Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini

The Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini is a compact audio interface made to run Pro Tools LE. Like all Digidesign hardware, it comes with the Pro Tools software, which of course is a major draw for getting any Digidesign audio interface. The Mbox 2 Mini has pretty basic characteristics, and none all that impressive for an audio interface, but it will get the job done for small projects and for those looking to run Pro Tools with a simple interface. The Mbox 2 Mini has only a single microphone preamplifier, a channel which also has a 1/4" TRS input as well. The pre has 48 volt phantom power and a pad, as well as a button for mic/line selection. There is also as two channel which has only a 1/4" input. There are only two 1/4" outputs for your monitors. It is a USB based interface, as it only has USB and nothing else to put this into your computer.

UTILIZATION

I have run the Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini on a simple Apple G4 desk top computer a few times at a friend's house. There isn't really anything to setting up or using the Mbox 2 Mini, as they have made it as easy as possible for just about anyone to use this in their home. We weren't getting any latency, but that really depends on your system. However, since you can only record up to two tracks at a time with this, I don't think that too many people will be having problems with latency or lagging issues, or any performance issues really...But again, this totally depends on the computer that you're running with it. A manual isn't necessary unless you're an absolute beginner and don't know anything about recording or home studios.

GETTING STARTED

The sound of the Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini in terms of the preamp, is definitely not the best by a long shot. But it doesn't sound half bad if you're just using it for simple recordings in your home as most people will be doing. It would be nice if there were two mic pres on this, but of course if you want that you can always look at the Mbox Pro or even the 002 or 003...

OVERALL OPINION

While overall this isn't my favorite interface at all, the fact that the Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini comes with Pro Tools LE, really makes it worth it. I'd recommend it for anyone who wants Pro Tools and doesn't need all that much to work with, or whom doesn't want to spend too much money. As far as getting Pro Tools LE goes, the Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini is just about the cheapest way you can do it...

I needed an audio interface to connect two inputs my mixer, or directly to my guitar and my microphone. I wanted an Edirol UA-25 with which I would have bought Sonar HS 4, but for the same price (at least here Montral), Pro Tools LE seemed suprieur.
I wanted to do simple home studio, the DMOS guitar / vocals / MIDI. I did not need to because I have a MIDI M-Audio Keystation 49e USB.

I have an AMD Athlon 1.8 GHz - 768MB - 40 GB (I know it's not super short ... Retailer machine "correct" from three years ago.

It has the instruments is my Gibson ES-137 C (gniale for that matter!) Which passes through the direct box Behringer Ultra-G, my Shure SM58 mic, and everything through my mixer Behringer Eurorack 1002. I branch also an old cassette player and a turntable rcuprer sounds.

I do not really understand what I had to note in this section, but if it is to see if the product silent well for my needs, so everything runs well, but 768MB RAM is limited, so 9 / 10.

UTILIZATION

Installing Pro Tools is very simple ... if you have a DVD player. I did not, so I have to disassemble the computer and insert the family DVD player (FIRST TIME I opened a computer!). It's a bit embtant, but good installation is fast and simple so ...

I have not met the asking incompatibility problem, but I have t say a little surprised to know that Pro Tools LE did not read the VST, and other small stuff like that.

Unfortunately the manual is virtual and is 500 pages in English. The French version is available on the Digidesign ... but it is 750 pages. In short, I keep my eyes and my sanity, so I'm going dbrouiller no manual!

As for the config is happiness. The MBox is not ncssite in any configuration, it does not "REALLY" driver. In fact, Pro Tools, which runs everything, and it is clear, simple and easy to use even for a beginners like me.

J'enlve 2 points for the short term frustration (DVD and manual), but long term you realize the quality and simplicity of the product.

GETTING STARTED

As I said above, no driver Tlcharger or even start during use. Pro Tools is a kind of software matre, which is handy. Having no internet connection on that machine, I have not performed up to date, and I will not if I have no problem ... but this is only my opinion.

With such Kompakt VST and Lounge Lizard, j'optiens latency of 9 or 8 ms. was enough for me, but I think it's a bit slow for some. In fact, when I play the guitar, for example, a project of PT, the buffer size must be a 128 for no latency. Ds that I add, there is a time limit! But Obviously, ds I played with a backing track, the 128 is not enough ... In short, the performance is somewhat dcevante, but may be is it my RAM enough? I do not know ...

After the buffer size (in 2000 ...), I can read dozens of tracks, it's enough for me (my projects include more than 15 ...). Buffer with 128, I can not read more than 3 or 4 recording. I know all this info is a little shaky, but hey I'm beginners and I do not force me too Systm ...

OVERALL OPINION

Good and most important:

-The quality of sound is exceptional
-The bundle pack is trs INTERESTED
-The MBox 2 Mini is REALLY mini, pretty, strong and easy to use trs trs
The mini-pro, it's - say they do not pay for stuff that is not used, it is not a gimmick: There are two entrances equipped with pramps although correct, a power supply famtome and two outputs. Nothing more simple, no digital I / O, no buttons everywhere, not I / O MIDI. Obviously, some need it, but the Mini is not for them. It REPRESENTATIVES probably the best available audio interface that price, in terms of quality (sound and professional). In terms of features, it is as necessary ... I was good enough for me.

I do not put 10 as the incompatibility of VST (not announced), the ncssit the DVD player (still not announced ... we really live in a capitalist world. C ' is made believes that "empty" everyone in a possde. Well I'm 16 and I'm not at all. a little frustrating (more morally concrtement ...) ) and the manual Designed to dplaire!

A good product for APRS me!

I needed PT to keep me updated and if o Entran a job would appear
I intend to use it in post production (Entran again) and taken for single string solo.
I work on a mac book 1 G of ram and dd 7200 rpm. I use the pramp Intgr. and I am satisfied with TRS: clean, gain margin, no noise from the breath lctronique trs MODR with a static normal range on this stuff.

UTILIZATION

Installation OK, aussitt enrgistr digidesign email me to offer me a free updates downloads the latest version.

GETTING STARTED

Drivers stable. Latency 128 samples in a track rec.
I punch in the fully transparent (which I never got no mute on logic express).
Rewire no problem.
Although sr, we are sorry not to have on this version of PT display SMPTE or correct reverb, modulation or plugs etc. ....
The plug funklogic masterizer bugg or so it is a machine detruction sound ????? (Breath, clicks .....)

OVERALL OPINION

I've had two days.
I use the pramp Intgr. and I am satisfied with TRS: clean, gain margin, no noise from the breath lctronique trs MODR with a static normal range on this stuff.
J'aprecie the compactness of the effectiveness and pramp CONTRL (mute on the interface affects only the monitor out which is activated during the catch), the pots are sturdy (even if Mountains are not quite aligned with the holes of the box but no friction, I can assure you).
I feel it will be my companion music for a while
This is a complete Russian will rev well with a laptop like the MacBook.