® Mbox Pro User Guide Version 9.
Legal Notices This guide is copyrighted ©2010 by Avid Technology, Inc., (hereafter “Avid”), with all rights reserved. Under copyright laws, this guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of Avid.
contents Chapter 1. Welcome to Mbox Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Mbox Pro Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 System Requirements and Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Conventions Used in This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 5. Using the Driver Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
chapter 1 Welcome to Mbox Pro Welcome to the Mbox® Pro FireWire audio and MIDI interface from Avid®. Mbox Pro Features Mbox Pro provides your FireWire-equipped computer with six channels of analog audio input, six channels of analog audio output, two channels of S/PDIF digital audio input and output, MIDI and Word Clock I/O, and two front panel headphone outputs with independent level controls.
• Two additional channels of analog audio input with high quality microphone preamps.
System Requirements and Compatibility Conventions Used in This Guide Mbox Pro can be used with a qualified Windows or Mac computer running Pro Tools software 8.0.4 or higher. All of our guides use the following conventions to indicate menu choices and key commands: For Pro Tools installation instructions, see the Pro Tools Installation Guide. Mbox Pro can be also be used with a qualified Mac or Windows computer running any other Core Audio- or ASIO-compliant software.
About www.avid.com The Avid website (www.avid.com) is your best online source for information to help you get the most out of your Pro Tools system. The following are just a few of the services and features available. Product Registration Register your purchase online.
chapter 2 Mbox Pro Hardware Overview Mbox Pro Front Panel Features Figure 1 identifies controls, indicators, and input and output ports on the front panel on the Mbox Pro.
Input Combo Jacks (Mic/DI) LED Ladders (Inputs 1–4) These combination jacks (Mic/DI) provide XLR and 1/4-inch (TS) inputs for Input channels 1 and 2. These four, eight-segment LED ladder-style meters illuminate green in the presence of audio signal, and illuminate red when the signal is about to clip (overload) the input. The LEDs are associated with signals routed from inputs 1–4. Gain/–20 dB Pad Switches These knobs adjust the input gain levels of Mic/DI 1 and 2, or Mic 3 and 4.
Master Volume Knob The Master Volume knob adjusts the output level of the assigned Monitor output pair. The Master Volume knob is assigned to an output pair (1–2, 3–4, or 5–6) in the Control Panel. See “Master Vol.” on page 32. Dim/Mute Switch The Dim/Mute switch affects the output volume for control room outputs as assigned in the Driver Control Panel setup (by default, Line outputs 1 and 2.) See “Control Room Assignment” on page 32.
Mbox Pro Back Panel Features Figure 2 identifies each port on the back panel of the Mbox Pro. Aux inputs 5/6 (RCAs and 1/8-inch mini) Power input jack Power switch Foot switch Monitor outputs Line inputs Insert jacks Mic inputs FireWire ports Word clock, MIDI S/PDIF connector +4/–10 switches Figure 2. Mbox Pro back panel Mic Inputs Monitor Outputs These two jacks provide XLR inputs for Input channels 3 and 4. The Mic signal is adjusted by the each channel’s Gain knob on the front panel.
+4/–10 Switches Power Switch These switches let you select +4 or –10 input operating levels for Line Input channels 1–2 and/or 3–4. When “out” the level is set to +4 and when “in” it is set to –10. This button is used to turn Mbox Pro on or off. If the device you are connecting to any of these inputs has unbalanced outputs (or you are using an unbalanced TS cable), set the line input switch to -10. For balanced outputs (using balanced TRS cables), set the switch to +4.
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chapter 3 Installing and Connecting Mbox Pro To use Mbox Pro with Pro Tools or any other CoreAudio- or ASIO-compatible applications, you must install the Mbox Pro hardware drivers on your computer. This chapter provides instructions on installing the drivers on Mac and Windows, and connecting the Mbox Pro to your computer. Do not start this procedure with your Mbox connected to your computer. • Download the Mbox Pro drivers installer for your computer platform from www.avid.com.
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chapter 4 Making Studio Connections This chapter provides step-by-step instructions for connecting mics, instruments, mixers, headphones, speakers, and other devices to Mbox Pro. To connect headphones: 1 Connect headphones with a 1/4-inch stereo connector (or adapter) to the Headphone outputs A or B.
Connecting a Sound System The default monitor outputs on the back of the Mbox Pro (Monitor outputs 1 and 2) support 1/4-inch plugs. These connections can be balanced TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) connectors, or unbalanced TS (Tip-Sleeve) connectors such as those on instrument cables. To listen to your to audio, connect these outputs to any amplification system: powered speakers, a home stereo system, or an audio mixer.
