Digidesign Mbox 2 user reviews ( 6/10) - 33 user reviews

• 03/08/09

  Audiofanzine FR's review

  Characteristics

  (Originally written by Fablouis/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
  
  Main motivation: Pro Tools!
  
  
  
  Applications: audio recording and editing!
  
  
  
  I work with a Mini Mac 2 GHz Dual Core...
  
  
  
  I use almost only hardware gear (NM G2X, MPC 60, guitar, bass). (Cf http://www.myspace.com/spindlebog)

  Utilization

  No installation problems.
  
  
  
  Many compatibility problems, but it's Digidesign...
  
  
  
  The configuration couldn't be easier.
  
  
  
  Great PDF user's manual so you either have two screens or you print it (800 pages).

  Getting Started

  Drivers ?!?!
  
  
  
  Let me make something clear: at Digidesign nothing is free so don't expect any gifts. Most updates must be payed for.
  
  
  
  Latency!!!
  
  
  
  Such latency is a shame for a sound card coming from a company that is always bragging about its DAW knowhow and experience. To be continued!
  
  
  
  I can't record two mono tracks simultaneously, probably due to the latency problem (with a 2GHz CPU). Pro Tools LE is like putting a Ferrari motor in a small Clio. It's possible but you need lots of processing resources.

  Overall Opinion

  I kept this interface for six months.
  
  
  
  Protools is an amazing audio editing software and it gets better with every update (if you have enough money to pay for them). But the interface is not good: it has only two inputs (L/R), it generates a permanent hiss in your monitors, which is luckily inaudible in recordings unless you use plug-ins (in which case the noise is really loud!).
  
  
  
  So Pro Tools is great but you must pay a price.
  
  
  
  It really sucks as an audio interface, but it's worth buying this awful blue box just to have Pro Tools (even if its the LE version).
  
  
  
  If I had the money I would save it for Pro Tools.
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• 02/04/09

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  I first got the Digidesign Mbox 2 so that I could have a small audio interface that would run Pro Tools, as I like to be able to run Pro Tools wherever I go. While it only has two XLR inputs wit mic pres, it is sometimes all you need when recording a single instrument. For this reason it becomes very handy to have to bring it around and run Pro Tools with the capability of recording anywhere I go. I run it with a Mac Book Pro with a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. I use it with Pro Tools LE 7.4 and have used it to record everything from vocals to electric guitars, bass guitar and piano. In addition to the 2 XLR mic pre inputs, it also has 1/4 inch DI inputs and outputs for monitors. It also has a MIDI input and output and RCA outputs.

  Utilization

  I've never had a problem with the Mbox 2 with my machine. It is easy to use and does the job when trying to record with Pro Tools on the go. The manual is helpful with installation and is nice to have when learning how to use the interface.

  Getting Started

  I only run the Mbox 2 with Pro Tools as that is what it is designed for. I don't get any latency with recording and you are able to record two tracks at a time. With Pro Tools LE you can run up to 32 mono tracks if your computer can handle it.

  Overall Opinion

  I've had an Mbox 2 for about a year and a half and it is great to have around when I want to do some recording with Pro Tools on the go. While the mic preamps aren't all that great, they aren't terrible and capture a very usable sound. While the Mbox Micro 2 will allow you to edit and mix on the go, there is no audio inputs, so even though this is a bit bigger to bring around, you have the capability of recording two tracks at once. While I think all of the Digidesign audio interfaces are a bit overpriced, you can get the Mbox 2 for a good price considering that you need it (or another Digidesign audio interface) to run Pro Tools. While this isn't suitable for the serious audio engineer, it is a useful tool for those who want Pro Tools on a budget or want to use it to gather ideas, or on the go like me!
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• 12/05/08

  phraseland's review

  Characteristics

  I wanted a decent interface with at least two microfone inputs and a decent software bundle. ProTools was also in issue as I am working with Cubase and wanted to be able to transfer projects into ProTools so I could use them in a bigger studio later.
  
  
  
  I really like the software bundle even though I don't really need most of it. The most important one is the ProToolsLE along the BombFactory plugins. That by itself justifies the price in my opionion.
  
