bypassing mbox 3 preamps

[Lonefse]

Can you bypass the mic preamps on the Mbox 3? Not the mini or pro...just the Mbox 3? I've read that you could through the SPDIF connections (I want to confirm this also) but was also wondering if mic > preamp XLR to Mbox XLR (since the line input is there as well) would work by not turning on the mbox preamp? Thanx in advance

[Dism]

Originally Posted by Lonefse

Can you bypass the mic preamps on the Mbox 3? Not the mini or pro...just the Mbox 3? I've read that you could through the SPDIF connections (I want to confirm this also) but was also wondering if mic > preamp XLR to Mbox XLR would work by not turning on the mbox preamp? Thanx in advance

If you're going through XLR, then you're definitely going into the preamp. There's no way to "disable" it. As far as I know, the only current MBox that allows you to go in true analog line level is the MBox Pro.

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by Dism

If you're going through XLR, then you're definitely going into the preamp. There's no way to "disable" it. As far as I know, the only current MBox that allows you to go in true analog line level is the MBox Pro.

Yes indeed. One way around this is to use the SPDIF input with something like the API A2D. Just be aware that the MIX knob has no use with the SPDIF input as it only operates on the analog inputs. There may be more options with the newer Gen 3 Mboxes and the new software that comes with them(the monitoring software, not Pro Tools).