Do I need an Mbox with PT10 and an iMac?

[CRD]

I just got a used mid 08 iMac with Lion, or Mountain Lion, not sure. In any case, the last time I used PT, it was on Windows and I needed an mbox. I was told that with PT10 that was no longer the case, I also heard something about Core Audio. Will I be able to record vocal tracks and instrumental tracks without plugging in to an mbox? With Core Audio? I am a newbie so specifics are appreciated.

[Phil Ogden]

Correct. With PT10 an Avid interface is no longer mandatory. Any I/O that supports Core Audio should work.

[CRD]

Thank you Mr. Ogden. Do you know of a list of supported I/O's?

[Darryl Ramm]

Originally Posted by CRD

Thank you Mr. Ogden. Do you know of a list of supported I/O's?

There is no list. Any interface that supports Core Audio is supposed to work. Start by working on what exact inputs and outputs you need and your price range. there are many to choose from. A benefit of purchasing an Mbox Pro or Eleven rack is they are bundled with Pro Tools 10.

[CRD]

Mr. Ramm by inputs and outputs, simply, you are referring to the mic, or the cord? Right? Forgive my ignorance, I am usually the person behind the mic and not the 'Mac' or boards.

[nst7]

He means how many mic inputs, how many line inputs, how many sources do you need to record at one time. Some interfaces only have 2 inputs, some have a lot more. If we knew how many you need, we could suggest some interfaces for you that have the right amount of inputs.

[Darryl Ramm]

Yep lots of things to think about.

Your budget. How many Mic inputs, how many instrument DI (aka direct input for guitar/bass) inputs, how many line level inputs, how many SPDIF, how many ADAT, inputs etc. How many line level outputs (for speakers/monitors or headphone cue mixes via headphone amps, or reamping guitar and bass tracks) or built in headphone outs. Do you need any insert loops in the mic preamp for outboard hardware gear (e.g. compressors). Do you need low/zero latency hardware monitoring support in the interface (to give zero/low latency monitoring for artists). Do you need/want to be able to sweeten those zero/low latency monitoring with in-the-interface-box effects like reverb? Do you want Firewire or USB or Thunderbolt for the bus interface? How good is the audio quality of the interface/preamps/converters etc.? What is the vendors support like... especially keeping drivers current with new OS releases. And so on.

Darryl