Pinnacle Systems Mbox 2 - 6.8.1 Quick Start Guide

Download

Getting Started with

Mbox 2

™

Version 6.8.1 for LE Systems on Windows or Macintosh

Digidesign

2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard

Daly City, CA 94014-3886 USA

tel: 650·731·6300

fax: 650·731·6399

Technical Support (USA)

tel: 650·731·6100

fax: 650·731·6384

Product Information (USA)

tel: 650·731·6102

tel: 800·333·2137

International Ofﬁces

Visit the Digidesign Web site

for contact information

Web Site

www.digidesign.com

Digidesign, Mbox 2, and Pro Tools are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the US and other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice.

PN 9320-14742-00 REV A 9/05

Communications and Safety Regulation Information

Compliance Statement This model Digidesign Mbox 2 complies with the following standards regulating interference and EMC:

• FCC Part 15 Class B

• EN 55022

• EN 55204

• AS/NZS 3548 Class B

• CISPR 22 Class B

Radio and Television Interference This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We Digidesign,

2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard, Suite 200

Daly City, CA 94014 USA

tel: 650-731-6300

declare under our sole responsibility that the product

Mbox 2

complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and

used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or locate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Mbox 2

Any modifications to the unit, unless expressly approved by Digidesign, could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Canadian Compliance Statement:

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-

003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Australian Compliance

European Compliance

Chapter 1. Welcome to Mbox 2

Mbox 2 Package

Mbox 2 Features

Pro Tools LE Capabilities

System Requirements

Digidesign Registration

About the Pro Tools Guides

About www.digidesign.com

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Chapter 2. Windows Configuration

Installation Overview

Windows System Settings

Installing Pro Tools LE and Mbox 2

Optional Software on the Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM

Launching Pro Tools LE

Configuring Pro Tools LE

Hard Drive Configuration and Maintenance

Removing Pro Tools on Windows XP

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Chapter 3. Macintosh Configuration

Installation Overview

Apple System Settings for Mac OS X

Installing Pro Tools LE

Connecting Mbox 2 to the Computer

Optional Software on the Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM

Launching Pro Tools LE

Configuring Pro Tools LE

Audio MIDI Setup (AMS)

Hard Drive Configuration and Maintenance

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Contents

iii

Removing Pro Tools on Mac OS X

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Chapter 4. Mbox 2 Hardware and Connections

Mbox 2 Front Panel Features

Mbox 2 Back Panel Features

Making Signal Connections to Mbox 2

Chapter 5. Working with Pro Tools LE

Session Basics

Transport Controls

Tracks

Regions Lists

Navigating in a Session

Importing Audio

Basic Recording

Editing

Mixing

Plug-Ins

Mix Automation

Final Mixdown

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Appendix A. Windows System Optimizations

Troubleshooting

Advanced Settings

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Appendix B. Configuring Midi Studio Setup (Windows Only)

MIDI Studio Setup

Patch Name Support

Appendix C. Configuring AMS (Mac OS X Only)

Audio MIDI Setup

Patch Name Support

Index

Getting Started with Mbox 2

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chapter 1

Welcome to Mbox 2

Welcome to Mbox 2, Digidesign’s portable Pro Tools micro-studio.

Mbox 2 Package

Mbox 2 provides your USB-equipped computer with two channels of analog audio input and output, two channels of digital audio input and output, MIDI In and Out ports, analog monitor outs, and a headphone output with front panel level control. Mbox 2 provides professionalquality mic preamps and 24-bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters.

The Mbox 2 package includes the following:

• Mbox 2 desktop audio interface

• Installer CD-ROMs containing Pro Tools LE software, DigiRack RTAS (Real-Time AudioSuite) and AudioSuite plug-ins, optional software, and electronic PDF guides

• This

Getting Started with Mbox 2 Guide

includes instructions for installing and configuring Mbox 2, and an introduction to Pro Tools LE software

• The

Mbox 2 Basics Guide

users speciﬁc methods for accomplishing common tasks (such as getting sound in and out of your Mbox 2, connecting a mic or instrument, and recording a session)

• USB connector cable

• Digidesign registration card

, designed to give new

, which

Chapter 1: Welcome to Mbox 2

Mbox 2 Features

Pro Tools LE Capabilities

The Mbox 2 provides the following:

•Two channels of analog audio input with microphone preamps and switchable 48V phantom power

• Analog input jacks include one XLR and two 1/4-inch connectors (one TRS, one TS), with switchable Mic, Line, and DI levels

•–20 dB pad available separately on each analog input channel

•Two channels of S/PDIF digital input and output.

• S/PDIF inputs are available independently, in addition to analog inputs 1–2;

• S/PDIF outputs mirror analog outs 1–2

• Up to four channels of input, total, using analog and digital inputs simultaneously

• One MIDI In and one MIDI Out port, providing 16 MIDI input channels and 16 MIDI output channels

•Two 1/4-inch TRS analog monitor outputs

• 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, supporting sample rates of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz

• Zero-latency analog record monitoring with adjustable balance between input and playback

•Mono switch for enhanced monitoring of single-channel input sources (does not affect recording)

•1/4-inch adjustable level control

• USB-powered operation

(

TRS) stereo headphone output with

Pro Tools LE software provides the following capabilities with Mbox 2:

• Playback of up to 32 mono digital audio tracks, and of playback up to 28 tracks while recording up to 4 tracks, depending on your computer’s capabilities

•Up to 128 audio tracks (with 32 voiceable tracks maximum), 256 MIDI tracks, 128 Auxiliary Input tracks, and 64 Master Fader tracks per session

•16-bit or 24-bit audio resolution, at sample rates up to 48 kHz

• Non-destructive, random-access editing and mix automation

• Audio processing with up to 5 RTAS plugins per track, depending on your computer’s capabilities

• Up to 5 inserts and 5 sends per track

• Up to 16 internal mix busses

Pro Tools LE uses your computer’s CPU to mix and process audio tracks (host processing). Computers with faster clock speeds yield higher track counts and more plug-in processing.

Mbox 2 will not function properly if connected to a passive USB hub. If you need to use a hub for other USB peripherals, use a powered hub or a separate dedicated USB port for Mbox 2 to function properly.

Getting Started with Mbox 2

System Requirements

Mbox 2 can be used with a Digidesign-qualified Windows or Macintosh computer running Pro Tools LE software.

For complete system requirements, visit the compatibility page of the Digidesign Web site (www.Digidesign.com/compato).

Compatibility Information

Digidesign can only assure compatibility and provide support for hardware and software it has tested and approved.

For a list of Digidesign-qualified computers, operating systems, hard drives, and third-party devices, refer to the latest compatibility information on the Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com/compato)

MIDI Requirements

Mbox 2 includes one MIDI In port and one MIDI Out port, providing 16 channels of MIDI input and 16 channels of MIDI output.

Hard Drive Considerations

Hard Drive Conﬁguration and Maintenance

It is recommended that you start with a newly initialized audio drive. You should also periodically defragment your audio drive to ensure continued system performance.

For a list of qualified hard drives, see our Web site (www.digidesign.com/compato).

If you are using an ATA/IDE or FireWire hard drive, initialize your drive with Windows Disk Management (Windows) or the Disk Utility application included with Apple System software (Macintosh).

Avoid Recording to System Drives

Although Pro Tools LE will let you record to your system drive, this is generally not recommended. Recording and playback on system drives results in lower track counts and fewer plug-ins.

If you require additional MIDI ports, add a MIDI interface to your system.

USB MIDI interfaces work effectively with Pro Tools systems on Windows or Macintosh. Serial MIDI interfaces are supported on Windows systems only.

Only USB MIDI interfaces are compatible with Pro Tools systems for Mac OS X. Modem-to-serial port adapters and serial MIDI devices are not supported.

For a list of supported adapters, refer to the Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com).

Chapter 1: Welcome to Mbox 2

Hard Disk Storage Space

Mono audio tracks recorded with 16-bit resolution at 44.1 kHz (CD quality) require approximately 5 MB of hard disk space per minute. The same tracks recorded with 24-bit resolution require about

7.5 MB per minute.

Stereo audio tracks recorded with 16-bit resolution at 44.1 kHz (CD quality) require approximately 10 MB of hard disk space per minute. The same tracks recorded with 24-bit resolution require about 15 MB per minute.

