Mbox 2 is a next-generation USB-powered audio/MIDI production system that builds on the performance and simplicity of the original Mbox -- Digidesign's most popular personal studio system ever. Featuring a wide range of connection options, including analog, digital, and MIDI I/O, Mbox 2 delivers professional performance in an incredibly compact package. Mbox 2 also includes award-winning, easy-to-use Pro Tools LE software, which offers many of the same features that top studios rely on to produce Grammy-winning albums and Academy Award-winning film sound. Projects created with Mbox 2 and Pro Tools LE software also open on Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools M-Powered systems -- providing instant compatibility with countless Pro Tools-equipped project and professional studio around the globe.
Note: Free Upgrade to ProTools LE Version 8!
Anyone who receives 7.4.2 since October 3rd gets a free upgrade to version 8 (now shipping) as a free download. Version 8 features a gorgeous new interface, dozens of new plug-ins, five new virtual instruments and more!
The Essentials
Mbox 2 is a full-featured, USB-powered studio-in-a-box that works with your Window XP- or Mac OS X-based computer to give you a compact, portable, professional-quality audio production system. With a distinctive hardware interface that delivers exceptional sound quality, Mbox 2 works in conjunction with your computer and your Pro Tools LE software to provide the creative power you need to achieve professional results. Complementing the hardware interface's analog, digital, and MIDI I/O, Pro Tools LE software offers 32 tracks of simultaneous recording and playback, 128 virtual tracks, 256 MIDI tracks, and a host of additional features. As with all Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools LE systems, Mbox 2 also ships with the Pro Tools Ignition Pack -- an impressive array of added composition and production tools to extend the power of your system. From beginning to end, Mbox 2 places you in an ideal position to realize your creative vision.
Enhancers
While Mbox 2 is a fully functional system, many additional products are available that can increase the scope and performance of your Pro Tools LE environment. High-powered RTAS (real-time) and AudioSuite (file-based) plug-ins, designed and built by Digidesign and Digidesign Development Partners, are available for virtually every signal processing, sound design, and specialized editing purpose. These plug-ins work in conjunction with Pro Tools LE in both real-time and non-real-time formats, frequently improving upon the hardware counterparts that they emulate. The addition of a FireWire drive is also a wise choice, improving the performance of your system by increasing throughput and data transfer speeds. As a registered user, you always have access to software upgrades and free updates as Digidesign continues to develop new ways of improving your Pro Tools experience.
Mbox 2 System Overview
In addition to M-Audio Torq LE DJ software and an incredible 8 GB collection of pro-quality loops from industry sound heavyweights Big Fish Audio, Pro Tools software includes a comprehensive bundle of amazing virtual instruments, effects, and utility plug-ins.
Getting your Mbox 2 system up and running involves a quick, simple, four-step process. First, load your Pro Tools LE software onto your computer. Second, connect your Mbox 2 to your computer with the provided USB cable -- this same USB connection powers your Mbox 2 and manages audio data transactions between your Mbox 2 and your computer. Third, connect your signal sources -- mics, instrument cables, patch cords, MIDI cables, etc. -- to your Mbox 2 interface. Lastly, launch Pro Tools LE software. At that point, you're ready to go. It's that simple.
Mbox 2 Factory Bundle
For added creative processing options right out of the box, Digidesign presents the Mbox 2 Factory bundle -- a complete Mbox 2 system plus a set of potent Digidesign and Bomb Factory plug-ins (a retail value of more than $1,050!) with an iLok USB Smart Key that has those plug-ins preauthorized. Mbox 2 Factory plug-ins include:
moogerfooger Analog Delay
JOEMEEK SC2 Photo Optical Compressor
JOEMEEK VC5 Meequalizer
Cosmonaut Voice
Digidesign Maxim
Overview
As a complement to the comprehensive collection of intuitive software products included with the Mbox 2 system, the hardware interface is both powerful and easy to use, featuring a distinctive external design, impressive sound quality, and extensive input and output options. Connect your MIDI module or controller, then plug your guitar or bass directly into the DI jack (without the need for an extra preamp), your keyboard or mixer into the line jack, or your mic into the XLR jack. Launch a new Pro Tools session to build and manage your project, and you're in an ideal position to create -- from beginning to end, in a fully self-contained environment. The Mbox 2 system's hardware and software interact seamlessly, offering you all the power and flexibility of a Pro Tools workstation in a results-oriented micro studio.
