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Average Price: $24

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$150

$501+

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High-end

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Description

The Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio/MIDI Interface is an ideal solution for musicians and producers seeking professional-grade performance in a compact package. Whether you're a budding singer-songwriter or an experienced producer, this interface delivers the versatility and quality you need to bring your music to life. With its 4-in/2-out configuration, the Mbox 2 provides a range of connectivity options, including analog, digital, and MIDI I/O, enabling seamless integration with your existing gear.

Powered entirely by USB, the Mbox 2 is perfect for mobile setups and home studios alike. Its superior mic preamps and phantom power support ensure crystal-clear recordings every time, while zero-latency monitoring allows for real-time tracking without any disruption. This makes it a favorite among on-the-go musicians who need reliability without compromise.

Included with the Mbox 2 is the award-winning Pro Tools LE software, offering a robust suite of tools for recording, editing, and mixing. This software is the industry standard, used in countless professional studios, and provides you with access to a vast array of virtual instruments and effects. Thanks to its compatibility with Pro Tools|HD systems, your projects can easily transition to high-end studio environments for further refinement.

Perfect for those looking to start their journey with Pro Tools or for seasoned creators seeking a reliable interface, the Digidesign Mbox 2 is your gateway to professional sound quality and creative freedom.

Key Features:

  • 4-in, 2-out audio/MIDI interface
  • USB powered for maximum portability
  • Superior mic preamps with phantom power
  • Zero-latency monitoring
  • Includes Pro Tools LE software with virtual instruments and effects
  • Compatible with Pro Tools|HD studios

Product specs

Brand Digidesign
Model MBOX 2 USB Audio Interface
Finish Blue
Year 2000s
Categories Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth 24-bit
Bus-Powered Yes
Compatibility Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity USB
Digital Input Format S/PIDF
Digital Output Format S/PIDF
Electronics Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs 2
Number of Analog Outputs 2
Number of Channels 8
Number of Digital Inputs 2
Number of Digital Outputs 2
Number of Headphone Outputs 1
Number of MIDI Inputs 1
Number of MIDI Outputs 1
Number of Mic Preamps 2
Sample Rate 48 khz
Simultaneous I/O 4 x 4

FAQs

Is the Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio Interface compatible with both Windows and macOS?

Yes, the Digidesign Mbox 2 is compatible with both Windows and macOS, allowing for flexible use across different operating systems.

Does the Mbox 2 require an external power supply?

No, the Mbox 2 is bus-powered via USB, meaning it does not require an external power supply and is convenient for mobile recording setups.

How many mic preamps does the Digidesign Mbox 2 have?

The Mbox 2 features two high-quality mic preamps, making it suitable for recording vocals and instruments with clarity.

What is the maximum sample rate supported by the Mbox 2?

The Digidesign Mbox 2 supports a maximum sample rate of 48 kHz, which is standard for many recording applications.

Can the Mbox 2 be used with DAWs other than Pro Tools?

Yes, the Mbox 2 can be used with other DAWs as long as the appropriate drivers are installed, offering versatility beyond Pro Tools.

MrTammik

MrTammik

MBOX 2 Basic Setup

Video thumbnail for MBOX 2 Basic Setup by MrTammik

MBOX 2 Basic Setup

MrTammik

MrTammik

Video thumbnail for Mbox 2 and Pro Tools FIX! by The General Expert

Mbox 2 and Pro Tools FIX!

The General Expert

The General Expert

Video thumbnail for $25 Audio Interface Unboxing and Setup!! (Pro Tools DigiDesign Mbox 2) by Internet Ivan

$25 Audio Interface Unboxing and Setup!! (Pro Tools DigiDesign Mbox 2)

Internet Ivan

Internet Ivan

Reviews

PROS

  • Compatible with older versions of Pro Tools

  • Works well for recording vocals with XLR inputs and phantom power

  • Durable, with some users reporting over a decade of use

  • Can manage latencies effectively

  • Suitable for hobbyist recording and music production

CONS

  • Limited audio quality to 48khz

  • Potential driver issues causing computer boot problems

  • Discontinued product, lacking support from Digidesign

  • Incompatible with newer MacBook models

  • Some units may have defective monitor outputs and faulty knobs

  • Recording can be marred by pops and clicks

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio/MIDI.

Features and functionality

  • The MBox 2 has an extra input for stereo micing and S/PDIF for digital recording, useful for gear with S/PDIF out.

    Source

Comparisons

  • M-Audio soundcards with Cubase are recommended as a cheaper alternative to MBox 2 with Pro Tools, offering similar functionality without Pro Tools' limitations.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Some users report success using MBox 2 with Windows 7, but Mac drivers have been incompatible for years.

    Source
  • A third-party USB audio driver offers a trial version with periodic beeps, enabling testing before purchase.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's possible to convert the MBox 2 into a standalone preamp, allowing continued utility beyond its original function.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MBox 2 can serve effectively as a DI/AD converter, particularly praised for bass recording in quiet environments.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Digidesign M Box 2

soundonsound.com

The Digidesign Mbox 2 offers solid sound quality with decent preamps and potent headphone amplification, while now including much-needed MIDI I/O and separate output level control. Its ability to simultaneously record analog and digital inputs marks an improvement over its predecessor, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious Pro Tools users. However, the lack of a software option to disable input monitoring and the absence of zero-latency digital input monitoring are notable drawbacks. Despite these issues, for those content with USB 1.1, it remains a practical entry point to the Pro Tools ecosystem, albeit not a groundbreaking upgrade.

