Specifications

Chapter 4: Mbox Hardware and Connections 33
compressors or equalizers, which are typically
used as inserts on traditional analog recording
consoles. See “Using the Analog Inserts” on
page 34.
Making Signal Connections to
Mbox
Mbox can be used in a variety of audio setups.
This section describes how to make basic con-
nections for:
• Monitoring
• Analog and digital input for recording
• Hardware Inserts
• Mixdown
Monitoring Audio
There are two Headphone ports, giving you a
choice between the back panel 1/4-inch TRS
port or the 1/8-inch mini port on the front
panel.
Mbox Line Outputs play the audio that is routed
in Pro Tools to Analog Outputs 1–2, and can
provide left and right outputs to a two-track
deck for mixdown, or to another stereo destina-
tion.
Mbox Line Outputs feature 24-bit digital-to-an-
alog converters capable of maximum output of
+4 dBu/+2 dBV (balanced/unbalanced signal).
The connectors are TRS ports; unbalanced TS
connectors are also supported.
To connect headphones:
• Connect headphones with an 1/8-inch stereo
mini connector (or an adapter) to the front
Headphone jack.
– or –
• Connect headphones with a 1/4-inch stereo
connector (or adapter) to the back Head-
phone jack.
Do not plug instruments, speakers, or head-
phones into the 1/4-inch jacks labelled “In-
serts.” These are not inputs. They are spe-
cial connectors for using an external effects
processor such as a compressor or EQ.
You cannot monitor Pro Tools audio
through speakers connected to your com-
puter. To monitor audio, connect head-
phones, powered speakers, or an external
amplifier to your Mbox.
The front panel Headphone control adjusts
the volume level of both the front and back
Headphone jacks.
The Mbox Headphone output can produce
very loud output levels. Prolonged exposure
can cause hearing damage. Adjust head-
phone volume carefully.
Only one Headphone output can be used at
a time. When headphones are connected to
both Headphone outputs, the front panel
Headphone output is muted.