Mbox2PRO

RLsloan2 · 7th September 2006, 02:29 AM

It looks like Digi is looking to cover some ground in between the regular Mbox2 and the 002. This is pretty interesting.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MBox2Pro/

http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?...n=news_details

I think it's a good idea. Some people that don't need a 002 can't really fit into an Mbox2.

artbeat77 · 7th September 2006, 03:21 AM

I agree. It could be a quick solution to track a full rhythm section plus scratch vox simultaneously on a tour bus or in a hotel room for demos.

Drums: MIDI IN triggering DFHS/BFD
Mic/Line 1: Vox
Mic/Line 2: Keys
Aux In L: Guitar
Aux In R: Bass

ellery · 7th September 2006, 05:01 AM

It has word Clock witch is a first for the LE market.... :)

6 i/o Channels is a plus....

5.1 Maybe?

Not bad. I can't wait to try it out...

commaKaze · 7th September 2006, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellery

It has word Clock witch is a first for the LE market.... :)

I think this may serve as a peak into what the "003" (assuming that's what it's to be named) may sport as far as clocking options, meaning the BNC...yeah, that's definitely the 1st for the LE line.

krs · 7th September 2006, 05:39 AM

** Mbox 2 Pro does not support external sync at 88.2 and 96 kHz sample rates.

Silly.

sardi · 7th September 2006, 07:47 AM

I think the best thing is that its FW!! Finally!!

Also the Phono input is a good idea.

Step in the right direction.

Very interested to see what the 003 will be like now.

Now if only the bundled the 48 track option in with all versions of PT LE as standard id be set.

BTW, anyone know what the latency is on this unit? Wonder if ots down to 64 samples like the 002?

ToddS · 7th September 2006, 09:06 AM

Looks like a pretty good upgrade to me. Probably sounds like a 002?

mixedup · 8th September 2006, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToddS

Looks like a pretty good upgrade to me. Probably sounds like a 002?

Just gimme a PT 'dongle' that has ADAT IO - that way I can use a decent interface with LE and be happy instead of paying through the nose for a crappy interface... must be cheaper to produce than the full mbox or 002/3...

max cooper · 8th September 2006, 11:52 AM

Still only four inputs, and not really any way in like ADAT or SMUX. That's just not enough. I already feel limited as it is with my 002.

I guess this is clearly an overdub/mix rig. I probably don't realize that most stuff is done with virtual instruments anyway, these days.

"What would I need four inputs for?"

Shaman · 8th September 2006, 02:16 PM

Asking myself for the "PRO" part of it....

Converters from the 192 series, pre amps from the PRE series ?
Or just the same converters & pres like Mbox II with some aditional gimicks ?

Switchcraft · 8th September 2006, 04:33 PM

I just bought a MOTU ultralite yesterday and then saw this. So I initially decided to return the ultra lite and caugh up the other 200 for the Pro, but on second thought I think I might pass.

I am sick of only being able to run one audio app at a time. (itunes or Logic or PT). I am still debating though cause I have to teach PT, alhtough I personally use logic more often.

i am still runing a 001 and I must say I did get my monies worth.

Does anyone know what the delay for this box would be when using it through digicore audio? I know Mbox 1 could only go as low as 512 with Core audio. That was a bit pathetic, but this is PRO (joke). Is this information available?

mhartman · 8th September 2006, 04:52 PM

"Pro" -- my A$$ its pro. Maybe "prosumer" whatever that means. But, if this is pro, what does that make HD? Super Pro?

Shaman · 8th September 2006, 05:11 PM

I just don´t get where the big deal is:

An M-AUDIO Firewire 410 gives you the same features like the M-box PRO ( I bet there are even the same parts inside).

This + PT M-powered software is 674 EUROS.
The M-box Pro is 814 Euros.

If you want 8 additional ADAT ins/outs go for the Firewire 1814 which comes at 549 EUROS list.

Why in hell should someone buy those digidesign LE interfaces if you get the same at M-AUDIO for less and even can use those interfaces for LOGIC/NUENDO/LIVE too

Well, the producer plugin package....who in hell needs digidesign maxim etc. when you get Massey plugins for what they cost....?

Does digidesign actually have a plan ?

Duardo · 8th September 2006, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Just gimme a PT 'dongle' that has ADAT IO - that way I can use a decent interface with LE and be happy instead of paying through the nose for a crappy interface... must be cheaper to produce than the full mbox or 002/3...

