MBox2 and S/PDIF i/os

[JCBigler]

I'm about ready to purchase an MBox2. I've been trying to find the technical specs for the unit and haven't been able to fid anythig more comprehensive than the MBox2 Basics Guide. In this document, there is no mention of the S/PDIF i/o and how it works.

What I want is to be able to use the S/PDIF i/o with my Lexicon MX200 outboard reverb unit. Is it possible to use the two mic inputs, AND the S/PDIF i/o and the two main out at the same time?

Is there a more comprehensive technical document on the MBox2 that I'm just not finding?

[vocalvoodoo]

Well, I know for sure that you can use the 2 mic inputs and the s/pdif at the same time. In the MBox 2 manual, it say you can record up to 4 channels simultaneously while playing back 28.

Also, check the link below, which says, "Four simultaneous inputs and outputs with analog and digital I/O*"

http://www.protools.com/products/mbo...ms/mbox2hw.cfm

I just got the MBox 2 a couple days ago, and I'm very happy with it. All I know is that sonically, it sounds MUCH better than my Digi 001's stock pre's and converters. I also get about the same performance as my 001 in the Dave C test. Acutally, one aux track less.

001 = 32+21
MBox 2 32+20.

Athlon 64 3700+ Clawhammer
1.5 Gig cheapo ram
DFI LANParty UT nF3-250Gb
Win XP Pro sp2

[lemix]

What I want is to be able to use the S/PDIF i/o with my Lexicon MX200 outboard reverb unit. Is it possible to use the two mic inputs, AND the S/PDIF i/o and the two main out at the same time?

Yes, and the MX200 should be the clock master while recording.
happy tooling,

[JCBigler]

Well, I know for sure that you can use the 2 mic inputs and the s/pdif at the same time. In the MBox 2 manual, it say you can record up to 4 channels simultaneously while playing back 28.

Also, check the link below, which says, "Four simultaneous inputs and outputs with analog and digital I/O*"

Somehow, this isn't very encouraging.

If I have the MX200 (wich is a two channel unit) connected via S/PDIF, then I have two channels going out of Protools, and then two BACK INTO Protools, WHILE recording two from the XLR in, and sending out the main via two more out. So in essence I would have two XLR coming in, two S/PDIF comng in, two S/PDIF going out, and two mains going out.

This would be eight chanels of i/o, correct? Or am I just confused about the S/PDIF i/o?

[vocalvoodoo]

Yes, that is correct. 4 in, 4 out simulaneously.

[lemix]

Hold on for a sec..The outputs will be (if possible at all) mirrored. The same, in other words,
Think of it as a regular Mbox, with two inputs added. And that Midi port thing..
cheers,

[vocalvoodoo]

You're right lemix. The output is mirrored.

[JCBigler]

Well, I just found out this evening that this IS NOT possible on the MBox 2.

I was at the PT7 demo here in Tulsa, and cornered the Digi rep there and asked him flat out if this situaton will work. And it WON'T.

For my situation, the Mbox 2 would have to be a four-in, four-out set up. It is only a four-in, two-out. the issue is that I could send the audio to the outboard reverb unit, but I wouldn't be able to monitor it via the mains.

Well, conradulations Digi! you got me. Your Marke-techture is going to force me to upgrade to the Digi 002R (which I'm absolutely positive will be replace with a slightly better unit about a week and a half after I get the 002R)