MBox 2 Pro

[adam79]

I have PT 8 (I believe it's LE) on Snow Leopard. I'm currently using it with a MBox 2, but I need more than 2 inputs for simultaneous recording. I'm thinking about upgrading to the MBox 2 Pro so I can have 4 inputs to work with. Would I be able to daisy chain the MB2 and MB2 Pro so I can use 6 inputs at once (or two MBox 2). I'm aware of the MBox 2 S/PDIF input, but they aren't of use for my application. I'm basically looking for the best bang for the buck. I forget if PT 8 allows u to use third party hardware. If yes, does anyone have any recommendations on another unit that would accomplish my goal and save me some cash in the process? From what I remember, the MBox preamps are lousy, so I'm definitely not set in stone on buying/using all Avid products.

Thanks,
Adam

[jbrown7282]

Unfortunately that will not work as you can only select 1 Mbox as the playback engine... PT8 does not allow for 3rd party hardware interfaces.... Maybe a 002 with ADAT may work for multiple inputs for you but that kind of hurts the budget I imagine...

[adam79]

I was just reading that the mbox 2 pro only has two mic pres, so it wouldn't be the right fit anyways. I'll prob just save up for the PT9 crossgrade, so I can buy a third party interface with good preamps. Any recommendations? Thanks.

[jbrown7282]

I was a big Motu guy.... but with the UAD Apollo and other great interfaces out right now...I guess all you have to do is find the right one for you budget....

[adam79]

Originally Posted by jbrown7282

I was a big Motu guy.... but with the UAD Apollo and other great interfaces out right now...I guess all you have to do is find the right one for you budget....

I'd like more than anything to own one of those UAD units, but it's WAY outta my price range. I'm lookin to spend a couple hundred bucks max (ideally not having to drop the cash for the PT9 crossgrade). I would like the option to use 4 mics on the drums, but if there's a way to get a proper sound outta just 2, I'd settle. Usually u need quality mics for just a 2 mic drum setup, but I only have 2 MCA1s, a SM57 and SM87a beta. Thanks.

[Darryl Ramm]

The only Avid interface with four mic pres is the Mbox 3 Pro. And that includes Pro Tools 11 (which includes a Pro Tools 10 license as well). Personally I'd look at other options than any Avid consumer interface (largely due to poor software and customer support from Avid) but if you need to purchase an interface with 4 mic pres and Pro Tools at it's an option to consider. Otherwise Focusrite (e.g. Scarlett 18i8 ~$350), Motu, and many others have options.

If you are thinking you'll be doing lots of drum recordign in future I'd be tempted to shoot a litle higher, including interfaces with ADAT in so that you can add an ADAT preamp in future. This may only take something as low cost as an Scarlett 18i20 (~$500)... and that gets you 8 mic pres in the box as well.

[nst7]

The only crossgrade available is to PT11 (which also comes with 10), and you'll have to make sure your computer is compatible.

You might see if you can buy a used PT9 license from someone.