Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Hi,

Is it possible to resurrect my very old MBox that came along with PT LE?

Ever since Windows XP upgraded to Vista, 7, 8, 10 I haven't been able to use this box.

I wish to set this up for younger children who wish to record their music on a computer and learn about the digital recording process.

Thanking you in advance for any assistance.:-)

Cheers
(I bought the MBox system in 2003 or 2004 and it came with PT LE as well as a bundle of other software)

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

2003 era...Just give up now. There are lots of modern, well supported interfaces you can purchase for a few hundred dollars from many vendors and lots of low cost DAWs to look at, including Pro Tools First. Although I would prefer other DAWs or go with full Pro Tools. Your LE licenses will not provide any upgrade discount.

For younger kids I'd be looking hard at garage band on a Mac or iPad.

Describe more what you want to do for what age groups and your budget and folks can suggest things. And what are the specs for the compute you have to use with this or are you lookin at buying a new one?

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

At this stage I cant set up a Full Pro Tools recording system (that would be ideal). The goal is for them to learn the multitrack recording process on a computer and how to record with microphones, guitars, keyboards, etc.

Are you saying that the MBox I have cannot be interfaced with any computer system or DAW so that it can record?

The Disposable world is very annoying. I really don't enjoy throwing out working equipment. I have seen plenty of affordable interfaces online and in stores, but prefer to use this MBox if possible.

thanks for your reply

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

We are talking high school students here?

You should be able to answer support/compatibility question yourself. The Mbox you have (and it unclear exactly what you have as you have not told us) is usable with any other DAW as long as there is a device driver available for it on an operating system you want to use that also supports a DAW you want to use. You can Google for Avid legacy device drivers, what Avid has available is all there on their web site. And Avid and other DAW makers have lots of doc online about what OS versions their DAWs support.

The disposable world is really just fine here. There are now much better interfaces available at relatively low cost. You should have got good use out of your gear, and if you wants to have upgrades licensing over the years to be able to use as credit towards a current Pro Tools license it would have cost you a lot more than just letting it just go. And Pro Tools 2018 offers way more than old old versions of Pro Tools LE.

So start with the objectives you are trying to achieve and get the computer and interface to support that. If you describe that in detail here, including budget folks can make suggestion. If would align any work with the compute platform the school uses, Macs or PCs (OK Chrome makes it harder...).

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Thanks. Cleared up a lot. (you need to excuse my questions because I still use an 8 track Tascam Reel to Reel recorder for some of my musical compositions:D)

Would Pro Tools 2018 interface with my MBox?
I will check out costs of the latest Pro Tools software and its compatibility with my Desk Top PC.

The students are all year 9 who are divided up into solo acts and bands etc.

cheers, thanks for the suggestions

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

I want you to work this out.... :-) but Googling "Pro Tools 2018.10 systems requirements" tells me that Pro tools 2018.10 for example runs on Windows 8.1 or Windows 10... so can you find a device driver for your old Mbox (which you still have not told us the actual model of) that runs on Windows 8.1 or Windows 10???

But again, you would only be saving say US$150 for example for a Focusrite 2i2 interface at the low end... so farnarkling around a lot here is a waste of time and effort. And the Focusrite will sound better. We don't have any idea if that will be enough interface for your needs... because you've not been clear on what those really are (how simultaneous performers? mic preamps, DI in, line in, ADAT in/out, AES/EBU In/out, line outputs (separate performed cue mix needed?), monitor control features, headphone outputs, direct monitoring features, etc. we can't even guess based on the Mbox... because we don't know the model.)?

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

The system I bought in 2003/4 was a "Mbox Version 6.4 for LE Systems on Windows XP and Mac OSX"

It's a dinosaur that I used quite often until my PC running XP decided to quit. It has been sitting in storage for about 8 years.

