Standalone MBOX2

[audiotx]

Does anyone have a circuit diagram or knowledge how I can use an MBOX2, powered with USB but NOT connected to any computer as a simple headphone amplifier?

Due to new mixing desk we have a MBOX2 that is not used

We want to put line in, then use the MBOX just an amplifier for headphones, nothing more, no signal out via USB or digital

We have powered the MBOX2 with USB power and panel lights do come on but the unit appears dead without a computer linked to it, even though we have stored default conditions in it.

Is there firmware in the unit that at least operates the interface circuits for line in and headphone out?

What is stopping this simple function?

Many thanks for any advice/solution

[Darryl Ramm]

You can use the Mix knob to control the hardware monitoring of an analog input.... but why? A crappy old Mbox2 is likely to sound worse than a modern low cost headphone amp... and there are lots of great headphone amp/DAC combos that get you nice digital input.

[audiotx]

Thanks for your message

If you can recommend an headphone amp that would be welcome
We have discarded some modern DAC interfaces as they gave a tin like add to the sound so we are wary now

We dont want a DAC input and so far the MBOX does not function at all with just USB power and no computer -

Thanks

[The Weed]

Have a look at the Magni 3.

I have the Magni 2, which does not have the outputs. Clean, crisp and clear amplification - and lots of it. Great bang for the buck.

[Darryl Ramm]

Originally Posted by audiotx

Thanks for your message

If you can recommend an headphone amp that would be welcome
We have discarded some modern DAC interfaces as they gave a tin like add to the sound so we are wary now

We dont want a DAC input and so far the MBOX does not function at all with just USB power and no computer -

Thanks

I really like headphone amps from Meier Audio (http://www.meier-audio.homepage.t-on...amplifiers.htm), but they tend towards higher end pricing, but they have very nice cross-feed circuitry and I can't stand listening to headphone amps that don't have that. The other headphone amps I use are from Grace Design, but they are mostly DAC focused and still more expensive. There are lots of other lower-cost options, but personally...

The Mbox 2 has no stand alone mode/can't do anything with digital In or other signal routing without a DAW host, I thought the analog in hardware monitoring still worked without that (be sure to turn the mix knob fully to hardware monitoring), but maybe I'm wrong there.

[audiotx]

Many thanks for your replies