Audio Inputs Mbox Pro provides six channels of analog inputs, and supports microphones, guitars, keyboards, and other types of instruments and devices. For information about connecting specific audio sources, see “Connecting a Microphone” on page 16, and “Connecting Instruments to the Mbox Pro” on page 19. 01, 02, 03, 04 Mic Inputs 3–4/Line Inputs 3–4 The back-panel Mic inputs 3–4 provide two dedicated XLR connectors for Input channels 3 and 4.
Connecting a Microphone Mic Cables and Connectors Use a microphone with an XLR connector to connect the microphone to the Mbox Pro. The Mbox Pro can only supply phantom power through a microphone cable with an XLR connector. If you are not sure about the phantom power requirements for your microphone, refer to your microphone’s documentation or contact the manufacturer. XLR connector 16 Mbox Pro Setup Guide Phantom Power (48V) Some microphones require power to operate.
Using a Mic with an XLR Connector (Input Channels 1–2) To use a microphone with an XLR connector: 1 Plug your microphone cable into one of the two Mic/DI inputs on the front of Mbox Pro (in this example, input 2). 48V (Phantom Power) Phantom Power switch Input 1 Mic input 4 On the front of the Mbox Pro, turn the master volume knob to the desired level.
Using a Mic with an XLR Connector (Input Channels 3–4) To use a microphone with an XLR connector: 1 Plug your microphone cable into one of the two Mic inputs (XLR) on the back of Mbox Pro (In this example, Input 3). 48V (Phantom Power) Phantom Power switch 4 On the front of the Mbox Pro, turn the master volume knob to the desired level. Gain knob Master volume knob Mic input 3 XLR connector plugged into Mic Input 3 (XLR jack) 2 There are two Mic inputs (XLR) on the back panel, (Input 3 and 4).
Connecting Instruments to the Mbox Pro Mbox Pro provides three input types (DI, Line, and Aux In) for instruments. Connecting Electric Guitar or Bass To use a guitar with Mbox Pro: 1 On the front of the Mbox Pro, plug your guitar or bass cable into one of the Mic/DI inputs. DI Input (Front Panel) Use the front-panel DI (“Direct Inject”) inputs for instruments such as electric guitar, electric bass, or other instruments that use pickups.
Connecting Keyboards and Mixers To use a keyboard or mixer with Mbox Pro: To use Aux Input 5/6 Line inputs: Plug your keyboard, mixer or other line level device into the Aux Input 5/6 inputs (L and R). Connecting DJ Equipment 1 Plug your keyboard (with line outputs), mixer, or other audio source into any one of the four Line Input channels on the back of the Mbox Pro.
Connecting Inserts Connecting Digital I/O Mbox Pro provides a total of four insert jacks (Inserts 1–4) for inserting external processing devices such as an EQ or a compressor between the input channel’s onboard mic preamp and the onboard analog to digital convertor. Mbox Pro provides digital inputs and outputs for S/PDIF-format digital audio. S/PDIF digital I/O can be used in combination with analog I/O, and are independently routable.
Using S/PDIF Input If you are using Pro Tools, use the Hardware Setup dialog in Pro Tools. If you are using the S/PDIF input on Mbox with a third-party CoreAudio-or ASIO-compliant application, use the Mbox Control Panel to configure the input. See “General Setup” on page 26. Mbox Pro supports external sync at sample rates of up to 192 kHz. S/PDIF inputs on Mbox Pro can sync to an external Word clock. See “Word Clock” on page 23 for configuration information.
MIDI Connections Word Clock Two MIDI ports become available when you connect the provided breakout cable into the Word Clock, MIDI, and S/PDIF input on the back panel of the Mbox Pro. See “Word Clock, MIDI, S/PDIF Connector” on page 9. Mbox Pro provides Word Clock In and Out connectors on the back panel that let you synchronize, or “clock” Mbox Pro to industry standard Word clock.
Pro Tools as Word Clock Master 4 Choose Hardware > Setup. Mbox Pro Word clock output is always active, letting Pro Tools supply Word clock to any connected devices that support standard Word clock. 5 Click the Clock Source pop-up menu and choose Word Clock. Using a Footswitch To use Pro Tools as Word clock master: 1 Make sure all connections are correct between Mbox Pro and your external devices. 2 Configure all external devices to slave to the Word clock coming from Mbox Pro.
chapter 5 Using the Driver Control Panel The Mbox Pro Driver Control Panel lets you configure settings for your audio interface for use with Pro Tools, as well as for other audio applications that support the CoreAudio (Mac) or ASIO (Windows) standard. To open the Driver Control Panel: On Mac, launch System Preferences (Apple menu > System Preferences), then doubleclick Avid Mbox Pro.
