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Digidesign MBox Audio Interface (Macintosh and Windows)
2 analog inputs and outputs. 24-bit stereo S/PDIF digital I/O. 2 analog TRS inserts. Headphone output with dedicated volume control. 0-latency monitoring. 100% USB powered. Pro Tools 6.4 LE software.
"MBox: almost perfect for laptop recording."
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:OK, no master volume or MIDI, but for its size it has enough punch for on-location recording. The inserts are stellar. I use 'em all the time for compression. USB-powered! There are many other similar units for much less, but the Mbox comes with Pro Tools. Ironically, Digidesign released Core Audio drivers for OSX, and now I use the Mbox primarily with Logic Platinum 6.
Quality:
Excellent quality device. Very sturdy and road-worthy. My biggest caveat? It is funny-shaped and doesn't pack well.
Value:
If you don't need or want Pro Tools, there are many other less-expensive products in this category. The Focusrite preamps are nice, but the competitors' preamps are probably just as good. Pro Tools LE is OK, as a scaled-down version of the TDM software, but compared to Logic, PTLE is not that great. The Mbox needs to be plugged in to open Pro Tools. Oftentimes I need to edit music out in the field, and can't always carry the Mbox with me. That's one of many reasons why I prefer Logic.
Desirability:
The Mbox is very popular and has the blessing of pros who use it to record in the field, then finish their projects in the studio.
Sound:
Phantom power and Focusrite preamps in this small package offer great, clean sonic quality.
Overall:
I expect to keep this product for a long time. I use it professionally and although the Core Audio driver for OSX has bugs, once that is cleared up in future releases the Mbox will just about be perfect. Again, if not for Pro Tools, I would have bought a lower-priced competitor. But the Mbox offers Pro Tools at the lowest possible price. Any serious audio engineer should know Pro Tools.
"mbox- but it!"
Feature:
the box is well thought out - inserts on both channels, mono sum switch, hi-impedance inputs as well as mic/line. i wish it had word clock in as well as optical for adat (it wouldn't have been hard to put in full 8 channel adat in- i certainly would've paid more for that!), and midi- tho usb midi converters are very inexpensive to add-on, it would've been handy, tho the lack of these things don't mean it's not a great box. i also wish it were possible to use the mic pres in conjunction with the 001! however, it succeeds where it was meant to- as a high quality stereo breakout box for pro tools.
Quality:
it's plastic to be sure- but it seems to be very solid. there's no play or scratch in the pots, mic cables 'click' in with a nice tight connect... i've used this little box (along with a g3 ibook) to record numerous live shows (rock/jazz/chamber/ect) and it seems to be completely durable. i wouldn't throw it around anymore than i'd throw around my schoeps mics (tho the mbox could probably take it better than the mics!)- with the normal amount of care a recording engineer takes with all his/her gear, i suspect it'll last many years.
Value:
$500 for two class a preamps, and a/d & d/a converters is not such a high price. BUT! throw in pro tools 5.1 and 6 for that same price, and it becomes an outstanding deal!
Desirability:
the design of the box is super cool- i think it looks even cooler with the glyph 'm-drive' next to it!
Sound:
the a/d converters are excellent, and the preamps are very good- much better than the pres on a mackie/spirit/yamaha, for example. acoustic instruments and vocals (which are acoustic instruments, after all!) really shine thru this box- i also own the digi001, and i can testify that the mbox is sonically superior right out of the box. by making the front end hi quality, it's easy to get great results... tho it will also require good mics, good mic technique, good mixing, ect, which is up to the user.
Support:
digidesign is VERY professional in their support- if you can't find the info you need on the huge database at the web site, the phone and e-mail responses are very fast and knowedgeable- every digidesign tech i've dealt with seems to know everything i've inquired about w/out having to 'get back to me'.
Overall:
this isn't the cheapest way to get into pro tools- the audio media card is cheaper, and gives you four channels i/o vs. the mbox's 2... but the mbox's quality inputs actually make it cheaper (unless you have hi-end micpres and external a/d converters already- for example, say you have art's two channel micpre unit, the one with onboard a/d. it's around $250, so the audiomedia + art unit is now more expensive than the mbox. not only that, but the art mic pres blow grits compared to the mboxes, not to mention the art a/d are pretty dodgy too. in short, the mbox is cheaper/better.)!
the box is well thought out - inserts on both channels, mono sum switch, hi-impedance inputs as well as mic/line. i wish it had word clock in as well as optical for adat (it wouldn't have been hard to put in full 8 channel adat in- i certainly would've paid more for that!), and midi- tho usb midi converters are very inexpensive to add-on, it would've been handy, tho the lack of these things don't mean it's not a great box. i also wish it were possible to use the mic pres in conjunction with the 001! however, it succeeds where it was meant to- as a high quality stereo breakout box for pro tools.
