I know the m-box mini mic preamp is decent but...

[chazzo03]

should i still get a outboard mic pre for better quality?

[albee1952]

My 2 cents only but I would not. The real point of the smaller Mbox interfaces is to get into protools on a budget. Proper techniques will allow for surprisingly good quality recordings. If (or when) you really feel you need better, I would step up to a better interface first. If you are digging PT, the logical direction IMHO would be either a 003 or an 002 with the Black Lion mods. Those interfaces will allow you to do a lot more due to the increased number of inputs and the ease of adding external mic pre's either on line inputs or on digital inputs.

[sw rec]

My two cents worth..browse around on Ebay and find a Joe Meek VC1Q. These things kick BUTT, not only as a mic preamp, but as a DI as well. Outstanding on electric guitars & bass. Not THAT expensive (especially the older steel-faced ones with the square VU meter) and worth every red cent. The on-board pre's can't compare.