Experience with a Boss DR-5 sound module?

December 7, 2007 10:29 AM

Does anyone have experience with a Boss DR-5 sound module? Are there other sound modules worth checking out that are in the same price range/usability/portability scale?

I've used a DR-5 before and liked it, but it's been years. I want something that we can use live either as a real time instrument or as a backing instrument (pre-recorded parts to play over with live instruments and in conjunction with an older sampler--usually for atmospheric sounds/layers). I want something that I can use as a drum machine and a sound module. I think that covers "wants". As for "don't wants," I don't want to have to deal with a laptop live because of the nature of the music we play, which is why I'm looking at sound modules.

Is the DR-5 easy to use in a live situation? Is it easy to move between sound patches and the songs in memory? Are there any problems with recording onto a computer or tape with a DR-5? How is the sound quality? Are there memory problems with the system?

For what it's worth, I also like the Roland MC-307, but they're a little harder to find at the moment. How are the 303s?

I should also add that I'm not necessarily looking for vintage instruments, but I think it's closer to the price range I'm looking at than newer models.

Thanks for your help.

posted by sleepy pete to media & arts (3 comments total)

In my experience with the DR-5, it's very easy to move between patches on the machine. Almost too easy. That scroll wheel can just fly right past part B and on to part D or E, so you have to be careful.

I like the sound quality, but like most of those Boss/Roland things the "guitar" tracks are kind of a joke - really cheesy "hard rock distorted guitar" for example.

I have recored with it into a computer via a mixer and never had any problems.

I live in Portland and my email is my profile if you want to check it out in person.
posted by Asbestos McPinto at 11:05 AM on December 7, 2007

The drums on it can be made to sound very good only if you're an outstanding drum machine programmer. The other instruments, not so much.

I had a DR-660 that I liked a lot more than the DR-5 that was in the studio I was using at the time. I later had a DR-670 that I did not like nearly as much as the DR-660. And I had a Roland TR-505 that was pretty awful.

If I was in the market for a drum machine right now, I would look for a Roland R-8 or R-5, which are still amazing today.
posted by The World Famous at 11:30 AM on December 7, 2007

Thanks for the comments and advice. I had forgotten about the 660, so I think I'll look for one of those around town to try out.
posted by sleepy pete at 10:20 AM on December 8, 2007