® Mbox Pro User Guide
Legal Notices ©2012 Avid Technology, Inc., (“Avid”), all rights reserved. This guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written permission 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 6. Using the Multi Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Using the Multi Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Press and Release Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Press and Hold Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1: Welcome to Mbox Pro Welcome to the Mbox® Pro FireWire audio and MIDI interface from Avid®. 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. Mbox Pro provides professional-quality mic preamps and 24-bit/192 kHz analog-to-digital and digital-toanalog converters.
• 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.
Soft Limit Switch These switches engage a soft limiter on that channel, applying a smooth, overdriven tape-type limiter to strong input signals. Mic/Line Input Source Button These buttons select the input source for input channels 3 and 4. When “out”, the back panel Mic input is active; when “in” the back panel Line Input is active for that channel.
Spkr (Speaker) Button You can assign Monitor outputs pairs to the Speaker button and cycle through the pairs as configured in the Control Panel (see Chapter 5, “Using the Driver Control Panel” and “Control Room Assignment” on page 31). This is useful for A/B-ing your mix between different studio monitors. Headphone A and B Volume Knobs The Headphone knobs adjust the output level of their corresponding Headphone output (A or B).
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 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. 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. Refer to your device’s documentation.
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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.
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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 Outputs 2 Adjust the volume using the corresponding Headphone Volume knob on the front panel.
Connecting a Sound System The default monitor outputs on the back of the Mbox Pro (Monitor outputs 1 and 2) support 1/4inch 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 18. 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. The Mbox Pro can only supply phantom power through a microphone cable with XLR connectors.
3 If your microphone requires phantom power, make sure the microphone is connected, then press the Phantom Power switch (labeled 48V) on the front of the Mbox Pro. This switch sends 48V to all four mic inputs. The 48V LED on the front of the Mbox Pro lights when phantom power is engaged.
3 If your microphone requires phantom power, make sure the microphone is connected, then press the Phantom Power switch (labeled 48V) on the front of the Mbox Pro. This switch sends 48V to all four inputs. The 48V LED on the front of the Mbox Pro will light when phantom power is being supplied. Connecting Instruments to the Mbox Pro Mbox Pro provides three input types (DI, Line, and Aux In) for instruments.
4 On the front of the Mbox Pro, carefully turn the Gain control knob to the right to increase the input level of your guitar. To use Aux Input 5/6 Line inputs: You can tune your guitar using the on-board tuner from the front panel of the Mbox Pro. Hold down the Mono and Dim buttons to launch the tuner in the Driver Control Panel. See “Setup” on page 26.
2 Connect the dual TS connectors (the “Y” end of the cable) to the external processor as follows: • Connect the TS connector that corresponds to the tip (send) on the TRS connector to the input of the processor. • Connect the other TS connector that corresponds to the ring (return) on the TRS connector to the output of the processor.
To enable S/PDIF when using Pro Tools: 1 2 Make sure your have connected the external digital device to the correct Mbox Pro S/PDIF connector (In and Out). Make sure the external device is powered on, that it is set to the correct sample rate, and that it is configured to provide S/PDIF clock (if relevant to your device). 3 Launch Pro Tools. 4 Choose Hardware > Setup. 5 Click the Clock Source pop-up menu and choose “S/PDIF.
Word Clock 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. Word clock is used to synchronize a wide range of devices such as non-linear video systems and other types of equipment typically found in professional audio facilities. Pro Tools as Word Clock Master Mbox Pro Word clock output is always active, letting Pro Tools supply Word clock to any connected devices that support standard Word clock.
4 Choose Hardware > Setup. 5 Click the Clock Source pop-up menu and choose Word Clock. Using a Footswitch The footswitch connector on Mbox Pro lets you use a footswitch pedal to control either playback start/stop or recording punch in/out. Both QuickPunch audio punch-in and punch-out and MIDI punch-in and punch-out recording are supported. The footswitch connector is designed specifically for instantaneous (momentary) on/off pedals with a 1/4-inch TS connector.
