Avid Pro Tools Mbox Pro (3rd gen)

 

8-channel FireWire Audio/MIDI Interface with 4 Mic Preamps, DI, S/PDIF, Softclip Limiters, and Onboard DSP – Includes Pro Tools LE Software.

 

This is really the MBox 3 Pro but Avid, who own Pro Tools have decided to use their name on it so hello Avid Pro Tools MBox Pro!
 

You knew it had to come. The MBox 3… I mean the Avid Pro Tools MBox Pro. I was surprised when Digidesign came out with the new MBox a couple years ago and it was USB. The common complaint with these USB computer interfaces is latency, which could be a problem with the original MBox and MBox 2 standard.

 

If you're thinking about getting into Pro Tools it's a good time to do it because the MBox Pro 3 is the best one yet and it rivals Digidesign’s 003 rack series. which sells for almost twice as much. Avid has been listening to user’s requests and comments and have really come thru with the Pro Tools Mbox Pro.

 

Avid Pro Tools Mbox Pro (3rd gen)

 

Some new features:

  • 4 mic pre’s and each with it’s own insert.
  • First MBox with meters on the front panel
  • 6 line outs, 2 headphone jacks.
  • Firewire connectivity and comes loaded with the latest software from Pro Tools.
  • Compatible with not only Pro Tools LE but Apple Logic, Live, Cubase and others.
  • Up to 24-bit, 192 kHz sample rates
  • Soft-clip limiter lets you track hot signals without clipping providing a classic overdriven tape saturation sound
  • Built-in guitar tuner
  • Onboard DSP offers flexible cue mixing and reverb effects
  • Assignable Pro Tools multi-function button on interface gives you fast access to software functions
  • Connect up to three pairs of monitors or do 5.1 surround mixing

 

The mic preamps are a nice upgrade as well and should be like the ones in Digi’s 003. Actually, the Mbox 3 Pro will rival most of the 003 features and this is what a lot of Pro Tools LE users have been waiting for.

 

Getting up and running is quick and very simple with this piece of hardware and will comply on a Mac as well as a PC. It's front panel is stylish and sleek and the buttons and volume knobs are more of a decent size than the previous MBox 2 Pro. The real thrill comes from the latest Pro Tools LE software which comes with the MBox Pro.

 

Overall, pretty tough to beat the audio quality and software capabilities with any other computer based recording program in this price range.

 

Where to buy it: Musiciansfriend.com