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

I don't think there are any drivers for the first Mbox to use in newer PT versions and we have 3-4 of the Mbox 2 and 3 and 3 Pro in a closet now and would never use any of them again as the tech and quality of them are really really bad. Why not just get a focusrite 2i2 for ex and be done with all these headaches? I have one here in a closet that someone left here a few years ago you can have free if you pay the $50 dollars or so to ship it to you from my home in sweden. Way way wayyyyyy better sounding and drivers for 2018.X aswell.

I wouldn't waste anymore time being stubborn trying to sqeeze the last out of an old Mbox 1 which wont run on any of the PT versions the past years.

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Understood. Worth a try.
(unless I can get an Computer that runs Windows XP, looks like it's a lost cause)

My main motivation was to get this MBox running on a PC or Laptop then donate it for students to use as a learning tool.

I hate throwing away gear or having stuff sitting idle in the cupboard - and in this case $795 in 2003 was a lot of cash. Worth about $1,200 today, I am sure a very good system can be set up for this sort of outlay.

Cheers

And thanks for the help and suggestions.:-)

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

If this is just a learning thing, check a local computer repair shop and see if you can find a desktop with 4 gb of RAM that can run XP and two Western Digital Caviar Black 7,200 RPM 64 mb cache drives. Do all the Avid optimizations for XP and load on PT LE 8.0.1 and see what happens.

I know there are far better interfaces and the latest PT is way better too, but this is just for diving into digital recording and he doesn't want to give up on his (old) hardware or spent a lot of money.

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Ugh now we have the tail wagging the cat. I would not put an old PC and OS in front of students unless I could avoid it. A school may have access to computers already, preferred OSes/versions etc. At least I would check. It's not only support, ideally I would pick a rough OS version the kids are used to. And ideally they should be using an Avid education discount licensing and working on recent products.

For a small fee I'll fly to Sweden pick up Christoper's 2i2 and hand carry it to Australia...

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

What sort of small fee?

I should change the title of this thread to "looking for MBox replacement for under $250"

What would be the best option for that sort of money and will it include software of some sort?

cheers

(the students will be setting this up outside of school, in a roughly made up home studio so its not part of the curriculum. It's an area of Australia is lacking resources and has poverty issues)

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Already answered that...

Get Pro Tools with an education discount... If you really want to expose them to Pro Tools.

Mbox replacement... Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. Look at the 2i2 and see if it will do what you need. Take Christopher's offer or buy one locally with no shipping/import hassles.

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Sounds like the way to go.

It appears that the MBox/Pro Tools gang were influenced by the disposable razor industry - at least in the early 2000's anyway.

cheers

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

And if Pro Tools is not necessary, Mackie has some interfaces that come with Traktion, Steinberg with Cubase LE, or an inexpensive interface with Reaper or Harrison Mixbus or even DaVinci Resolve are options, even Audacity, which is free. The amount of I/O required will dictate the size of interface to get.

Just throwing out some options other than Pro Tools, especially if you're on a tight budget.

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

I think I will take advice from "The Weed" and look into these alternatives.

many thanks.

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Leave you with this little piece of recording trivia....

A 1971 recording console from Abbey Roads Studios in London, was sold in 2017 at Bonham's Auctions for a record world price for a piece of technology £1,441,842 (beating the previous record of £718,000 paid for the Apple 1 computer in 2014)

The Pink Floyd classic album, Dark Side of the Moon was recorded on this console that had the following specifications:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
40 channels with limiter/compressor on each, 4 echo returns and 16 monitors, MK3 feature cassettes, track monitor cassettes, dual channel 16 track sync mixer, two banks of 12 pairs of microphone channels, 8 pairs of main channels to centre section, monitor level controls for tracks 1-8 on left and 9-16 on right side, Ernest Turner manufactured VU meters comprising 16 full size VU meters and approximately 50 channel VUs, quadrant radial faders by Painton, with approximately 1600 capacitors (many original), housed in the original semi-wrap-around frame made of block board with teak and mahogany veneer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

cheers

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

And just announced; The Helios console that tracked Stairway To Heaven and a boatload of other major artists of that era, is being auctioned off very soon(also a Bonhams auction):o I know what I'd like for Christmas, but Santa sure can't fit it down the chimney:-)
cheers

