MBox 2 Pro – Update
We have been using our new MBox 2 Pro (Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro Factory Bundle)a little bit, and for the most part we are pretty impressed. The Pro Tools Software is where the rub comes in, but I’ll get to that in a moment.
Since I have a BUNCH of old albums that I would like to hear as MP3, I was thrilled to see that the MBox 2 Pro has a hookup right on the back for a turntable. Record into Pro Tools and then either export direct to MP3 if you own the addin (extra cost) or, since we don’t, it creates a .wav file that we then convert to MP3 with Adobe Audition, that we happen to own. Keep in mind, if you really value your time, you might be able to buy the CD’s (or individual MP3’s) online and maybe come out ahead. For me, I’m kinda cheap, so record away!
We also have mic’d some instruments and been pretty impressed. So far a piano, drums and guitar (acoustic, the electric plugs right into the MBox).
The Pro Tools software is not something you will just install and then get running intuitively. For us, we got it running on my laptop but after a few hours gave us problems. Well, read the directions which may great reference to the hardware compatibility guide. My laptop had 1.5GB of RAM, but you need to shut down most extraneous services – including the sound card, believe it or not, to really get it to run well and reliably.
Pro Tools has an 800 page PDF manual, but who has time to read all of that? A call to tech support (be prepared to hold) did answer a few questions and help get us up and running. I know there is a ton more we can do with it once we learn more about it.
I’ll try to keep you updated.