Quality:
it's plastic to be sure- but it seems to be very solid. there's no play or scratch in the pots, mic cables 'click' in with a nice tight connect... i've used this little box (along with a g3 ibook) to record numerous live shows (rock/jazz/chamber/ect) and it seems to be completely durable. i wouldn't throw it around anymore than i'd throw around my schoeps mics (tho the mbox could probably take it better than the mics!)- with the normal amount of care a recording engineer takes with all his/her gear, i suspect it'll last many years.
Value:
$500 for two class a preamps, and a/d & d/a converters is not such a high price. BUT! throw in pro tools 5.1 and 6 for that same price, and it becomes an outstanding deal!
Desirability:
the design of the box is super cool- i think it looks even cooler with the glyph 'm-drive' next to it!
Sound:
the a/d converters are excellent, and the preamps are very good- much better than the pres on a mackie/spirit/yamaha, for example. acoustic instruments and vocals (which are acoustic instruments, after all!) really shine thru this box- i also own the digi001, and i can testify that the mbox is sonically superior right out of the box. by making the front end hi quality, it's easy to get great results... tho it will also require good mics, good mic technique, good mixing, ect, which is up to the user.
Support:
digidesign is VERY professional in their support- if you can't find the info you need on the huge database at the web site, the phone and e-mail responses are very fast and knowedgeable- every digidesign tech i've dealt with seems to know everything i've inquired about w/out having to 'get back to me'.
Overall:
this isn't the cheapest way to get into pro tools- the audio media card is cheaper, and gives you four channels i/o vs. the mbox's 2... but the mbox's quality inputs actually make it cheaper (unless you have hi-end micpres and external a/d converters already- for example, say you have art's two channel micpre unit, the one with onboard a/d. it's around $250, so the audiomedia + art unit is now more expensive than the mbox. not only that, but the art mic pres blow grits compared to the mboxes, not to mention the art a/d are pretty dodgy too. in short, the mbox is cheaper/better.)!
"mbox hitmaker with ease"
Feature:
It's got everything you need. If you need more inputs that another story all-together, but if 2 inputs at one time is all you need, there's 32 tracks and loads of limiters/effects. Don't NOT use them.
Quality:
I won an award and was voted a fan favorite on the websites I posted the music made from this tiny powerhouse. Make sure you have a good computer.
Value:
What do you want for a few hundred! This thing replaces thousands in gear. If you are a songwriter, you need one.
Desirability:
Its' so simple yet you can do so much inside this le world.
Sound:
Use all you've got when you mix. Set up your compressors, and always use the dither on the master channel when mixing down. Hit it with everything in the box to make it come to life. That's why the stuff is in there to be used. If you don't have a clue on how recording works, that's what you need to find out and overcome. Don't blame this box if your tracks don't sound right. It's the person using it, not just the box.
Ease of Use:
Very easy to use. I never give anything a 10. 9 is a 10 for me. Yes, there is a learning curve unless you know your way around a pro studio. Don't be affraid to use everything it's got!
Support:
Never needed it.
Overall:
I can not think of a better tool for the home songwriter.
It's got everything you need. If you need more inputs that another story all-together, but if 2 inputs at one time is all you need, there's 32 tracks and loads of limiters/effects. Don't NOT use them.
Quality:
I won an award and was voted a fan favorite on the websites I posted the music made from this tiny powerhouse. Make sure you have a good computer.
Value:
What do you want for a few hundred! This thing replaces thousands in gear. If you are a songwriter, you need one.
Desirability:
Its' so simple yet you can do so much inside this le world.
Sound:
Use all you've got when you mix. Set up your compressors, and always use the dither on the master channel when mixing down. Hit it with everything in the box to make it come to life. That's why the stuff is in there to be used. If you don't have a clue on how recording works, that's what you need to find out and overcome. Don't blame this box if your tracks don't sound right. It's the person using it, not just the box.
Ease of Use:
Very easy to use. I never give anything a 10. 9 is a 10 for me. Yes, there is a learning curve unless you know your way around a pro studio. Don't be affraid to use everything it's got!
