New to the Mbox 2 are MIDI in and out ports. Plain, circular knobs (like the original Mbox's) are more usable.īack panel features are well laid out and easy to access. This is awkward for my big mitts, and I found my hands running into the neighboring controls whenever I'd make an adjustment. One minor design flaw is the shape of the knobs they are 'spined' in the center, which means you pinch to turn them. All of the pots and switches operate smoothly and are high quality. (It would have been nice to have a mono sum for mix playback as well for checking stereo phase.) Just like the original, there's a mix control that allows one to adjust the ratio between source input and DAW playback for zero-latency monitoring when tracking overdubs-an indispensable feature. Two other additions are a -20 dB pad for each input channel and a mono switch that sums the two inputs. The 1/4'' headphone jack on the front panel replaces the original's 1/8'' jack and is a welcome addition. Unfortunately, it is not slim enough to fit into a 1U rackspace. Note that its squared-off case is easier to get it into a bag than the original Mbox, despite the Mbox 2 being a bit larger overall. I swapped the handle for the solid panel immediately, which slimmed the Mbox 2 down to a laptop-bag-friendly size.

Digidesign includes a second, solid panel that can replace the handle by means of a single hex screw (wrench included).

The handle also steadies the Mbox 2 when it's placed vertically (like the original).

The unusual looking handle doubles as a prop stand of sorts, raising the front panel up about an inch or so when the Mbox 2 is laid flat on a surface, ostensibly for better access to the smallish pots and buttons. Out of the box, the Mbox 2 is a shade larger and heftier (about 1 lb heavier) than it's predecessor, with a stylish, dark blue front panel that looks a bit more like a serious piece of hardware in contrast to the toy-like appearance of the original Mbox. The Mbox 2 is an updated, 24-bit, 48 kHz capable USB audio interface for Pro Tools LE users, and it adds a number of features to the original at virtually the same price. Digidesign's original Mbox was alternately praised for its portability, affordability, and sound quality and dismissed by some as an overpriced USB dongle.

Digidesign mbox 2 pro audio interface