Digidesign Mbox 2 for USB Audio/MIDI production
updated 09:15 pm EDT, Thu September 1, 2005
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
Disappointing
09/02, 09:35am reply
I wanted to believe that this new M-Box would fill the void for entry-level protools users (that weren't interested in m-audio hardware) but unfortunately, it seems Digidesign has fumbled again. The hardware specs themselves are impressive, but the one feature I wanted to see upgraded was the connection bus. It's still USB 1 and only bus-powered. With firewire and USB 2 being so standard these days, it seems silly to have any kind of high end equipment running any lower than fw 400. Anyone else think so, or am I crazy?
Kyle Dreaden
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2003
No USB 2 or Firewire?!
09/02, 11:28am reply
I am very disappointed as well that Digidesign has not used at least a USB 2 interface (not to mention firewire). I had been considering eventually getting a useful 2 channel interface since I already have a Motu 896HD but Digidesign's decision to use the almost obsolete slow USB 1.1 interface will now make me look elsewhere. I am not sure why they even bothered to build this - doesn't seem like much on an improvement to the last one.
resonator
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2005
huh?
09/02, 11:30am reply
"48GHz audio"
That's some sample rate! ;-)
dennis
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Living in the past
09/02, 12:12pm reply
I agree guys, NO fw 400/800 and NO 24/96Khz?? Idiots. Everyone else is. Ah well, living in the past these days Digi is me thinks.
I have a great "home setup" around a Hammer 9632 192khz with Logic Pro, was hoping to have a Digi box too for edits/transfers but lack of 96k and no firewire means this is a no no.
Shame.... Bobbi Style CEO LTL Records
(ProTools HD3 owner too.)
http://www.bobbistyle.com/ http://www.LTLrecords.com/
Loquetis
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2005
WARNING!!!
09/24, 06:00am reply
It’s unfortunate that digidesign have not done their homework on this new interface with its compatibility with the Mac powerbook 1.5Ghz + 1.67Gz! I have recently purchased the Mbox2. I am using a 15" powerbook 1.5 GHz, running an external hard drive (Lacie d2 extreme). It plays all my previous pro tools files (6.9) with no problem and I can also record through the DI. The problem that I am having is when I turn on the phantom power 48V for my Mic (that needs phantom power). I get this message... Pro Tools cannot communicate with the Mbox 2. Please make sure that Mbox 2 is connected and that the unit is not set to AC-3 mode. Checking the status for the Mbox 2 in System Preferences it says that I am Connected to Mbox 2. The clock is set to Internal and the AC-3 Digital Passthrough box is not ticked. So it's not in AC-3 mode. When I press the 48V button it states Lost connection to Mbox 2. The Mbox 2 shuts down for 3 seconds and starts again for only about 2 seconds so on off and on several times until it turns off completely. It can't draw enough power from my Powerbook to run the phantom power. I have removed all other USB plug ins and 800 FW for the external hard drive and I still have the same problem. I then tried a powered hub 2.0 USB, that worked with the phantom power on! That much was true... but running it with the LE program... unfortunately that wouldn't boot up at all! I have not heard back from the digidesign techs after 4 days? I had no issues with my previous Mbox.
Jazz
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2005
Mbox
12/26, 11:53am reply
What is the best MBox for version 7 protool system
tarriii
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005
Mbox
12/26, 12:03pm reply
What older versions of "" Pro tools/MBox"" is easier to understand than version 7 with MBox2. I am using a G4 powerbook.
tarriii
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005
mbox 2 vs. mac mini
01/25, 11:35am reply
CAN THE MBOX 2 WORK ON THE MAC MINI BECAUSE I WAS THINKING ON GETTING A MAC MINI!
tha xlab
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006