djByron [Dan Byron]husband, father, christian, musician & technophile ( but not a dj )

I currently am using the original MBox and love the thing. The portability, sound quality and ease of use is what makes it a great unit. Just plug and record! The only thing that I don’t like about the original MBox that I have, is the fact that it does not have MIDI in/out. I have to use third party hardware to provide the MIDI interface necessary for using software synths. The MBox 2 added this MIDI interface, but before I could pick one of those up I noticed somthing even better.

On my regular trip to the Digidesign website, I just saw that they’ve posted a new interface on their news they’ve dubbed the MBox 2 Pro. What does this interface have that the MBox 2 doesn’t? At first glance it looks like they’ve added better sound quality (thus “Pro” to the name). A couple of additional inputs brings the track count up from 4 to 6 (4 of which can be used as mic/line and the other two are S/PDIF). Firewire connection now replaces the antiquated USB 1.1 interface. Two stereo headphone outs as well as dedicated studio monitor outputs give you additional monitoring options. Below are the specs from the Digidesign web site.

“The Digidesign¬Æ Mbox¬Æ 2 Pro is a portable, high-definition audio/MIDI production system that delivers truly professional sound quality. Packing an impressive variety of connection options into a compact interface, Mbox 2 Pro puts powerful multitrack recording and mixing capabilities into your hands, so you can create wherever inspiration strikes. Mbox 2 Pro also includes award-winning, industry-standard Pro Tools LE‚Ñ¢ software, over 50 effects and instrument plug-ins, and the Pro Tools Ignition Pack ‚Äî a collection of powerful tools to get you started creating right away. ”

Features

• Award-winning Pro Tools LE recording, editing, and mixing software
• Comprehensive Pro Tools Ignition Pack software and audio tool collection
• Professional sound quality
• Powered by FireWire* or included power supply
• Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz resolution**
• 4 analog inputs (2 XLR/1/4‚Äù TRS combo jacks & 2 1/4‚Äù TRS jacks)
• 6 analog outputs (1/4‚Äù jacks)
• 2 instrument DI inputs on the front panel
• 2 channels of S/PDIF digital I/O (RCA)
• Built-in phono preamp input (RCA) for direct turntable connection
• 1 MIDI input and output (16 channels in/16 channels out)
• MIDI Time Stamping (MTS) support for superior timing and accuracy
• BNC Word Clock I/O
• Low-latency monitoring
• Dedicated studio monitor outputs with volume control
• 2 stereo headphone outputs with independent volume controls
• 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
• Mbox 2 Pro list price: $799 US | Mbox 2 Pro Factory list price: $899 US

* Requires 6-pin connection for power via FireWire.
** Mbox 2 Pro does not support external sync at 88.2 and 96 kHz sample rates.