Setup Click Setup to access the General Setup and Output Setup dialogs. You can toggle between dialogs by clicking General Setup or Output Setup. Configure Mbox Pro hardware settings in General Setup. For example, you can set buffer size, sample rate, and clock source. You can also define how Mbox Pro functions when it’s connected to a computer or when it’s in standalone mode (not connected to a computer).
Hardware Settings Sample Rate This section of the Control Panel provides controls for setting parameters on your interface when it is connected to a computer using a FireWire cable (called Hosted Mode). This drop-down menu sets the sample rate of Mbox Pro. Note that when using the interface with an ASIO or CoreAudio application, the sample rate can also be determined by your audio application. This parameter may not be editable from within the Mbox Pro Control Panel if your audio application is running.
Buffer Size (Windows only) Soft Button Settings This menu sets the size of the input and output buffers on Mbox Pro. Press and Hold Duration Buffers are used to help keep audio hardware and software running smoothly by processing audio in groups of samples rather than one sample at a time. Due to variations between computer hardware and software, it is impossible to recommend a single optimum setting for all systems.
Pre-Fader Meters Standalone Settings When this option is selected, the meters display the level of a signal before it passes the fader. This allows signal levels to be displayed regardless of the fader positions within the stereo mix (in other words, a fader can be all the way down and no sound will be heard from the mixer’s output, but you can still see if there is any activity on that input).
Clock Source Sample Rate Clock source and sample rate settings work in the same manner as above, it defines what the clock source will be; internal, S/PDIF, or word clock. This setting assigns the sample rate when it's set to internal clock source in standalone mode. The clock source can be switched from the front panel when in standalone, using the Multi button.
Output Setup Surround Monitor Configuration You can configure stereo and surround monitoring and output settings in Output Setup. You can choose which Monitor output pairs are controlled by Mbox Pro’s Master Volume knob. Stereo Monitor Configuration You can assign up to three Monitor output pairs to function as control room monitor pairs. Pressing front-panel Speaker button cycles through the control room output pairs. This is useful for A/B-ing your mix between different studio monitors.
Monitor Outputs (1–2, 3–4, 5–6) Name You can name your stereo Monitor output pairs by clicking in the box. The name appears in the Output Pair tabs in the Stereo Mix section. See “Output Pairs” on page 36. Control Room Assignment This drop-down menu assigns a Monitor output pair (1–2, 3–4, 5–6) as a control room output.
Flow About Clicking the Flow button opens a display showing the signal flow from the inputs to the outputs of Mbox Pro. This is a useful reference for understanding the path of an audio signal flowing through Mbox Pro. The About pop-up menu lets you view the firmware version of the Mbox Pro hardware, and the package version of the Mbox Pro driver installer.
Stereo Mix Section These 16-input, 2-output mixes allow you to create up to six stereo mixes when running at a sample rate at or below 96 kHz, and up to two stereo mixes when running at a sample rate above 96 kHz. This lets you set up near-zero latency cue mixes in which the performers hear a “customized” mix while recording.
Hardware Inputs Software Returns Master Output pairs Signal Meter Pan Solo Mute Channel Fader Channel Label Channel Link Effects Stereo Mix Section Hardware Inputs Software Returns The Hardware Inputs section is where the Mic/Line, Instrument, and S/PDIF inputs of Mbox Pro are monitored. Hardware Inputs 1–6 are the analog inputs, and Hardware Inputs 7–8 are the S/PDIF inputs. The Software Returns section is where the audio coming back from Pro Tools (or other audio application) is monitored.
Output Pairs Stereo Mixes For each Mbox Pro Monitor output pair (Monitor outputs 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, S/PDIF Left and Right, or Headphones A and B), there is a representative tab in the output pair select view. The output pair select view lets you choose the audio source for each Monitor output pair, and where applicable, edit the audio source. A stereo mix lets you set up a custom stereo mix, setting the desired level for each hardware input and software return that is fed to the hardware output pair.
• Control room output pairs must have stereo mixes as their source. This is enforced automatically by the software. • In most cases, you will want to use the same stereo mixer (for example, Stereo Mix 1) for all designated control room output pairs. This is not enforced by the software, because there are cases in which varying sources for control room output pairs would be desirable.
FX Returns Master These knobs control how much of the Effect audio output will be mixed in with the monitor signal Master L/R outputs. Unlike sends, FX Returns are individually adjustable for each stereo mix. The Master section lets you control the main mixer output. This output can be routed to any hardware output.
Swap Button Swaps the stereo image, making the left channel play out the Right output, and the right channel play out the Left output. Status Indicators Along the bottom-left of the Driver Control Panel are the following status indicators: Link Button Links the FX Returns section and the mute buttons. Hardware Connected Master Meters Lets you have a visual representation of the audio signal being fed to the associated hardware output pair.
