Mbox 2 Mini x Mac OS Sierra HELP

[alicealissa]

Hello.
I am trying to set up an old Mbox 2 Mini (circa 2007 maybe) to an updated Mac OS Sierra. I have downloaded the latest and older versions of the Avid software. However, it does not connect. Are there any solutions to this issue or am I in one of those situations where I am forced to buy a new audio interface? Is would much prefer to use the old device. Worst case, is there a way to crack the software to create some kind of communication between the device and my computer? Any help would be lovely.

[VRW]

Originally Posted by alicealissa

Are there any solutions to this issue or am I in one of those situations where I am forced to buy a new audio interface?

Indeed there is no solution to make an Mbox 2 Mini work on OS Sierra.
As you might have seen already the last version of OS your model of Mbox was compatible with was OS 10.9.4 which was Mavericks! Way too long ago. Check it out again.
http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/e...2-Mini-Drivers

As for any kind of hacks you better forget it. Pro Tools is a very sensitive, picky piece of software, more than ever before, which means you will not experience any kind of satisfying performance with Pro Tools if you start manipulating any part of your system.
By the way you will have to use Pro Tools 12 on OS Sierra. No prior version of Pro Tools will work on Sierra.

As for the audio interface I would recommend you to get this little box instead of your Mbox.

https://www.thomann.de/de/focusrite_...i2_2nd_gen.htm

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 still is affordable yet offering surprisingly good audio quality as for converters and mic pres. Further it is class compliant which means just plug n play with Mac systems. No driver needed=no driver issues.

The audio quality of this interface is comparable with much more expensive boxes and it is approved with Pro Tools software.

If on the other hand only have any older version of Pro Tools and you are on a budget, you might consider another more affordable and less picky, demanding DAW like REAPER or Logic Pro X.
REAPER is a complete, fully featured, professionally useable DAW for an incredibly low price.
http://www.reaper.fm/
Logic is one of the best quality and most complete DAW on the market which always will be compatible with the latest version of OSX because it's made by Apple themselves and therefor always will be updated with any OS update.
And it's €199.- only.
http://www.apple.com/de/logic-pro/

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen. will work with each of these DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, REAPER etc) and will be a good investment indeed.
If you can afford Pro Tools 12 you will get the best DAW for audio recording but you definitely will have to double check the specs of your computer before getting Pro Tools.
Pro Tools 12 requires a certain type of processor, a minimum memory of 8-16GB Ram and one large Apple Flash drive or 2 separate 7200rpm hard drives at least.

Logic as well as REAPER will run on smaller systems as well.

Anyway the best of success to you whatever you decide to do finally.

[Goldcoast]

Hey VRW is it possible to inbox me. you seem knowledgable about pro tools. I am in the same boat as the person as in I have a mini box 2 as well. I am interested in migrating to the platform you mention on here and wanted to ask additional question.

thank you

[Ben Jenssen]

Originally Posted by VRW

Indeed there is no solution to make an Mbox 2 Mini work on OS Sierra. As you might have seen already the last version of OS your model of Mbox was compatible with was OS 10.9.4 which was Mavericks! Way too long ago.

Actually, there might be a solution. There is a 3'rd party driver:
https://www.usb-audio.com/

I used this for several years to squeeze a few more years out of an old MBox original on unsupported OS's and PT versions. Worked just fine.

Back then it cost about $50, and I was very happy with value and support.

You could demo it.

[VRW]

Originally Posted by Ben Jenssen

Actually, there might be a solution. There is a 3'rd party driver:
https://www.usb-audio.com/

I used this for several years to squeeze a few more years out of an old MBox original on unsupported OS's and PT versions. Worked just fine.

Back then it cost about $50, and I was very happy with value and support.

You could demo it.

Sure, this might be an alternative option. Yet I think I would not invest further 50-60 bucks (it goes for €60.- in Europe) in an old box which will be legacy sooner or later (more sooner than later) if I ain´t totally broke.

The Focusrite 2i2 is the by far better sounding and better working unit and the Gen2 model is a modern piece of gear, adapted for the latest generations of soft- and hardware, going for only 150 bucks.
There´s no driver needed on Mac which always is great and it´s proven to work well with the latest versions of macOS and Pro Tools.

I don´t know. It´s up to everyone themselves of course. Again, if I ain´t totally broke, so that it would be impossible to invest 100 bucks more at that time, I personally think I rather would go for the more recent,
class compliant, really good sounding little Scarlet 2i2 Gen2 than for a 3rd party driver for 60 bucks and an old Mbox.

But thats only my personal opinion of course. No harm meant!

Cheers.