Adding More inputs/outputs to Pro Tools LE rig

[Paintedeyes87]

So i'm in the market for getting more inputs and outputs for my pro tools rig. I was thinking of getting a presonus pre amp that i can connect to my mbox 2 via S/PDIF. I think you can do that. i'm not positive though. But I would also like to have more than just 10 channels but i don't feel like buying a mixer. Can you attach mic pre's to each other and then to the mbox like a daisy chain?

[second skin]

you won't be able to get 10 channels into an Mbox2. it maxes out at 4. 2 through the analog inputs and 2 through spdif.

even the mbox2 pro only goes to 6.

spdif is a 2 channel only format so if are to get a preamp with a built in converter you are better off sticking to something with only 2 preamps. there are lots of ways to do this. the ART DMPA or apogee mini-me are a couple of decent ways. also something like the M-audio Tampa has 2 channels of conversion built in but only one preamp which would allow you to use the second channel for the preamp of your choice.

if you want 10 channels(or more) you will have to step you to a DIGI002 or 003

[SonicAlbert]

I started off with an Mbox and then moved to a Digi 002R. I like the 002R a lot better in every respect.

[Paintedeyes87]

oh really, wow i did not know all of this. I was told mbox 2 had better pre amps than the digi 002 because it was newer. so if i wanted more channels i would need t go to atleast digi 002? hmm Thanks!

[second skin]

Originally Posted by Paintedeyes87

oh really, wow i did not know all of this. I was told mbox 2 had better pre amps than the digi 002 because it was newer. so if i wanted more channels i would need t go to atleast digi 002? hmm Thanks!

the number of preamps doesn't have anything to do with the quality of them. i'm not sure how that compares since i never had an 002. however when i got my 003r i noticed a very big difference in sound quality all around from my old mbox2 pro. not only is the conversion much better so are the preamps, in fact i find them very useable for certain things. they usually get used for non critical applications however such as extra drum inputs. i'll use other pres if i can.

as far as the number of inputs its right there in the specs with the hardware

mbox2 4 input
mbox2 pro 6 input
003/003r 18 input

[SonicAlbert]

The 003/003R was not yet available when I bought my 002R. I don't use it's preamps, so I really can't say how they sound. However, overall I'm happy with how the unit sounds otherwise.