Question about the Mbox

[darkshadow54321]

Hello my recording buddies,

I think I'm going to invest in an Mbox or Mbox 2 to be able to record something of decent quality. Now, which of the two should I get? Are there new features in the Mbox2 that make it superior to the original?

Also, do I need a proper soundcard if I use the Mbox? It plugs into the computer by USB, so do I even need an audio card? If so, which would be a nice compliment to the Mbox?

Finally, is there a better solution than the Mbox for a similar amount of money (or slightly more)? I want some amateur/pro quality recordings... Will the Mbox get me there?

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Question about the Mbox

I don't like USB for recording, I think Firewire is better. M-Audio makes some good boxes, you will need a Mac with Firewire port or a PC with a Firewire card.

 

[Rich_T]

Re: Question about the Mbox

USB recording products are no better or worse to Firewire, just different.

I use the M-Box with a Mac Powerbook G4. I really like it as a starter setup. I havent tried the M-Box 2, but its not that different really, and im sure you can pick up the original for next to nothing now, so thats probably your best bet.

You dont need a special soundcard for it, the M-Box is acting as the soundcard, just plug in and go!

 

[vinterland]

Re: Question about the Mbox

I don't like USB for recording, I think Firewire is better. M-Audio makes some good boxes, you will need a Mac with Firewire port or a PC with a Firewire card.

????????????????????????????????

Please do not listen to the quote above as USB is just fine. The mbox runs USB and the sound input and output runs through the mbox. You can use the headphone jack or you can hook up some monitors to listen to playback.

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Question about the Mbox

????????????????????????????????

Please do not listen to the quote above as USB is just fine. The mbox runs USB and the sound input and output runs through the mbox. You can use the headphone jack or you can hook up some monitors to listen to playback.

I've had both and in "my" own experience Firewire has been better - how's that. I really don't care what you buy. :laugh2:

 

[vinterland]

Re: Question about the Mbox

I've had both and in "my" own experience Firewire has been better - how's that. I really don't care what you buy. :laugh2:

How could it possibly be better? Its not like using USB or Firewire is going to make a difference in sound. All it does is transfer 1's and 0's to the computer. Maybe you just like more interfaces that use firewire and not usb. That doesn't mean firewire is better.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Question about the Mbox

How could it possibly be better? Its not like using USB or Firewire is going to make a difference in sound. All it does is transfer 1's and 0's to the computer. Maybe you just like more interfaces that use firewire and not usb. That doesn't mean firewire is better.

Correct.

Firewire has a transfer rate of 400 MBits/sec. USB2 (the MBox and MBox2 use this) is 480 MBits/sec. If anything, USB would be the better choice to reduce latency, but they are so close that in practice it makes very little difference. I have an external hard drive that can be hooked up either way, and I never notice a difference in speed.

The only reason I can imagine Firewire being better is that most people have their mouse, keyboard, etc on USB as well, which would tie up the USB BUS a bit ... but if you have the MBox on a seperate port (which DigiDesign recommends) it's a non-issue.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Question about the Mbox

Hello my recording buddies,

I think I'm going to invest in an Mbox or Mbox 2 to be able to record something of decent quality. Now, which of the two should I get? Are there new features in the Mbox2 that make it superior to the original?

There are a few minor differences, but the real big one is that the MBox2 has MIDI input as well. That alone makes it a better buy. Even if you don't need one now, someday you may want a MIDI interface for sequencing or using software synths, and you will have to fork over an extra $50 - 100 for a stand-alone MIDI module.

Also, do I need a proper soundcard if I use the Mbox? It plugs into the computer by USB, so do I even need an audio card? If so, which would be a nice compliment to the Mbox?

No additional sound card needed for recording, however the MBox functions poorly as the sound unit for gaming, mp3's, etc. Use the standard sound unit that came with your computer for those things.

Finally, is there a better solution than the Mbox for a similar amount of money (or slightly more)? I want some amateur/pro quality recordings... Will the Mbox get me there?

The MBox is the best available right now for what you're looking for IMO. Its main advantage over the competition is that it uses ProTools software, which is the industry standard in the professional world. Not only will you learn recording on the same system the pros use, you will also be able to take your work to/from a "real" studio if you ever need one.

 

[St_Genesius]

Re: Question about the Mbox

My understanding is that the latest revision of Firewire is actually faster than USB 2.0, but I have difficulty imaganing that either would be functionally superior to the other in any home recording scenario I can envision. They both pass more than enough information quickly enough that you should be fine.

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Question about the Mbox

How could it possibly be better? Its not like using USB or Firewire is going to make a difference in sound. All it does is transfer 1's and 0's to the computer. Maybe you just like more interfaces that use firewire and not usb. That doesn't mean firewire is better.

I run two systems one in the studio and one for off site recording. I have had problems with USB recording devices I have "not" had problems with firewire devices. You're right I mispoke it doesn't mean one is better than the other just my own experience.