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7 Comments on “Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools LE Software”

1. Carlos Nunez
   January 22nd, 2010 at 7:05 am

   I FIND THIS PRODUCT REALLY COOL. I HAVE CUT AUDIO PRODUCTION ONE THIRD OF THE TIME I USED TO SPEND WITH OTHER PROGRAMS.
   Rating: 5 / 5

2. Lee Mellott
   January 22nd, 2010 at 8:24 am

   I purchased the mbox2 with the goal of recording my daughter’s vocals and sending them to someone else to mix and master.
   
   I ordered my mbox2 in December and was disappointed to find out that the software that comes with the mbox2 Protools, had been updated but my package included the old software. As a newbie to recording this made the entire process more difficult as I had to download the new software only to discover the help file was a separate download. I emailed the company and requested updated versions of the software but they wanted a $15.00 fee despite the fact I had just purchased the product.
   
   I should be happy I got an answer via email because though the mbox2 product works ok (once you figure it out) telephone tech support is almost impossible to get.
   
   Protools (the software that comes with mbox) includes a very nice CD with instructions on how to use the box. It also includes 2 booklets. HOWEVER if you are new to the system of recording the information leaves alot to be desired. The booklets and the CD were designed for someone who knows what they are doing. The beginner trying to figure it out will most likely be at a loss.
   
   I was fortunate to find someone who walked me through the basics. I was able to achieve my objective of recording my daughter’s vocals and the results once we figured it out (which took days) were pretty good. The software does freeze up however, but usually we are able to save our work.
   
   The ability to import and export MP3 files is an additional $20 fee and though I paid the fee and have been able to import, it claims I have a demo and will not allow me to export. Calls to tech support have resulted in frustration as you go from one programmed message to another and finally get a message that says, please call back at another time as the wait time is too long..or something to that effect.
   
   If you are comfotable with recording and know what you are doing the mbox2 may be the right system for you. If you are a beginner, I would recommend purchasing a system that has clear directions and better tech support.

   PS I wrote this entire review while waiting on the phone for an mbox2 tech support person to answer a question. I have long distance included in my calling plan, thankfully as it is a long distance call. I really cannot recommend this company or it’s product due to the lack of support (not being able to get a tech support person despite numerous trys) and poor customer service (ie trying to charge for the latest software that should be free as I had just purchased it).

   UPDATE: After about 45 minutes on hold I finally got through to tech support. Matt was just outstanding at helping me with my problem and took the time to make sure my issue was resolved. So I have to say that once you do get tech support its great..He was very patient and walked me through updating the MP3 option problem I was having (due to being sent the outdated software). CHEERS To MATT for fixing my Mbox problem, And it would be great if the company would hire more fine people like Matt so tech support is better.
   
   Rating: 3 / 5

3. R. Johnson
   January 22nd, 2010 at 8:26 am

   I’ve never had any problems with my Mbox 2. It works great, the sound quality is great to my ears, and I would recommend one to a friend.

   Not sure why the reviews are so low, but it seems like Mac users are having trouble and there may have been a couple fluke lemons. However, this thing has worked flawlessly on my PC with Pro Tools.

   Digidesign’s Pro Tools is an industry standard, so it’s a good idea to learn the program! Better yet, get a device that’s designed to run Pro Tools.

   I’m just a regular musician who wanted to get my music recorded without having to worry about all this technical stuff with audio interfaces. I listened to the audio pro @ http://www.BestAudioInterface.com, and this is what was recommended for Windows users using Pro Tools. It’s Awesome!!
   Rating: 5 / 5

4. AA
   January 22nd, 2010 at 9:11 am

   I find the MBox2 to be a real mixed bag, but really the best affordable interface for people on Windows or running ProTools on Macs.

   There are 2 major software options for professional audio editing (some would dispute this, but these are the industry standards, by and large): ProTools and Logic. Having worked with both, I think Logic is the far superior program, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work on PCs, so I use ProTools LE through an MBox2 on my PC.

   PROs
   
   -The quality is really excellent. It’s a great ADC/DAC (Analog-to-Digital or Digital-to-Analog Converter) when it comes to actual sound quality. Mics are clean and output to the speakers is virtually free of any hiss or background noise. It’s really fantastic! (Less so when it goes through a mixer, in my experience, so hook directly into your monitors if you get a hiss.
   
   -Good preamps and easy controls. I’d prefer slide controls rather to knobs, personally, but Digidesign reserves those for the next model up, the far more expensive Digi 008.

   CONs
   
   -Customer service from Digidesign is awful! So, good luck if you have any issues.
   
   -There are only 2 inputs. They advertise 4, but that’s deceptive language. There are 2 mono analog inputs (mics, instruments, etc.). The other 2 are from a single stereo S/PDIF input, but that’s a digital input, which means you can’t plug in mics, instruments, etc., unless they go through a separate ADC (analog-to-digital converter) before plugging in to the MBox2. I use an Alesis io|26 to allow for additional inputs into my MBox2, but this is itself a limited solution, because that means you can’t mix the levels of the Alesis inputs separately in the ProTools software; you can only change the levels of the overall input, which must be premixed in real time from the ADC (in my case, the Alesis io|26).
   
   -The software is buggy, difficult to install, and stops playing, recording, or bouncing (which can only be done in real time!) frequently. You pretty much have to shut down almost everything on your computer, including bluetooth, wifi, etc., to have any chance of it running smoothly.
   
   -Other programs aren’t generally compatible with the MBox 2. Try playing to your monitors from iTunes, for instance, and you’ll get a mess of distorted, choppy sounds. The exception seems to be Windows Media Player, which is compatible, in my experience.

   It’s worth mentioning that others may not have the same problems as I’ve had. But it seems everyone has problems with ProTools and the Digi problems. As you get into the better quality products (HD, etc.), these substantially lessen, but the investment is huge! If you’re on a MAC, I’d recommend you go with Logic and pick whatever ADC/DAC you’d like. It’s a pity that such a great sounding converter as the MBox2 is tied to such terrible software and such a delinquent company.
   Rating: 3 / 5

5. Ms. Ruth Y. Shyu
   January 22nd, 2010 at 9:18 am

   I bought this a month ago but had trouble installing it on my Dell PC (running Windows XP.) Before I bought this, I talked to Digidesign Tech Support, and they cannot tell me for sure if the software will run on my PC. The problem seems to be that there are so many different PC’s out there (using different Intel processor chips) that Digidesign has not tested ProTools on all of them. Most of my colleagues who use ProTools are using it on MAC’s. So I decided to return the product and and wait until I can buy a MAC first.

   Also, the retailer – Electronica Direct – charged $39 for shipping (by UPS), which I thought was a little steep (I paid only $23 to ship it back by UPS with full insurance.) But they were very reasonable and courteous with processing the return.
   Rating: 3 / 5

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