Table 2 lists the required disk space for certain track numbers and track lengths, to help you estimate your hard disk usage.

Table 2. Required hard drive space for audio tracks

Number of tracks and length 16-bit at

44.1 kHz

1 mono track, 1 minute 5 MB 5.5 MB 7.5 MB 8.2 MB

16-bit at

48 kHz

24-bit at

44.1 kHz

24-bit at

48 kHz

1 stereo track (or two mono tracks), 5 minutes

1 stereo track (or two mono tracks), 60 minutes

24 mono tracks, 5 minutes 600 MB 662 MB 900 MB 991 MB

24 mono tracks, 60 minutes 7 GB 7.8 GB 10.5 GB 11.6 GB

32 mono tracks, 5 minutes 800 MB 883 MB 1.2 GB 1.3 GB

32 mono tracks, 60 minutes 9.4 GB 10.4 GB 14 GB 15.4 GB

50 MB 55 MB 75 MB 83 MB

600 MB 662 MB 900 MB 991 MB

Getting Started with Mbox 2

Digidesign Registration

Please register your purchase immediately. Review the enclosed registration information card and follow the instructions on it to quickly register online. Registering your purchase is the only way you can be eligible to receive complimentary technical support and future upgrade offers. It is one of the most important steps you can take as a new user.

About the Pro Tools Guides

The

Getting Started with Mbox 2 Guide

how to install and use Mbox 2 to record, edit, and mix audio and MIDI tracks in Pro Tools LE.

If you are new to working with digital workstations, it is recommended that you read the following:

•

Mbox 2 Basics Guide

how to get sound in and out of your Mbox 2, connect a microphone or instrument, record to a Pro Tools session, import audio from a CD, create an audio CD from a Pro Tools session, and other topics.

provides simple steps for

explains

For additional information, see the following online guides:

•

Pro Tools Reference Guide

software in detail.

•

Pro Tools Menus Guide

on-screen menus.

•

DigiRack Plug-Ins Guide

the RTAS and AudioSuite plug-ins included with Pro Tools LE.

•

Digidesign Plug-Ins Guide

optional Digidesign plug-ins.

•

DigiBase Guide

Pro Tools DigiBase databasing and browsers for data and media management.

•

Pro Tools Keyboard Shortcuts

shortcuts for Pro Tools LE.

PDF versions of the Pro Tools guides are installed automatically with Pro Tools LE, and are accessible from the Pro Tools Help menu. To view or print the PDF guides, you can use Acrobat Reader or Macintosh Preview.

provides details on using

explains Pro Tools LE

covers all the Pro Tools

explains how to use

lists keyboard

A copy of Acrobat Reader is included on the Pro Tools LE CD-ROM for Windows.

Printed copies of the

Guide

and other guides in the Pro Tools

Pro Tools Reference

guide set can be purchased separately from the DigiStore (www.digidesign.com).

Chapter 1: Welcome to Mbox 2

Conventions Used in This Guide

Digidesign guides use the following conventions to indicate menu choices and key commands:

Convention Action

File > Save Session Choose Save Session from

the File menu

Control+N Hold down the Control key

and press the N key

Control-click Hold down the Control key

and click the mouse button

Right-click (Windows) Click with the right mouse

button

The following symbols are used to highlight important information:

User Tips are helpful hints for getting the most from your Pro Tools system.

Important Notices include information that could affect your data or the performance of your system.

Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or mouse shortcuts.

Cross References point to related sections in other Digidesign guides.

About www.digidesign.com

The Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com) is your best source for information to help you get the most out of your Pro Tools system. The following are just a few of the services and features available.

Registration Register your purchase online. See the enclosed registration form for instructions.

Support Contact Digidesign Technical Support or Customer Service; download software updates and the latest online manuals; browse the Compatibility documents for system requirements; search the online Answerbase; join the worldwide Pro Tools community on the Digidesign User Conference.

Training and Education Become a certified Pro Tools Operator or Expert; study on your own using courses available online, or find out how you can learn in a classroom setting at a certified Pro Tools Training Center.

Products and Developers Learn about Digidesign products; download demo software; learn about our Development Partners and their plug-ins, applications, and hardware.

News and Events Get the latest news from Digidesign; sign up for a Pro Tools demo.

To learn more about these and other resources available from Digidesign, visit the Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com).

Getting Started with Mbox 2

chapter 2

Windows Conﬁguration

This chapter contains information for Windows systems only. If you are installing Pro Tools on a Macintosh computer, see Chapter 3, “Macintosh Conﬁguration.”

Before installing this version of Pro Tools, please refer to the Read Me information included on the Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM.

Installation Overview

Installing the Mbox 2 on a Windows computer includes the following steps:

1 Conﬁguring “Windows System Settings” on

page 7.

2 “Installing Pro Tools LE and Mbox 2” on

page 10.

3 Restarting your computer.

4 “Conﬁguring Pro Tools LE” on page 12.

5 Making audio connections to the Mbox 2.

(See Chapter 4, “Mbox 2 Hardware and Connections” for details.)

Windows System Settings

Configure your Window system settings, as follows:

Required Settings These instructions must be followed before installing Pro Tools.

Recommended Conﬁguration These instructions should be followed to optimize your system’s capabilities, or to let older computers run Pro Tools.

If problems occur after configuring all required and recommended settings, see Appendix A, “Windows System Optimizations” for information on troubleshooting and configuring advanced settings.

Required Settings

To ensure optimum performance with Pro Tools LE, configure the following Control Panel settings for your version of Windows XP.

Disable Hyper-Threading

For Pentium IV computers with Hyper-Threading, disable Hyper-Threading in the BIOS.

Refer to your computer’s documentation for steps on how to enter your computer’s BIOS and disable Hyper-Threading.

Chapter 2: Windows Conﬁguration 7

Enable DMA for any IDE hard drives:

1 Choose Start > Control Panel.

2 Launch System.

3 Click the Hardware tab.

4 Under Device Manager, choose Device Man-

ager.

5 In the Device Manager window, double-click

IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers, then double-click the Primary IDE Channel for your IDE hard drive.

6 Click the Advanced Settings tab.

7 For each device, set the Transfer Mode to

“DMA if available,” and click OK.

In most cases, this will already be set correctly as Windows XP will detect and activate DMA mode by default.

8 Repeat steps 5–7 for any additional IDE Chan-

nels.

9 Close the Computer Management window.

Disable System Standby and Power Management

When using Pro Tools, the Windows System Standby power scheme must be set to Always On. This helps prevent long record or playback passes from stopping due to system resources powering down.

To conﬁgure Windows Power Management:

1 Choose Start > Control Panel.

2 Launch Power Options.

3 Click the Power Schemes tab.

4 From the Power Schemes pop-up menu, select

Always On.

5 Click OK.

This sets System Standby, System Hibernate, and “Turn off hard disks” to Never.

On AMD processors, be sure to check and disable Cool N’Quiet in the System BIOS (in the Cool & Quiet Configuration section). Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for instructions on disabling this power option, if necessary.

Disable ClearType Font Smoothing

When using Pro Tools, the Effects “Clear Type” setting must be disabled.

To disable ClearType font smoothing:

1 Choose Start > Control Panel.

2 Launch Display.

3 Click the Appearance tab.

4 Click Effects.

5 Deselect “Use the following methods to

smooth edges of screen fonts.”

6 Click OK to save your settings and close the

Effects dialog.

7 Click OK.

Disable Data Executive Prevention (DEP)

When using Pro Tools, Data Executive Prevention should be disabled to prevent system crashes.

To disable Data Execution Prevention: (DEP)

1 Choose Start > Control Panel.

2 Launch System.

3 Click the Advanced tab.

4 From the Startup and Recovery section, click

Settings.

