BrainVision Recorder 2 – a new data recording experience

We’re excited to announce the release of BrainVision Recorder 2, a major upgrade that redefines the EEG recording experience with Brain Products’ solutions. Building on the trusted foundation of Recorder 1, this new version introduces a modern design, streamlined workflows, and enhanced flexibility – while improving ease of use. Recorder 2 for actiCHamp and actiCHamp Plus will be available in early 2026.

Recorder 2 is not just a software upgrade – it sets its users up for future developments as well. With intuitive navigation, Recorder 2 makes complex setups simple. From amplifier configuration to channel management and marker options, everything is now done in a streamlined workflow of the all-new Workspace Editor. Data views are now more customizable so that you can observe data acquisition in the most meaningful way depending on your specific experimental setup.

And because collaboration matters, Recorder 2 embraces community standards with BIDS-friendly data output and LSL streaming for easy technical integrations and data sharing. This release also sets the stage for continuous innovation: expect continuous feature updates and add-ons that keep your research at the cutting edge while keeping data integrity the top priority.

Recorder 2 User interface during monitoring with a quick view (with virtual amplifier).

The design philosophy behind Recorder 2 was simple: make complex workflows intuitive, reduce setup time, and ensure data integrity at every step. Here’s how we achieved that.

The graphical user interface (GUI) makes it easy to find your way around, with options located where you’d naturally look, and clickable elements that give you fast, direct access to important information.

Recorder 2 simplifies every step of your recording setup. From hardware parameter configuration to impedance check to signal verification and recording, the interface guides you through the best practices of EEG data acquisition:

1. Workspace setup – Once created, get the exact parameter settings for every new recording
2. Impedance Check – Ensure electrode contact quality before recording
3. Signal Check – Validate signal quality by inspecting raw signals
4. Recording – Start your recording session with confidence

This logical progression is reflected in the GUI, guiding users through each step without unnecessary complexity. Should there be uncertainty about an option at any given time, the manual facilitates the process by reflecting the very same workflow.

The Recorder 2 workflow: 1. Workspace editor → 2. Impedance check → 3. Monitoring → 4. Recording

While acquiring data, you can view and inspect the incoming signals according to your settings in the workspace, but you can also adapt the view settings as required on the fly. The view customization options include:

• Various standard montages in dedicated windows
• Channel parameter settings for display filters, colors and scaling
• Quick views for freely selectable subsets of channels

The new Workspace editor centralizes amplifier setup, channel configuration, marker options, and view settings—everything in one place. Each workspace file documents your entire setup, ensuring reproducibility and compliance.

In Recorder 1, configuring amplifiers, channels, markers, and view settings often required navigating multiple menus. Recorder 2 consolidates these into a single Workspace Editor, where you can:

• Configure amplifier settings
• Define channel layouts
• Set output and marker options
• Pre-set view preferences

The result? Faster setup, fewer errors, and a complete overview of your recording environment. Plus, the workspace file now documents the entire setup, making it easy to report your study or replicate it later.

Data integrity is non-negotiable: Recorder is built to make your data acquisition as safe as possible by means of a new architecture which makes use of Microsoft Windows®’ process management. The quality of data is further supported by the overall workflow that follows good practice steps of EEG acquisition.

With Recorder 2, we are releasing a new data output format called “BrainVision Recording Format” (BVRF) based on .json files. The format provides better human and machine readability and structure but will also allow you to store more contextual data with your recording data while keeping the output BIDS-friendly for easy file conversion. The latest Analyzer 2 version 2.3.1 already reads BVRF files. A Matlab and EEGLAB reader will also be available as well as readers for Python. This ensures a smooth transition to Recorder 2 and the new data format with all its benefits

Need to send that data anywhere else while recording? Recorder 2 supports network streaming protocols like RDA and now also LSL streaming making collaboration and technical integration easier than ever. Both with just one click!

Recorder 2 introduces a host of new capabilities designed to make your work smoother and more flexible:

Recorder 2 helps you:

• Save time with intuitive workflows and consolidated setup
• Ensure reliability with robust architecture
• Collaborate easily thanks to BIDS convertibility and LSL support
• Stay future-ready with a platform designed for continuous improvement

Whether you’re running a single-participant study or managing complex multi-site projects, Recorder 2 gives you the tools to work smarter, faster, and with greater confidence.

Expect continuous updates and add-ons that keep your research at the cutting edge. In its first release, Recorder 2 supports actiCHamp and actiCHamp Plus. Support for other amplifiers like LiveAmp and BrainAmp will follow soon!

Sign up to our newsletter to be notified when Recorder 2 is ready to ship in early 2026 and make sure to contact your local Brain Products distributor for our time limited upgrade options!