ProAudio Review - March 2008 - (Page 13)

Tools (sans audio input) virtually anywhere; yet, in full disclosure, the users of virtually every other DAW — Apple Logic, MOTU Digital Performer, Steinberg Cubase, etc. — have been able to run their software anywhere without an extra device all along. That said, the Micro is an answered prayer to most Pro Tools users I know. The included software/plug-in bundle is PRODUCTPOINTS • Pro Tools as its most portable and affordable • Good headphone amplifier • All the bundled plug-ins and Xpand! Software • Useful tool for Digi VENUE live console users • No inputs • No operation above 48 kHz sampling rate SCORE The Mbox 2 Micro is one of the best audio innovations to come around in a long time. an exceptional value, and I’ve had great results using my Edirol PCR-30 keyboard to augment various projects with Expand! Micro supports the Music Production Toolkit and DV Toolkit 2 options, making it possible to work on projects up to 48 stereo tracks while on the go. I was surprised at the sound quality of the headphone amp, which I’ve used with a wide variety of headphones. It sounds quite good, somewhat better than my MacBook Pro’s internal headphone amp, which is leaps and bounds better than most notebooks that I’ve encountered. The audio engine also works with other applications, making it easy to upgrade your audio playback quality for movie viewing, music listening, or even working within other DAWs. Although it has made it a challenge to leave my work at the studio, I have absolutely fallen in love with the Mbox 2 Micro over the last month. Could it be better? Yep — it could provide optical digital output on the same 1/8inch jack that provides analog output. My MacBook Pro has that feature built in, and it allows me to listen to my Logic Pro 8 sessions through my Benchmark DAC1 without any sonic compromise. I wish it supported higher sample rates as well (high sample rate Pro Tools|HD sessions have to be down-converted before they can be opened with the Mbox 2 Micro). I find myself working at 88.2 and 96 kHz more and more often, and it’s disappointing that I can’t easily work on these projects with my Micro. All this aside, the Mbox 2 Micro is still one of the best audio innovations to come around in a long time. | SUMMARY The Mbox 2 Micro is a wonderful device that makes it easy to take Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools|LE, or Pro Tools M-Powered sessions virtually anywhere. Whether you are a producer or engineer that currently uses Pro Tools and needs a way to work outside the studio or you are new to Pro Tools and need an affordable way to get the program and the included plug-ins, the Mbox 2 Micro may be the perfect solution for you since it puts the power of Pro Tools editing, sequencing, and mixing within your grasp — virtually anywhere. Russ Long, a Nashville-based producer/engineer, owns The Carport recording studio. He is a regular contributor to Pro Audio Review. www.proaudioreview.com March 2008 | ProAudio Review | 13 http://www.berlinerusa.com http://www.berlinerusa.com http://www.proaudioreview.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ProAudio Review - March 2008

ProAudio Review - March 2008 Contents Publisher's Page Studio News and New Products Sennheiser MKH 8040 Microphone Digidesign Mbox 2 Micro Studio Spotlight Upsampler X/Audio Live News and New Products Touring Gear From the Road Broadcast News and New Products ION Audio Tape2PC Cassette Archiving System Brauner VMA Large-Diaphragm Microphone Audio Ltd. RMS 2040 Series Post News and New Products First Look NAB Showcase Buyers Guide Single Slice

ProAudio Review - March 2008

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