M-Audio does have that Lightbridge coming out that will do 18 channels in and out digitall with Pro Tools M-Powered (or 32 channels with other applications)...

This thing does seem to fill a nice little hole in their lineup though.

-Duardo

kmshroom · 8th September 2006, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaman

This + PT M-powered software is 674 EUROS.
The M-box Pro is 814 Euros.

I don't understand why everyone thinks the list price is the street price. The MBox2 list price is $799 USD. Street will be lower, like it is for um, every product made by any company....

lozion · 8th September 2006, 07:55 PM

Many questions are unanswered, so its a little early to judge...

-Is the operating level balanced +4 (as opposed to most M-Audio products

)?
-Can the buffer be set to 64 like the 002?
-Are the pre's/converters new technology or same as prior model?
-Is the Spdif i/o thru in-out?

If yes to all these, then the new Mbox2 can be called Pro. Dont forget many pro engineers still need a portable solution for location recording, live tracking or playback, editing, etc. with firewire connectivity and the 002R is simply too bulky to lug around...

Guess Digi saw the success the Presonus Firebox has and got inspired.

I for one will be glad to ditch my 410 and M-Audio's less then reliable drivers...

Now if they could settle the $#@$"ing ADC issue once and for all...

jslevin · 8th September 2006, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max cooper

Still only four inputs, and not really any way in like ADAT or SMUX. That's just not enough. I already feel limited as it is with my 002. ... "What would I need four inputs for?"

I'm with you ... really not sure who this box is for. Four inputs ... was I desperate for that? By the way ...

• mBox has 2 analog + 2 digital inputs, but only 2 simultaneous
• mBox 2 has 2 analog + 2 digital inputs, and it does do 4 simultaneous
• mBox 2 Pro has 4 analog + 2 digital — but does it do 4 simultaneous, or 6?

My guess is that it only does 4 simultaneous, so all you're really getting out of this (in terms of inputs) is two extra ADC channels. Not insignificant, but again, I'm not sure who wants this. Six inputs might actually give me pause.

Not to mention, is it still only two channels that can be overdubbed with virtual zero-latency?

With the phono inputs (kind of cool I guess) and six outputs, I'm wondering if this isn't more of a beats-oriented box than for recording.

As noted, this is the first LE box with word clock -- a huge relief, but with such limited digital input options, will it matter? This also gets a 96K device into the hands of Pro Tools users for under $700 ... which is a first among LE devices, but there are a half-dozen M-Audio boxes that also allow this.

All in all ... I'm not sure I get it.

JSL

joeq · 8th September 2006, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max cooper

"What would I need four inputs for?"

I use my mBox mostly for remotes- classical stuff, "location" pianos and organs, outdoor overdubs. I am looking forward to adding a pair of room mics to the piano recordings or spot mics for the classical stuff.

kmshroom · 8th September 2006, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jslevin

• mBox 2 Pro has 4 analog + 2 digital — but does it do 4 simultaneous, or 6?

6 simultaneous maximum inputs, and 8 simultaneous maximum outputs.

Shaman · 8th September 2006, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmshroom

I don't understand why everyone thinks the list price is the street price. The MBox2 list price is $799 USD. Street will be lower, like it is for um, every product made by any company....

Of course, but the relation between digi and m-audio prices stay the same.
In the german digidesign / m-audio market there´s not much margin between list and street price.

kmshroom · 8th September 2006, 11:37 PM

Hey Shaman,

Okay, yeah, I have no idea what it's like in Germany (never been but would loooooooooooove to go! I used to be in the classical music world, and loved the German style more than anything!).

It seems Sweetwater has it listed for 699 USD, and they are definitely not the Wallmart of audio gear retailers...

Henchman · 8th September 2006, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaman

Why in hell should someone buy those digidesign LE interfaces if you get the same at M-AUDIO for less and even can use those interfaces for LOGIC/NUENDO/LIVE too

Why the hell even bother with LE untill they add full proper ADC in the entire signal chain, surround options, and unlimited tracks?

kmshroom · 8th September 2006, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaman

Why in hell should someone buy those digidesign LE interfaces if you get the same at M-AUDIO for less and even can use those interfaces for LOGIC/NUENDO/LIVE too

You know you can use LE interfaces with Logic, Nuendo, Live, and well, much more...

