So, the maximum number of tracks available is affected by the speed of your computer, but given the speed of today’s CPUs (even those a few years old), the number of tracks available shouldn’t be an issue with all but the most complicated projects. The Pro Tools used at this level draw their processing power from your computer’s CPU, unlike the high-end Pro Tools HD, which utilizes additional outboard gear for processing the audio and easing the burden on your CPU. While most audio editing applications exist as a single product line, Pro Tools offers several variations from the reasonably priced Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered to the Pro Tools HD…not unlike General Motors offering variations in their trucks from Chevy, Cadillac and GMC. As for plug-ins, there are enough 3rd party vendors to fill a phone book-sized directory. However, one of the shining benefits of Pro Tools is it’s comprehensive metadata capabilities, which is of benefit whether you are editing music or sound for picture. If you are investing in Pro Tools as a means of editing audio for picture, again, you might be disappointed: Working with sound and picture displayed requires upgrades and/or peripherals (see below). You’ll most certainly want to invest in the companion M-Audio keyboard (see sidebar). If you are musically inclined, you will have a blast exploring the various new virtual instruments included. This is handy for extending musical elements, such as guitar notes, but could also be used for finessing dialog or vocals back into sync (or otherwise), as you can break down and stretch or shrink individual syllables with ease. Also new is an enhanced elastic audio function that allows you to stretch audio as needed with more flexibility. It is the de facto standard for music, television and motion pictures, and new to this version is an updated look, a dedicated midi edit window, score editor and some new virtual instruments. Pro Tools is an extremely comprehensive audio editing system, and has always shined as a leader. There’s a Reason why the Name Includes the Word “Pro”
Mbox 2 pro tools 11 full#
With the improved noise floor, I was able to capture everything from the “subtle nuances” to the band in full tilt, with little fear of hitting the ceiling, headroom-wise. These claims came through with shining colors as I did some test recordings with one of my favorite local groups, Ruby Hollow.
On the back panel, 1/4″ phone plug monitor L-R outputs, S/PDIF in and out (RCA/Coax), MIDI in and out and the USB connector.įeatures of the new Mbox 2 include new Digidesign mic preamps, new Digidesign A/D and D/A converters that provide more headroom and a lower noise floor then the previous model. You can run a total of two mic, line or DI inputs as well as another stereo input via the S/PDIF connection.
Each input has peak indicators, and direct input or DI/Mic LED indicators. There are also the two input strips, each with the -30dB pad and a mic/direct input switch. The front panel has (from left to right), the 1/4″ headphone jack, headphone volume control, monitor volume control, mix, which controls the amount of input signal verses the output signal going to your monitor or headphones, a mono/ stereo switch (labeled mono for the indent position), the 48V phantom power switch, each with LED indicators for the mono mode and 48V mode.