  
  
  I use this MBox with a Dell Inspiron 6400 Laptop (2GB RAM, 1.6GHz DualCore) and use it mainly with Cubase. The interface is very straight forward - maybe they could have built a little smaller.

  Utilization

  I didn't have any problems installing the drivers. As for the manual there really isn't one. Yeah, yeah - there is always the .pdf but I just don't want to waste a bunch of paper and ink on that! Anyway - everything installed nicely.
  
  I had one annoying problem though. When I started recording in ProTools everything was fine but in Cubase the interface suddenly shifted the recordings a bit to the left. This would have not been an issue at first but I was recording overdubs for a song I had recorded with my MOTU 2408...all the vocal takes were not synced with the playback! I still don't know why that is but I found a solution. I genereated a MIDI click and recorded that click via my speakers into the MBox again. Then I could see how much the signal was shifted and adjusted the delay time (samples) in the Cubase configuration. As I said it works now - but I have a feeling that it shouldn't be like this...

  Getting Started

  Besides the issue mentioned above I have no copmlaints. When I bought the computer I was running Vista and Digidesign had promised to release a driver within a couple of months. Well the months became almost a year and I eventually gave up on Vista anyway (luckily I realized very soon what a piece of junk it is). So I don't blame them for not wanting to release a driver that wouldn't really work on Microsoft's faulty software.
  
  It seems the preamp has a lot of headroom and I have not really had big issues with clipped signals.

  Overall Opinion

  I have been using the MBox 2 now for about a year and like that it really sounds quite good and gives me a professional sounding monitor output. Since it is meant to record only two tracks at a time (or four if you add digital) it doesn't really run into any performance issues. Just make sure to not have the interface hooked up to a USB hub - plug it in directly and you will be just fine.
  
  I looked at the M-Audio interfaces and I think they are pretty good as well (maybe even better value for the money). But I put my faith into Digidesign and so far have not been disappointed.
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• 01/27/11

  indaure's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " On PC = hell"

  Characteristics

  All was already said ...
  
  I'm on 64 bit Windows Seven and rotate the bug comes the miracle ... In short no drivers, an official website to find too much confusion for drivers, ...
  
  I bought it for PT unfortunately it works once on 20 and not talking about the look of the Monster Ideue BOX. Completely useless.
  
  There is still a MIDI in and out which can be handy if the bug works.

  Utilization

  So here is simple:
  
  Drivers totally unstable! When your computer recognize it by chance there is a 10 chance that your sound is clear and not filled with sizzle!
  
  I use (when it works) Pro Tools 8.0.4. I heard about Cubase and I can tell you that exceeds Cubase Pro Tools in all respects (there all the same good plug in on PT). Besides totally incompatible with cubase ...
  
  I can not record when shooting that it does not work but having tried the Apple staff, I can tell you that the registration is done but it's a bit laborious (especially guitar and bass Lost Live! ! its metallic and no grain, that breath!
  
  The good point is that the can use that I made, latency parraissait correct but it absolutely does not justify all the problems described above ... Either bid

  Getting Started

  compatible on Windows 7? I propose a good ba Avid to go home one day (even with the 8.0.4 update csp PT).
  
  The manual does not explain anything but ...
  
  When the installation when it works It takes 1hr max (if you have a minimum of RAM). I had to install and uninstall a 20aine times with pro tools and there is nothing to do!
  
  Short of money wasted on the air.

  Overall Opinion

  I received in October after having purchased ThoTho that was a promo.
  
  Before I was on Steinberg Cubase with sound card and after ... I'm on cubase steinberg with sound card.
  
  I do not ever do it again this choice (although I have been given). If you're on mac, if not why not go directly to PT 9 (600 € nine still) compatible with any card system and all (well it seems). I'll probably passed to the mbox 3 also supposedly compatible with Windows 7 ...
  
  
  
  Brief on the PC, look no, go your way. Thank you
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• 09/10/10

  zindo57's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " average interface"

  Characteristics

  it is mainly for the Pro Tools LE software, which was given with.
  
  I'm working on imac osx 10 5 8 2ghz intel duo 4 gb ram
  
  
  
  but in general I prefer the MOTU, I work as an ultralite is much better
  
  I have a universal audio pre amp 710 and twin speakers krk vxt8

  Utilization

  I always find it very stable and I admit that the volume pot "mix baffles me sometimes
  
  latency somewhat high
  
  I use it mainly for work on pieces cut from other platforms pro tools
  
  audio can work properly on a twenty tracks masi by not using too many plug-ins ....
  
