when the CD is being created.
What is finalization?
In addition to audio data, information such as the position and time of this data is also written to audio CDs, and this
process is known as “Finalizing.” If you intend to play your audio CD on a standard CD player, it is important that
finalization be carried out. Once this has been done, however, you will not be able to add any more songs to the CD.
For this reason, you should aim to carry out the finalization of a CD-R/RW disc only when it is nearly full of songs.
If you don’t finalize:
It will not be possible to play your audio CD on a standard CD player until it has been finalized; however, you can
keep adding songs to the disc until this process is carried out. The CD-R disc that is not finalized during the writing
process can be finalized later on. For more details regarding methods for finalization after the writing of audio data,
refer to “Enabling playback on CD players (Finalize)” (Owner’s Manual; p. 218).
The BR-1600CD features a number of other convenient functions for use during the creation of audio CDs. For more
details, refer to “Convenient functions for audio CD creation” (Owner’s Manual; p. 216).
67
Page 68
Writing your finished song to a CD (Audio CD Write)
Writing to an CD-R/RW
We will now write the songs set up using the CD track markers to a new CD-R or CD-RW.
fig.07-67a
8
4,5
1Insert an unrecorded CD-R or CD-RW
disc into the CD-R/RW drive.
2
Press CD-R/RW [AUDIO CD WRITE/PLAY].
The Audio CD screen will appear.
fig.07-68d
6,9
3,4,5,
10,11
3,4,5
2
5Press [F2] (BY MARK).
The Disc At Once By Mark screen will appear.
fig.07-71d
6Use the TIME/VALUE dial to select the
audio tracks that you want to write to
3Move the cursor to WRITE and press
[ENTER/YES].
The Audio CD Write screen will appear.
fig.07-69d
4
Press [F2] (DISC.ONCE).
The Disc At Once screen will appear.
fig.07-70d
the CD.
7
Confirm that the list of CD track markers is
correct.
Move the cursor up and down to check the whole list.
8Press [F4] (GO).
The message “Write Speed” will appear.
68
Page 69
Writing your finished song to a CD (Audio CD Write)
9Use the TIME/VALUE dial to set the
write speed.
Write Speed:
x2 (352 kbps)Writes twice as fast.
x4 (704 kbps)Writes four times as fast.
x8 (1408 kbps) Writes eight times as fast.
• If the CD-R disc already contains data, the message “Not Blank Disc!” will appear and writing will not be possible.
Always use an empty disc.
• If the CD-RW disc already contains data, the message “Erase Disc?” will be displayed. If you then press [ENTER/
YES], the BR-1600CD will begin erasing data from the CD-RW disc.
• The audio track chosen as a source must be stereo.
• If the audio track contains no recorded audio data or if no CD track markers have been set up in the recorded
performance, “NO TRACK” will be displayed in the list and writing will not be possible.
• Audio CD specifications require that songs be at least four seconds in length. CD track markers that set up any song of
less than four seconds in length will be ignored when the CD is being created.
• If the total length of the songs to be written exceeds the CD-R/RW disc’s maximum recording time, the message “CD Full!”
will appear and writing will not be possible. In such a case, change the positioning of the CD track markers ( Owner’s
Manual; p. 49), use track cut (Owner’s Manual; p. 62), or use track erase (Owner’s Manual; p. 63) to reduce the total time to
less than the disc’s maximum recording time.
• The range of available write speeds can sometimes be limited by the type of disc being used. In such a case, the BR1600CD will allow you to select only the supported speeds on step 9.
• To cancel writing while this operation is in process, press [EXIT/NO]. When the message “Cancel?” appears, press
[ENTER/YES] to confirm cancellation. (A certain amount of time may pass between pressing of [EXIT/NO] and
display of the confirmation message.) Please note, however, that no guarantee can be made regarding the state of the
data written before cancellation. Care must also be taken with CD-R discs in particular as this media cannot be written
to a second time.
• You will not be able to eject a disc during the writing process, even if you press EJECT button.
10
Press [ENTER/YES].
The message “Write Sure?” will appear.
11
Press [ENTER/YES] once again.
The message “Now Writing...” will appear and
writing of the audio CD will begin. When the message
“Complete!” appears, it indicates that writing has
been completed.
69
Page 70
Listening to your audio CD (Audio CD Play)
Let’s now listen to the audio CD we have just created using the BR-1600CD’s CD-R/RW drive. In addition to CD-R
discs, this drive can be used to play back CD-RW discs that cannot be played on standard CD players. Naturally, you
will also be able to listen to commercially produced audio CDs on this drive, and it can even play back audio CDs
created using the BR-1600CD that have not yet been finalized.
Songs recorded on an audio CD are often referred to as “tracks.” Be careful to avoid confusing these tracks with the BR-
1600CD's audio tracks.
fig.07-72a
3,53
4
3,5
6
1Insert the audio CD into the CD-R/RW
drive.
2Press [AUDIO CD WRITE/PLAY].
The Audio CD screen will appear.
fig.07-72d
2
The message “Now Checking...” will appear initially,
and the menu screen for the audio CD player will
then be displayed.
Here, the songs included in the audio CD will be
listed from TRACK01 up as far as TRACK 99.
fig.07-73d
4Use the TIME/VALUE dial to select the
3Move the cursor to PLAY/IMP. and
press [ENTER/YES].
Alternatively, you can press [F2] (PLAY/IMP.).
70
song that you want to listen to.
fig.07-73ad
Page 71
Listening to your audio CD (Audio CD Play)
5Move the cursor to the icon and
press [ENTER/YES].
Playback of the audio CD will begin.
fig.07-73bd
You can move the cursor to the following icons and
press [ENTER/YES] to control playback in various
ways.
: Play
: Pause
: Stop
: Fast forward
: Rewind
: Skip forward to the next song
: Skip back to the beginning of the song or to the
previous song
6If you want to stop playback of the
audio CD, press [EXIT/NO] several
times to return to the top screen.
7Press the CD-R/RW drive’s EJECT
button to eject the disc.
It may take a period of several seconds before the disc
is actually ejected.
When an audio disc is inserted into the CD-R/RW drive, the message “Now Checking...” may remain on the screen for
a relatively long time. This period of time is required for reading of the data stored on the audio CD and it is not the
result of a malfunction.