Features:
Award-winning Pro Tools(R) recording, editing, and mixing
48 simultaneous stereo audio tracks (expandable with Toolkit options)
Includes dozens of pro effects processing plug-ins and virtual instruments
Professional MIDI sequencing with dedicated MIDI Editor window
Integrated Score Editor based on award-winning Sibelius notation software
Full Elastic Time and Elastic Pitch to easily adjust timing and pitch on your tracks
Unique Beat Detective(TM) LE automatic groove analysis and correction tool
ReWire support for streaming you favorite applications right into Pro Tools
Support for the Digidesign C|24(TM) and Command|8(R) control surfaces
Huge selection of compatible third-party plug-ins and software options
Works on Windows and Mac computers
Technical Info
Analog Inputs -- 2
Separate source selection and gain control per channel
Mic: XLR with 48V phantom power
Mic preamp: >120 db EIN @ > 40 dB gain
Line: 1/4 in.
DI: 1/4 in.
Maximum Input: 8.7 V RMS (balanced), or +21 dBu
Analog Line Outputs -- 2
Maximum Output: +4 dBV into 1 kohm
Unbalanced output connectors
Headphone Output
Separate volume control, 1/4 in. output
> 6 mW into 50 ohm
Digital I/O
S/PDIF I/O (24-bit)
RCA jacks
Misc.
24-bit clean to/from the computer
USB type B socket (v. 1.1); cable included (does not support passive USB hubs)
Dimensions -- measured with Mbox 2 in horizontal (handle-down) configuration
Height, box: 14.9cm; with handle: 17.7cm; with handle cover: 15.6cm
Width: 22.4cm
Depth: 18.4cm (includes knobs)
Weight: 1.23 kg.
A/D
Sample Rate: 44.1, 48 kHz
Dynamic Range: 106 dB (A-weighted), 103 dB (unweighted)1,2
THD+N (line input): 0.003% (-90.4 dB) @ 1 kHz1,3
THD+N @ 40 dB gain (mic input): 0.006% (-84 dB) @ 1 kHz1
Mic EIN (unweighted): -120 dB @ 40 dB gain, 150 ohm source
Frequency Response: +0/-0.5 dB, 20 Hz - 20 kHz3
Maximum Input: +21 dBu
Input Impedance (pad off): Mic=3.5 kOhm; Line=10 kOhm; DI= >1 MOhm.
D/A
Sample Rate: 44.1, 48 kHz
Dynamic Range: 106 dB (A-weighted), 103 dB (unweighted)1,4
THD+N: 0.003% (-90.4 dB); -1 dBFS @ 1 kHz1,3
Frequency Response: +/-0.5 dB, 20 Hz -- 20 kHz3
1 Measurement made using balanced connectors
2 ADC measured -60 dBFS method with minimum gain setting
3 Measured relative to level at 1 kHz
4 Measured with digital input at -60 dBFS @ 1 kHz
System Requirements
Digidesign-qualified Windows Vista- (32-bit Business or Ultimate), Windows XP- or Mac OS X 10.5-based computer
Minimum 1 GB of RAM
DVD-ROM or equivalent optical drive for software installation
Available USB port for Mbox 2 system (USB hubs not supported)
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Digidesign products that include ProTools software cannot be returned once the manufacturer's seal has been broken. If a product is found to be defective, you must contact Digidesign customer support at 650-731-6100 to obtain a case number. If Digidesign determines that the product is defective, contact our returns department. 
