As well as being routed to the computer for recording via the A-D converters, the analogue input signals are also sent directly to the outputs, and when you're overdubbing, a dial labelled Mix allows you to balance the levels of this monitor path against the previously recorded material coming back from the computer. On the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' principle, the M Box 2 also features the same direct monitoring arrangement as its predecessor. As on the original, 48V phantom power is available at both mic inputs (or neither - it is globally switched), and is derived from the host machine via the USB connection. These consist of a rotary gain control, a switch to engage a 20dB pad, and a button to switch the channel's source from Mic to DI. Instead, each analogue input features separate XLR mic, quarter-inch balanced line and quarter-inch instrument DI sockets on the rear of the unit, with the controls on the front panel. Neutrik Combi connectors are no longer used, and the M Box's analogue insert points are also missing in action. Once again there are two analogue inputs, although since Digidesign's partnership with Focusrite is no more, the associated mic preamps are of a different design from the originals. In terms of features, the M Box 2 has a great deal in common with its predecessor. Unlike its predecessor, the M Box 2 allows you to record analogue and digital inputs at the same time. If you really wanted to save space and lay the M Box 2 flat, you could just leave the handle off altogether, so the alternative faceplate seems pretty redundant. According to the manual, this saves space and allows the unit to sit flat on a table top, but the one supplied with the review model was barely smaller than the handle, and still tilted the front panel upwards. The handle can be swapped out with an alternative, solid piece of blue plastic if you prefer. The smart moulded plastic case can be stood on its end or arranged horizontally in this case, the carrying handle attached to the front panel tilts the front of the M Box 2 up slightly, making it easier to see the settings. The much-imitated look of the M Box has changed completely, although the new design is equally distinctive. (Or how about a PCMCIA card along the lines of Echo's Indigo IO? Please?) Instead, they've replaced the M Box with another USB 1.1 device which offers an almost identical feature set: the M Box 2. A change of plan from Digidesign seemed inevitable, and many people expected them to turn to USB 2 or Firewire to achieve a higher channel count, or perhaps just to drop the M Box altogether and extend their support for M Audio hardware to include USB interfaces such as the Fast Track Pro and Mobile Pre USB. M Audio and other companies such as Edirol and Terratec also make USB devices that are much cheaper than the M Box. There are plenty of affordable interfaces around which use the higher-bandwidth Firewire protocol, including those made by Digidesign's partner company M Audio, which are now compatible with Pro Tools. Recently, the M Box has faced increasingly stiff competition.
MBOX 2 PRO INPUT MONITORING CONTANT PC
A simple stereo-in, stereo-out USB audio interface, the M Box allowed anyone with a Mac or PC to call themselves a Pro Tools user without breaking the bank and its clever circuitry meant that the Focusrite-designed mic preamps could derive phantom power parasitically from the host machine's USB port, making it a truly go-anywhere system. In the three and a half years since the original M Box was introduced, it has become one of Digidesign's most successful products. Digidesign have given the most affordable interface in their Pro Tools range a makeover, with a new case, new preamps and some additional features.
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