Use MBox as mic standalone mic preamp?

[voiceoverguy]

Just wondering if anyone has ever tried to use the MBox (original) as a standalone mic preamp, without it being connected to the computer. Naturally, it would have to get power from a USB cable connected to a DC power supply, but I wonder even then if would pass a signal to an analog device if Pro Tools wasn't in the loop.

No flames about this please. I ask because occasionally it would be nice to record directly to a device without the hassle of the computer and Pro Tools.

If anyone has tried this or has information, it would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Vg

[James Drake]

Haven't tried it, but it should work.

Power the Mbox with an iPod charger (just USB with power and no data). Alternatively use a powered USB hub.

Set the monitor mix pot to input and the mic pre outputs should come out of the line outs as well as the headphone out. Try it!

[voiceoverguy]

Haven't tried it, but it should work.

Power the Mbox with an iPod charger (just USB with power and no data). Alternatively use a powered USB hub.

Set the monitor mix pot to input and the mic pre outputs should come out of the line outs as well as the headphone out. Try it!

Hmmm. I applied power, and all seemed fine as it lit up the MBox. I then attached a mic, engaged phantom power on the MBox, attached headphones, rotated the knob to input, set the Mbox to Mic and... nothing. No matter what settings, no input signal was heard or noticed.

It must be the case that the MBox will simply not pass a signal unless it "sees" Pro Tools. I had high hopes.

Vg

[therecordinghouse]

this works for me with my mbox 2 and 002r. fwiw, i have them both plugged in to the same computer.

[voiceoverguy]

this works for me with my mbox 2 and 002r. fwiw, i have them both plugged in to the same computer.

You said it's plugged into a computer. My original question was about using the MBox as a standalone mic pre by applying independent via USB power and NOT having it plugged into the computer. Have you achieved this?

Vg

[therecordinghouse]

gotcha, i assumed you were going in to a computer anyway. i used the mbox to add two pres to my 002r.

[tha k man]

You said it's plugged into a computer. My original question was about using the MBox as a standalone mic pre by applying independent via USB power and NOT having it plugged into the computer. Have you achieved this?

Vg

Are you powering it with a USB hub ?

Just out of interest, have you tried taking a send from the insert on the Mic pre ?

[voiceoverguy]

Are you powering it with a USB hub ?

Just out of interest, have you tried taking a send from the insert on the Mic pre ?

[/QUOTE]

I'm powering the MBox from a wall-wart intended for powering iPods, etc. I don't think that's the problem.

The only output I tried so far is the headphone jack, which should certainly work if the MBox is passing a signal. In any case, the headphone output would be essential.

Unless someone else tries this and confirms or denies my findings (hint, hint), I have to conclude the MBox cannot be used in a standalone mode (no computer).

Vg

[Moz]

For my deeply frustration, I've found that MBox needs to plug on computer with the proper drivers installed, even without PT loaded. In order to function, I think MBox needs some digital signal in the digital rails, from a driver loaded on system boot (I'm I right?). Digidesign don't sleep on duty: they have a business to run and more hardware to sale.
Now I have a 002R and choose to sustain MBox with that purpose to, but only to struggle with my ingenuity.
Regards,
Moz
PS: Following a sugestion from this thread, I buy a iPod USB charger. Brand new, only five minutes of use. For sale at the best offer...

[audioboffin]

Try taking an output from the insert point.. it's a TRS socket with send and return on the same connector so you will have to purpose build a cable.