MBox 3 - Lights Blinking in Sequence

[doug6501]

Hello! I'm struggling with getting my MBox 3 (not mini and not pro) installed. I've tried many of the items listed here and have had no luck.

The MBox 3 looks like it is going to turn on when it lights up. Then it waits for a second, then the lights go through a sequence blinking and following the same path. Then, it starts over. This sequence of lights continues forever.

I'm running XP SP3.

I've installed and uninstalled all available drivers multiple times.

I've tried other computers but all are giving me the same issues.

I've tried setting the power settings in the USB ports and uninstalling them and reinstalling those (then going back and making sure Windows doesn't power down those ports).

I've done all of the XP optimization options listed on the Avid site.

When I connect the unit to the computer, Windows never finds it. I've tried forcing Windows to install the drivers, but that didn't work.

Am I missing something here?

I've tried finding what the sequence of lights means throughout this board and throughout the internet but can't find what that means. I've seen multiple people fix their similar issues, but all of those didn't help me.

I have a Dell Optiflex 760 which isn't a great machine, but it runs XP really fast. But, like I said, I tried this in multiple computers and had the same issue.

Any help? Sorry if I missing something obvious!

[Shan]

What version of PT? Also, I'd advise you post us a Sandra Report so we can have a more detailed look at your system. Here is a good resource to start with:

http://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=300050

...and welcome to the forum!

Shane

[doug6501]

Sorry - I'm looking to run Pro Tools 8 LE 8.0.4.

Here is the Sandra report:

SiSoftware Sandra

ID
Host Name : 921DCCLT-7
Workgroup : MSHOME

Computer
Model : Dell OptiPlex 760
Serial Number : 864****
Chassis : Dell Space-saving
Mainboard : Dell 0M863N
Serial Number : ..CN7360*********
BIOS : Dell A03 04/29/2009
Intel vPro : 5.01.00.1167
Total Memory : 3GB DIMM DDR2

Processors
Processor : Pentium(R) Dual-Core CPU E5200 @ 2.50GHz (2C 2.5GHz, 2MB L2)
Socket/Slot : FC LGA775

Chipset
Memory Controller : Dell Q45/Q43 DRAM Controller 4x 200MHz (800MHz), 2x 3GB DIMM DDR2 800MHz 128-bit

Memory Module(s)
Memory Module : Nanya NT2GT64U8HD0BY-AD 2GB DIMM DDR2 PC2-6400U DDR2-800 (5-6-6-18 3-24-6-3)
Memory Module : Micron 16HTF25664AZ-1GAH1 2GB DIMM DDR2 PC2-8900U DDR2-1112 (5-7-7-25 4-32-8-4)
Memory Module : Micron 16HTF25664AZ-1GAH1 2GB DIMM DDR2 PC2-8900U DDR2-1112 (5-7-7-25 4-32-8-4)

Video System
Monitor/Panel : (Standard monitor types) Default Monitor
Video Adapter : \\.\DISPLAY1

Graphics Processor

Storage Devices
WDC WD800AAJS-75M0A0 (80GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, 8MB Cache) : 75GB (C:)
TSSTcorp DVD+/-RW TS-L633C (384.7MB, SATA150, DVD+-RW, CD-RW, 2MB Cache) : 367MB (D:)

Logical Storage Devices
Hard Disk (C:) : 74GB (NTFS) @ WDC WD800AAJS-75M0A0 (80GB, SATA300, 3.5", 7200rpm, 8MB Cache)
Pro Tools LE (D:) : 366MB (CDFS) @ TSSTcorp DVD+/-RW TS-L633C (384.7MB, SATA150, DVD+-RW, CD-RW, 2MB Cache)

