MBox2 Phono Inputs

[thumos]

Hi,

I'm using ProTools 8.04 on an OSX10.6.3 iMac with an MBox2 Pro. I'm trying to copy some recordings from my old Tascam Portastudio Porta One 4 track tape machine. I know the phono outputs on the Portastudio are good because everything works OK when I connect it to a tape or CD recorder. However, I have problems when I connect to the MBox2 Pro!

I've connected the phono outs on the Portastudio to the phono in sockets on the MBox2 Pro, but the signal level is very low and the quality of the sound is poor and muffled. I've also tried connecting the direct out phono sockets from the Portastudio to the phono inputs on the MBox2 Pro, but the signal is then too high, way off the scale, and distorted.

I can't alter anything in the OSX Audio MIDI settings because the the options for the MBox2 Pro are always greyed out. Anyone know what the problem might be? Help appreciated.

Wes

[priorytools]

Hi.
I believe those phono inputs are for decks. . Thus your level loss. .
I would suggest going in through the line inputs. . preferably 1 + 2 .

[thumos]

Originally Posted by priorytools

Hi.
I believe those phono inputs are for decks. . Thus your level loss. .
I would suggest going in through the line inputs. . preferably 1 + 2 .

I tried that already, but there's no sound at all!

[priorytools]

I take it you selected line as opposed to mic?

[thumos]

Originally Posted by priorytools

I take it you selected line as opposed to mic?

I selected every combination going, I even tried to plug the toaster in to it!!!

[priorytools]

Ok.
Let's just go back here. .

1- Are you trying to transfer all 4 tracks from the Port Studio at in one go ?
2- If so, you'll need to go from the direct outs of the port studio like this;
Port St MBox
1 > Line in 1 (on front panel select line, no pad ) trim input as desired
2 > Line in 2 (on front panel select line, no pad ) trim input as desired
3 > Aux in 3 (on front panel deselect phono so it's aux trim as desired)
4 > Aux in 4 (on front panel deselect phono so it's aux trim as desired)

The Aux in trim will be trimming you Port Studio's outs 3+4

All of these need to be on TRS jacks.

Open your I/O set up & make sure all your inputs are routed correctly. ( see manual ).
All should be good.

[thumos]

Originally Posted by priorytools

Ok.
Let's just go back here. .

1- Are you trying to transfer all 4 tracks from the Port Studio at in one go ?
2- If so, you'll need to go from the direct outs of the port studio like this;
Port St MBox
1 > Line in 1 (on front panel select line, no pad ) trim input as desired
2 > Line in 2 (on front panel select line, no pad ) trim input as desired
3 > Aux in 3 (on front panel deselect phono so it's aux trim as desired)
4 > Aux in 4 (on front panel deselect phono so it's aux trim as desired)

The Aux in trim will be trimming you Port Studio's outs 3+4

All of these need to be on TRS jacks.

Open your I/O set up & make sure all your inputs are routed correctly. ( see manual ).
All should be good.

These particular Portastudio sessions had no vocal takes, music only. So, I'm just using the phono stereo outs from the Portastudio. The direct outs from the Portastudio are also phono. I'll try a stick and a gun and see if that works.