Protools + MBox = Good, Bad, Ugly?

[Bad Acoustics]

Hello everyone again, super newbie! I posted a previous thread yesterday concerning the recording of 4 tracks simultaneously, but scrap that. My question now pertains to Digidesign's Mbox....is it any good? I know it comes with protools, which is a plus, but I also know it only supports 2 track recording. This being said, would my duo (and perhaps more musicians) be able to record a quality sounding album on this little box via protools on a Mac Ibook (700 + RAM)? I just don't seem to be able to put my pull confidence in this box. Not to mention I don't know what the TRS XLR in outs at the bottom are even used for. And what about recording multiple tracks, if I already have 2 tracks recorded, could the MBox allow me to record two more tracks while I play the original two back...I'm so confused and lost, I've read the FAQ and beginner stuff, but I just don't know where to start to receive great sound quality for my band and I...any help or suggestions would be welcomed!!! ANd also, if you have a duo or small band who records digitally, please let me know what you use!!! Thanks much in Advance!

Glen

 

[Outlaws]

You can overdub the two tracks buy recording and playing back the originals. I think it comes with a limited version of ProTools (don't quote me on that). 32 tracks maybe?

Plenty of tracks if you ask me.

But as for you band...

Maybe, maybe not.

I would say no. You will probably want to record more than 2 tracks right off the bat. But you could record a live scratch track, then over dub up to 2 tracks at a time...basically re-record ever instrument on its own track while playing with the one you all played together live on.

 

[cobaltblue]

for the price of the digi box (they are v expensive?) you may aswell get a decent soundcard and a small mixer. Probably spend the same or a little more and have a lot more routing and tracking possibilities and have a quality sound.

IMHO the digi box has good pre's but is a poor excuse for them to tap into the budget market by offering a limited use interface at the usual digi cost on the basis that people will buy them because they are high quality.

My opinion for the little it's worth, dont buy digidesign/protools just because that's what it is. Look at what you need to do and the fact that once you sink your teeth into this recording malarky you will become total recluses like us and become a fiend for more gear and more possibilities! look at expansion

 

[bbop73]

I'd stay away from the Mbox. Read the digidesign user forum and you'll see what people really have to say about them. With that kinda dough, you can get a better soundcard, mic pre, and software by doing a little more research here on homerecording bbs. I'd check out adobe audition (formerly cool edit pro)or n-track studio, an m-audio dmp3, and an m-audio or emu soundcard.