Need advice for set up!!

[Chris45]

Hello,

I am new to all this recording and have started to set up my own little studio at home. I have recently bought a Mac computer and an Mbox. I was going to buy a mixer:

http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~name~Mackie-1402-VLZ-Pro~id~68.asp

However, my friend told me that i didnt need one because i can control all of the things i need on a mixer on the Mbox.. He also said they werent compatible. I have no idea now because i dont know enough about this...
If i was able to buy a mixer for the mbox, how would i set it up? what would i need for this? (E.g cables, etc)

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but im completely lost and you lot seem to know your stuff.

Thanks in advance

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Hi Chris45, welcome to the BBS.

How many sources will you want to be recording at the same time?

With the Mbox you'll be able to record four sources at a time. Two microphones and two instruments. You could use the two instrument inputs to record two microphones instead but you will need two additional channels of mic preamps to do this.

I don't think you need a mixer because you can do all of your level adjustment, panning, adding effects etc. in the protools mixer (which should have come with the Mbox).

If you want to put mics through the instrument inputs I'd recommend the maudio DMP-3, 2 channel mic pre:

http://www.dv247.com/invt/4808

Good luck with it all

 

[Chris45]

Thanks Kevin for replying!

So mixers are compatible? But theres obviously just no point in buying one when theres only 4 channels. I see... I was going to purchase the Digidesign 002, but unfortunately being a student hasnt allowed me to fund one

Thanks again!

 

[Carter]

actually thieir are only two mic/line inputs the other two are inserts for out-board procesing (read below) other than that Kev's right on the money.

System Requirements
Digidesign-approved USB-Macintosh

A/D
Sample rate: 44.1, 48 kHz
Dynamic range: 101 dB (A-weighted), 99 dB (unweighted); see notes 1 and 2
THD+N (line input): 0.003% (-90.5 dB) @ 1 kHz; see notes 1 and 3
THD+N @ 40 dB gain (mic input): 0.004% (-88 dB) @ 1 kHz; see note 1
Mic E.I.N (unweighted): -126 dB @ 40 dB gain, 150 ohm source
Frequency Response: +0/-0.5 dB, 20 Hz - 20 kHz; see note 3
Maximum Input: +24 dBu
Input Impedance: Mic = 4 kohms; Line = 44 kohms; Inst (D.I.) = 1 Mohms

D/A
Sample Rate: 44.1, 48 kHz
Dynamic Range: 103 dB (A-weighted), 101 dB (unweighted); see notes 1 and 4
THD+N: 0.004% (-88 dB); -14 dBFS @ 1 kHz; see notes 1 and 3
Frequency Response: +0.5/-0.5, 20 Hz - 20 kHz; see note 3
Maximum Output: +4.2 dBu
Note 1 - Measurement made using balanced connectors
Note 2 - ADC measured -60 dBFS method with a gain setting such that +24 dBu = 0 dBFS at S/PDIF output
Note 3 - Measured relative to level at 1 kHz
Note 4 - Measured with digital input at -60 dBFS @ 1 kHz

Analog Inputs -- 2
Separate source selection and gain control per channel
MIC/LINE/INST (D.I.) input -- XLR/1/4" combo connector
Phantom power (48 V)
Mic pre-amp: > -120 dB EIN @ > 40 dB gain
Hi-Z input for instrument pickup
Maximum Input: 3.5 VRMS (balanced signal), or +13 dBu

Analog Line Outputs -- 2
Maximum Output: 3.5 VRMS (balanced signal), or +13 dBu
Balanced/unbalanced connections supported

Analog Inserts (TRS) -- 2
Use outboard processors while recording to disk

Headphone Output
Separate volume control (both 1/8 in. and � in. connectors)
> 0.25 w into 600 ohm

Digital I/O
S/PDIF I/O (24-bit)
RCA jacks

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

My bad, thanks Carter

 

[Carter]

My bad, thanks Carter

It's all good, were here to help each other out!