Getting Started with Mbox 28

5 Click on the down arrow in the Default Oper-

ating System pop-up menu, and note if the “/NoExecute=” line reads as follows (spacing and case-sensitive):

/NoExecute=AlwaysOff

6 Do one of the following:

• If the “/NoExecute=” reads “/NoExecute= AlwaysOff,” data prevention is disabled, and you do not need to change any settings. Click OK to close the Startup and Recovery dialog, click OK to close the Systems Property dialog, and continue with “Completing Required Windows System Settings” on page 9.

– or –

• If the “/No Execute=” does not read “/NoExecute=AlwaysOff” (for example, it reads “NoExecuteOptIn”), continue with the following steps.

7 Click Edit to edit the startup options ﬁle man-

ually.

8 Change the “/NoExecute=” line to read as fol-

lows:

/NoExecute=AlwaysOff

Recommended Conﬁguration

Pro Tools LE can also be affected by other software and hardware drivers installed on your computer. For best possible performance, it is recommended (but not required) that you:

•Avoid running other Windows programs at the same time as Pro Tools.

•Turn off any software utilities that run in the background, such as Windows Messenger, calendars, and disk maintenance programs.

•Turn off any non-essential USB devices while using Pro Tools.

• If your video display card supports it, enable Bus Mastering in the manufacturer’s Control Panel.

• Disable any networking cards (other than any 1394 “FireWire” card that you might use to connect an external drive to your system).

For information on disabling networking cards, see “Disabling Network Cards” on page 59.

9 Save the boot.ini ﬁle if it was changed.

10 Choose File > Exit.

11 From the Startup and Recovery dialog, click

OK.

12 From the System Properties dialog, click OK.

Completing Required Windows System Settings

When finished updating required Windows system settings, restart your computer.

Chapter 2: Windows Conﬁguration 9

Installing Pro Tools LE and Mbox 2

8 Wait for the installer to ﬁnish installing all

software components, drivers, and PACE System ﬁles before proceeding to the next step.

To install Pro Tools LE on Windows:

1 Make sure you have conﬁgured all the re-

quired Windows system settings, and restarted your computer. See“Windows System Settings” on page 7 for more information.

2 Start up Windows, logging in with Adminis-

trator privileges. If you do not have Administrator privileges or do not know how to set them up, see your Windows User’s Guide.

3 Connect the small end of the included USB ca-

ble to the USB port on Mbox 2.

4 Connect the other end of the USB cable to any

available USB port on your computer. Wait for the Found New Hardware Wizard dialog to appear and leave it open: Do not click Next.

Mbox 2 may not function properly if connected to a USB hub. If you need to use a hub for other USB peripherals, connect the hub to a separate USB port; Mbox 2 must have a dedicated port in order to function properly.

5 Insert the Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM for

Windows in your CD-ROM drive. Locate and open the Pro Tools Installer folder, and doubleclick the Setup icon.

6 Click Next to begin installation.

9 Click OK when prompted to install Quick-

Time. If required, you can install QuickTime later (see “Installing QuickTime” on page 10).

10 Restart your computer.

If the USB LED on the front panel of the Mbox 2 does not illuminate after installation, try unplugging the USB cable from the Mbox 2 USB port, and plugging it back in. If the USB LED still does not illuminate, shut down the computer, disconnect Mbox 2 and start the computer. Once the computer has fully restarted, reconnect Mbox 2.

MIDI Studio Setup

(Optional)

If you plan to use any MIDI devices with Pro Tools, configure your MIDI setup with MIDI Studio Setup. See Appendix B, “Configuring Midi Studio Setup (Windows Only)” for details.

Installing QuickTime

(Optional)

QuickTime 6.5 or later is required for Pro Tools if you plan to include movie files in your sessions. QuickTime is available as a free download from the Apple Web site (www.apple.com).

7 Select the components you want to install and

click Next.

If you get a warning dialog about the driver not passing Windows Logo testing, click Continue Anyway.

Getting Started with Mbox 210

Optional Software on the Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM

Your Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM includes several software options.

Digidesign ASIO Driver

The Digidesign ASIO (Audio Sound Input Output) Driver is a single-client multichannel sound driver that allows third-party audio programs that support the ASIO standard to record and play back through Digidesign hardware.

Digidesign WaveDriver

The Digidesign WaveDriver is a single-client, stereo sound driver that allows third-party audio programs that support the WaveDriver MME (Multimedia Extension) standard to play back through Digidesign hardware.

Digidesign WaveDriver is automatically installed when you install Pro Tools.

For detailed information on configuring the Digidesign WaveDriver, see the

WaveDriver Guide

Digidesign

Digidesign ASIO Driver is automatically installed when you install Pro Tools.

For detailed information on configuring the Digidesign ASIO Driver, see the

ASIO Guide

To use Digidesign ASIO Driver without Pro Tools, use the stand-alone version of the Digidesign ASIO Driver. The standalone version of Digidesign ASIO Driver is available on the Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com)

Digidesign

To use Digidesign WaveDriver without Pro Tools, use the stand-alone version of the Digidesign WaveDriver. The standalone version of Digidesign WaveDriver is available on the Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com)

Pro Tools Demo Session

The Pro Tools LE Installer CD includes a demo session that you can use to verify that your system is working.

Before installing the demo session to your audio drive, make sure the drive is configured as described in “Formatting an Audio Drive” on page 15.

To install the demo session:

1 Insert the Pro Tools LE Installer CD in your

CD-ROM drive. Locate and double-click Setup.exe, in D (CD-ROM drive):\Additional Files\Pro Tools LE Demo Session Installer.

2 Set the install location to your audio drive and

click Install.

3 When installation is complete, click OK.

Chapter 2: Windows Conﬁguration 11

Launching Pro Tools LE

When launching Pro Tools LE the first time, you are prompted to enter an authorization code to validate your software.

To validate Pro Tools LE software:

1 Double-click the Pro Tools LE shortcut on

your desktop (or the application in the Pro Tools folder inside the Digidesign folder).

2 Enter the authorization code in the dialog

(making sure to type it exactly as printed, and observing any spaces and capitalization), then click Validate.

Your authorization code is located on the inside cover of this guide.

Conﬁguring Pro Tools LE

Pro Tools System Settings

◆ Lower Hardware Buffer Size settings reduce

monitoring latency, and are useful when you are recording live input.

◆ Higher Hardware Buffer Size settings allow for

more audio processing and effects, and are useful when you are mixing and using more RTAS plug-ins.

In addition to causing slower screen response and monitoring latency, higher Hardware Buffer Size settings can affect the accuracy of plug-in automation, mute data, and timing for MIDI tracks.

To change the Hardware Buffer Size:

1 Choose Setups > Playback Engine.

Pro Tools LE lets you adjust the performance of your system by changing system settings that affect its capacity for processing, playback, and recording

In most cases, the default settings for your system provide optimum performance, but you may want to adjust them to accommodate large or processing-intensive Pro Tools sessions.

Hardware Buffer Size

The Hardware Buffer Size (H/W Buffer Size) controls the size of the hardware cache used to handle host processing tasks such as Real-Time AudioSuite (RTAS) plug-ins. The H/W Buffer setting can also be used to manage monitoring latency.

Getting Started with Mbox 212

Playback Engine dialog for Mbox 2

2 From the H/W Buffer Size pop-up menu, select

the audio buffer size, in samples.

3 Click OK.

CPU Usage Limit

The CPU Usage Limit controls the percentage of CPU resources allocated to Pro Tools host processing tasks such as Real-Time AudioSuite (RTAS) plug-ins, as follows:

◆ Lower CPU usage settings reduce how much

Pro Tools processing affects other CPU-intensive tasks (such as screen redraws), and limit the amount of processor resources available for

Pro Tools tasks. They are useful when you are experiencing slow system response, or when running other applications at the same time as Pro Tools.

◆ Higher CPU Usage Limit settings allocate

more processing power to Pro Tools, and are useful for playing back large sessions or using more real-time plug-ins.

Increasing the CPU Usage Limit may slow down screen response on slower computers.

The maximum CPU Usage Limit is 85 percent for single-processor computers, and 99 percent for multi-processor computers. (The 99 percent setting dedicates one entire processor to Pro Tools.)