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Could sell for more. Many of these relics and important items are purchased by investors and speculators as well as enthusiasts and museums etc. The most expensive book ever auctioned was the Palimpsest of Archimedes - badly damaged and in fragile conditions, it sold to a private buyer for 2 million dollars plus 20% for Christie's Auctions. The Greek government (1.9 million) was out bid by a private secret bidder who donated the 1000_ year old manuscript to a University for analysis. (The buyer has only been recently identified as Jeff Bezos, head of Amazon)

There is currently a new trial on copyright lawsuit with regards to "Stairway to Heaven". It relates to a guitar section from a song written by the late Spirit guitarist Randy Wolfe. Apparently Led Zeppelin toured with Spirit in the early 1970s and Spirit were playing a song called Taurus which contained a similar guitar melody. I have heard it, and the similarity is there but only for a small fraction of the music. Interesting to see how this lawsuit progresses.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stairwa...it-2018-09-28/

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

I thought this has been going on for awhile now....

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

I believe legal action was threatened since the 1970s but didn't eventuate until about 2015. Led Zepellin won the initial legals case in 2016 but there have been legal appeals. This last appeal was upheld a few months ago and so a new trial is to be held.

The original song "Taurus" by Spirit released in 1968.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8lFJWNgowo

The question is did Purcell and Back arrive at similar melody lines several centuries ago?
There has to be a clear case of plagiarism such as the Joe Satriani and Cold Play copyright legal case that involved 3 identical chords with one chord altered slightly and the melody played in exactly the same tempo. As well as Cold Play essentially singing the lyrics in the same phrasing as Satriani's guitar solo bit. Compare Viva La Vida by ColdPlay with If I could fly by Joe Satriani.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb49QuPLuHg

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

I may go for one of the Focusrite scarlett range - the 6i6 sells for about $325 in Australia.

Browsing the internet on operational issues with Focusrite, I have found some users claiming stable operation using the MAC OS but some problems with Windows OS.

What is focusrite like with driver support and their interfaces working on Windows OS's ? Any assistance there?

Having this problem with the MBox, I dont want similar issues when Windows upgrades its OS in the future. (Although I do have access to a MAC laptop, my main PC and laptop run on Windows 10)

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Unfortunately, Focusrite's Windows drivers are hit and miss. Take a look at Steinberg or Mackie or others and see if they have enough I/O for you. Check Sweetwater and others and audio magazines for reviews only as I know you're in Oz.

Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Haha windows xp and Focusrite drivers are what made me switch to a Mac back in 2008. Horrible horrible

Hey maybe it’s better now? Maybe not. At least you can’t say that you weren’t warned

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Thanks Weed mate.
I like the Focusrite range but if they have issues with Windows drivers, I may put the purchase of the 6i6 on hold until I have looked into other options.

I prefer the Pro Tools format because I am familiar with how it works and its abilities. Also, a few of my musical friends use Pro Tools and we sometimes throw files back and forth for feedback and experimentation. I plan to buy two interfaces - one for the student's new recording studio at the school and one for my own use.

cheers

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Some companies are better than others at providing long term support for their products, drivers, add ons, accessories etc,.

I am assuming that the Focusrite interfaces, introduced the 2nd generation interfaces because of Windows stability and compatibility problems??

More research needed:confused:

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Some of the best drivers are RME. Unfortunately, their interfaces are far from inexpensive. I did have some issues after first using my UFX, but solved them. See this thread.

Re: Resurrecting Mbox PT LE (Win XP)
 

Had a quick browse of RME interfaces and as you say they are pricey high end stuff - out of my price range (at the moment:D). Impressive specs on the gear though.

I am leaning towards one of the Focusrite scarlet interfaces, but need to sort out any potential issues with running Windows/Pro Tools.

cheers