With the Toolkits, I don't find 96 tracks (since 48 stereo tracks = 96 total voices) to be limiting in any way, as I don't think I'd ever run a session that comes near that limit (I'd run out of CPU wayyyy before then, even with my dual 2.3 G5).

I would like to see ADC on LE though.

max cooper · 8th September 2006, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeq

I use my mBox mostly for remotes- classical stuff, "location" pianos and organs, outdoor overdubs. I am looking forward to adding a pair of room mics to the piano recordings or spot mics for the classical stuff.

I get it about that. I was really referring to the people who record at home, one virtual instrument at a time, hardly ever using analog inputs.

I do think the RIAA inputs are a very cool idea, though.

And I think it says a lot about the target audience.

raal · 9th September 2006, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaman

Asking myself for the "PRO" part of it....

word clock in... finally! for remote recording, macbook, external drive, HEDD @ 96kHz > MBox pro using dedicated clock input. seems pretty pro to me.

question is are these things actually available now? i'm SO in!!! then it's off to cancun to do vocal overdubs!!! yipeeeeee!!!!

kmshroom · 9th September 2006, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raal

question is are these things actually available now?

the website seems to indicate Sept.15 as a shipping date.

Henchman · 9th September 2006, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmshroom

You know you can use LE interfaces with Logic, Nuendo, Live, and well, much more...

With the Toolkits, I don't find 96 tracks (since 48 stereo tracks = 96 total voices) to be limiting in any way, as I don't think I'd ever run a session that comes near that limit (I'd run out of CPU wayyyy before then, even with my dual 2.3 G5).

I would like to see ADC on LE though.

What a rip-off though.
And you only get 96 if you're usign stereo tracks.
So, if you use lot's of mono signals, you still only get 48.
They charge extra and giev you not much more.
And even with HD the ADC is only a maximum of 1024.

Still lame. Not Pro.

kmshroom · 9th September 2006, 12:21 AM

Whatever man. I'm very happily staying extremely busy using my decked out LE rig. To each his/her own.

raal · 9th September 2006, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henchman

What a rip-off though.
And you only get 96 if you're usign stereo tracks.
So, if you use lot's of mono signals, you still only get 48.
They charge extra and giev you not much more.
And even with HD the ADC is only a maximum of 1024.

Still lame. Not Pro.

actually lol! i remember when we used to have 2 X studer A-800s linked together (for 48 tracks). we used to charge a MINT for that. after using two machines once i never used them again, because it took forever for the frikkin machines to lock after every rewind. preferred to bounce and keep things at 24 tracks.

8 hours tracking, 16 hours locating and locking. now that was a ripoff! but boy was it pro!

raal · 9th September 2006, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmshroom

the website seems to indicate Sept.15 as a shipping date.

thank you sir.

7th September 2006, 02:29 AM	#1
RLsloan2 Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5	Mbox2PRO It looks like Digi is looking to cover some ground in between the regular Mbox2 and the 002. This is pretty interesting. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MBox2Pro/ http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?...n=news_details I think it's a good idea. Some people that don't need a 002 can't really fit into an Mbox2.

7th September 2006, 05:01 AM	#3
ellery Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Summerville, GA Posts: 27	It has word Clock witch is a first for the LE market.... :) 6 i/o Channels is a plus.... 5.1 Maybe? Not bad. I can't wait to try it out... __________________ Ellery Durgin ejd91717@gmail.com (404)-824-7698

7th September 2006, 05:39 AM	#5
krs Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 730	** Mbox 2 Pro does not support external sync at 88.2 and 96 kHz sample rates. Silly. __________________ Kirk Starkey String Design Arrangement - Performance - Production http://kirkstarkey.com Ottawa ON Canada

7th September 2006, 07:47 AM	#6
sardi Gear addict Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 436	I think the best thing is that its FW!! Finally!! Also the Phono input is a good idea. Step in the right direction. Very interested to see what the 003 will be like now. Now if only the bundled the 48 track option in with all versions of PT LE as standard id be set. BTW, anyone know what the latency is on this unit? Wonder if ots down to 64 samples like the 002? __________________ Available & forthcoming releases: http://www.myspace.com/sardisonics

