MBox 2 mix knob...

[pguy]

Hi Everyone,

Torn between the purchase of either a MBox 2 or an Mox 2 Pro, looking for portable simplicity but still want some good functionality and I read on a post here by Albee 1952.... He mentioned that the Mbox 2 Pro was the best quality/simplicity for the lowest price.

He said the cheaper USB Mboxes have the MIX knob but that they seem more simple but in reality, they are more complex.

He also mentioned about.... "just trying to punch in a vocal on those USB versions."

Is that not an easy thing to do with the MBox 2 and the mix knob?

He said the firewire interface of the MBox 2 Pro will allow you to record at a lower buffer which will make overdubs and punch-ins much easier and you can use an aux send on your track to give the singer some "grease."

Is this not possible on the regular MBox 2 USB?

Comments greatly appreciated.

[JMS40]

I agree with Albee...

[pguy]

Thanks JSM.

What happens with the punching in?

[JMS40]

Just more hoops to jump through... mute the track you're recording to... fiddle with the Mix knob settings, etc..

Using the Pro you can record at lower buffer rates... or even use the Low Latency mode which is not an option in the low end USB devices.

My personal opinion is that Firewire is a much more stable option for digital audio.

[pguy]

I know.

I'm just trying to get the most simplistic mobile set up without sacrificing too much in the process.

I'm trying to avoid getting the express 34 card for the other firewire connection needed for the MBox 2 Pro, with the external drive in my other firewire port, only because then you need an external power supply.

I'm trying to avoid that if possible.

[JMS40]

"the most simplistic mobile set up" really depends on your tracking needs for this system.
Number of inputs/outputs... what is the intended use?

Obviously, if you only wanted to edit/mix on the go, the Micro would be the simplest. If you're just recording guitar/vocals, one of the USB Mbox's might work well for you.
Didn't mean to completely dismiss that option... it might be a good one for you.
Just depends on your needs.

[pguy]

I really don't need all the ins and outs.

It's just me mostly with occasionally one other person, that's it.

But, I do a fair amount of punching in & over dubs, and several takes in certain areas and that business with the mix knob scares me.

I had pretty much ruled out the MBox 2 Pro and was just going to get just the MBox 2 until I read Albee's post.

Now I'm back in the sam position again.

[GTBannah]

It's just me mostly with occasionally one other person, that's it.

With the excitement of DAW recording being what it is, I would be bold enough to add "for now".

I had pretty much ruled out the MBox 2 Pro and was just going to get just the MBox 2 until I read Albee's post.

Better too much than too little, and for $200.00 you have room to grow, which I am sure you will.

[pguy]

Yep...I agree GTBannah.

I have a 003 at home in the rack only record myself.

Going mobile is new to me, which now I can with the new Macbook Pro Laptop, but, unfortunately.....I won't be doing too much recording away from home and if and when I do it will only be with one other person.

I'd just like to have the mobility available to me if I need it.

Unfortunately though.... As far as room to grow in the mobile recording department, I don't for see myself growing much as I only have two other musician friends that I only get with very infrequently... Unfortunately.