Upgrading from original MBox - best options?

[LSW]

Recently bought a new killer system for recording, but now I'm getting a couple of annoyances. First, I'm getting the computer noise through the speakers via the MBox, and my FaderPort won't work properly, and I am having MIDI interface issues. Furthermore, I just want more inputs.

Now, the 003 Factory seems to be the ideal, but it's pricey even with the exchange program. But, I do want all the features that it offers. What are my other options, which do you think would be best?

1. 003
2. Try to find a used 002?
3. Go with M Powered of some sort?

[albee1952]

Just an opinion here but, I would go with a used 002r and have the Black Lion Mods done to it. Having said that, I am quite happy with my 003 controller ut as you have been without a controller with the Mbox, you may not need the control functions very much. Then again, you may wonder ow you got along without them if you give it a try. The 002 controller is a lot more limited(I had it before the 003).

[LSW]

Thanks Albee - The problem I have with any of the Digi's is only 4 mic inputs. I really would like the controller, and looking at that range with the exchange, it's about the same price as the ProjectMix plus M Powered.

But, I'd rather not spend that sort of dough at this point, so looking a a used 002 rack still doesn't save me much over a new Profire plus the software - unless I can get a real good deal on the used 002, but I ebay is reporting 500 or more. Then there's the issue of the MIDI interface, which I would really like to be contained in the unit.

[albee1952]

Keep in mind that Presonus just came out with the Digimax FS (I think that's what it is called)at around $399 for 8 mic pre's with lightpipe and the Black Lion mods make the 002 units sound great. From what I have sen, as controllers, the ProjectMix and the 002 are very similar while the 003 controller is miles ahead of both. I also prefer to work in regular PT even though M-Powered is almost the same. The profire is certainly an interesting looking piece.