MBox 2 Pro → Profire 2626/003R+!? Is it good or bad? Which is better?

[UltraNEO*]

Sooo.. I've decided to return my MB2Pro Factory for a complicated exchange/upgrade all due a lack of inputs

Arghh!!

Anyway, I've had originally made my choice, to upgrade(?) to the Profire 2626 audio interface because there's
more analogue inputs/pres therefore more suitable for the task in hand and more importantly, I wouldn't have
to over budget BUT as you know the software is different!!

Why is that??
Ain't they both the same company??

So...

Now, I'm thinking of going with the 003R+ but I can't help thinking are there anything I should be made aware of before I proceed?

For instance:

▶ Is the software all the same?
▶ Factory plug-ins still work?
▶ How about maximum sampling rate?
▶ Compatibility with other DAW's?
▶ Quality of the pre-amps compared to Profire 2626, better or worst?
▶ Any Pro's, Con's ? Possible hardware glitches?

Sorry for asking a bunch of questions, i don't wanna find myself in the same situation again..

Thanks for all your input

[guitar486]

My vote would be for the 2626 if you're serious about tracking. I just got one myself and the quality of the pres is way higher than the 002, i havent heard the 003 but i hear theres not a huge difference. You'll have to buy pro tools m powered and the only real differences are: lowest buffer rate is 128, no "low latency monitoring mode" (useless anyway), and, the only annoyance for me, you cant hotplug m audio firewire devices. There are few other differences between the software but what i love about the 2626 s you get 8 quality pres and can add up to 18 more via digital connections. All in all IMO the 2626 has way more bang for your buck than the 003, unless you want a control surface. Even then i might just get one seperately.

[UltraNEO*]

Originally Posted by guitar486

My vote would be for the 2626 if you're serious about tracking. I just got one myself and the quality of the pres is way higher than the 002, i havent heard the 003 but i hear theres not a huge difference. You'll have to buy pro tools m powered and the only real differences are: lowest buffer rate is 128, no "low latency monitoring mode" (useless anyway), and, the only annoyance for me, you cant hotplug m audio firewire devices. There are few other differences between the software but what i love about the 2626 s you get 8 quality pres and can add up to 18 more via digital connections. All in all IMO the 2626 has way more bang for your buck than the 003, unless you want a control surface. Even then i might just get one seperately.

Thanks for the input, you've pointed out some valid points that gotten my attention, too. Unfortunately I'm not thinking of the 003 control surface. I'm actually referring to the 003 Rack+ that offers eight pre's by default but they're not of the same specs, are they?

Looking at the specifications on the sites, both seems similar with the exception of the price (big leap!) and front inputs (nothing a patch bay can't sort out)...
So what would I be getting or not (should that be the case) with the 003 Rack+ ?

[guitar486]

Well, i havent researched it but its my understanding that the only difference with the rack+ is the 8 pres. Heard there are two monitor outs with a switch for them but im not at my computer (phone) so looking this up would be painfull... I have been extremely happy with the 2626 and another plus over the 003 is its only 1 rack space where the 003 takes 2. I dont know the max sampling rate on the 003 but the 2626 goes to 192. The other thing is it will be compatable with almst every other daw where as the 003 probably wont or will have some obscure workaround to get it working. All of your plugins will still work on m powered, you dont even have to reinstall them. In fact, you dont even have to uninstall LE. I have le and mp running on the same drive.

[UltraNEO*]

OK.. Since you seem to know a little more than me.. mind if i ask a couple of questions? (anyone can join in, more the merrier )

How you connect the audio interface to a standalone poweramp, oppose to powered monitors? Do I need a preamp between the two modules? If so, what you'd suggest? I know, in an old school studio the analgue mixer would be connected to the poweramp.. but how does it work in regards to computer based recorders/mixers?

p.s. I'll be connecting a ART SLA2 to the setup.

[guitar486]

The same way you would connect powered speakers. It would be kind of silly to need a preamp before a poweramp.

[CME]

I've not used MP, but to me the only reason I wouldn't got with MP is if you plan on doing Video, or you need the complete Toolkit. These aren't options with MP. Had MP been out when I got my 002 (It may have been but if it was it was really early and not near as many devices were available) I probably would have gone the MP route.

[pezking]

Time to chime in!

You can do video in M-Powered, you just won't be able to have timecode options.

The 003 Rack + will work absolutely fine with third party DAWs using Core Audio (or indeed ASIO in the case of Windows).

My vote would probably be with the Profire becuase you can use it in standalone mode too.

[UltraNEO*]

Originally Posted by guitar486

The same way you would connect powered speakers. It would be kind of silly to need a preamp before a poweramp.

Originally Posted by pezking

Time to chime in!

You can do video in M-Powered, you just won't be able to have timecode options.

The 003 Rack + will work absolutely fine with third party DAWs using Core Audio (or indeed ASIO in the case of Windows).

My vote would probably be with the Profire becuase you can use it in standalone mode too.

Video part is really interesting.. Something I'll need to work out!
But it's nice to know I'm not confined to PT8 LE.. :)

Ah.. Well, I just had a discussion with my supplier, they've happily authorised the exchange without additional charges *phew*
I'm gonna go with the 003R+ and swapout the software pack, it seems we both think and agree that they're the same - less hassle.

Can anyone confirm this?
Factory Bundle on MBox2Pro == Factory Bundle on 003Rack+ ?

[pezking]

You get more in the 003 Rack+ factory bundle than the Mbox 2 Pro Factory bundle.

Go to the product page, and look at the plugins which come with the products to see.