User guide

Mbox Mini Setup Guide36
Connecting Audio Inputs
Mbox Mini inputs (sources) support micro-
phones, guitars, keyboards, and other types of
instruments. For information about connecting
specific audio sources, see “Connecting a Micro-
phone to the Mbox Mini” on page 36, and
“Connecting Instruments to the Mbox Mini” on
page 37.
Overview of Analog Inputs
Mbox Mini provides a total of two channels of
analog input on the back panel. These jacks are
labeled Mic/Line and DI (input 1) and Line/DI
(input 2).
Mic/Line (Input 1)
Input 1 provides Mic/Line and DI input connec-
tors. Inputs are selectable with the back panel
Combo/DI switch. When the Combo/DI switch
is pressed in, the DI input is selected (the DI in-
put jack is located above the Line/DI jack.).
When not pressed in, the combo connector
jacks (XLR, 1/4-inch) are selected.
These inputs appear as Analog In (1) in
Pro Tools.
XLR For XLR microphone cables.
1/4-inch TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) or TS (Tip
Sleeve) For line or DI inputs from guitars, key-
boards, mixers or similar sources.
Line/DI (Input 2)
Input 2 provides a Line/DI input connector. The
input is selectable with the back panel Line/DI
switch (located to the upper-left of the input).
This input appears as Analog In (2) in Pro Tools.
Line/DI For line or DI inputs from guitars, key-
boards, mixers or similar sources.
Connecting a Microphone to
the Mbox Mini
Mic Cables and Connectors
Use a microphone with an XLR connector to
connect the microphone to the Mbox Mini.
The Mbox Mini can only supply power through
a microphone cable with an XLR connector. If
you are not sure about the phantom power re-
quirements for your microphone, refer to your
microphone’s documentation or contact the
manufacturer.
Phantom Power
Some microphones require power to operate.
This power, called phantom power, is supplied ei-
ther by a battery in the microphone, or through
an audio interface (such as Mbox Mini) that can
supply power through the microphone cable.
Most condenser microphones (such as an
M-Audio Solaris) require phantom power to op-
erate. Dynamic microphones (such as a Shure
SM57) do not require phantom power to oper-
ate, but are not harmed by it.
XLR connector
Although phantom power can be used
safely with most microphones, it is possible
to damage some ribbon microphones with
it. Always turn off phantom power and wait
at least ten seconds before connecting a rib-
bon microphone.