To change the CPU Usage Limit:

1 Choose Setups > Playback Engine.

To change the DAE Playback Buffer Size:

1 Choose Setups > Playback Engine.

2 From the DAE Playback Buffer pop-up menu,

select a buffer size.

3 Click OK.

Pro Tools Hardware Settings

Using the Hardware Setup dialog, you can select the default sample rate and clock source for your system, and configure the clock source for your system.

Default Sample Rate

The Sample Rate setting appears as the default sample rate when you create a new session. (This setting is available in the Hardware Setup dialog only when no session is open.)

2 From the CPU Usage Limit pop-up menu, se-

lect the percentage of CPU processing you want to allocate to Pro Tools.

3 Click OK.

DAE Playback Buffer Size

The DAE Playback Buffer Size determines the amount of memory DAE uses to manage disk buffers, which affects system performance, as follows:

◆ Lower DAE Playback Buffer Size settings can

improve playback and recording initiation speed. However, a lower setting can make it difﬁcult for slower hard drives to play or record tracks reliably.

◆ Higher DAE Playback Buffer Size settings can

allow for a higher density of edits in a session. However, a higher setting can cause a time lag to occur before playback or recording begins. It can also cause a time lag to occur when you are editing during playback.

You can change the sample rate when creating a new Pro Tools session by selecting a different sample rate in the New Session dialog. (Refer to

the Pro Tools Reference Guide

for details.)

To change the default Sample Rate:

1 Make sure that no Pro Tools session is open.

2 Choose Setups > Hardware Setup.

Hardware Setup dialog for Mbox 2

3 Select the sample rate from the Sample Rate

pop-up menu.

4 Click OK.

Chapter 2: Windows Conﬁguration 13

Clock Source

Using the Hardware Setup dialog, you can select the clock source for the system.

Internal Use this setting if you are recording analog signals directly into Mbox 2 analog inputs 1–2 and/or are recording digital inputs into Mbox 2 inputs 3–4 where the digital device is synchronized to the Mbox 2 digital output.

S/PDIF Use this setting if you are recording through the Mbox 2 S/PDIF inputs from an external digital device. This setting will synchronize Pro Tools to that digital device.

To select the clock source:

1 Choose Setups > Hardware Setup.

To rename I/O paths in I/O Setup:

1 Choose Setups > I/O Setup.

I/O Setup dialog for Mbox 2, Output page

2 Click the Input, Output, Insert, or Bus tab to

display the corresponding connections.

2 Choose the clock source from the Clock

Source pop-up menu.

3 Click OK.

Your digital input device must be connected and powered on for Pro Tools to synchronize to it. If your input device is not powered on, leave the Clock Source set to Internal.

Conﬁguring I/O Setup

Using the I/O Setup dialog, you can label Pro Tools LE input, output, insert, and bus sig- nal paths. The I/O Setup dialog provides a graphical representation of the inputs, outputs, and signal routing of the Mbox 2.

Pro Tools LE has default I/O Setup settings that will get you started. Use the I/O Setup dialog only if you want to rename the default I/O paths.

3 To change the name of a path or subpath,

double-click directly on the Path Name, type a new name for the path, and press Return.

4 Click OK.

Refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide (or choose Help > Pro Tools Reference Guide) for more information on renaming I/O paths.

After configuring Pro Tools LE and your system, you should save an image of your system using Norton Ghost. Norton Ghost lets you save and recall known good configurations of your system and settings, which can help you recover if you encounter any problems in the future.

For more information on Ghost, visit the Symantec Web site (www.symantec.com)

Getting Started with Mbox 214

Hard Drive Conﬁguration and Maintenance

Formatting an Audio Drive

On Windows, it is recommended that you start with newly formatted drives dedicated for audio, such as a secondary hard drive purchased just for audio. For optimum performance, audio drives should be formatted with the FAT32 or NTFS file system.

Audio Drives and Disk Cleanup

The process of recording, editing, and deleting tracks and sessions can quickly decrease overall drive performance.

It is suggested that you regularly defragment your drives.

To use Defragment Now:

1 Right-click on the desired volume and select

Properties, then click the Tools tab.

To format and conﬁgure an audio drive:

1 Right-click My Computer and choose Man-

age.

2 Under Storage, choose Disk Management.

3 In the Disk Management window, right-click

the hard drive you will use for audio and choose Format.

4 Do one of the following:

• Select the Quick Format option. Quick option should be sufﬁcient for qualiﬁed mechanisms.

– or –

•To help achieve maximum disk performance, you can optionally select 32K from the Allocation unit size pull-down (make sure Quick Format is not selected). Though this option takes longer to complete, it can further increase how efﬁciently audio data is written to and read from the drive.

5 Click Start, and follow the on-screen instruc-

tions.

2 Click Defragment Now.

3 In the Defragment Now tab, select Analyze or

Defragment.

• Click Analyze if you merely want to determine the amount of fragmentation.

• Click Defragment to start the defragmenting process on the selected volume.

In addition, you should periodically use Disk Cleanup (or an equivalent utility) to asses the condition of drives and, if necessary, delete temporary files and other unused data.

To use Disk Cleanup:

1 Choose Start > Control Panel.

2 In Classic View, launch Administrative Tools.

3 Double-click Computer Management.

4 Double-click Storage.

5 Double-click Disk Management.

6 Select the desired volume in the list, then

choose File > Options.

Pro Tools only supports Basic drive Types.

6 When formatting is complete, close the For-

mat window.

Disk Cleanup determines how performance is being affected by drive condition, and lets you review and delete temporary and other unnecessary files from the selected volume. For more information on using Disk Cleanup, see your Windows XP documentation.

Chapter 2: Windows Conﬁguration 15

Avoid Recording to System Drives

Although Pro Tools will let you record to your system drive, this is generally not recommended. Recording and playback on system hard drives results in lower track counts and fewer plug-ins. You should record to system drives only when necessary (for example, if your computer has just one hard drive).

Removing Pro Tools on Windows XP

If you need to remove Pro Tools LE from your computer use the Add or Remove Programs command.

To remove Pro Tools from your computer:

1 Choose Start > Control Panel.

2 Launch Add or Remove Programs.

3 From the Currently installed programs list, se-

lect Digidesign Pro Tools LE.

4 Click the Change/Remove button.

5 Follow the on-screen instructions to remove

Pro Tools.

Getting Started with Mbox 216

chapter 3

Macintosh Conﬁguration

This chapter contains information for Macintosh systems only. If you are installing Pro Tools on a Windows computer, see Chapter 2, “Windows Conﬁguration.”

Before installing this version of Pro Tools, please refer to the Read Me information included on the Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM.

Installation Overview

Installation of the Mbox 2 on a Macintosh includes the following steps:

1 Conﬁguring “Apple System Settings for

Mac OS X” on page 17.

2 “Installing Pro Tools LE” on page 18

3 Restarting your computer.

4 “Launching Pro Tools LE” on page 19.

5 “Conﬁguring Pro Tools LE” on page 19.

6 Making audio connections to the Mbox 2.

(See Chapter 4, “Mbox 2 Hardware and Connections” for details.)

Apple System Settings for Mac OS X

To ensure optimum performance with Pro Tools LE, configure the following settings before you install Pro Tools software.

To conﬁgure Mac OS X for Pro Tools LE:

1 Make sure you are logged into an administra-

tor account where you want to install Pro Tools LE. For details on Administrator privileges in Mac OS X, refer to your Mac OS X documentation.

2 Choose System Preferences from the Apple

Menu and click Energy Saver.

3 Click the Sleep tab and turn off the Energy

Saver feature by setting the sleep feature to Never.

Do not use the Mac OS X automatic Software Update feature, as it may install components that have not yet been qualified for Pro Tools. For details on qualified versions of Mac OS, refer to the latest compatibility information on the Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com).

4 Return to the System Preferences and click

Software Update.

5 Deselect “Automatically check for updates

when you have a network connection.”

Chapter 3: Macintosh Conﬁguration 17

6 Close the Software Update dialog box.

7 Proceed to “Installing Pro Tools LE” on

page 18.

