Specifications

Getting Started with Mbox34
To connect to a home stereo:
■ Using 1/4-inch cables, connect the Line Out-
puts on the back panel of Mbox to the appropri-
ate inputs on your stereo.
To connect monitor speakers with a power amp or
self-powered monitor speakers:
■ Using 1/4-inch cables, connect the Line Out-
puts on the back of Mbox to the appropriate in-
puts on your mixer, power amp, or powered
speakers.
Connecting Audio Sources to
Mbox for Recording
Digital and analog audio sources can be con-
nected directly to Mbox.
Analog Audio
Analog audio signals are output by micro-
phones, synthesizers, mixers, and instruments
with magnetic pickups.
Of these sources, microphones and magnetic
pickup instruments output the quietest signals,
and generally require the most amplification.
Keyboards, preamps, and mixers output “line-
level” audio, which varies with each device be-
tween the –10 dBV and +4 dBu standards.
To accommodate these varying sources, Mbox
provides switchable line input types (and associ-
ated impedances) with adjustable gain for each
input channel.
To connect an analog audio source:
1 Plug an XLR or TRS cable directly into
Mic/Line Input 1 or 2 on Mbox. These inputs ac-
cept XLR connectors or TRS connectors.
2 Step through choices by repeatedly pressing
each channel’s Source button until the LED cor-
responding to your choice lights.
To activate phantom power:
■ If your microphone requires phantom power,
first make sure the microphone is connected,
then press the Phantom Power switch (labeled
48V).
Using the Analog Inserts
The analog input channels on Mbox each fea-
ture a dedicated Tip Ring Sleeve (TRS) insert
point. These hardware inserts break the analog
input path before it is converted to a digital sig-
nal and sent to Pro Tools. This is where you can
insert a compressor, equalizer, or other serial ef-
fect into the analog signal path.
To insert a device you will need a TRS Insert ca-
ble that has a TRS connector on one end, break-
ing out to two unbalanced (T/S) Y-connectors.
The connector attached to the tip is the send,
and the connector attached to the ring is the re-
turn.
Home stereo systems often use RCA connec-
tors. You can use an adaptor or a special ca-
ble to convert from the TRS or TS connectors
used by Mbox to the RCA connectors on
your home stereo.
Enabling phantom power enables 48V
through
both mic inputs.
Because the inserts on Mbox are hardware
inserts that divert the signal path before it
reaches Pro Tools, they are
not available as
hardware inserts within Pro Tools. For more
information, see the Pro Tools Reference
Guide.