Which gear set up would be better

[MusicalWonder]

Hello, next week I'm gonna be making a few buys. I haven't been able to use PT for a good while because my Mbox died on me. And I didn't buy anything after that cuz I was leaving for basic training and AIT for the army. But now I'm about to pick back up where I left off. And I was looking at the 003 console and rack. My main question is whats the difference if I were to get the 003 console, or the Digidesign Mbox 2 with the Control 8? Would it mostly be a hardware difference, or would there be different PT changes? So tell me ya'lls thoughts and ideas I really would appreciate it.

Thanks

Oh and I have found out that I am still sprung on PT because I was thinking about trying some other recording system but it just didn't feel right. It's like I'm a PT stalker...lol

[albee1952]

No difference in sound or features inside the program(except for Low Latency mode). The big difference in in inputs and outputs. Besides the fact that the Command8 is getting long in the tooth, the 003 family starts out with 8 analog inputs(n mic/line and 4 line only) while the Mbox2 has 2 mic/line inputs only(someone correct me as I do not own an Mbox). The Mbox2 has a SPDIF in that can accept a stereo preamp but you still will not be able to use Low Latency Mode, and the MIX knob does not function for the SPDIF input. With the 003 units, you get to use LLM on all inputs and the total inputs can be expanded to 18 by adding an 8 channel preamp with lightpipe(ADAT protocol) and a 2 channel pre via SPDIF. If you anticipate ever wanting to record a drum set or a live band, the 002/003 is a much better choice than Mbox2. If you only plan to work solo and use virtual instruments and drums, then Mbox is a decent unit and while the Command8 is a decent controller, you can run protools quite well without any controller. As far as control goes, the old 002 mixer is very similar to the COmmand8 while the new 003 mixer has a boat load of control functions on the surface so you do much less mousing around(once you learn it all).
BTW, thank you for your service to our country. There is not a more honorable job on the planet.

[MusicalWonder]

Ok, so overall the 003 console would be the best choice. Well I'll be doing solo work, groups, live and studio work.

[albee1952]

I think you are correct. The 003 has been working great for me and you can never have too many inputs! Good luck.

[Matt Whritenour]

the only thing I don't like about the 002/003 consoles is that all of your connections have to come up on your desk which can make a unsightly mess.

I like the idea better of having a 002r/003r with a command 8 this way all your wires are in a rack and you only have a power cable and usb cable coming on the desk for the control surface, I've never checked out the 003 console though so I guess it wouldn't be great to buy the command 8 if it doesn't have as many/nice features as the control surface on the 003.

[albee1952]

What unsightly mess?
http://picasaweb.google.com/albro195...85599130819170
I guess its all in how you set your gear up.