Got a new MAC Pro and want to learn PT

[trock]

Just got a new Mac Pro 8 core, 2.8, 6 gigs ram, 320 gig system drive and 3 500 gig WD 7200 rpm data drives in it

i want to learn PT and am looking at the Mbox 2, or Mbox 2 Pro. the MAC is running 10.5.6 leopard.

just to learn PT and only needing one input or 2 max can you guys tell me what the diff is in in these 2 units with a mac?

is FW really better than USB? are the pre's/AD/DA the same in both etc?

thanks for any help

tim

[Obsidian Dragon]

Other than the difference in the number of inputs and outputs between the two, the Mbox2Pro also has wordclock input and can support 88.1 khz and 96 khz sample rates with the analog inputs. My understanding is that the mic preamps are the same. Firewire is faster than USB 1.1 but for the number of inputs, this is not really a factor here. If your purpose is to learn PT and the number of inputs is adequate, the standard Mbox 2 should be fine. If you don't need the SPDIF digital inputs, you might even consider the Mbox 2 Mini. Digidesign also has the M-Powered line of less expensive M-Audio hardware and Protools M-Powered software sold separately.

[albee1952]

Pretty sure the firewire interfaces will allow a lower buffer setting for less latency(which will make overdubs and punch-ins much easier). My Mac Pro allows a buffer setting of 32 with the 002/003 interface but I am happy running at 64. The USB interfaces (Mbox and Mbox 2-NOT Pro) only go to 128 buffer which some might find a little annoying.

[Ken Burk]

I would definitely avoid m-audio. The version of ProTools is not adequate. You probably start with what you will use an then use a trade-in/trade-up later.

If you’re a registered owner* of a Digi 002®, Digi 002® Rack, Digi 001®, Mbox®, Mbox® 2, Mbox® 2 Mini, or Digi ToolBox™, you can exchange your system up to the power of 003™ Factory, 003™ Rack, or 003™ Rack Factory

[barstool719]

i like having the firewire over the usb. ive used both on mac pros and swear the firewire is slightly more stable. the pre's are the same.

i also have a good use for the phono in as ive done a few vinyl transfers. (which sounds great recorded at 24bit/96kHz!)

plus, i can record a live band off the pa mix into ins 3&4, and run audience mics into 1&2.

if you dont really need more than 1 or 2 ins, that machine should be very stable. thing is, once you start learning, you might find a use for more ins and wish you had them.

[Obsidian Dragon]

Originally Posted by Ken Burk

I would definitely avoid m-audio. The version of ProTools is not adequate.

What is not adequate with Protools M-Powered? It's the same software with support for different interfaces and minus the capability for adding DV Toolkit. Now if your referring to the hardware being inferior, I understand but the software is basically the same as Protools LE under the hood. I'm a LE user so maybe I'm missing something that M-Powered can't do. I'd be interested in knowing what that is.

[gruddlebug]

Hello,

The M-Audio / M-Powered setup has a minimum buffer setting of 128, whereas LE can go to 32, may be an issue to some?

evs