Boss DR-880 Drum Machines

 

 

The Boss DR-880 'Dr. Rythm' is a compact drum machine, designed for live use. Boss proudly advertises it's EZ-Compose mode, a utility that lets you quickly and easily program patterns. The 880 includes a spread of features, including 20 velocity-sensitive pads, four assignable footswitch and expression pedal inputs, guitar and bass inputs with effects, MIDI in/out, digital out, and a USB connector.

I, like many, found that the unit has a steep learning curve. With its impressive feature set, I wasn't surprised by this, and dedicated an afternoon to learning the ins and outs. Once I got to know it, I was richly rewarded. Using a combination of my own patterns, a few of the included 500 presets, and the EZ-Compose mode, I was able get great results.

 

It easily handled guitar and bass riffs, making it a fantastic choice for the instrumentally-challenged groups out there. If, however, you're so inclined, the guitar and bass inputs are great for jamming along. In live and practice environments, the DR-880 shines, but the minute you step into a studio, it's darker side comes out.

Many of the snares lack brightness, especially against the cymbal samples. The bass is full, but the trebles can be obnoxiously present and overpowering. While we're on the topic of the 880's faults, it's worth mentioning that some users have filled the memory after as little as three sessions, versus Boss' advertised total of 500.

Overall, I would recommend the DR-880 to musicians looking for something to take to a gig. Its plastic casing feels sturdy, it has a great feature set, and can easily back up most styles. However, those seeking something to record with should look elsewhere.