Connecting Mbox 2 to the Computer

Before launching Pro Tools LE software, connect Mbox 2 to your computer.

Installing Pro Tools LE

After the Apple System software settings are configured, you are ready to install Pro Tools LE.

To install Pro Tools LE on Mac OS X:

1 Make sure you are logged in as an Administra-

tor for the account where you want to install Pro Tools. For details on Administrator privileges in Mac OS X, refer to your Apple Mac OS X documentation.

2 Insert the Pro Tools LE Installer CD-ROM in

your CD-ROM drive. Double-click “Install Pro Tools LE.”

3 Enter your Administrator password and click

OK to authenticate the installation.

4 Follow the on-screen instructions to continue

and accept installation.

5 In the Installer window, make sure the Install

Location is on your Startup hard drive.

6 In the Installer window, choose Custom In-

stall from the pop-up menu, and click Install.

7 Follow the remaining on-screen instructions

to install Pro Tools and options. (See also “Optional Software on the Pro Tools Installer CDROM” on page 19.)

To connect Mbox 2 to your computer :

1 Connect the small end of the included USB ca-

ble to the USB port on Mbox 2.

2 With your computer on, connect the other

end of the USB cable to any available USB port on your computer.

Mbox 2 may not function properly if connected to a USB hub. If you need to use a hub for other USB peripherals, connect the hub to a separate USB port; Mbox 2 must be connected to a dedicated port on the computer in order to function properly.

8 When installation is complete, click Restart.

Getting Started with Mbox 218

Optional Software on the Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM

Your Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM includes several software options.

Pro Tools Demo Session

The Pro Tools E Installer CD-ROM includes a demo session that you can use to verify that your system is working.

To install the demo session:

1 Insert the Pro Tools LE Installer CD in your

CD-ROM drive. Locate and double-click the demo session installer icon.

2 Select your audio drive as the install location

and click Install.

3 When installation is complete, click Quit.

Launching Pro Tools LE

To use Pro Tools LE and Mbox 2 you must have an iLok with an authorization for Pro Tools LE. One pre-authorized iLok is included with the Mbox 2 package

Conﬁguring Pro Tools LE

Pro Tools System Settings

Pro Tools LE allows you to adjust the performance of your system by changing system set- tings that affect its capacity for processing, playback, and recording.

In most cases, the default settings for your system provide optimum performance, but you may want to adjust them to accommodate large or processing-intensive Pro Tools sessions.

Hardware Buffer Size

◆ Lower Hardware Buffer Size reduce monitor-

ing latency, and are useful when you are recording live input.

◆ Higher Hardware Buffer Size settings allow for

more audio processing and effects, and are useful when you are mixing and using more RTAS plug-ins on your system.

To validate Pro Tools LE software:

1 Double-click the Pro Tools LE application (lo-

cated in the Pro Tools folder, inside the Digidesign folder).

2 Enter the authorization code in the dialog

when prompted (making sure to type it exactly as printed, and observing any spaces and capitalization) then click Validate.

Your authorization code is located on the inside cover of this guide.

In addition to causing slower screen response and monitoring latency, higher Hardware Buffer Size settings can affect the accuracy of plug-in automation, mute data, and timing for MIDI tracks.

Chapter 3: Macintosh Conﬁguration 19

To change the Hardware Buffer Size:

1 Choose Setups > Playback Engine.

To change the CPU Usage Limit:

1 Choose Setups > Playback Engine.

2 From the H/W Buffer Size pop-up menu, select

the audio buffer size, in samples.

3 Click OK.

Playback Engine dialog for Mbox 2

CPU Usage Limit

The CPU Usage Limit controls the percentage of CPU resources allocated to Pro Tools host processing tasks such as Real-Time AudioSuite (RTAS) plug-ins, as follows:

◆ Lower CPU usage settings reduce how much

Pro Tools processing affects other CPU-intensive tasks (such as screen redraws), and limit the amount of processor resources available for Pro Tools tasks. They are useful when you are experiencing slow system response, or when running other applications at the same time as Pro Tools.

◆ Higher CPU Usage Limit settings allocate

more processing power to Pro Tools, and are useful for playing back large sessions or using more real-time plug-ins.

2 From the CPU Usage Limit pop-up menu, se-

lect the percentage of CPU processing you want to allocate to Pro Tools.

3 Click OK.

DAE Playback Buffer Size

The DAE Playback Buffer Size determines the amount of memory DAE uses to manage disk buffers, which affects system performance.

◆ Lower DAE Playback Buffer Size settings can

improve playback and recording initiation speed. However, a lower setting can make it difﬁcult for slower hard drives to play or record tracks reliably.

◆ Higher DAE Playback Buffer Size settings can

To change the DAE Playback Buffer Size:

1 Choose Setups > Playback Engine.

2 From the DAE Playback Buffer pop-up menu,

select a buffer size.

3 Click OK.

Increasing the CPU Usage Limit may slow down screen response on slower computers.

The maximum CPU Usage Limit is 85 percent for single-processor computers, and 99 percent for multi-processor computers. (The 99 percent setting dedicates one entire processor to Pro Tools.)

Getting Started with Mbox 220

Pro Tools Hardware Settings

Clock Source

Using the Hardware Setup dialog, you can select the default sample rate and clock source for your system.

Default Sample Rate

The Sample Rate setting appears as the default sample rate when you create a new session. (This setting is available in the Hardware Setup dialog only when no session is open.)

You can change the sample rate when creating a new Pro Tools session by selecting a different sample rate in the New Session dialog. (See

To change the default Sample Rate:

1 Make sure that no Pro Tools session is open.

2 Choose Setups > Hardware Setup.

3 Select the sample rate from the Sample Rate

popup menu.

4 Click OK.

“Starting a Session” on page 35.)

Using the Hardware Setup dialog, you can select the clock source for the system.

S/PDIF Use this setting if you are recording material into Mbox 2 S/PDIF inputs from an external digital device. This setting will synchronize Pro Tools to that digital device.

To select the clock source:

1 Choose Setups > Hardware Setup.

2 Choose the clock source from the Clock

Source pop-up menu.

3 Click OK.

Your digital input device must be connected and powered on for Pro Tools to synchronize to it. If your input device is not powered on, leave the Clock Source set to Internal.

Hardware Setup dialog for Mbox 2

Conﬁguring I/O Setup

Pro Tools LE has default I/O Setup settings that will get you started. Use the I/O Setup dialog only if you want to rename the default I/O paths.

Chapter 3: Macintosh Conﬁguration 21

To rename I/O paths in I/O Setup:

1 Choose Setups > I/O Setups.

Mbox 2 CoreAudio Driver

The Mbox 2 CoreAudio Driver is a multi-client, multichannel sound driver that allows CoreAudio compatible applications to record and play back through Digidesign hardware.

The CoreAudio Driver is installed by default when you install Pro Tools.

For information on configuring the Mbox 2 CoreAudio Driver, see the

Audio Guide

Mbox 2 Core-

I/O Setup dialog for Mbox 2, Output page

2 Click the Input, Output, Insert, or Bus tab to

display the corresponding connections.

3 To change the name of a path or subpath,

double-click directly on the Path Name, type a new name for the path, and press Return.

4 Click OK.

Refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide (or choose Help > Pro Tools Reference Guide) for more information on renaming I/O paths.

Audio MIDI Setup (AMS)

(Optional)

If you plan to use MIDI with Pro Tools and Mbox 2, configure your MIDI setup with the Apple Audio MIDI Setup (AMS) utility. See Appendix C, “Configuring AMS (Mac OS X Only)” for details.

Hard Drive Conﬁguration and Maintenance

It is recommended that you start with a newly initialized audio drive. You should also periodically defragment your audio drive to ensure continued system performance.

If you are using an ATA/IDE or FireWire hard drive, initialize your drive with the utility named Disk Utility included with your Apple System software.

Avoid Recording to System Drives

Although Pro Tools will let you record to your system drive, this is generally not recommended. Recording and playback on system drives results in lower track counts and fewer plug-ins. You should record to system drives only when necessary—for example, if your computer system has just one hard drive.