Support:
Never needed it.
Overall:
I can not think of a better tool for the home songwriter.
"Great Tool. I'm Satisfied. Limited i/o"
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:FocusRite plugins. 24 + 16 bit. 44.1+ 48kHz. S/PDIF digital out for DAT. 2 XLR plugins. very basic and compact, high quality setup.
Quality:
No Problems so far have owned for about year. Good quality. What worries me is the connectors and the plugins/sleeves of all the equipment after unplugin and repluging everything= not enough i/o. basically a mic and a instrument. 2 speakers type setup. Still made well
Value:
i think for $400-500 its a great value for a beginer or anyone with a hobby or a need for a basic semi-pro set-up.
Desirability:
Its small and it doesn't take much space on my desktop. kinda plasticy-looking but not bad.
Sound:
(MAC version) It's not analog of course so its not the absolute best for music (unless you get a analog filter $$). But still the quality is extremly good. I take sound classes for film and everything in film is done in Protools and is considered Protools-quality. Used with Wave Plug-Ins alot things are possible. the FocusRite plugins that accompany the bundle work fine and are a steal for the combo.
Support:
i think i was on one of digi designs caller lines for maybe 30-40 minutes just to ask a question. There hours are limited and i'm pretty sure gotta pay for the call (not toll free).
Overall:
I'm a Mac user and I use a couple different work stations and my own home setup and I have seldom problems and whenever the was they were major like the computer crashed. I put ProTool's sound software on par with what Photoshop is to Image software. If your a dj producer/musician or sound mixer/designer in need of a small computer based setup its a good quality option or a solid price.
"Beats the hell out of a 4-track"
Feature:
Almost everything you could need for a box like this, i just wish it had midi i/o. once you figure out how to deal with latency with the mix knob and proper buffer settings, it ceases to be an issue. i also dislike the fact that if you plug into the back headphone jack it disables the front.
Quality:
Seems very sturdy. it travels a lot in my backpack, and has yet to show any wear and tear.
Value:
the real "value" here is the software. the box itself isn't amazing by any means, but what it does, it does pretty well. it's 2 in/2 out. no if's and's or but's about it. main outs mirror the headphones, etc. but you can record in stereo, it has good, quiet pre's, and Pro Tools LE is 24 tracks, and the plug-ins as good as your computer will let it be. considering the price of some small harddisk all-in-one units, and the plug-in availabilty for pro tools, it's well worth the money. it's mobility is great too.
Desirability:
um.....yeah.......it's a blue and off-white box with 4 knobs and some buttons....you decide.
Sound:
Pre's are good, but i do have to get the gain up there (3 O'Clock-ish) to run some of the mic's and instruments i've used with it. the A/D/A conversion is great for the price. i've been actually recording an album using the scratch-track to massive overdubs method, and it's working great....slow going, but great nonetheless. very clear sounding through and through.
Support:
lost my registration number, and digidesign was right on top of it for getting me another copy.
Overall:
If i lost it, i'd probably replace it, maybe save up for an 002 rack so i could have more inputs and midi I/O. I chose the mbox because i can lay down ideas at home, and then take them to just about any studio in the world and drop the sessions right in.
Almost everything you could need for a box like this, i just wish it had midi i/o. once you figure out how to deal with latency with the mix knob and proper buffer settings, it ceases to be an issue. i also dislike the fact that if you plug into the back headphone jack it disables the front.
Quality:
Seems very sturdy. it travels a lot in my backpack, and has yet to show any wear and tear.
Value:
the real "value" here is the software. the box itself isn't amazing by any means, but what it does, it does pretty well. it's 2 in/2 out. no if's and's or but's about it. main outs mirror the headphones, etc. but you can record in stereo, it has good, quiet pre's, and Pro Tools LE is 24 tracks, and the plug-ins as good as your computer will let it be. considering the price of some small harddisk all-in-one units, and the plug-in availabilty for pro tools, it's well worth the money. it's mobility is great too.
Desirability:
um.....yeah.......it's a blue and off-white box with 4 knobs and some buttons....you decide.
Sound:
Pre's are good, but i do have to get the gain up there (3 O'Clock-ish) to run some of the mic's and instruments i've used with it. the A/D/A conversion is great for the price. i've been actually recording an album using the scratch-track to massive overdubs method, and it's working great....slow going, but great nonetheless. very clear sounding through and through.
