Possible to replace the Mbox with other interface?

[Robert Mattsson]

Dear all,

I just have a little question regarding Protools LE and the Mbox. Would it be possible for me to buy another Audio Interface (ADA), lets say a Universal Audio 2192 and just replace my Mbox with it. I am using an external preamp anyway.

Or do you have to use a digi interface with Protools LE?

Cheers!

/Rob

[Avid]

Pro Tools LE software will not work without a Digidesign Pro Tools LE hardware interface connected.

[Robert Mattsson]

Thanks for your quick reply=)!

But is there a way to completely bypass the ADA converters and preamps of the Mbox, by connecting your external converter to the spdif inputs for example?

Thanks!

/Rob

[Robert Mattsson]

...or what else can I do in order to use LE together with top ADA converters? Can't afford HD Acell...

[AverageJoe]

yes, that's exactly what connecting a converter to the spdif ins will do.

I did with my 001 and it was a decent improvement.

However, on the MBox, you won't be able to use the hard bypass monitoring if you do this, so you'll have considerable latency to deal with.

[albee1952]

Sounds like a good reason to upgrade to a DIGI002.

[jlcnyc]

here's my chain:
UA LA-610 to Apogee Mini-Me (line in) for A/D conversion
Mini-Me (spdif out) to Mbox (spdif in)

Unfortunately, latency is definitely an issue. My workaround:
I route the "headphone out" from the Mini-Me into the Mackie Big Knob (best $300 I ever spent)
This allows me to monitor playback and signal (latency-free)

(a cheaper option to the Big Knob would be any inexpensive mixer. I used to use a Rolls 3 channel mixer)

My Mbox "sounds" great (especially when you put UA and Apogee in front of it!)

[Robert Mattsson]

Great news! Thanks everyone! So there is still hope...=)

So by plugging into the spdif inputs, do you bypass every stage of the digi 002? No quality degradation of the signal from the external converter? So it would just function as a big spdif to firewire/USB adaptor?

But I don't understand why there would be latency when using the mbox with an external converter. What is hard bypass? And why would passing the signal from the headphone output solve the problem?

Anyway, great news! Yes, I'll probably have to look for a second hand digi002 then...=)

Cheers,

Rob

[AverageJoe]

Great news! Thanks everyone! So there is still hope...=)

So by plugging into the spdif inputs, do you bypass every stage of the digi 002? No quality degradation of the signal from the external converter? So it would just function as a big spdif to firewire/USB adaptor?

But I don't understand why there would be latency when using the mbox with an external converter. What is hard bypass? And why would passing the signal from the headphone output solve the problem?

Anyway, great news! Yes, I'll probably have to look for a second hand digi002 then...=)

Cheers,

Rob

The latency is due to the fact that the MBox is USB.

Hard bypass is the input/playback knob on the front of the MBox which blends the playback signal with the analog input signal of the 2 MBox inputs (pre-conversion of any type, it's a hardwired connection from the in to the out). This is how you achieve latency free monitoring on the MBox. However, when using the SPDIF inputs, first yes, you are bypassing the MBox entirely (in essence) but you lose the ability to use the "input" portion of that blend knob.

So everything you hear will be w/ considerable latency. It will print in the right place, but especially with vocals, the latency will be unbearable. You'll need a solution like the one posted above.

[Robert Mattsson]