MBox 2 Pro stays powered: problem?

[JackV]

YES!!! I am the happy new owner of an MBox 2 Pro. So far, I think I made a great investment. I've got one stupid "problem" though: when I switch off my computer, the MBox 2 Pro stays on (apparently firewire ports remain powered after shutdown?). Never had this happen with my (now obsolete) MBox.

So is there a secret off switch I have not yet discovered (doubt it), or is it no problem at all that the MBox 2 Pro is constantly on? Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Jack

[tele_player]

This is normal - Firewire bus power is available even with the computer turned off.

My question is - how does the Mbox Pro 2 sound? Does it work better than the Mbox, and allow a buffer setting down to 64, or even better, 32?

[LoZion]

Yes, whats the scoop, same pre/verters or...?

Cheers,

[JackV]

According to the playback setup, you can go down to a buffer size of 64. With my old MBox, I could not go lower than 512, otherwise I would get these annoying CPU overload/reduce buffer size messages (I use a lot of instrument plugins). Now, with the MBox 2 Pro, I can go down to 256 on the same sessions. I haven't tried 96 kHz yet, but at 48 kHz the sound quality is great. I have the impression that I hear more detail and depth than with the MBox, but this could also be due to the "daddy's got a new toy" feeling.

I am still puzzled by the fact that the only way to turn of power is to unplug the firewire cable. This is not very practical.


Cheers,

Jack

[tele_player]

I'd just leave it plugged in. Worst case, it's using a few watts of power.
I use a Focusrite Saffire (no power switch) with Logic, I don't even think about it.

Ideally, Digidesign has designed the unit so that when the computer is asleep or powered down, the Mbox 2 Pro shuts down everything except the Firewire ports. It's beyond most users to determine if this is the case, but I still wouldn't worry about it.

I think I'll get one of these things.

[Rock_Artist]

My iPod 3G continue charging with Macbook even after complete shutdown.

[JCBigler]

same pre/verters

not to be confused with per/verters...

[LoZion]

not to be confused with per/verters...

Ha!