  I do not know for Maj mbox 2 my knowledge

  Getting Started

  lem without install
  
  config too
  
  it works rather poorly on garage band with whom I work a lot for its simplicity (if it was not super careful fitting to do and you do not need to over-puncher)
  
  The manual is quite complex because it describes the operations with pro tools and it's a little war movie .....
  
  I think in English

  Overall Opinion

  I use very little
  
  on the other hand with the offer there was a lot of software and plug-ins available and it is pretty kool .....
  
  Finally, we must have the utility of it all.
  
  I do a lot of audio, real guitars, bass, vocals and a tube amp .. then dub the virtual good !!.... ......
  
  value for money is good anyway should not kidding ....
  
  but I think that investing in another good interface is still the best way to do a good taf.
  
  It all depends on what you are doing as ab ...
  
  
  
  musically
  
  zino
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• 09/09/10

  thegaou's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " not need more"

  Characteristics

  comes with the pro tools
  
  turned on pc and imac

  Utilization

  no problem with the driver on my pc (XP)
  
  either on the mac
  
  as pro tools with the imac I can go down low enough with the buffer so no worries level latency

  Getting Started

  pb-free installation (pc, mac)
  
  good but there were bugs (pc mac) ... but nothing insurmountable ... For my config and my use

  Overall Opinion

  I do it again this election
  
  some find the price a little high.
  
  short if you're sure to save 90% more than 2 simultaneous entries do not make this choice
  
  if you do find a real solution daw correct (NOT PIRATE) and interface to its current price does not make that choice ... And we can add
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• 07/25/10

  Loickos's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " good product"

  Characteristics

  What characteristics have motivated your choice?
  
  I only need the output monitoring and pre-amps are enough for the infrequent use that I did.
  
  
  
  With which instruments or systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) and you use the connection with what? ...
  
  Guitar, bass and keyboard. Then I have my monitors connected directly above the HS80M.
  
  Use the USB connection to PC.
  
  
  
  For what purpose? What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Disk ,...)?
  
  Mixing and Mastering, if need registration, but otherwise it's for me when I play the piano or itches.

  Utilization

  The drivers are stable? They are often updated? What software do you use most often? What latency you get? How many tracks do you manage to record / playback simultaneously? ...
  
  On Windows, the default is that you can not have multiple application using the sound card. While the Mac I have no worries on that side.
  
  
  
  Besides Windows installation Digi MME Helper is required to use audio player or web browser on Mac and there's no need to walk away.
  
  
  
  I use ProTools and Logic but WaveEditor on Protools and Wavelab the pb is not managing latency, but since the card can be used with other software in the end we exponents on another app and now runs his impeccable.
  
  
  
  How many tracks do you manage to record / playback simultaneously? ...
  
  Bah there ProTools unlike other soft limit the number of simultaneous tracks so it's really a big flaw in most of the non-management latency.

  Getting Started

  The installation is done it without problems?
  
  Very quick and easy, even easier on the Mac.
  
  The general configuration is easy?
  
  Yes
  
  
  
  Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
  
  not
  
  
  
  The manual is clear and sufficient?
  
  For me anyway it was sufffisant

  Overall Opinion

  For how long have you been using it?
  
  Its been a while but more than two years.
  
  I did not give more specific
  
  
  
  Did you try many other models before getting this one?
  
  No
  
  
  
  What thing do you like most/least about it?
  
  She walks with the soft tt, not take up much space, stands up or lying down.
  
  
  
  What is your opinion about the value for the price?
  
  Seeing the other sound card there necessarily better, but if we need to work on Protools we do with whether there would even better in the same price
  
  
  
  Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?
  
  Yes in the sense that I needed to have Protools
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• 07/16/10

  ty-en's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " perfect for me"

  Characteristics

  I only need two analog input card not crazy overpriced!
  
  I use it with ProTools 8 on mac book pro and it works nikel hardware problems ever.
  
  I transfer my mpc in there and rolling!

  Utilization

  super reliable drivers on mac and it also works on my pc!

