Digidesign Mbox 2

today introduced the Mbox 2, a next-generation audio/MIDI production system that builds on the performance and simplicity of the original Mbox. The company says that the Mbox 2 is an "important evolutionary step from the original Mbox," combining "pristine" sound and a wide range of connection options (including analog, digital, and MIDI). The USB-powered device features four simultaneous inputs: two analog inputs (XLR and 1/4" jacks) and two analog outputs (1/4" jacks) as well as two channels of channels of S/PDIF digital I/O (RCA). It offers 48V phantom power for condenser mics and 24-bit/48KHz audio along with MIDI in/out, zero-latency monitoring, and Pro Tools LE software. It is available now for $500, while Mbox 2 Factory is available for $600 and includes an iLok USB Smart Key and additional plugins.

Along with its flexible hardware interface, Mbox 2 includes the easy-to-use, award-winning Digidesign Pro Tools LE software, which offers features to record, edit, mix, and master commercial albums and produce sound. In addition, Mbox 2 comes with the Pro Tools Ignition Pack, a collection of powerful plug-ins, creative applications, and additional tools to help professionally produce and promote music. With the addition of the Pro Tools Ignition Pack, Mbox 2 includes more than 50 plug-ins and instruments, according to Digidesign.

Mbox 2 Features

• Superior sound quality
  
• Four simultaneous inputs with analog and digital I/O
  
• Two analog inputs (XLR and 1/4" jacks) and two analog outputs (1/4" jacks)
  
• Two channels of S/PDIF digital I/O (RCA)
  
• 48V phantom power for condenser mics
  
• 24-bit/48 kHz audio
  
• MIDI in/out
  
• Zero-latency monitoring
  
• 100% USB powered
  
• Award-winning Pro Tools LE software (Windows XP and Mac OS X)
  
• 32 simultaneous audio tracks (128 virtual audio tracks)
  
• Integrated MIDI sequencer with 256 simultaneous MIDI tracks
  
• 37 DigiRack and 7 Bomb Factory® plug-ins
  
• Includes the Pro Tools Ignition Pack software and tools
  
• Support for streaming ReWire applications
  
• Beat Detective LE groove analysis and correction tool
  

Pro Tools Ignition Pack

• Propellerhead Software Reason Adapted 3
  
• Ableton Live Lite 4 Digidesign Edition
  
• FXpansion BFD Lite
  
• IK Multimedia SampleTank 2 SE
  
• IK Multimedia AmpliTube LE
  
• IK Multimedia T-RackS EQ
  
• Celemony Melodyne uno essential
  
• Pro Tools Method One instructional DVD
  
• Bunker 8 REX File CD
  
• 1-year membership to Broadjam.com
  
• Limited-time free trade magazine subscription
  

Mbox 2 Factory offers more than $1,050 in plug-ins for only $100 USD more than Mbox 2. The Mbox 2 Factory bundle includes a complete Mbox 2 system and an iLok USB Smart Key with the following additional Digidesign and Bomb Factory plug-ins pre-authorized:

• Maxim
  
• moogerfooger® Analog Delay
  
• JOEMEEK SC2 Compressor
  
• JOEMEEK VC5 Meequalizer
  
• Cosmonaut Voice
  

by MacNN Staff