Mbox Basics
Mbox, Digidesign's Pro Tools LE-based portable micro studio, offers novices and pros alike command of any project and full session compatibility with other Pro Tools systems, from Digi 001 to Pro Tools|HD. In addition, Mbox features a Pro Tools LE-based interface inspired by the same award-winning software used by professionals worldwide. With its spectrum of features, Mbox — our most inexpensive Pro Tools LE product — works hand in hand with your creativity to bring your ideas to life.
The Essentials
Mbox is a full-featured, USB-powered studio-in-a-box that works with your
Window XP- or Mac OS X-based computer to give you a compact, portable,
professional-quality audio production system. Comprised of a small, upright
I/O unit and featuring two Focusrite mic preamps, Mbox works in conjunction
with your computer and your Pro Tools LE software to provide the firepower
necessary for quality results. Complementing Mbox's analog and digital
I/O, Pro Tools LE software offers 32 tracks of simultaneous record and
playback, 128 virtual tracks, 256 MIDI tracks, and a host of additional
features. As with all Pro Tools systems, it also ships with a variety
of free bundled software tools and plug-ins. From beginning to end, Mbox
places you in an ideal position to realize any project.
Enhancers
While Mbox is fully functional in and of itself, many products are available
to increase the scope and performance of your Mbox-based Pro Tools LE
environment. High-powered RTAS (real-time) and AudioSuite (file-based)
plug-ins, designed and built by Digidesign and our Development Partners,
are available for virtually every signal processing, sound design, and
specialized editing purpose. These software applications work in conjunction
with Pro Tools LE in both non- and real-time formats, emulating and often
improving upon the hardware counterparts that they frequently emulate.
The addition of a FireWire drive is also a wise choice, improving the
performance of your system by virtue of increased throughput and data
transfer speeds. And you always have access to upgrades and updates to
Pro Tools LE software, typically available for free to registered users,
as we continue to develop new ways of improving your Pro Tools experience.
Digi 002 Rack System Overview
Each Digi 002 Rack system includes Pro Tools LE software,
a host of DigiRack plug-ins, the Music Production Enhancement Suite and
the recently integrated Free Bomb Factory plug-ins.
Digi 002 Rack is a single-box design that includes a sole FireWire (or 1394) connection to handle the exchange of information to and from your computer, so you just plug in and go. Along with the included Pro Tools LE software, Digi 002 Rack provides the means to create everything from top-notch demos to masterful DJ mixes to superb radio spots, all with 24-bit clarity and up to 96 kHz sample rate support. Its analog, digital, and MIDI capabilities enable Digi 002 Rack to handle a wide variety of I/O configurations, while dedicated monitor and headphone outputs allow you to keep a close ear on progress.
Getting your Digi 002 Rack system up and running involves a quick, simple, five-step process. First, you load your Pro Tools LE software onto your computer. Second, you connect your computer to the Digi 002 Rack with the included FireWire cable (If your PC — some Sony computers, for instance — utilizes a 4-pin FireWire port, you'll need to purchase a special 4-pin to 6-pin FireWire to make the connection). Third, you power up Digi 002 Rack. Fourth, you connect your signal sources — mics, instrument cables, patch cords, etc. — to the I/O on the back of Digi 002 Rack. Lastly, you launch Pro Tools LE software. At that point, you're ready to go.
.
Pro Tools LE Software Overview
With its matchless combination of flexibility, power, and simplicity, Pro Tools software has become the industry standard for audio production. Pro Tools software allows you to harness the power of your Digidesign hardware to move your ideas from concept to completion — all with total ease and efficiency. With its unique balance of power and simplicity, Pro Tools software is also perfectly suited to those just getting into digital audio production for the first time. Given Pro Tools accommodating nature and extensive functionality, there’s simply no other system or software like it.
Pro Tools LE software ships with Digi 002, Digi 002 Rack, and Mbox as well as all LE Factory systems. It works in tandem with LE hardware to give the home and project studio community affordable access to achieving professional results.
Whatever your experience or capacity, Pro Tools software serves as the connection between your ideas and a wide range of production options. In addition to managing the functionality of your Digidesign hardware, it furthers your possibilities by enabling you to integrate third-party hardware and software into your production environment. From ReWire support to a huge selection of professional plug-in options, Pro Tools brings your creative universe together — making the process of audio production as efficient, effective, and fun as possible.
For more detailed information on these and other systems, visit the Digidesign web site here.