  Getting Started

  No problemo for mac pc cons is the lottery!

  Overall Opinion

  my choice for this card is not expensive, convertos are reasonable models and I taf on ProTools 8 that I love. I did a bit of MIDI with but mostly the audio.
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• 07/13/10

  Lidjel's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Good stuff"

  Characteristics

  At the time I was in school Audiovisual, the ISTS, and I had to buy audio equipment quickly. The teachers we have advised a pack including the Mbox2 and Protools because this software is the most widely used by engineers, and Mbox2 is a very good sound card to get started.
  
  
  
  I have nothing negative to say about this sound card, I have no point of comparison but in any case for the use I have, I am very happy. on the other hand, if you want you get into recording more instruments etc. will require you to turn sound cards with more input, because it presents the minimum: MIDI out / in, Monitor L / R, SPDIF, 2 Mic, Line 2 inputs and 2 inputs Di. I am an computer music, so apart from MIDI and occasionally a microphone to record a voice, for example, or connect a guitar, I'm enough.
  
  on the other hand I take this opportunity to talk about Protools, since I figured put to Cubase, I no longer use it, so information before you whether you want Protools, otherwise do not take the pack.
  
  
  
  My stuff is: macbook old generation, 2GB of ram, I work on Cubase Studio 4, I use VSL VST heavy as a master keyboard as the Keystation, that's nothing very complex.

  Utilization

  I've never met a big crash or bug.
  
  
  
  I can read a 20aine VST heavy tracks without too many problems if there are not too many effects.
  
  
  
  Adequate latency, I do not see when I play the keyboard.

  Getting Started

  Little trouble when the first installation, the drivers were not compatible with Mac OSX Tiger 10.4, I had to download an update, but as good at the time I was a quiche computer I struggled a bit !

  Overall Opinion

  Not enough experience to talk about value for money, I am happy with this card but may be there are better and cheaper, it will ask someone else.
  
  The small downside for me is just his color, I'm not a fan of the blue ^
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• 07/05/10

  eponim's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " The Perfect System Daw"

  Characteristics

  What characteristics have motivated your choice?
  
  
  
  The number of port and Easy to Use Pro Tools
  
  
  
  For what purpose? What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Disk ,...)?
  
  Use mainly for home studio recording, mixing and EQ, etc. ... I work my sound on my mpc and my mp7 and records all through Pro Tools, then I mix, equalize, resample, etc. ... to my liking.
  
  
  
  With which instruments or systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) and you use the connection with what? Connectors: Big Jacks + Midi essentially and headphone sometimes

  Utilization

  The drivers are stable? They are often updated? What software do you use most often? What latency you get? How many tracks do you manage to record / playback simultaneously? ...
  
  
  
  Sinccèrment I am running Windows Vista and no crash, everything works Nickel and no latency. REALLY REAL.
  
  I was wary from other reviews at first, but having had friends who I knew roughly what to expect.
  
  Result, it works even better than my buddies, all from a clean install and reading the manual. Simply.

  Getting Started

  The installation is done it without problems? Have you experienced any incompatibilities? The general configuration is easy? The manual is clear and sufficient?
  
  Installation CD and USB super simple.
  
  Hand side is quite big but it helps to understand all the possibilities included in Pro Tools. The best is to download the manuals Online, it saves some time on a lot of function.
  
  I actually took the card in large part for that, because I did not want to take my head every X Cubase with my setup, then I turn is recognized, it works directly .. . what more

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for almost 6 months and I really can not complain.
  
  I had a MIA Midi ago (4 years of use) it was not really evil, cons, ports were too fragile and sometimes I hit a lot of breath.
  
  On the Mbox is still better. I like the little round "kittable" which allows the transport, the connexioon usb, pro tools and the fact that everything is recognized.
  
  Least, bah is that it does not work "only" in usb, and it is not always practical, especially on a laptop without PSU .. but should not "push grandma into the nettles."
  
  The price / quality ratio is really good especially when one realizes Absorbed power of Pro Tools and Melodyne is gratos ... if it's not pretty stuff.
  
  
  
  With experience, I would do the same choice without changing anything, because it is a great product. I have no breath, no latency and restores pluttôt quite the grain of my machines and tone, what more?!
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