The front panel
We can divide it in three main sections. Well, let's start.
Left side
The upper zone is dedicated to the three inputs, while the zone below includes some controls.
Input section
The user can connect an instrument, with a dedicated Hi-Z input for guitar and bass, or a microphone (XLR or 1/4"). In addition, the Line In can be used to connect a keyboard, a CD player and so on.
- SENS
In the upper image we can see the three knobs for the adjusting of the sensitivity.
- SELECT
These three buttons can be used to choose the source. A special function, called SIMUL, lets you activate the simultaneous recording of two inputs (guitar and microphone).
- EFFECTS (COSM)
The BR-532 provides 30 effects for guitar and bass, 10 for voice, 10 for the Line In signal, and 10 amps simulations.
- LEVEL
The volume of the input can be adjusted with this knob.
- TUNER
To turn on and off the onboard tuner.
Playback and recording
The section below of the left side features all the buttons for many different functions, as for instance the automatic punch in/out, that turns out rather useful, or the LOCATOR, to store some locations on the tracks that can be, successively, recalled.
Central area
Well, the central area features the display and, in the zone below, the mixer.
Display
Really minimal, but shows all the most important information, like the active effects and the signal level.
Mixer
We can see the faders for the single tracks and the fader for the volume of the rhythm guide, with its dedicated buttons for the pattern choice. We can see a button with a number, 32. The BR-532 puts 8 virtual channels for each physical track at user disposal. The use of this feature isn't immediate, but exists.
- PAN
The user can choose the location (right/left of the sound) of each track.
- PHRASE TRAINER
Useful, above all for the guitarist. It enables the center cancel function, that removes voice, or the time stretch. It can slow down playback and turns out useful if you want to study a solo, for example.
- BOUNCE ON/OFF
It mixes all onto one or two tracks.
Right side
On the right of the front panel we can see some buttons for general purposes, a great knob that can be used to change the values of the various settings, for example, and the fader for the master volume.
Rear panel and connections
The rear panel features the jacks for the inputs, the outputs, both analog and digital, for an additional footswitch, the MIDI OUT connector and an interesting switch, called AUDIO SUB MIX. When it is turned on the signal of the Line In is mixed with the signal of the output. It can be very useful.
In the image below we can see the rear panel and all the possible connections. This image is included in the manual.
Opinion
Considering the price of the BR-532, rather low, i have to say that it can be an excellent solution for a single musician, above all a guitarist. The perfect "first" recorder, with all the necessary for the guitar.
Pros
- Excellent audio quality.
- Price.
- Complete effects section.
- Good construction.
Cons
- The 32 Mb card (SmartMedia) supplied with the unit is too small.
- The AC adaptor isn't included and must be bought separately.
- Editing of the drum machine isn't easy.
- The display is too small.