My first question is what is the major difference between m-box 2 and m-box 2 mini. And which do you reccomend I should buy if I am looking to record one track at a time. Lastly, I am wondering whether either m-box 2 or m-box 2 mini works on windows vista home premium. On their website it says it works for "Digidesign-qualified Windows Vista- (32-bit Business or Ultimate)". But I am hoping and wondering if it works on my version of vista, as switching my operating system is really just a hassle for me. Your replies are much appreciated.
Digi-Design, like any Pro Tools derivative, can be pretty picky about what it runs on. If they say it won't run on Vista Home, they're probably right. It wouldn't hurt to shoot them an e-mail, though - even if it's unsupported, it may still run just fine. As for the M-Box vs. M-Box Mini, the Mini can take up to two inputs (both of which are instrument-level capable, one of which can handle a mic). Both are also built on the same basic architecture and will perform roughly the same going into most DAWs. Unless you need MIDI I/O, SPDIF I/O or two microphone capable channels, the Mini will probably serve your needs just fine.
My MBox 2 works on Vista Home Premium. I haven't used the SPDIF yet (although I do have a roland MMP2 , so techincally I should be able to record 4 tracks at once) as there simply hasn't been a need. I wanted MIDI so I didn't get the Mini, but if you don't want MIDI save yourself a few bucks. The Mini is probably perfect for you.
thanks for your responses. How about running pro tools on a laptop, have any of you guys had any problems? As i was running through the system requirements, I noticed that you had to do strange things like turn off your wi-fi. Does anybody know the reason for this? Here are the links I am looking at: http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?langid=100&navid=54&itemid=29191 http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?navid=54&itemid=29586 thanks again for the help
PT is basically an OS that runs on top of your computers OS. It is very resource intensive and doesn't want other system level app's running that could interrupt it. Digi's typically statement it they are a pro level application and expect you to run it like a pro environment dedicated to a task. That's why no wifi and similar app's running when PT is. I would say before you buy Digi spend time on their website and the DUC message board reading system requirements and reading posts of others using what you have. Digi is one of the most picky computer applications out there and where they say they don't support something they mean it. As for MBox 2 vs Mini I went for the MBox 2 dealers tend to make better deals on MBox 2 and for a little more $ you get more I/O.
I didn't realize how resource intensive it was. Hearing that, I cant help but ask, is there ever any delay when you record? I've never recorded with a computer before, I have a Boss BR-864 that barely works, but I fear that computer recording causes some delay between when I play, and when it records.