Audiophile 2496 V.S. MBox 2

[gclef101]

Hardware Question:

I was comparing the MBox 2 to the Audiophile 2496, and I see the difference in sample rate. The MBox is maxed at 24bit/48khz and the Audiophile 2496 at 24bit/96khz. Now I would basically be using MIDI I/O's to record with VST's and RTAS's, etc. but my question about the 2 hardwares is:

- Would it be better to get the Audiophile 2496 over the MBox 2 because of the 24bit/96khz recording and playback rate? (Mind you if i was to get the Audiophile 2496 I would use a MIDI controller which is M-Audio, plus I would use the S/PDIF output to a receiver then to headphones to monitor my recordings and playback.)



Software Question:

Also, if it's better to get the Audiophile 2496 over the MBox 2, what are the comparisons of Protools LE 7 versus Protools M-Powered 7 software? If they have the same functions, tools, etc. then I am going to go with M-Powered over the LE (logically choice).

[aussie_techie]

hardware
well do you actualy need to do any sessions at 96KHz? if not dont worry about saple rates 44.1/48KHz is fine
next up do you need mic pres? what are you going to be connecting to the unit. the audiophile only has unbalanced i/o
both have MIDI and spdif i/o

software
look at the comparision chart
http://www.digidesign.com/products/l...s/software.cfm
currently the diferences are minimal but to differences may grow to give ProTools a 3 tier feature structure
you also get alot of extra software with digi hardware that you dont with M-Audio

if you want to use ProTools i would recomend you stick with digi hardware

[Rep]

M-box 2 if you are staying with Digi 7.0.
Use 44.1 , those converters at higher samples only "Error " faster.

[nadsatrebel]

Originally Posted by Rep

M-box 2 if you are staying with Digi 7.0.
Use 44.1 , those converters at higher samples only "Error " faster.

I've only done one 96k session. As far as I know they are not too commonplace.

I agree about the error messages too.

[gclef101]

Thanks for the info...and yeah I understand what you guys are saying about doing a sample session at 96khz. I thought since I would be only using a MIDI controller as my musical intrument, that the 96khz playback would be good for EQ'in, Panning, Effects, etc.

[Rep]

Originally Posted by gclef101

Thanks for the info...and yeah I understand what you guys are saying about doing a sample session at 96khz. I thought since I would be only using a MIDI controller as my musical intrument, that the 96khz playback would be good for EQ'in, Panning, Effects, etc.

AussieTechie was right in what he said
1.do you actualy need to do any sessions at 96KHz? if not dont worry about it.
2. audiophile only has unbalanced i/o
3.do you need mic pres, or do you have ones,
4.IF your are only using a interface to use 7.0, get either, if you need a breakout box with converters and a preamp, the choise is clear.