Support:
lost my registration number, and digidesign was right on top of it for getting me another copy.
Overall:
If i lost it, i'd probably replace it, maybe save up for an 002 rack so i could have more inputs and midi I/O. I chose the mbox because i can lay down ideas at home, and then take them to just about any studio in the world and drop the sessions right in.
Digidesign MBox Audio Interface (Macintosh and Windows)Customer Review
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Quality:it hasnt broke yet.
Sound:
i just bought it not too long ago, but so far so good. i produce beats with a drum machine ive been using for a while along with the software that the m-box came with. then i add some turntablism to whatever i create. works like a charm with my mackie control universal. i never really do any live recording besides with my turntables so the two inputs works fine for me. i can see how others would need more though.
Support:
no need to call them yet, knock on wood.
Overall:
i imagine i'll use this thing until it breaks, or i all of a sudden switch to recording live bands.
"A memory hog that is way to complicated and unstable for the simple recording I want to do."
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:The pro tools software seems to have numerous tools, but for basic live voice recording its overly complicated. I am responsible for recording our church services and the previous guy purchased this system. He never figured out, and it took my several months to get it right.
Quality:
Seems to be well made. No problems w/ hardware in 1st year
Value:
I think for our application (live voice recording) we could have purchased something else for less that would work better.
Sound:
Sound quality seems very good.
Support:
I actually had good experience w/ tech support. However, if you go to their website they only gaurantee like 4 windows machines that it will work with. The overall system is a memory hog, and fairly unstable. (they do recommend having a dedicated hard drive for recording, which I imagine would help w/ stability)
Overall:
I have already started to look for something more stable for our application
"Great if your a single musician but not for multi tracking bands"
Feature:
pro tools rules
Quality:
made extremely well
Value:
good value but only if your single musician
Desirability:
good box wish it did more .....kinda like a real sex life haha
Sound:
great sound but has some play back and latency issues at times
Overall:
already searching for the Digi 001 or Digi 002 ...yup wasted 3 months trying to get it to do what the books say it can do (they DO NOT say that it CANNOT play back and record at same time)
pro tools rules
Quality:
made extremely well
Value:
good value but only if your single musician
Desirability:
good box wish it did more .....kinda like a real sex life haha
Sound:
great sound but has some play back and latency issues at times
Overall:
already searching for the Digi 001 or Digi 002 ...yup wasted 3 months trying to get it to do what the books say it can do (they DO NOT say that it CANNOT play back and record at same time)
"Little Big Guy"
Feature:
I also record live instruments and they sound great
Value:
It's worth it's price.
Desirability:
Looks can be deceiving and the Mbox definitely fits this category. It's small but it does more than any other program that I have used for the price. Definitely a way to get in with professional music production.
Sound:
Sounds very pro studio-like. It sounds better than I ever could've expected from something so small. Portable. I use Reason with it and the results are marvelous.
Support:
I broke my I-lok card and tried to call for a new card but I had to call several different numbers before I was told that I had to order it from the internet. It would be better if it were easier to obtain a new I-lok card but I guess everthing else was ok.
Overall:
I Rewire different programs like Reason, Project5, and Sample Tank which really expands what you can do with the Mbox. I would definitely get another one if this one was stolen. It wouldn't be the same without it.
I also record live instruments and they sound great
Value:
It's worth it's price.
Desirability:
Looks can be deceiving and the Mbox definitely fits this category. It's small but it does more than any other program that I have used for the price. Definitely a way to get in with professional music production.
Sound:
Sounds very pro studio-like. It sounds better than I ever could've expected from something so small. Portable. I use Reason with it and the results are marvelous.
Support:
I broke my I-lok card and tried to call for a new card but I had to call several different numbers before I was told that I had to order it from the internet. It would be better if it were easier to obtain a new I-lok card but I guess everthing else was ok.
Overall:
I Rewire different programs like Reason, Project5, and Sample Tank which really expands what you can do with the Mbox. I would definitely get another one if this one was stolen. It wouldn't be the same without it.
Digidesign MBox Audio Interface (Macintosh and Windows)Customer Review
Feature:
I Love the editing on this software very easy to use I can`t what to get home and mix Songs
Quality:
Very reliable Headphone jack could be better/ two volume control would be nice
I Love the editing on this software very easy to use I can`t what to get home and mix Songs
Quality:
Very reliable Headphone jack could be better/ two volume control would be nice
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