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moosers
Published on 03/16/10 at 20:01
The Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini is a compact audio interface made to run Pro Tools LE. Like all Digidesign hardware, it comes with the Pro Tools software, which of course is a major draw for getting any Digidesign audio interface. The Mbox 2 Mini has pretty basic characteristics, and none all that impressive for an audio interface, but it will get the job done for small projects and for those looking to run Pro Tools with a simple interface. The Mbox 2 Mini has only a single microphone preamplifier, a channel which also has a 1/4" TRS input as well. The pre has 48 volt phantom power and a pad, as well as a button for mic/line selection. There is also as two channel which has only a 1/4" input. There are only two 1/4" outputs for your monitors. It is a USB based interface, as it only has USB and nothing else to put this into your computer.
UTILIZATION
I have run the Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini on a simple Apple G4 desk top computer a few times at a friend's house. There isn't really anything to setting up or using the Mbox 2 Mini, as they have made it as easy as possible for just about anyone to use this in their home. We weren't getting any latency, but that really depends on your system. However, since you can only record up to two tracks at a time with this, I don't think that too many people will be having problems with latency or lagging issues, or any performance issues really...But again, this totally depends on the computer that you're running with it. A manual isn't necessary unless you're an absolute beginner and don't know anything about recording or home studios.
GETTING STARTED
The sound of the Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini in terms of the preamp, is definitely not the best by a long shot. But it doesn't sound half bad if you're just using it for simple recordings in your home as most people will be doing. It would be nice if there were two mic pres on this, but of course if you want that you can always look at the Mbox Pro or even the 002 or 003...
OVERALL OPINION
While overall this isn't my favorite interface at all, the fact that the Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini comes with Pro Tools LE, really makes it worth it. I'd recommend it for anyone who wants Pro Tools and doesn't need all that much to work with, or whom doesn't want to spend too much money. As far as getting Pro Tools LE goes, the Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini is just about the cheapest way you can do it...
UTILIZATION
I have run the Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini on a simple Apple G4 desk top computer a few times at a friend's house. There isn't really anything to setting up or using the Mbox 2 Mini, as they have made it as easy as possible for just about anyone to use this in their home. We weren't getting any latency, but that really depends on your system. However, since you can only record up to two tracks at a time with this, I don't think that too many people will be having problems with latency or lagging issues, or any performance issues really...But again, this totally depends on the computer that you're running with it. A manual isn't necessary unless you're an absolute beginner and don't know anything about recording or home studios.
GETTING STARTED
The sound of the Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini in terms of the preamp, is definitely not the best by a long shot. But it doesn't sound half bad if you're just using it for simple recordings in your home as most people will be doing. It would be nice if there were two mic pres on this, but of course if you want that you can always look at the Mbox Pro or even the 002 or 003...
OVERALL OPINION
While overall this isn't my favorite interface at all, the fact that the Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini comes with Pro Tools LE, really makes it worth it. I'd recommend it for anyone who wants Pro Tools and doesn't need all that much to work with, or whom doesn't want to spend too much money. As far as getting Pro Tools LE goes, the Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini is just about the cheapest way you can do it...