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moosers
Published on 02/04/09 at 16:04
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!
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!