Digidesign Releases Mbox Portable Studio
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Front View
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Rear Panel
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January 18, 2002
Digidesign has introduced Mbox -- a micro project//home studio small enough to take anywhere but big enough to get the pro results of Digidesign and Focusrite products.
With Mbox, novices and pros alike can create a functional, effective studio environment in as much time as it takes to plug in gear, boot up a computer,and launch Pro Tools. A Digidesign-approved USB-compatible computer is all that's required for Mbox and the included Pro Tools 5.2 LE software to guarantee the fidelity of the user's sound throughout the recording, mixing and editing process.
Mbox is a 2-channel USB audio peripheral characterized by Digidesign and Focusrite performance, specifically engineered to offer precision sound in a package small enough to fit into a laptop bag. Mbox couples high-quality components with a 24-bit input-to-output signal path to allow users to capture their inspiration as it happens, where it happens, and then to craft the results into a finished product. Alternatively, a Mbox session can be migrated to another Pro Tools platform,from Digi 001 to Pro Tools|HD,for further manipulation. Whatever direction is chosen, users can benefit from a very affordable, reliable and tightly packed piece of Pro Tools gear.
Entirely USB-powered, Mbox includes two TRS (1/4")/XLR analog inputs--featuring Focusrite mic preamps and 48V phantom power--as well as 24-bit stereo S/PDIF digital I/O. Ergonomic front-panel gain knobs and a source selection switch allow for quick, discretionary control. Two analog inserts and zero-latency monitoring provide on-and outboard flexibility. Output is facilitated by both 1/8" and 1//4" headphone jacks with dedicated volume control, and via two 1/4" analog rear-panel jacks.
Pro Tools 5.2 LE ships with every Mbox unit and includes support for DigiStudio, a revolutionary new way to collaborate with other Pro Tools users via the Internet. DigiStudio participants interact from any Net-connected location to exchange Pro Tools session media, from raw audio tracks to MIDI data to plug-in information to automation. Previously available only with Pro Tools|24 MIX systems, DigiStudio literally opens up access to a planet of talent and a world of new opportunities.
Mbox is expected to ship Spring 2002,and will carry an MSRP of $495 (USD). The initial release will be Mac-only with Windows-compatibility to follow shortly.
For more information, visit their web site at www.digidesign.com. | 