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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: Several features of Mbox Pro can be accessed directly from the Mbox Pro front panel, such as input gain, phantom power, and output levels.
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 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).
Changing Sub-standalone Modes Surround Monitor Configuration Once you are in standalone mode you can tell which of the three sub-standalone modes the Mbox Pro is in and change them using the Speaker source select switch (pushing the Speaker button cycles through them all). You can choose which Monitor output pairs are controlled by Mbox Pro’s Master Volume knob.
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 34. Control Room Assignment This drop-down menu assigns a Monitor output pair (1–2, 3–4, 5–6) as a control room output. Choose between the following options: • None • Speakers A (Green LED) • Speakers B (Red LED) Left Trim This knob trims the level of the Left (odd numbered) output.
About Stereo Mix Section 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. 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.
The stereo mix features multi-segment meters to show input channel levels (directly above each channel) and main mixer output levels (at the top right of the mixer). The pre/post fader metering operation can be set from the Setup Tab of the Control Panel. The clip indicators can be set to “stick” by choosing Hold Clipping Indicators until Clicked in the Setup pop-up menu, and reset by clicking on the clip indicator itself.
Hardware Inputs 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. Software Returns The Software Returns section is where the audio coming back from Pro Tools (or other audio application) is monitored. Software Returns 1 and 2 are the default stereo output from Pro Tools.
Direct Routes Pan A direct route means that the chosen signal is passed directly to the hardware output pair. For example, if the source for output pair 1–2 were “Hardware Inputs 1–2,” then the signal coming into hardware inputs 1–2 of the Mbox Pro would be fed directly to hardware outputs 1–2. Similarly, if the source were “Software Returns 1–2,” the signal fed from an audio host software returns 1–2 would be fed directly to hardware outputs 1–2.
Link FX Returns The Link buttons connect stereo pairs of knobs or faders (and also links the corresponding FX Send knobs), so that adjusting either channel (left/right) adjusts the other side identically. 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. Links buttons Master section FX Returns section Pan controls are unaffected by linking two channels.
Master The Master section lets you control the main mixer output. This output can be routed to any hardware output. Each Stereo Mix includes a master section with several controls: Master fader Stereo Mix Copy pull-down Balance knob Link Button Links the FX Returns section and the mute buttons. Master Meters Lets you have a visual representation of the audio signal being fed to the associated hardware output pair.
Host Control Enabled If an application such as Pro Tools has control over the Driver Control Panel, then “Host Control Enabled” displays. Presets 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.
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. 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). 5 From the Press and Hold list, select Add Selected Tracks (the default).
Tap Tempo The Multi button can be tapped to adjust the session tempo. Tapping tempo will cause Pro Tools to come out of Conductor mode and match its tempo to the tapped tempo. If Pro Tools is already in Manual Tempo mode, the session will automatically adjust its tempo to match the value created by the Tap Tempo function. Undo Each time the button is held and released, it undoes that last operation you performed in Pro Tools.
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Appendix A: Using CoreAudio- and ASIOCompliant Applications The Mbox Pro hardware drivers let you use CoreAudio (Mac) or ASIO (Windows) compliant applications with your Mbox Pro. 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) Avid declares that this product complies with the following standards regulating emissions and immunity: • FCC Part 15 Class A • EN 55022 Class A • EN 55024 Class A • AS/NZS CISPR 22 Class A • CISPR 22 Class A Argentine Compliance RE PUBLICA AR GENTINA TÜV Rheinland Argentina S. A.
Safety Compliance Safety Statement This equipment has been tested to comply with USA and Canadian safety certification in accordance with the specifications of UL Standard UL 60950-1 2nd edition IEC 60950-1 2nd edition, and Canadian CAN/CSA C22.2 609501-07 2nd edition. Avid Technology, Inc., has been authorized to apply the appropriate TUV & cTUV marks on its compliant equipment.
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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.