Getting Started with Mbox 222

Removing Pro Tools on Mac OS X

If you need to remove Pro Tools from your computer, you can use the Installer CD-ROM or the downloaded Installer file.

To remove Pro Tools from your computer:

1 Make sure you are logged in as an Administra-

tor for the account where Pro Tools is installed. For details on Administrator privileges in Mac OS X, refer to your Apple OS X documentation.

2 Insert the Pro Tools 6.8.1 Installer CD-ROM in

your CD-ROM drive. Double-click “Install Pro Tools LE” or “Install Pro Tools TDM,” as appropriate.

3 Enter your Administrator password and click

OK.

4 In the Installer window, choose Uninstall

from the pop-up menu, and click Uninstall.

5 Follow the on-screen instructions to remove

Pro Tools.

6 When ﬁnished, click Quit to close the Installer

window.

Chapter 3: Macintosh Conﬁguration 23

Getting Started with Mbox 224

chapter 4

Mbox 2 Hardware and Connections

This chapter explains how to connect your Mbox 2 for monitoring, playback and recording. If you are new to working with digital audio workstations, first read through the Mbox 2 Basics Guide for basic setup information (such as connecting audio inputs, headphones, mics and instruments).

The following illustrations show two possible setups depending on the equipment in your studio.

monitor outputs

mixer

S/PDIF digital I/O

USB cable

Mbox 2

FireWire drive

headphones

computer

display

Figure 1. Mbox 2 micro studio conﬁguration running Pro Tools LE on a desktop computer

DAT or CD recorder

microphone

MIDI device

instrument

Chapter 4: Mbox 2 Hardware and Connections 25

powered speakers

MIDI cables

USB

FireWire drive

MIDI Device

Figure 2. Mbox 2 micro studio conﬁguration running Pro Tools LE on a laptop computer

cable

Laptop

Mbox 2

instrument

headphones

Getting Started with Mbox 226

Mbox 2 Front Panel Features

The Mbox 2 front panel has the following features:

Headphone Output

S/PDIF

LED

USB

LED

Level

Monitor

Level (Ratio)

Mix Headphone

Mono 48V

Figure 3. Mbox 2 front panel

S/PDIF LED

This LED indicates that Mbox 2 is using the S/PDIF inputs as the clock source. See “S/PDIF Digital I/O” on page 30.

USB LED

The USB LED indicates that the Mbox 2 has received power from its USB connection. Once the USB light is on, audio can pass in or out of the system.

Mono

Input 1

Source

Gain

48V

Peak LED

LEDLED

selector

Pad

DI/Mic LEDs DI/Mic LEDs

Peak LED

Input 2

Gain

Pad

Source selector

Headphone Level

The headphone knob adjusts the output level of the Headphone port, which outputs the signal that is routed to Outputs 1–2 in Pro Tools LE, and mirrors the Line Outputs.

Monitor Level

The Monitor knob adjusts the output level of the Line Out ports. In Pro Tools, this will be the signal routed to Outputs 1–2.

Front Panel Headphone Output

Use the Headphone Output to connect stereo headphones with a 1/4-inch stereo mini connector.

Chapter 4: Mbox 2 Hardware and Connections 27

Mix (Ratio) Control

Mono Switch and LED

Mbox 2 gives you the ability to monitor your analog input signals while recording, without the delay incurred by A/D/A converters and host-based processing.

This zero-latency analog monitoring is controlled with the Mix knob, which you can use to blend and adjust the monitor ratio between Mbox 2 analog inputs and Pro Tools playback. The Mix knob has no effect when you are using S/PDIF digital inputs, since it controls the signal before it reaches the A/D converters.

To listen to just the Source input signal, turn the Mix knob fully left to Input. To listen to Pro Tools output only, turn the knob fully right to Playback.

The output from the Mix control is routed directly to the TRS line outputs, and is mirrored in the Headphone ports and S/PDIF output ports.

This ability to blend and control the relative levels of Pro Tools playback and latency-free live analog inputs can be particularly effective when overdubbing.

The Mono switch sums the input channels to a mono signal (delivering that identical signal to both speakers). This has no effect on Pro Tools playback monitoring, recording, or on the main outputs. Switching your stereo source signal to mono is useful when you are recording a mono input while listening to stereo playback (to hear your playing in both sides), or for checking the phase relationship of stereo inputs. When engaged, the Mono LED lights.

Monitoring while Overdubbing

By panning signals to the center or using the Mono switch, as opposed to panning them hard left and right in the Headphone outputs, you can create a more focused monitor mix to help minimize distractions while overdubbing.

In situations where you are monitoring stereo microphones, stereo synthesizers, or any source pairs with a comfortable balance, you will probably not want to use the Mono switch.

Checking Phase Relationships

The Mono switch can also be used for a quick check of the phase relationship between Source 1 and Source 2 inputs.

When the two input signals are out of phase, pressing the Mono switch will result in a sudden “hollow” sound that is the result of phase cancellation. This quick test with the Mono switch can help to avoid phase problems later when mixing these tracks. Frequent checking of phase relationships with the Mono switch can also assist you in finding the optimal microphone placement.

Getting Started with Mbox 228

48V Switch and LED

Pad Switches and LEDs

Phantom power is activated by the switch labeled 48V on the front panel of Mbox 2. The LED, when lit, indicates that 48V phantom power is active on the Mic/Line inputs. These inputs provide phantom power for microphones that require it to operate.

About Phantom Power

Dynamic microphones (such as a Shure SM57) do not require phantom power to operate, but are not harmed by it. Most condenser microphones (like an AKG C3000) do require phantom power to operate.

Although phantom power can be used safely with most microphones, it is possible to damage some ribbon microphones with it. Always turn off phantom power and wait at least ten seconds before connecting or disconnecting a ribbon microphone.

If you are not sure about the phantom power requirements for your microphone, consult your microphone’s documentation or contact the manufacturer.

The Pad switches engage a –20 dB pad on their corresponding input channels. When engaged, the Pad LEDs light.

Source Selectors and LEDs

These switches select either the Mic or DI inputs for each channel. The DI and Mic LEDs indicate the current source input. For more information, see “Analog Audio” on page 32.

Removable Handle

Mbox 2 includes a handle that can be used for carrying and tilting, as well as a replacement panel that makes the unit more compact.

◆ The handle can be used as a stand that tilts the

unit into a more easily viewable angle when the Mbox 2 is placed on a desktop. The handle can also be used to carry the unit.

◆ The handle can also be replaced with the op-

tional Mbox 2 faceplate panel. This panel lets Mbox 2 sit ﬂat on a desktop, and reduces the space required when packed for traveling.

Peak LEDs

These LEDs are clip indicators. If the Peak LEDs flicker occasionally, the signal reaching Mbox 2 has clipped.

Gain Controls

These knobs adjust the input gain levels of the Mic/Line inputs.

To replace the handle with the Mbox 2 panel:

1 Unscrew the handle mounting screw located

along the right edge of the handle (when viewing from the front).

2 Remove the handle.

3 Mount the replacement panel in position

where the handle had been.

4 Secure the panel to the unit in its new posi-

tion using the same screw you removed in step 1.

5 Repeat the above basic instructions to replace

the panel with the handle.

Chapter 4: Mbox 2 Hardware and Connections 29

Mbox 2 Back Panel Features

Figure 4 identifies each port on the Mbox 2 back panel.

Input 2 (analog input 2)

Mic

Line

Figure 4. Mbox 2 back panel

DI Mic

Input 1 (analog input 1)

Line

The Mbox 2 back panel has the following features:

USB Port

This standard USB v1.1 connector is used to connect your computer to the Mbox 2. One standard USB cable is included with your system.

The Mbox 2 is compatible with USB 2.0 ports. However, the USB 2.0 bus will switch to the slower USB v.1.1 speed to accommodate Mbox 2.

MIDI I/O

digital I/Ooutputs

MIDI I/O

S/PDIF Digital I/O

The S/PDIF in and out ports are unbalanced twoconductor phono (RCA) connectors that utilize a full 24-bit, two-channel digital data stream.

The Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format (S/PDIF) is used in many professional and consumer CD recorders and DAT recorders. To avoid RF interference, use 75-ohm coaxial cable for S/PDIF transfers and keep the cable length to a maximum of 10 meters.

In use, the S/PDIF input channels are available in addition to the two channels of analog audio input. This lets Mbox 2 be used as a 4-in/2-out digital audio interface for Pro Tools LE.

USB portS/PDIF Monitor

The MIDI In and MIDI Out ports are standard 5pin MIDI ports, each providing 16 channels of MIDI input and output.

Getting Started with Mbox 230

The S/PDIF output channels always mirror the main outs 1–2.

Mon Out (Monitor Output)

These outputs support balanced TRS, or unbalanced TS, 1/4-inch connections. To monitor your mix, these outputs can be connected to a mixing board, directly to a monitoring system such as a stereo power amp, or another stereo destination.

The Mon Out Left and Right play the audio that is routed to analog outputs 1 and 2 from within Pro Tools, respectively. These analog outputs feature 24-bit digital-to-analog converters.

Input 1 and Input 2

Each analog source input channel (Input 1 and Input 2) provides Mic, DI, and Line (TRS) ports. These balanced/unbalanced analog audio inputs support a broad range of input levels, as follows:

• Mic (microphone) for XLR inputs

• Line (TRS) for line level signals on TRS or TS inputs

• Inst (instrument) for other 1/4-inch TRS or TS connections

Source 2 is at the far left (when looking at the back panel), and Source 1 is to its right. The back panel inputs for Source 1 and Source 2 are located such that they are directly in line with their associated input controls on the front panel. This lets you locate input jacks more easily when viewing from the front of the unit.

Though the XLR connectors support instrument and microphone level inputs, whenever a TRS cable is plugged in to the Line(TRS) port, the XLR port on that channel is ignored.

Making Signal Connections to Mbox 2

Mbox 2 can be used in a variety of audio setups. This section describes how to make basic connections for:

• Monitoring

• Analog and digital input for recording

• MIDI

•Mixdown

On the front panel, the input signal is adjusted by the Gain control for each channel and the source (Mic/Line, or DI) is chosen using the Source selectors.

Monitoring Audio

Connect headphones to the 1/4-inch port on the front panel to monitor through headphones. Use the Headphones level control to adjust level.

Mbox 2 Mon Outs (monitor outputs) play the audio that is routed in Pro Tools to Analog Outputs 1–2, and can provide left and right outputs to a two-track deck for mixdown, or to another stereo destination.

Chapter 4: Mbox 2 Hardware and Connections 31

The Mbox 2 Monitor Outputs feature 24-bit digital-to-analog converters capable of maximum output of +4 dBu/+2 dBV (balanced/unbalanced signal). The connectors are TRS ports; unbalanced TS connectors are also supported.

Connecting Audio Sources to Mbox 2 for Recording

Digital and analog audio sources can be connected directly to Mbox 2.

You cannot monitor Pro Tools audio through speakers connected to your computer. To monitor audio, connect headphones, powered speakers, or an external amplifier to your Mbox 2.

To connect headphones:

• Connect headphones with an 1/4-inch stereo connector (or an adapter) to the Headphone jack.

The Mbox 2 headphone output can produce very loud output levels. Prolonged exposure can cause hearing damage. Adjust headphone volume carefully using the front panel Headphone Level control.

To connect to a home stereo:

■ Using 1/4-inch cables, connect the left and

right Mon Outs on the back panel of Mbox 2 to the appropriate inputs on your stereo.

Home stereo systems often use RCA connectors. You can use an adaptor or a special cable to convert from the TRS or TS connectors used by Mbox 2 to the RCA connectors on your home stereo.

To connect monitor speakers with a power amp or self-powered monitor speakers:

■ Using 1/4-inch cables, connect the left and

right Mon Outs on the back of Mbox 2 to the appropriate inputs on your mixer, power amp, or powered speakers.

Analog Audio

Analog audio signals are output by microphones, synthesizers, mixers, and instruments with magnetic pickups. Of these sources, microphones and magnetic pickup instruments output the quietest signals, and generally require the most amplification. Keyboards, preamps, and mixers output “line-level” audio, which varies with each device between the –10 dBV and +4 dBu standards.

To accommodate these varying sources, Mbox 2 provides switchable line input types with adjustable gain for each input channel.

To connect an analog audio source:

1 Do one of the following:

•To connect a microphone, plug an XLR cable directly into the Input 1 or Input 2 Mic input.

•To connect a keyboard, mixer, or other 1/4-inch TRS source, plug its TRS cable(s) directly into the Input 1 and/or Input 2 Line (TRS) ports. Make sure nothing is plugged into the same channel’s Mic input.

•To connect a guitar, bass, or similar device, plug its TS cable into the Input 1 or Input 2 DI ports.

Getting Started with Mbox 232

2 On the front panel, press the channel Source

Select switch as appropriate:

•To select the Mic input (XLR), press that channel’s Source switch until the Mic LED lights. Make sure nothing is plugged in to that channel’s Line (TRS) port.

•To select the Line (TRS) port, press that channel’s Source switch until the Mic LED lights.

•To select the DI port, press that channel’s Source switch until the DI LED lights.

2 Connect the device’s S/PDIF output to

Mbox 2’s S/PDIF input port, and the device’s S/PDIF input to Mbox 2’s S/PDIF output port.

To configure Mbox 2 to record from a digital source, choose Setups > Hardware Setup in Pro Tools, then select S/PDIF in the Clock Source.

To conﬁgure Pro Tools to record from a S/PDIF device:

1 Choose Setups > Hardware Setup.

To activate phantom power:

■ If your microphone requires phantom power,

ﬁrst make sure the microphone is connected, then press the Phantom Power switch (labeled 48V).

Enabling phantom power enables 48V through

both mic inputs.

Digital Audio

Mbox 2 provides digital inputs and outputs for S/PDIF format digital audio. The two channels of S/PDIF digital input can be used in combination with the two analog inputs (for a total of four simultaneous input channels).

About S/PDIF

S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interchange Format) I/O is available on many CD recorders, DAT decks and other digital devices. Each S/PDIF connection provides two channels of 24bit digital audio.

2 Choose S/PDIF from the Clock Source selector.

On the front panel, the S/PDIF LED lights to indicate this setting.

3 On the recording track, choose the appropri-

ate stereo or mono S/PDIF source from the track Input selector.

S/PDIF Mirroring

Pro Tools LE uses S/PDIF mirroring to automatically “mirror” the audio that is sent to Line Outputs 1 and 2 on the S/PDIF RCA outputs. This is useful, for example, if you are monitoring a mix using your Line Outputs, and also recording the same source to an external S/PDIF device.

MIDI Connections

The two MIDI ports on Mbox 2 let you take advantage of all the MIDI features of Pro Tools LE, including recording and editing MIDI tracks.

See the Mbox 2 Basics Guide for information on basic MIDI concepts.

To connect a S/PDIF device to Mbox 2:

1 Use two 75-ohm coaxial cables with male RCA

connectors on both ends (purchased separately).

If you need additional MIDI ports you can add a compatible MIDI interface. USB MIDI interfaces work effectively with Pro Tools systems on Windows or Macintosh.

Chapter 4: Mbox 2 Hardware and Connections 33

Serial MIDI interfaces are supported on Windows systems only.

Connecting a Recorder for Mixdowns

Only USB MIDI interfaces are compatible with Pro Tools systems for Mac OS X. Modem-to-serial port adapters and serial MIDI devices are not supported.

See Appendix B, “Configuring Midi Studio Setup (Windows Only)” or

“Configuring AMS (Mac OS X Only)”

detailed information on how to identify external MIDI devices connected to your MIDI interface and configure your MIDI studio for use with Pro Tools.

To connect MIDI devices to your system:

1 Connect the MIDI OUT of your MIDI device

or controller to the MIDI IN port on the back of Mbox 2.

2 Connect the MIDI IN of your MIDI device or

controller to the MIDI OUT port on the back of Mbox 2.

