Using 1 pair of speakers to monitor PT and non-PT stuff

[Vogger]

Good evening,

I am currently working with a Digi001 and a G4 (!), but I am about to buy a new Mac and a new Digidesign interface (Digi003 rack or MBox 2 Pro). Currently I listen to all my Mac output -- Pro Tools or iTunes or internet or whatever -- on the same set of Alesis M1 speakers I attached to the Digi001's Monitor Out L and R; the Mac's stereo audio output (miniplug converted to 1/4"!) flows into the Digi001's "Monitor Inputs" L and R, and I toggle the "Monitor Mode" button to switch between Pro Tools audio output and Mac audio output. I noticed that that Digi003 doesn't have such dedicated Monitor inputs.

I know things have changed a lot since I bought my last Mac and PT set-up. (I feel like a man emerging from a time capsule into a strange future world.) Anyway, would someone be able to clue me in on whether they use the Digi003 or MBox 2 Pro to take audio from the Mac itself and send it to their monitors when they want to listen to something other than Pro Tools output?

Thank you so very much in advance,
Vogger

[albee1952]

Actually the 003 does have a set of AUX inputs with a button to route them to the speakers, or to inputs 7,8 so you can do the same thing you have been doing all along.

[Vogger]

Thanks Albee1952,

What about the Mbox 2 (or MBox 2 Pro)? Can Pro Tools Mac users route all their non-PT audio (internet, iTunes, etc.) through the MBox Pro and onto the studio monitors the same way one would do this via the 003 rack (i.e., the way I've been doing with my Digi001 since '02)?

Also, how does any such non-PT audio get into the 003 rack unit or MBox, etc.? That is, does the non-PT audio (presumably being piped in from the audio output [miniplug] jack on the back of the Mac) take up two whole analog audio inputs, or does it fly in via the Firewire?

Thanks in advance,

Vogger

[albee1952]

None of the Mbox products have the extra inputs(although you can patch the computer audio out into the Mbox inputs 1&2 and set the mix knob to "input"). There is supposed to be core audio drivers that allow the Mbox to be seen as a soundcard but these do not always work correctly(according to my DUC reading). That setup can also cause problems with "hardware in use by other program" kind of messages(Mac users please correct me if this is not accurate). Simply running a mini plug cable to 2x quarter inch into the Aux inputs on the 003, allows for you to push a single button and hear all computer sounds directly thru your speakers that are fed from the 003(without opeing protools). If Mbox is your preference, you can get a source/monitor selector like the Samson C-Control(cheapest at $99), Mackie Big Knob (better at $349) or the Presonus Central Station(way better at $450). Prices are estimates and used can save you money for sure.

[Slim Shady]

Mackie Big Knob! Couldn't live without mine. Plus, everyone who comes over asks about my big ol' knob.

[Phil Ogden]

Mackie Big Knob! Couldn't live without mine. Plus, everyone who comes over asks about my big ol' knob.

Which could be a blessing or a curse depending on who's asking !!!!!!!!!