Lots of Questions about Mbox 2 Minibundle?

[carsoste]

Hi,
I recently purchased a Pro Tools Mbox 2 Minibundle from Digidesign and I have quite a few detailed questions about it that I hope someone out there can answer. First, has anybody out there used it and have they been able to make professional sounding broadcast quality recordings with it? Secondly, can one multitrack record with it?(i.e. record voice and guitar at the same time or voice and keyboard at the same time.) Or can one only record guitar and voice or keyboard and voice separately? Thirdly, I originally bought this to record with it on a Mac, but now because of circumstances beyond my control, I will have to record with it on a Windows based laptop, probably a Dell, so does Pro Tools and the bundle work well with a Dell or other Windows based computer? Fourthly, I'm looking to buy some additional items to enhance my recordings they are a: 1. Dbx 116 L Dual Compressor/Limiter 2. Monster S-100 XLR Microphone cables 3. An external harddrive for the computer that I'm going to use. 4. A Line 6 Bass floor pod to record bass 5. A Shure SM57 dynamic microphone or an MXL 990 microphone to record guitar. So, what I need to know is are these items compatible with the Mbox 2 Minibundle? Fifthly, does one need to buy an additional microphone other than the one provided with the bundle, to record guitar or does that one work well to do that? Sixthly, since I have never used Pro Tools and am only learning it now, how well does its built in mixer work? Does it make professional quality sounding mixes? Finally, a couple of months ago someone on this site mentioned that Digidesign or Pro Tools has a website or link that allows one to check and make sure that everything one uses for recording is compatible with Pro Tools and is Digidesign approved, does anybody know the name of the website or link and if so, could you let me know what it is?
I know that this is a ton of questions, but I'm anxious to get started using my equipment don't want to make any mistakes out of ignorance before I do, so I hope that someone can answer them.
Thanks.
All the best,
Carsoste

[Alexrkstr]

Wow... lots of simple questions and answers, I'lll try to answer all:

Originally Posted by carsoste

First, has anybody out there used it and have they been able to make professional sounding broadcast quality recordings with it?

YES! People do this all the time.. next question?

Originally Posted by carsoste

Secondly, can one multitrack record with it?(i.e. record voice and guitar at the same time or voice and keyboard at the same time.) Or can one only record guitar and voice or keyboard and voice separately?

Yes. Go to a store and let them do a demo for you or search on youtube, or buy a book at B&N.

Originally Posted by carsoste

Thirdly, I originally bought this to record with it on a Mac, but now because of circumstances beyond my control, I will have to record with it on a Windows based laptop, probably a Dell, so does Pro Tools and the bundle work well with a Dell or other Windows based computer?

Check out Digidesign's compatibility charts to see if PTLE 8 (Or whatever you're getting) will work wth the operating system you have.)

Originally Posted by carsoste

Fourthly, I'm looking to buy some additional items to enhance my recordings they are a: 1. Dbx 116 L Dual Compressor/Limiter 2. Monster S-100 XLR Microphone cables 3. An external harddrive for the computer that I'm going to use. 4. A Line 6 Bass floor pod to record bass 5. A Shure SM57 dynamic microphone or an MXL 990 microphone to record guitar. So, what I need to know is are these items compatible with the Mbox 2 Minibundle?

These are recording basics.... yes fully compatible, just learn how to rig it up. Again B&N has a great home recording book selection. You will spend one hour with it and it will be more effective than asking in this forum. Then you will be up to speed with everyone else....

Originally Posted by carsoste

Fifthly, does one need to buy an additional microphone other than the one provided with the bundle, to record guitar or does that one work well to do that?

NO, again, go to B&N or Amazon or <fill in your bookstore of your choice>

Originally Posted by carsoste

Sixthly, since I have never used Pro Tools and am only learning it now, how well does its built in mixer work? Does it make professional quality sounding mixes?

I feel I am repeating myself.... YES, you can make pro recordings.

Originally Posted by carsoste

Finally, a couple of months ago someone on this site mentioned that Digidesign or Pro Tools has a website or link that allows one to check and make sure that everything one uses for recording is compatible with Pro Tools and is Digidesign approved, does anybody know the name of the website or link and if so, could you let me know what it is?

wow... dude, you really need to lear how to use google...
DigiDesign Link

Originally Posted by carsoste

I know that this is a ton of questions, but I'm anxious to get started using my equipment don't want to make any mistakes out of ignorance before I do, so I hope that someone can answer them.

Last words of advise:
- Use Google and the Search capabilities on this website before you post unless you want hear opinions on what you should do.
- Check out your local music store and ask one of those guys and they will tell you about 50% true stuff and tell you you need 50% stuff that you will never use.
- Go to B&N, Borders, or a good bookstore that has a music recording section and BUY a book This one is a cheap one that will help you with the basics.

Good luck