Presets Layouts The Preset view lets you load and save Mbox Pro Settings files. This is useful if you'd like to save various configurations of the Control Panel so that you do not have to manually reconfigure your system each time you work on a different type of project. The Layout drop-down menu lets you choose what information you would like the Driver Control Panel to show, and how you would like that information to be displayed.
Vertical Vertical (Meters Only) The Meters Only layout emphasizes pre-fader hardware input and software return metering, but does not provide access to the stereo mixers. Mbox Pro Driver Control Panel, Vertical shown The Vertical layout provides access to all controls and meters in a vertical window. The Vertical layout was designed for compact operation, which is convenient if you want to run it along with Pro Tools (uses far less screen real estate, but provides full functionality).
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chapter 6 Using the Multi Button The Multi button on the front panel of the Mbox Pro can be assigned to easily execute several functions in Pro Tools including (but not limited to): • Add Track • Start/Stop Record • Tap Tempo • Locating to Next/Previous Marker • Save Session Using the Multi Button In the Hardware Setup dialog, Pro Tools lets you set three Multi button parameters for your Mbox Pro using the “Multi Button Function” pane. (You can also launch the Driver Control Panel from here).
To use the Multi Button Function pane and configure its parameters (example): 1 Launch Pro Tools. 2 Choose Track > New and create 1 Mono audio track. Press and Release Options When you click on the Press and Release list, a pop-up menu provides access to the following options: You need to have at least one track available in a session to use the Add Last Track and Add Selected Track functions. 3 Choose Setup > Hardware. 4 From the Press and Release list, select Start/Stop Record (the default).
Undo Each time the button is pressed and released, it undoes that last operation you performed in Pro Tools. (Same as the Undo command from the Pro Tools menu) Add Last Track Adds the last track type that you created in the session. Say you have created two Audio tracks in a session. It will add another mono Audio track. Save Session Each time the Multi button is pressed and released, it saves the session. Add Selected Track Adds whatever tracks that you have selected in a session.
Hold Duration Options When you click on the Hold Duration list, a drop-down menu provides access to the following options: Hold Duration There are four choices of Hold Duration (250 msec, 500 msec, 750 msec, and 1 sec), which is the amount of time you choose to hold the Multi button down in Press and Hold mode. The default is 500 msec.
appendix a Using CoreAudio– and ASIO–Compliant Applications The Mbox Pro hardware drivers allow you to use CoreAudio (Mac) or ASIO (Windows) compliant applications with your Mbox Pro. Configuring the Apple Sound Preferences (Mac Only–Required for Using Qualified Pro Tools Interface with Apple iTunes or QuickTime Player) For driver installation instructions, see Chapter 3, “Installing and Connecting Mbox Pro.
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appendix b Compliance Information Environmental Compliance Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users in the European Union Proposition 65 Warning This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. Perchlorate Notice This product may contain a lithium coin battery.
EMC (Electromagnetic Compliance) Australian Compliance Avid declares that this product complies with the following standards regulating emissions and immunity: • FCC Part 15 Class B • EN 55022 Class B • EN 55204 Class B • AS/NZS 3548 Class B • CISPR 22 Class B Canadian Compliance FCC Compliance for United States This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 Radio and Television Interference This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device
Important Safety Instructions 1) Read these instructions. 12) For products that are not rack-mountable: Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the equipment. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/equipment combination to avoid injury from tip-over. 2) Keep these instructions. 3) Heed all warnings. 4) Follow all instructions. 5) Do not use this equipment near water. 6) Clean only with dry cloth.
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index A H Aux inputs connecting 15 jacks 9 hardware drivers installing 11 using the Driver Control Panel 25 Hardware Settings 27 headphones assigning sources for headphones 34 configuring in the Driver Control Panel 32, 13 Headphone outputs 7 High-pass filter 28 B buffer size 28 C Clock source 27 compatibility 3 connecting Mbox Pro 11 D DI Input connecting instruments 19 Mic/DI combo jacks 6 digital I/O connecting 21 S/PDIF Connector 9 Driver Control Panel 25 F I Indicators LED ladders 6 Power Indi
M Master Volume knob 7 Mic Inputs connecting a mic 18 Mic/DI combo inputs 6 MIDI making connections 23 ports 9 Monitor outputs assigning in Driver Control Panel 36 configuring outputs in the Driver Control Panel 32, 14 jacks 8 Multi button description 7 using 43 P phantom power 48V Switch and LED 6 when to use 6, 16 Power input jack 9 Power Switch 9 S S/PDIF connecting 21, 9 using 22 sample rate 27 system requirements 3 V volume Headphone A and B Volume knobs 7 Master Volume knob 7 W Word clock connecto
Avid Technical Support (USA) Product Information 2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard Daly City, CA 94014-3886 USA Visit the Online Support Center at www.avid.com/support For company and product information, visit us on the web at www.avid.
