Using ProTools LE without MBox2

[fulano]

I am a relative newbie so sorry if this is a stupid question.

Once I have laid down a couple of tracks in protools (using an MBox 2), I would like to be able to go into the session later to play around with the mix using my laptop (which is the computer I also used when recording the tracks). I would like to be able to do this on a plane, in a hotel room or just sitting in my office, but I don't carry the MBox around with me. Protools won't start up without having the digidesign hardware installed. At least a screen pops up that says it can't find the digidesign hardware and asks for it to be installed.

I was hoping I could just use headphones plugged directly into my laptop to play around with adding affects and such and not have to haul the Mbox around. Is this an option at all, or am I always going to need to go through the MBOX even for mixing?

[jarrydee]

you will always need the mbox..or some other digidesign hardware, there is no other way......sorry

[fulano]

I thought that was probably the case. Thanks for the quick reply.

Seems like I remember that they sell a simple little USB device that is even a step below the MBOX mini (kind of plugs in like a little USB thumb drive). Anyone know about this? Maybe I will have to see about that option if I end up need to do this more often, so it can be more portable.

[MessianicDreams]

the best you're going to find is the Mbox 2 Micro, however this only always playback (there are no inputs) and only supports up to 24bit/48khz.

[Alexrkstr]

Originally Posted by fulano

I am a relative newbie so sorry if this is a stupid question.

Once I have laid down a couple of tracks in protools (using an MBox 2), I would like to be able to go into the session later to play around with the mix using my laptop (which is the computer I also used when recording the tracks). I would like to be able to do this on a plane, in a hotel room or just sitting in my office, but I don't carry the MBox around with me. Protools won't start up without having the digidesign hardware installed. At least a screen pops up that says it can't find the digidesign hardware and asks for it to be installed.

I was hoping I could just use headphones plugged directly into my laptop to play around with adding affects and such and not have to haul the Mbox around. Is this an option at all, or am I always going to need to go through the MBOX even for mixing?

Fulano! (De Tal!) I see you are here too!

Here are my two cents...

If you are going to use PTLE 8 go for the MBox Micro as well as the mbox if you really need to be mobile. If you do not mind carrying the 4" x 4" x 2" little box then save the money. If you already have PTLE and are upgrading even better... I got my Micro for only $204 (free shipping) from an authorized dealer on eBay (and it came with the PTLE 8).

That is your absolute best option, the truth.

Suerte!