cheapest version of protools?

[tnjazz]

Just S/PDIF...but I think he was talking about just using Pro Tools to mix in, but another program to record in.

Correct, although I can of course record up to 4 tracks simultaneously through the M-box if I want to. 2 via SPDIF using good preamps and ADC, and 2 using the crappy on board pres and ADC.

So for someone looking for PTLE on the cheap, the v1 Mbox is definitely the lowest cost route. If you're only recording bass and keys (no drums or anything) I'd think it would be fine for your purposes.

 

[bennychico11]

2 via SPDIF using good preamps and ADC, and 2 using the crappy on board pres and ADC.

eh, I wouldn't say the Focusrites are crappy...

but to each his own.

 

[earthboundrec]

Correct, although I can of course record up to 4 tracks simultaneously through the M-box if I want to. 2 via SPDIF using good preamps and ADC, and 2 using the crappy on board pres and ADC.

So for someone looking for PTLE on the cheap, the v1 Mbox is definitely the lowest cost route. If you're only recording bass and keys (no drums or anything) I'd think it would be fine for your purposes.

Don't you have to select either analog or SPDIF? I'm pretty positive you can't run four tracks simultaneously. Those focusrite pres are actually about the best pres Digi has used on their boxes. And you're not forcecd to use those pres, you can select line input on the two channels and run an outboard pre into it.

 

[tnjazz]

Don't you have to select either analog or SPDIF? I'm pretty positive you can't run four tracks simultaneously. Those focusrite pres are actually about the best pres Digi has used on their boxes. And you're not forcecd to use those pres, you can select line input on the two channels and run an outboard pre into it.

Sorry, my bad. Not simultaneously. I was thinking about my usual 4 channel recording setup (which does not involve the M-Box).

 

[bennychico11]

And you're not forcecd to use those pres, you can select line input on the two channels and run an outboard pre into it.

I believe the signal flow still goes through the amplifier circuit for the Mbox with the line in. There's probably just a pad put on the signal...same thing with the 002 if I'm not mistaken.