positive

Digidesign: Mbox 2 | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Digidesign Mbox 2 impresses with its improved sound quality, portability, and user-friendly design, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned Pro Tools users on the go. It boasts enhanced features like MIDI I/O, a sturdier build, and zero-latency monitoring, though the design of the knobs and lack of 96 kHz capability may irk some users. Despite these minor setbacks, the Mbox 2 offers substantial value with its bundled software, proving to be a solid choice for mobile recording at an attractive price point.

positive

Review: Digidesign Mbox 2 — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The Digidesign Mbox 2 impresses with its improved I/O options and enhanced audio quality, making it a worthy successor to the original Mbox. Its horizontal design and rubberized handle offer better ergonomics and stability. The addition of MIDI I/O and four simultaneous track recording broaden its utility, while the bundled software packages add significant value. Despite the absence of Focusrite branding on the preamps, the Mbox 2 delivers a compelling, cost-effective solution for musicians seeking a portable, ProTools-compatible interface.

positive

Digidesign Mbox 2 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Digidesign Mbox 2 is a stylish and high-quality USB audio interface designed for Pro Tools enthusiasts. While it boasts a complete music production environment and excellent audio quality, it comes with some notable downsides. The device is hampered by restrictive track and bus limits, making it less appealing for those seeking extensive routing capabilities. Additionally, its suitability for beginners is questionable due to the complex Pro Tools LE software. Despite these drawbacks, the Mbox 2 is a solid option for those looking for a professional-grade interface that fits within a budget, offering compatibility with major studios.

Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 8 Reviews and 18 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
lxchee

Great for MIDI but...

I love using this to connect my hardware up with Ableton but when it comes to audio, it's limited to 48khz and some of the drivers caused my computer to not even boot into the operating system one time

From Gear Setup
mattinho

Switching from Pro Tools to FL Studio: A Cost-Effective Move

I used this for years until I recently switched to FL Studio 11, but whilst using pro tools I used it for recording vocals, with xlr inputs and phantom power it did well. Discontinued now though, and couldn't face paying crazy money for a pro tools audio interface upgrade when everything has to be wrapped from VST to RTAS, so FL Studio will do me from now on

vuk
vuk

103

Nice tool for a hobbyist

It's a nice tool for a hobbyist. I used it pretty often, sound quality is really not that bad

jaydontplay

Great audio interface, but I want more!

This is a great audio interface. I can't really complain. I got this over a decade ago when I was in college for an audio design class, and it's held up this day. Now I'm using it to record music onto my computer. It seems to work just fine for that.

D

Works with my 2005 windows PC but not with my Macbook.

Used to use it a lot back in the days of rock and roll production,but once I bought a macbook it stopped working with macbook, and they stopped releasing drivers for it so I essentially have an extremely expensive piece of equipment which no one wants, not even myself.

tom_fong

My 1st audio interface

I used the Mbox 2 to record most of my demos/songs, but recently Mac no longer support it.

C

My 1st interface

Still use it for ADC. Have some issues with recording such as pops and clicks but this thing has been with me for years.

A

Deux entrées, alimentation fantôme, maîtrise les latences ; un must

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Owl City uses Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio/MIDI

Owl City

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Ayoungmusic

Adam Young uses at least one Mbox 2 at his Sky Harbor Studio.

See how Chief Keef uses Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio/MIDI

Chief Keef

Rapper

1017 Brick Squad

...
Verified via YouTube

Interscope Studios list the MBox 2 as the interface they use in their studios (http://www.interscopestudios.com/miclist/). Chief Keef is recording his song "Finally Rich" and "Hate Being Sober" in Interscope Studios (Los Angeles)

See how Kev Brown uses Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio/MIDI

Kev Brown

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

He's using the Mbox as a main soundcard for the MPC studio / software. The card is capturing all of the sampling, as well as handlingg the playback

See how Polo Boy Shawty uses Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio/MIDI

Polo Boy Shawty

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:16 you can catch a glimpse of the Digidesign Mbox 2.

See how Helado Negro uses Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio/MIDI

Helado Negro

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this March 27, 2014 Instagram post.

See how Elements of Music uses Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio/MIDI

Elements of Music

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Mentioned in the description of this April 11, 2012 YouTube video.

All sounds are from the MC-307 going through the mbox2 into Ableton.

Album Usage

The Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio/MIDI has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio/MIDI, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ableton Live
Ableton Live DAW Software
2
Shure Beta 57A
Shure Beta 57A Dynamic Microphones
1
Manley Variable Mu
Manley Variable Mu Effects Processors
1
Roland TR-505
Roland TR-505 Drum Machines
1
Fender American Standard Telecaster
Fender American Standard Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Shure Beta 91A
Shure Beta 91A Condenser Microphones
1
Taylor 314CE Acoustic Guitar
Taylor 314CE Acoustic Guitar Acoustic-Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

Show yours
meb

meb

Gear IQ 2822

lxchee

lxchee

Gear IQ 115

3 alternative and related items for Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio/MIDI, curated by the Equipboard community.

Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen

$158.00 - $269.99

newer high-end alternative

While the MBox 2 is okay, the Scarlett 4i4 is much better because of the fact it has less sketchy drivers in my case.

Digidesign Mbox 1

$25.00

Vintage or Discontinued cheaper alternative

The Mbox 1 is a predecessor version of the Mbox 2, with the main difference that it doesn't supports MIDI.

Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini Portable USB Audio Interface

$22.95

cheaper alternative

The Mbox 2 Mini is an alternative version of the Mbox 2, with only 1 XLR in, 2 Jack in, and 1 Jack Out (via 2 mono). It is also powered in USB, and support 48V Phantom Power Supply.

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