Peripherals
LPC Hub Controller 1 : Dell LPC Interface Controller
LPC Legacy Controller 1 : T1 8D-01
Audio Device : Dell HD Audio Controller
Serial Port(s) : 2
Parallel Port(s) : 1
Disk Controller : Dell Q45/Q43 PT IDER Controller
Disk Controller : Dell 4 port SATA IDE Controller
Disk Controller : Dell 2 port SATA IDE Controller
USB Controller 1 : Dell USB UHCI Controller #4
USB Controller 2 : Dell USB UHCI Controller #5
USB Controller 3 : Dell USB UHCI Controller #6
USB Controller 4 : Dell USB EHCI Controller #2
USB Controller 5 : Dell USB UHCI Controller #1
USB Controller 6 : Dell USB UHCI Controller #2
USB Controller 7 : Dell USB UHCI Controller #3
USB Controller 8 : Dell USB EHCI Controller #1
SMBus/i2c Controller 1 : Intel ICH SMBus

Printers and Faxes
Printer : Microsoft XPS Document Writer (600x600, Colour)
Printer : Win2PDF (1440x1440, Colour)
Printer : Win2PDF (1440x1440, Colour)
Printer : Microsoft XPS Document Writer (600x600, Colour)
Printer : Microsoft Office Live Meeting 2007 Document Writer Driver (200x200)
Printer : HP Photosmart 7800 Series (1200x1200, USB, Colour)
Printer : Microsoft XPS Document Writer (600x600, Colour)

Network Services
Network Adapter : Intel(R) 82567LM-3 Gigabit Network Connection - Packet Scheduler Miniport (Ethernet, 1Gbps)

Operating System
Windows System : Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.01.2600 (Service Pack 3)
Platform Compliance : x86

[ym2149]

I had this issue after connecting two mics using phantom power without switching it off first.

Resolved by connecting the mbox to a different computer (without any drivers installed), in this case one running windows (I'm on a Mac). So, if you can find another computer to hook it up to, try that.

[doug6501]

I tried running this from my friend's computer (Mac) with the exact same Mbox and it did the same sequence of lights. We used the same USB that is hooked up to his computer. Then, when we connected his back up again, his booted up correctly.

But you mentioned connecting it to a computer that doesn't have the drivers installed.

I tried connecting this to an XP SP3 machine, Vista (64-bit though...), Windows 7 (32-bit), and now a Mac. Same issue.

I've read about the powered USB hubs solving this for some people, but I've also read that I shouldn't connect this to hubs.

Another friend mentioned a Vegas mode or diagnostic mode on his digi003 to flash all of the lights as a test. But, is there anything like this with the Mbox 3?

I'm going to try to call Avid tomorrow and see what they can help with.

[Shan]

Originally Posted by doug6501

...or diagnostic mode on his digi003 to flash all of the lights as a test. But, is there anything like this with the Mbox 3?

Try running the DigiTest application. In PT 10 it's located here:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Avid\Pro Tools\Pro Tools Utilities\DigiTest

You'll find it in a similar file path in PT 8. I'm uncertain if DigiTest can be run on the Mbox 3 though.

Shane

[nikhilmulay]

AFAIK digitest is for tdm hardware and not for the mbox. Don't know about hdx hardware though.

[Southsidemusic]

Hi

I am looking at the RAM it says 3 GB but you have 6GB un-matched RAM installled so that has to be looked at either way.

Chris

[TheBadman206]

Did you ever find a solution to the problem? I'm experiencing the same thing.

[Bill Denton]

Originally Posted by Southsidemusic

Hi

I am looking at the RAM it says 3 GB but you have 6GB un-matched RAM installled so that has to be looked at either way.

Chris

I assume you're referring to the need for 3 GB sticks...it's also calling for 2 of them...so I'm wondering why he has three slots...as you mentioned, what he's got is mismatched, and since he's on XP he can't use more than 4 GB anyway.

It also appears he's using on-board graphics, and recording to his system drive.

And, with audio interfaces, he needs to always connect them with the computer off, then turn the computer on.

But before that, he's probably going to need to uninstall Pro Tools and remove everything that is in any way connected to Pro Tools.Then, IIRC, in this instance, he should start his computer with the MBox not connected, then plug it in when the installation program tells hiim to do so.

Chris...if you don't mind, please double-check what I posted...I think it's okay, but since I'm working from memory, which ain't what it used to be, it would be good to have a second pair of eyes looking at it!