The MBox.

You can, but Digidesign's Core Audio driver has been well known to be very flaky. I own an Mbox with and I also use Logic 7 and I had to get a second audio interface to use with Logic. Mbox has poor latency, and there were a lot of times when Logic wouldn't recognize the Mbox etc... I'd recommend against it.

I just got an Mbox 2 Pro, with ProTools LE 7.1.2, and the Core Audio implementation is much improved over the previous 6.x version I'd used before. As far as I can tell so far, they've finally gotten it working correctly.

The Mbox and Mbox 2 (not the new Mbox 2 Pro) are USB 1.1 interfaces, and don't operate well at low buffer sizes, so there is latency. But, they have a builtin source mixer, for true zero-latency monitoring. Yes, it's 'dry' monitoring, since it doesn't go through any plugins you might have on the channel, but it works. Many users of other interfaces use an external mixer for the same capability. Unfortunately, that doesn't help when trying to play soft synths in real time.

Maybe somebody else with Mbox or Mbox 2, using the latest Digidesign software, can comment on how low the buffer can actually go reliably?

I'll second that comment, Jonas. I have the Mbox2, but I only use it for PTLE since the Core Audio driver (for the Mbox, anyway) is less than stable. I use a FireBox for Logic and quite frankly, everything about this little box is far superior to the Mbox - WAY better mic preamps, very stable MIDI, and never crashes or hangs Logic. I actually route the Mbox2 S/PDIF out through my FireBox and monitor Pro Tools through it because it sounds so much better than the Mbox monitor outs. Go figure.

the core audio drivers from digidesign are not the best with logic pro....But man buying the mbox automatically grant u access to the best recording software available : Protools....Use that and 4get about Logic .... Why use a Volkswagen when u got a lamborghini in the garage:-))))

Maybe because the VW goes up to 255, but the Lamborghini will only do 32 (48 if you pay more $$), parts are more expensive and in the end you just need to get from A to B. Even though "everyone in the industry" drives the Lambo, I'd take the VW over it any day...

😉

BTW: my Lamborghini seems to stay parked in the garage all the time. It only gets used when other people come over and just have to drive it down to the supermarket and back, even though the VW has more room for groceries.

I have yet to meet a GOOD composer Producer who cant get it done on 32....If one cant get it dont on 32 tracks chances are high he cant get it done at all....Ever heard of bounce:_)))))))) Maybe Logic gives u 255 tracks but try putting some great effects on 100 of those tracks and logic will change it's name form PRO to QUIT....

Alright, I have to agree with you there. However, on an Mbox, try putting some great effects on all 32 of those tracks and PTLE will give you the same results. Perhaps your HD3 is the lamborghini (I would certaninly hope so), but depending on one's system, PTLE can be more like a Chevette.

I don't want to get into a Logic vs. PT match, I was just having a little fun with your automobile analogy. Both apps are quite capable in the right hands.

But I really do love VW's - the car, I mean. 😉

Chevy Nova fan myself...love those cars!

I love A Jeep Grand Cherokee - My Black Beauty - out cruising for some fresh Hooty:-)))))

the core audio drivers from digidesign are not the
best with logic pro....But man buying the mbox
automatically grant u access to the best recording
software available : Protools....Use that and 4get
about Logic .... Why use a Volkswagen when u got a
lamborghini in the garage:-))))

That's not true. Mbox gives you recording software that's merely pretty good. Pro Tools LE. Lower track count isn't the only limitation of LE.

So I haven't been keeping track...does PT still not support interleaved stereo files?

If you don't have homework to do on PT leave it away.

Actually the Mbox (old and new, not the pro that I've not checked again) are the worst audio interfaces on the market with the worst core audio drivers.

The first Mbox model had Focusrite preamps that the new doesn't have.

If you want to spend your money but a good, even small with only 2 channels, Firewire audio interface like the Presonus Firebox and go on with Logic.

So you will learn PT at the University and Logic at home, doubling your skill.

cheers

rob

to the best recording software available

How much pays Digidesign to you? 😉

Lamborghini?

PT is more similar to an old beetle than a lamborghini.

You can have performances putting three TDM cards into your computer, but only in that case.

About the program itself you can just say that it's a "standard" but in reality that's true only in postproduction.

And we can avoid to talk about the fact that PT accepts only RTAS and TDM plugins....... and all the limits that DIGI poses to you about compatibility etc.

Take your "Lamborghini" and be happy!

cheers

rob

someone ought to ho' slap you for making such incompetent statements on a public forum. The MbOX 2 may not give you too many i/o's but the converters and the preamps on the Mbox 2 are very I repeat VERY good..... Motu i.e. cant even compare remotely neither can Metric Halo although the say their interface is soooooo great...

Be aware of what you say - for the audio quality of the m is amazing

I already stated: be happy with your lamborghini, ferrari or wathever you like!

cheers

rob