Need soundcard/recording interface. Thoughts on Digidesign's mBox?

[Feanor IV]

Hello,

I'm interested in buying some soundcard/rec interface, to record on my PC. I was thinking of spending up to $500. So, I came up with the idea of Digidesign's mBox, which look like a good and trustworthy solution and of course has the advantage of Pro Tools usage. What's your opinion on the mBox, plus, would you recommend another one instead, roughly at the same price?

Thanks a lot,
Menelaos Megariotis

 

[ssscientist]

I think ProTools is overpriced and overrated, although Bennychico will probably disagree. Here's the setup I use:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--TASUS122

http://www.mackie.com/products/tracktion/

The Tascam US-122 is a guaranteed way to get audio into any computer with a USB port. The software is Tracktion distributed by Mackie. The link will take you to the site @ which you can download a fully functioning two-week demo version - if you like it as much as I do it's only $80 to buy a copy.

 

[Outlaws]

I think ProTools is overpriced and overrated, although Bennychico will probably disagree. Here's the setup I use:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--TASUS122

http://www.mackie.com/products/tracktion/

The Tascam US-122 is a guaranteed way to get audio into any computer with a USB port. The software is Tracktion distributed by Mackie. The link will take you to the site @ which you can download a fully functioning two-week demo version - if you like it as much as I do it's only $80 to buy a copy.

So what is the bit and sample rate of it? Something has to convert it to digital before it hits the USB port, right?

 

[bennychico11]

I think ProTools is overpriced and overrated, although Bennychico will probably disagree.

hahahaha..have i become THAT person already??

 

[manning1]

up front i'll tell you feanor i'm not a fan of usb. too many daw users seem to have problems with it. as a comp engr i dont think it is a yet mature
comms protocol for the demands and volumes of audio streams.
as an option i suggest the delta 1010 .
tip - if you get the 1010 dont put anything else in your pc's pci slots.
youll also need mixers and mics.
an alternative cheap 4 input sound card (pci) is the maya.
apparently does 24 bit. its new - so user reviews are scant.
as always before purchasing expensive multitrack software try the demo
of powertracks from pgmusic.com. one of the best software values around imho.

 

[manning1]

also i agree traktion is very good. but you might also want to check out the demoes of ntrack and multitrackstudio.com. the latter really turns me on
in a big way. its simple to use and packed with lots of features .
particularly built in slew of effects thus saving buying plug ins.
just some ideas.

 

[Polaris20]

Tascam 122 and Adobe Audition. My friend uses this combo, and it is outstanding.

Grab yourself a student (or maybe you are one) and get Audition for $150 from www.jourrneyed.com.

www.audiomidi.com has the 122 for $170. Nice combo.

 

[ntnguitarist3]

Go with the MBOX i have one and like it alot (although i get my 002 in about a week)... i havnt had any problems with it, the mic preamps are awesome, for the price of the unit i think its an awesome value... and i love working with pro tools...