To be honest...other interfaces in this league sound pretty much the same. It's really how you work with what you have and the final output that really matters. Just think...they never had stuff like this back in the 50's...so why would people be so determined that they can't get good sound quality just because the pre's aren't API pre's or something? Most people out there using these devices are amatures anyway. And if you're just using softsynths...the pre's don't even make a difference anyway until you start recording.

Nice and small: perfect for portability and laptops.

Install the software, plug it in when it tells ya, and you're ready to go. Couldn't be any simpler. Why people are having problems is beyond me. But I would suggest they get a "real" computer. I've never had problems with my mbox mini, delta 1010lt or even my HD 192 I/O so, it's not that protools has bugs...or is difficult to install and use...it's the operators that are the problems.

I could probably depend on this little guy for plenty of years to come! But to be honest...we only bought it for the software for our Digi 002...lol. Well a friend of mine did and he didn't need the hardware and gave it to me. If I could sell it for like $200, I sure would.

I think the price is right for what it is.

Never had to call Digidesign for anything except to see why it was taking so long for my Control|24 to get to the house.

It's alright. Like I said earlier, it's small and portable especially for someone with a laptop being bus powered. Sexy? It's a piece of hardware!

Recording Engineer / Producer

Hip Hop / R&B

I used to own the emu 1616m, and let me tell you, this makes that seem like child's play!

it comes with protools le, which in my opinion offers a wide variety of features that makes you appreciate digidesign's commitment to pro recording systems. it's not called protools for nothing.

some people may find it a little complicated at first, but come on! this isn't a toy. but once you get the hang of it, it becomes so easy you won't even notice your using it.

it's a pretty sturdy piece of equipment. i've actually dropped mines a couples times and it still works like a beauty, though i do not recommend you try dropping it to see how it holds up, hahaha.

well worth the $295 price. name me something else that will give you the same immaculate sound quality for such a low price!

i have yet to call them for support, which is great. the emu 1616m....well, thats another story, haha.

well, compared to the old mbox, the mbox 2 and mini mbox 2 both sport nicer designs. although still not the sleekest looking thing ever, it's not bad on the eyes. but quite frankly i'm more concerned with the way something works than how it looks, and it doesn't get any better than this. if your looking for pro recording/editting hardware & software at an entry level price, you cannot beat the $295 price of the mini mbox with protools.

Recording Engineer

24/48, sounds good.

2 inputs, 2 outputs. For me it's basically $300 so I can edit on the go. Probably won't do much recording with it.

If you know pro tools, it's easy.

The case is solid, but the knobs wiggle inside the case.

Not worth the price but there's not a more portable option.

Digi's tech support is not bad. Don't ask them about PT certification though, they have no clue.

For me, appeal is that it's portable.

Recording Engineer

Rock, Alternative

Sound quality is awesome. I'm not familiar enough with most of the recording software out there, but of the handful that I am familiar with, Pro Tools easily surpasses them and is in another league.

The plugin bundle is awesome. Haven't used the interface enough to know about the quality of it.

Learning curve? How much time do you have? You better be ready for that. I have spent 5 10 hr days and I can't get this thing to work on my PC. If you own a PC, you better check the specs real thoroughly or you're in for a real surprise. It seems to have some bugs on PC platform on top of that. Too bad because this thing really has some major potential.

I rate this so low because this product will not work on a large percentage of PC configurations. I have a total of 4 PC's, and unbeknownst to me at time of purchase, the program will not work on any of them. I visited a Pro Tools seminar in 2003 and I was eager to get it at the time, but it wasn't supporting PC. I'm not a believer that it supports PC currently either based on my experience so far.

I would give this a 10 if I could just get this thing to work the way that it's supposed to. I know that there is a monster program behind all the trouble.

I've never experienced support like this. I've been on the phone with Dell, HP, Adobe, Macromedia, Microsoft, and I've at least been able to reach someone. I can't even reach these guys, whether attempting by e-mail or by phone. I waited 20 minutes on a paid call, as they don't have a toll free number, and I was still on hold. This is a very complex configuration for PC. It requires support, especially if you look at the possibility of your computer even being accepted to run it. The info on supported PC configurations should all be out in the open so that a consumer can make a wise decision before purchasing the software. I have never purchased a software that simply did not work at all on my system.

