Firebox vs. Mbox

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To begin with, Midi isn't really an issue for me at the moment and I'm comfortable with Cubase or Pro Tools, so don't take those two factors in to consideration. The only thing I'm concerned about is the output quality of the recordings from a microphone. Could anyone give me an opinion based on your experience with the two (or at least based on what you've heard)? Thanks.

Firebox
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/184133/
Mbox
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/240469/
 
It depends entirely on if you want to run protools or not. Mbox is a hardware software bundle, you're actually paying for the software more that the hardware really... although Mbox can be used with other programs, Protools can not be used with anything else but other Digidesign products. One thing to consider is with the new Mbox2's coming out, you'll be able to pick up the original Mbox for CHEAP ($300 bucks at GC, and bound to come down even more).
 
Yeah, if MIDI's not a problem and you want to go Pro Tools then try and seek out an old MBox - there should be a few still lurking around on some shop shelves.

I just bought one for 200 quid and I'm eligible for the free upgrade to PT7.
Nice.

The Pres and analogue path in the old MBox is designed by Focusrite as well, so it should be sufficient for your needs.

Can't comment on the Firebox though.


the tortoise
 
agreed, it's the software more than the hardware for sureeeeee.
 
I vouch for the Firebox. I use Guitar Tracks Pro 3 with it. It rules
 
usb vs. firewire.
firewire wins for me. i have a completely out of sync snare and bassdrum due to a bad usb interface.
 
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Alright, I'm starting to lean toward the Mbox now because I don't feel like buying another card to support firewire on my PC. The problem I seem to be having now is both say they only support XP and I'm running Windows 2000. Is this one of the things where they *will* run on Win2k, but the manufacturer just says they don't support it so they don't have to deal with tech support for it? Anyone tried using either on a non-XP system?
 
username said:
Alright, I'm starting to lean toward the Mbox now because I don't feel like buying another card to support firewire on my PC.
Click to expand...

firewire cards for PC can be had for as little as 13$ from tigerdirect.com. I paid about 40$ for mine(3 port).

Matt
 
I'm looking at the Firebox as well and I had a few questions.

First, how are the preamps on this unit? Better quality than say Mackie VLZ pres? How about the M-Audio DMP-3? I'd ask if they compete with the RNPA, but that's just wishful thinking.... :D

Second, can these preamps be bypassed? I'm not crazy about these all-in-one units that force you to use their pres. Sure, they're probably a whole lot better than anything I have at the moment, but as I upgrade my pres and gear, I'd like to be able to use all of the channels available on the interface.

Finally, is there a reasonable difference in performance/latency/sound quality between a Firewire unit like the Firebox and a PCI card? I'm guessing that having the DACs outside of the box can only help.
 
Preamps are better than anything I've ever used. I really dig the efficiency of having everything in one place on one harddrive. You can bypass preamps in channel 1+2. If you decide to upgrade to higher quality pres there is always the S/PDIF interface for the superior preamp with that type of interface. I've had very good luck with it but my experience is predominantly live sound.
 
I'd be interested to see how the Firebox stacks up to the M-Audio Firewire 410. They seem very similar.
 
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