Original Mbox as stand alone mic preamp

[finkbmx]

Hey, just wondering if anyone knows if its possible to use the original mbox, the one with the focusrite preamps, as a stand alone mic preamp using either the analog or digital s/pdif outputs without using pro tools. This site says it can be used this way. http://www.kellyindustries.com/compu...sign_mbox.html
Obviously a power issue exists since its bus powered but could be resolved by plugging it into a usb converter similar to the ones used to charge your ipod. Let me know if anyone has tried this or knows if its possible. Thank you.

[albee1952]

In theory, you could plug it into a powered USB hub, dial the MIX knob to DIRECT and get 2 channels going out the analog outputs.

[audiogeekzine]

The preamps on them aren't that great but might be a real cheap way to get 2 more preamps into a 002/003 etc. That is if you can find one real cheap.

good idea

[finkbmx]

I tried it yesterday and doesnt seem to work i get nothing out of any of the outputs. Ill try again once i get my studio setup.

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by finkbmx

I tried it yesterday and doesnt seem to work i get nothing out of any of the outputs. Ill try again once i get my studio setup.

If you have lights on, check the MIX knob. If you have no lights, then you have a USB/power issue. You could try plugging the Mbox into your computer and then go into hardware>device manager and tell it to NOT USE the Mbox(i.e. find the Mbox in the list of hardware>double-click to open properties and tell it DO NOT USE in current configuration)

[birddogstudios]

I got this to work by plugging my mbox 1 into a computer that was running snow leopard which isn't supported, it did not give me "usb" connectivity per the light on the front, but it did power up and I plugged in my trusty sm57, I had to set the input/playback knob to all the way 'input' and used the "line output (trs)" and it passed signal as a standalone mic pre

pretty sweet as I've heard it is the most useful doorstop ever now that avid is no longer supporting them w/ pt or as standalone units in snow leopard, now it's my focusrite mbox 1 preamp "vintage" digidesign unit

Actually, there is a way to give old Mbox1 second live with no computer connected.
All you have to do is make some modification on SMD components - one cut, one jumper around HEF4094 chip. Details:
http://www.zachpoff.com/diy-resource...tandalone-mod/
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-...-pre-hack.html
Now, powering with USB power bank you get the cheapest ever field mixer! :)