Of course Pro Tools is sexy.

Active Musician

Rock

The sound is a lot better than Mbox 1. It does have that thin Digidesign/Pro Tools sound and the preamps aren't the greatest. But it definitely gets the job done.

There are really no fancy features. I guess Pro Tools can be considered a feature. Besides that, no DSP effects, only 48khz, USB connection.

Pro Tools continues to be a b**** to set up having compatibility issues with Vista and certain processors. Pro Tools also has a pretty steep learning curve.

It's plastic. Durable plastic.

It is a great value in the sense that you get Pro Tools and a pretty decent sounding setup for the price.

Never dealt with tech support but they do have pretty good forums out there.

I only use it as a dongle for Pro Tools.

Recording Engineer / Producer

Hip Hop, R&B, Pop

I pick up radio stations on preamp #1 and a high pitched hum on preamp #2. The headphone/monitor out is fine though.

Portability is important.....I think.

If you know pro tools, that's what it is.

As I said, preamps/radio tuners are crap. The metal housing is good but the knobs wiggle easily inside it which makes me wonder.

This thing should be $200

Just don't ask Digidesign a question about Pro Tools training and you'll be okay.

No sex appeal. Yes portable appeal though.

Recording Engineer, Professional Musician

Rock, Alternative, Acoustic Pop

What can you say, its software... it does what its supposed to.

Descent features. ProTools 7 comes with more FX pre-settings than before, so I guess thats an improvement.

"Ease of use", are you kidding? Months of your life will be lost just trying to figure out what is what.

This should be much hirer score (+9) as I've never encountered a problem with ProTools OR an MBOX ever until I purchased this little thing. Theres documentation online that suggests there is a glitch in the hardware or software (driver) of the MBox mini that causes your CPU to CRASH on occasion. It happens all the time to me. Its got to the point where I only connect the MBOX mini when I absolutely need to use MBOX. When I go to use Final Cut, or even browse the web with the MBOX connected, I get wonderful crashes on my brand new iMac. The reason I bought it was because 1) it came with ProTools, and 2) for an audio output for my iMac. Lets just say when it works, it works well.

If your setup works fine, then its a GREAT deal !

THE WORST SERVICE! Digidesign is notorious for cruddy customer service. I dont care how "industry-standard" your products are, your company's "customer service" is an embarrassment. I've received better customer service from companies that outsource to India. The companies arrogance and apathetic actions lead me to honestly feel like I would be better served giving my money to another company next time... which I will. Maybe then they'll know how to test a product before they sell it, and how to treat customers after they've given them their hard earned dollars. **not every MBOX owner has had these issues-- perhaps mine is a lemon**

WTF? If you think electronics have any type of sex appeal you need to get out of the house.

editor

Its cheap - there are better audio interfaces for this price. Pro-tools is a pain to install. abelton is better - and works with the card of your choice

Constant humming. I hate it. Im still trying to find the source of the white noise.

Sounds awesome - it's pro level

Not many features but can't beat $300 and some change for entering the Pro Tools world. If you're into music, this could be the beginning of a career.

Hard to use - steep learning curve. Be prepared to learn for a while.

The Mbox Mini 2 and the software, for the price, is unbeatable. But remember the price and don't expect it to resemble a $3.5k pre.

Probably the best value out there for getting on a pro recording software level at an entry level price.

I have called support, checked their web site, emailed them and got response back. They are in the know.

I've wanted Pro Tools for years. I went to seminar in 2002 that convinced me that the PC and Pro Tools weren't quite compatible with each other at that time. So I waited - now is the time. I have it, it works on my PC.

it has great sound and you know what? i guess you will not recognize difference along with this price range...

well it dosen't have spdif... but it has two input... so you can record stereo... mostly people dosen't need more than 2 inputs... if you need more than two just find something else... but if you are noobs then and looking for othe interface which also has two inputs... then this is better... cause this is expensvie for 2 inputs but it has protools... though you are not professinal... it feels great to use pro's tool... and learn much easier...

just plug and play... or listen to music... you can use grageband if you want or live 5... maybe other sequencing programs too...

for noobs this is very good i was wondering but after having this... i don't regret at all...

i am recordng mostly my classical guitar so two input is ok... and protools...!