8th September 2006, 04:33 PM	#11
Switchcraft Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Philly Posts: 970	I just bought a MOTU ultralite yesterday and then saw this. So I initially decided to return the ultra lite and caugh up the other 200 for the Pro, but on second thought I think I might pass. I am sick of only being able to run one audio app at a time. (itunes or Logic or PT). I am still debating though cause I have to teach PT, alhtough I personally use logic more often. i am still runing a 001 and I must say I did get my monies worth. Does anyone know what the delay for this box would be when using it through digicore audio? I know Mbox 1 could only go as low as 512 with Core audio. That was a bit pathetic, but this is PRO (joke). Is this information available? __________________ my hands work mad good http:/www.RadioRecession.com www.RadioRecession.blogspot.com

7th September 2006, 03:21 AM	#2
artbeat77 Gear addict Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 467	I agree. It could be a quick solution to track a full rhythm section plus scratch vox simultaneously on a tour bus or in a hotel room for demos. Drums: MIDI IN triggering DFHS/BFD Mic/Line 1: Vox Mic/Line 2: Keys Aux In L: Guitar Aux In R: Bass

7th September 2006, 09:06 AM	#7
ToddS Gear addict Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Everywhere Posts: 390	Looks like a pretty good upgrade to me. Probably sounds like a 002?

8th September 2006, 11:52 AM	#9
max cooper Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: tx Posts: 8,819	Still only four inputs, and not really any way in like ADAT or SMUX. That's just not enough. I already feel limited as it is with my 002. I guess this is clearly an overdub/mix rig. I probably don't realize that most stuff is done with virtual instruments anyway, these days. "What would I need four inputs for?"

8th September 2006, 02:16 PM	#10
Shaman Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Munich - Germany Posts: 1,789	Asking myself for the "PRO" part of it.... Converters from the 192 series, pre amps from the PRE series ? Or just the same converters & pres like Mbox II with some aditional gimicks ?

8th September 2006, 04:52 PM	#12
mhartman Gear addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 378	"Pro" -- my A$$ its pro. Maybe "prosumer" whatever that means. But, if this is pro, what does that make HD? Super Pro? __________________ HOMER: “Mr. Burns, you’re the richest man I know.” MR. BURNS: “Ah yes, but I’d trade it all for a little bit more...."

8th September 2006, 05:11 PM	#13
Shaman Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Munich - Germany Posts: 1,789	I just don´t get where the big deal is: An M-AUDIO Firewire 410 gives you the same features like the M-box PRO ( I bet there are even the same parts inside). This + PT M-powered software is 674 EUROS. The M-box Pro is 814 Euros. If you want 8 additional ADAT ins/outs go for the Firewire 1814 which comes at 549 EUROS list. Why in hell should someone buy those digidesign LE interfaces if you get the same at M-AUDIO for less and even can use those interfaces for LOGIC/NUENDO/LIVE too Well, the producer plugin package....who in hell needs digidesign maxim etc. when you get Massey plugins for what they cost....? Does digidesign actually have a plan ?

8th September 2006, 07:55 PM	#16
lozion Lives for gear Join Date: May 2005 Location: Montreal Posts: 1,315	Many questions are unanswered, so its a little early to judge... -Is the operating level balanced +4 (as opposed to most M-Audio products )? -Can the buffer be set to 64 like the 002? -Are the pre's/converters new technology or same as prior model? -Is the Spdif i/o thru in-out? If yes to all these, then the new Mbox2 can be called Pro. Dont forget many pro engineers still need a portable solution for location recording, live tracking or playback, editing, etc. with firewire connectivity and the 002R is simply too bulky to lug around... Guess Digi saw the success the Presonus Firebox has and got inspired. I for one will be glad to ditch my 410 and M-Audio's less then reliable drivers... Now if they could settle the $#@$"ing ADC issue once and for all... __________________ "The secret in life is to have no fear" Fela Anikulapo Kuti My Page

8th September 2006, 11:37 PM	#21
kmshroom Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 267	Hey Shaman, Okay, yeah, I have no idea what it's like in Germany (never been but would loooooooooooove to go! I used to be in the classical music world, and loved the German style more than anything!). It seems Sweetwater has it listed for 699 USD, and they are definitely not the Wallmart of audio gear retailers...

9th September 2006, 12:21 AM	#28
kmshroom Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 267	Whatever man. I'm very happily staying extremely busy using my decked out LE rig. To each his/her own.