Need help bypassing Mbox2 preamps... Converter?

[Mortal Engines]

Don't hold me to it but SSL's Alpha Channel has a SPDF out and there are a couple of other channel strips out there like it that can connect to the Mbox's SPDF and bypass the preamps....I think....I seem to remember hearing about it working like that from more experienced PT users than myself....I hope this helps. Then again, the MBox 2 has a SPDF, right? I know the old Mbox does.

MySpace.com - Mortal Engines - PORTLAND, Oregon - www.myspace.com/mortal_engines

[Fluner]

Originally Posted by Rukas

Ok, so our fifth and final Mbox 1 died in one of our home studios last night.

Which means we are forced to use an Mbox2Pro, and unfortunately as far as I know I cant bypass the inbuilt pres on that box right?

We're running a groove tubes brick into a dbx160x into the mbox2pro. Id like to bypass the mbox2pro preamps like I could with the mbox1, so if there is no other way this can be done, I'd need to purchase a separate a/d converter and go brick > dbx > converter > mbox2 right?

Can anyone record a simple and cheap option. This particular studio is just a quick **** around budget studio, but still want something with a good sound. I dont think there would be that much difference in A/D converters anyway right?

first off, if this is for ****ing around, the mbox 2 is all you need

the converter can make a huge audible difference.. i had an mbox 2..
i got a mytek d/a and listened to all of my favorite tunes.. it was euphoric. i could hear layers! cascading and swelling! textures that reminded me of real organic sounds.. haze be gone!!dfegad
anyway.. first.. treat yourself to a good D/A, so that you can hear the difference. and a pair of good monitors.. if not for recording, for the love of music

[Rukas]

Originally Posted by Fluner

first off, if this is for ****ing around, the mbox 2 is all you need

the converter can make a huge audible difference.. i had an mbox 2..
i got a mytek d/a and listened to all of my favorite tunes.. it was euphoric. i could hear layers! cascading and swelling! textures that reminded me of real organic sounds.. haze be gone!!dfegad
anyway.. first.. treat yourself to a good D/A, so that you can hear the difference. and a pair of good monitors.. if not for recording, for the love of music

What D/A would you recommend?

We have a HD system sure, but sometimes I just want to record a myspace track or a mixtape track at home. It doesnt mean it is completely a **** around system, I still want it to sound as good as possible.

I basically just want to cleanest way to bypass the mbox preamps.

[Ry-Fi]

Originally Posted by Rukas

Which means we are forced to use an Mbox2Pro, and unfortunately as far as I know I cant bypass the inbuilt pres on that box right?

Not true. You have inputs 3/4, which are only line-in. The pre's are only on 1/2. Or am I missing something...?

But, if you want to go the route of an external A/D S/PDIF converter, the cheap ART digital units, DPS and DPS II, can be used through the tip of their 1/4" inserts to feed a line signal directly to the A/Ds. The converters are just fine, and these boxes can be found as low as $100. Or, you could use an ART DI/O. Just 2 of the many good budget options out there.

[Rukas]

Originally Posted by Ry-Fi

Not true. You have inputs 3/4, which are only line-in. The pre's are only on 1/2. Or am I missing something...?

Can someone confirm this? I read the opposite.

[Gary Schmitt]

Originally Posted by Fluner

the converter can make a huge audible difference.. i had an mbox 2..
i got a mytek d/a and listened to all of my favorite tunes.. it was euphoric. i could hear layers! cascading and swelling! textures that reminded me of real organic sounds.. haze be gone!!=

So true, I remember when I got my first highend converter and external clock. I swear I had never heard music come so alive. Made me want to re-track everything. Depth, dimension, and shimmering highend. No more smearing, dullness, haze, etc.

[Ry-Fi]

Originally Posted by Rukas

Can someone confirm this? I read the opposite.

If we're definitely talking about the Mbox 2 Pro, then this is 100% true. What's there to deny? It has 4 analog ins: 2 with pres (analog in 1/2), 2 without (analog in 3/4 - switchable between line and phono). I own one, so I'm qualified to confirm this.

The line ins DO have an input gain pot, giving you +/- 10dB of gain, but surely you're not considering this the same as a mic pre, right?

Check here: http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?...00&itemid=4956