mbox question

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Member Since: Mar 02, 2009

Hey, so I'm definitely new to all of this so please forgive my noobish questions. Basically, I've started using fl studio, and I just got a mbox from my friend so I'm hoping to start recording some stuff. The problem is I can't find a driver for the thing. Every driver I find on the digidesign site seems to be part of protools. So I suppose the most obvious question is whether the damn thing will even work without pro tools, and if it will can fl fit the bill, and finally where can I find a vista driver. Any push in the right direction would be huge thx.

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I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003


Mar 02, 2009 02:30 pm

DigiDesign has the unfortunate business model of only allowing you to use their software with their hardware (the exception being ProTools M-Powered, which allows you to use ProTools software with select M-Audio hardware). That fact alone is why very few of us around here use their products. They have a very proprietary pholisophy, so you have to buy their software, their hardware, their plugins, their add-ons. And none of it comes cheap.

Either go back to your friend and insist that he give you the disc for ProTools that came with the MBox, or shop around for another interface that will allow you to choose your own software.

Member
Since: Mar 02, 2009


Mar 02, 2009 02:40 pm

Ah that's too bad. I was worried this might be the case, it's funny though they certainly don't advertise this little fact anywhere. I doubt my buddy has the disk, and I'm not going to buy the program for this hardware that seems to be verging on obsolete. Does anyone by chance have a recommendation for an interface that would be a nice (and cheap) compliment to my situation? Thx again.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Mar 02, 2009 02:43 pm

Sonar supports some of Digidesigns gear...as I recall...

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Mar 03, 2009 07:00 pm

A simple 2 in 2 out interface? Do you need XLR for plugging in a mic and or phantom power?

Member
Since: Mar 02, 2009


Mar 03, 2009 09:59 pm

Ya something simple (euphemism for cheap) would be ideal. Although phantom power would definitely be a plus for mics. Also it needs to be compatible with fl studio. Another question would be if it's a problem to get an older unit that's either firewire or usb. Thx a lot.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Mar 04, 2009 09:06 pm

If you have a Music Go Round store near you then you could easily find a used USB or Firewire interface. I know we have several local here and the closest one has about 5 or 6 at the moment.

M-Audio makes a unit called the Mobile Pre and that would have phantom power and 2 XLR/1/4" combo inputs on it. Nice unit and the drivers are very stable at this point.

What kind of budget are you looking to stay around?

Member
Since: Mar 02, 2009


Mar 05, 2009 04:50 pm

is it a good idea to go to a store? or am i more likely to find better deals online? i would have assumed the latter. in terms of budget im not looking to spend more then about $100, i don't need anything fancy. thx again.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Mar 05, 2009 05:23 pm

for old and cheap, i'm using an older tascam us122. it's got 2 channel, phantom, direct monitoring, and is USB(1.1).

it's worked pretty well for me, but i don't push it either.

You may find one on ebay or CL for cheap.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Mar 05, 2009 09:17 pm

Either way really. At the type of store I described above merchandise changes all the time. So he gets in new stuff all the time. Or I should say new used stuff.

But ya, if you have a store around that deals in used gear that is worth checking into for sure.

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