BOSS DB-90 Dr. Beat Portable Metronome Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The BOSS DB-90 Dr. Beat Portable Metronome is a versatile tool designed to assist musicians with rhythm practice. It offers a range of features including various sounds, drum patterns, a Rhythm Coach function, and a reference tone for tuning. This manual provides detailed instructions for setup, operation, and maintenance of your DB-90 metronome.

2. Product Overview

2.1 Key Features

• Demo Talking Metronome with Tap tempo function.
• Reference Tone function for ear training and tuning verification.
• Dedicated sliders, buttons, rotary dial, and a large backlit LCD for intuitive operation.
• Rhythm Coach function for interactive practice, compatible with V-Pads (optional), rubber pads, and acoustic drums via built-in microphone.
• Multiple sound options and drum patterns for varied practice sessions.
• Instrument input and MIDI input for expanded connectivity.

2.2 Controls and Display

The DB-90 features a clear LCD display and various controls for easy access to its functions. Familiarize yourself with the layout:

Figure 1: Front panel of the BOSS DB-90 Dr. Beat Metronome, showing the LCD screen, control buttons, sliders, and rotary dial.

The front panel includes a large LCD screen displaying tempo, beat style, and other settings. Below the screen are sliders for adjusting the volume of different beat components (accent, quarter note, eighth note, sixteenth note, triplet). To the right, a large rotary dial is used for tempo and value adjustments. Buttons for Power, Light, Mute, Write, Memory, MIDI, Tempo, Loop, Tune, Coach, Beat/Pattern, Voice, Pitch, Trig/Guide, Tap, and Start/Stop are clearly labeled.

Figure 2: Rear panel of the BOSS DB-90 Dr. Beat Metronome, showing MIDI IN, DC IN, PHONES, START/STOP, MEMORY, TRIG IN, and INPUT jacks.

The side and rear panels feature various input/output jacks, including MIDI IN, DC IN for power adapter, PHONES (headphone outputs), START/STOP (for footswitch), MEMORY (for footswitch to change memories), TRIG IN (for external trigger), and INPUT (for instrument connection).

3. Setup

3.1 Power Supply

The DB-90 can be powered by a 9V battery or an optional AC adapter (not included). A 9V battery (006P/9V) is included with the unit.

3.1.1 Battery Installation

1. Ensure the unit is powered off.
2. Open the battery compartment cover located on the rear of the unit.
3. Connect the 9V battery to the battery snap connector.
4. Place the battery inside the compartment and close the cover securely.

Note: When using an AC adapter, connect it to the DC IN jack on the side of the unit. The unit will automatically switch to battery power if the AC adapter is disconnected or power fails, potentially draining batteries if not monitored.

3.2 Initial Power On

Press the POWER button to turn the unit on. The LCD display will illuminate, showing the current tempo and beat settings.

3.3 Connecting Headphones or External Devices

• Headphones: Connect standard headphones to either of the PHONES jacks (3.5mm or 6.35mm) on the side of the unit.
• Instrument Input: Connect your instrument to the INPUT jack on the side for practicing with the metronome.
• MIDI Input: Use the MIDI IN port to synchronize the DB-90 with other MIDI devices.

4. Basic Operation

4.1 Setting the Tempo

1. Press the TEMPO button.
2. Rotate the large TEMPO/VALUE dial to adjust the beats per minute (BPM). The tempo range is typically 30 to 250 BPM.
3. Alternatively, use the TAP button to set the tempo by tapping along to your desired speed.

4.2 Selecting Beat and Pattern

1. Press the BEAT/PATTERN button.
2. Rotate the TEMPO/VALUE dial to select the desired time signature (e.g., 4/4, 3/4) or rhythm pattern.

4.3 Adjusting Beat Volume

Use the dedicated sliders on the front panel to adjust the volume of individual beat components:

• ACCENT: Volume for the first beat of the measure.
• KICK/SNARE/HH/TOM/OTHER: Volumes for different drum sounds or subdivisions.
• VOL: Overall master volume.

4.4 Starting and Stopping the Metronome

Press the large START/STOP button to begin or end the metronome playback.

4.5 Changing Metronome Voice

1. Press the VOICE button.
2. Rotate the TEMPO/VALUE dial to cycle through available metronome sounds, including traditional clicks, electronic tones, and a human counting voice.

5. Advanced Features

5.1 Rhythm Coach Function

The Rhythm Coach function provides interactive exercises to improve your timing. It can detect your playing via the built-in microphone or an external V-Pad.

1. Press the COACH button to enter Rhythm Coach mode.
2. Use the TEMPO/VALUE dial and other buttons to select different exercises (e.g., Time Check, Quiet Count, Gradual Up/Down).
3. Follow the on-screen instructions and play your instrument. The DB-90 will provide feedback on your timing accuracy.

5.2 Reference Tone Function (Tuning)

The Reference Tone function allows you to output a specific pitch for tuning your instrument by ear.

1. Press the TUNE button.
2. Rotate the TEMPO/VALUE dial to select the desired pitch (e.g., A440).
3. The DB-90 will output the selected tone. Adjust your instrument until it matches the reference tone.

5.3 Memory Function

The DB-90 allows you to save and recall up to 50 custom metronome settings (tempo, beat, pattern, voice, etc.).

1. After configuring your desired settings, press the WRITE button.
2. Use the TEMPO/VALUE dial to select a memory location (1-50).
3. Press WRITE again to confirm saving.
4. To recall a setting, press the MEMORY button, select the desired memory number, and press MEMORY again.

5.4 MIDI Synchronization

The DB-90 can send and receive MIDI clock signals, allowing it to synchronize with other MIDI-compatible devices.

1. Connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI OUT of your master device to the MIDI IN port of the DB-90.
2. Press the MIDI button to configure MIDI settings, such as MIDI channel and clock receive/transmit options. Refer to the detailed MIDI implementation chart in the full manual for advanced settings.

6. Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning

Wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a slightly damp cloth and then wipe dry. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents, as these can damage the finish.

6.2 Battery Replacement

Replace the 9V battery when the display dims or the unit behaves erratically. Follow the battery installation steps in Section 3.1.1. Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.

6.3 Storage

Store the DB-90 in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. Avoid placing heavy objects on the unit.

7. Troubleshooting

• No Power:
  • Check if the battery is correctly installed and not depleted.
  • If using an AC adapter, ensure it is properly connected and functioning.
• No Sound:
  • Ensure the master volume slider (VOL) is not set to minimum.
  • Check individual beat component sliders (ACCENT, KICK, etc.) are not at minimum.
  • If using headphones, ensure they are properly plugged in and functional.
  • If MUTE is active, press it to deactivate.
• Display is Dim or Unresponsive:
  • Replace the battery.
  • Adjust the contrast if available (refer to full manual for specific steps).
• Rhythm Coach Not Detecting Input:
  • Ensure the microphone is not obstructed.
  • Check the input level settings (if applicable) for the microphone or external trigger.
  • Verify that the instrument is producing sufficient volume for detection.

If problems persist, consult the full BOSS DB-90 owner's manual or contact BOSS customer support.

8. Specifications

8.1 What's in the Box

• 9V Battery (006P/9V)
• Instruction Manual (this document)
• Soft Case
• Boss Nut (M8)

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

9. Warranty and Support

For information regarding warranty coverage, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official BOSS website. For technical support or further assistance, please contact BOSS customer service in your region.

You can find more information and support resources on the BOSS Store on Amazon.