MIDI is not audio. To hear the output of your MIDI devices within Pro Tools, you must route the audio output of your MIDI device into your Mbox 2 inputs, and monitor or record the audio into your session. See “Making Signal Connections to Mbox 2” on page 31.

Appendix C,

for

After you record and mix your sessions in Pro Tools, you may want to mix them down to a DAT, CD recorder, Mini-Disc, or other stereo 2track recording device.

For more information on mixdown options, see Chapter 5, “Working with Pro Tools LE.”

Connecting an Analog Deck

Connect the left and right Mon Outs on the back of the Mbox 2 to your recorder’s analog inputs. Mon Outs Left and Right should be routed to the left and right inputs, respectively, on your recorder. These outputs are TRS ports. You may need adapter cables if your mixdown deck has RCA inputs.

Connecting a Digital Deck

If you have a CD recorder, DAT deck or other device that accepts S/PDIF connections, connect it to the S/PDIF In and S/PDIF Out RCA ports on the back of Mbox 2

When recording from Pro Tools to a digital device, make sure the Pro Tools Clock Source setting is set to Internal clock mode.

Getting Started with Mbox 234

chapter 5

Working with Pro Tools LE

This tutorial of Pro Tools LE software introduces its main windows and features, and also includes a step-by-step overview of audio recording (see “Basic Recording” on page 48).

All features described in this chapter are explained fully in the Pro Tools Reference Guide.

You can view an electronic PDF version of the Reference Guide by choosing it from the Help menu.

Session Basics

Pro Tools LE projects are created and saved as sessions. Sessions store all tracks, audio, MIDI, and other session information. Audio and fade files are stored in folders within the session folder.

Starting a Session

To create a new session:

1 Launch Pro Tools LE.

2 Choose File > New Session.

3 In the New Session dialog, set the sample rate,

bit depth, and other options for the new session.

New Session dialog

4 Select where you want to save your session. If

you are using external hard drives with your Pro Tools system, make sure you select the appropriate drive in the New Session dialog.

Session ﬁle, Audio Files and Fade Files folders

5 Type a name for your session.

6 Click Save. The new session opens its Mix,

Edit, and Transport windows (see Figure 5 on page 36).

Chapter 5: Working with Pro Tools LE 35

Main Windows

The Mix, Edit, and Transport windows are the main Pro Tools work areas. You can show any of these windows by choosing them from the Windows menu.

Press Control+Equals (=) in Windows or Command+Equals (=) on Macintosh to switch between the Edit and Mix windows.

Mix Window Displays the Pro Tools mixer, with its familiar fader strip controls for volume, pan, solo, mute, and signal routing.

Edit Window Displays tracks in the session along the Timeline, for editing of audio, MIDI, and automation data.

Transport Provides standard transport controls for Play, Stop, Rewind, Fast-Forward, Pause, and Record. The Transport window can also show Counter and MIDI Control displays.

Workspace The Workspace browser is a DigiBase feature available in Pro Tools 6 and higher. For more information see the DigiBase Guide.

Rulers

Pro Tools LE provides several different rulers to select as the timebase for your session.

Timebase Rulers, displayed along the top of the Edit window, include Bars:Beats, Minutes:Sec- onds, Samples, Tempo, and Markers. The current timebase determines the format of the Main counter, and provides the basis for the Edit window Grid.

To select a Timebase Ruler:

■ Click the name of the ruler at the top left side

of the Edit window (Bars:Beats, Minutes:Seconds, Samples, Tempo, or Markers).

Edit window

Rulers

Tracks

Transport window

Figure 5. Main session windows

Getting Started with Mbox 236

Main Counter

Mix window

Tracks

Setting a Tempo

Using the Click Plug-In

You can set the tempo for your session by using the Song Start Marker, located in the Tempo Ruler.

To set the session tempo with the Song Star t Marker:

1 In the Tempo Ruler, double-click the Song

Start Marker.

Song Start marker

2 In the Tempo Change dialog, enter the BPM

(beats per minute) value you will use for the session (so the inserted tempo event replaces the default tempo).

The Click plug-in creates an audio click during session playback. This works like a metronome that you can use as a tempo reference when performing and recording.

The Click plug-in is synchronized to the tempo and meter of the Pro Tools session, and follows any changes in tempo and meter.

The Click plug-in is one of many plug-ins that can be inserted on a Pro Tools track. See “Plug-Ins” on page 56.

Click plug-in

Click Parameters

MIDI In LED Illuminates each time the Click plug-in receives a click message from the Pro Tools application, indicating the tempo.

Change Tempo dialog

3 To base the BPM value on a different note

value (such as an eighth-note rather than the default quarter-note), select a note value in the Resolution section.

4 Click OK.

Accented Controls the output level of the ac-

cent beat (beat 1 of each bar) of the audio click.

Unaccented Controls the output level of the unaccented beats of the audio click.

Chapter 5: Working with Pro Tools LE 37

To use the Click plug-in:

1 Choose MIDI > Click to enable the Click op-

tion.

– or –

Select the Click button in the Transport window.

Click button

Click and Tempo Controls in the Transport window

2 Create a mono Auxiliary Input (Aux Input)

track.

3 Insert a Click plug-in on the Auxiliary Input

track.

4 In the Click plug-in window, choose a click

sound from the Librarian pop-up menu (this menu displays “factory default” when you ﬁrst insert the plug-in).

5 Choose MIDI > Click Options and set the

Click and Countoff options as desired. (Click OK to apply these options.)

The Note, Velocity, Duration, and Output options in this dialog are for use with MIDI instrument-based clicks and do not affect the Click plug-in.

Refer to the Pro Tools

information on configuring Click op-

Reference Guide for

tions.

6 Begin playback. A click is generated according

to the tempo and meter of the current session and the settings in the Click Options dialog.

Using an External MIDI Click

Pro Tools also provides a MIDI Click option that lets you use an external MIDI device to play a click. This feature can be turned on and off in the Transport window, and is configured from the MIDI Click Options dialog.

To conﬁgure and enable an external MIDI click:

1 Choose MIDI > Click Options.

Click/Countoff Options dialog

2 Conﬁgure the click parameters as needed for

your MIDI sound source.

See Appendix B, “Configuring Midi Studio Setup (Windows Only)” or Appendix C, “Configuring AMS (Mac OS X Only)” for detailed information on how to identify external MIDI devices connected to Mbox 2 and configure your MIDI studio for use with Pro Tools.

3 Select the desired MIDI sound source from the

Output pop-up menu and click OK.

Getting Started with Mbox 238

4 During recording or playback, you can turn

the Click on or off with the Click button in the MIDI Controls display of the Transport window.

Click button

Tempo Controls

System Resources and Settings

You can change specific Pro Tools system settings to optimize system performance.

Playback Engine Dialog

The Playback Engine dialog lets you adjust system buffer sizes and allocate CPU processing power to Pro Tools.

Click and Tempo Controls in the Transport window

Saving Sessions

As you build a session by adding tracks and changing session controls, you will want to save your work. Pro Tools provides three ways to save sessions.

To save a session:

■ Choose File > Save Session, Save Session As, or

Save a Session Copy In.

Save Session Saves the currently open session file, leaving it open for you to continue working.

Save Session As Creates a duplicate session file with the name you choose, and leaves the duplicate open for you to continue working. It does not create a new Audio Files or Fade Files folder. This can be useful if you want to experiment with different arrangements in the session without affecting the original session.

Save Session Copy In Saves copies of the session file and the files that you are using in the current session. This can be useful for creating a final copy of the session that does not include audio files or fades you are no longer using.

To conﬁgure system resources:

■ Choose Setups > Playback Engine.

For Windows systems, see Chapter 2, “Windows Configuration.” For Macintosh systems, see Chapter 3, “Macintosh Configuration.”

System Usage Window

The System Usage window displays approximate information on CPU load, DSP usage, and (on Macintosh systems only) overall disk performance, so you can gauge your system’s processing capacity.

Meters in the System Usage window

To view system resources and usage:

■ Choose Windows > Show System Usage.

Chapter 5: Working with Pro Tools LE 39

Transport Controls

The Transport window provides access to all Pro Tools LE transport commands. Different transport controls can be displayed or hidden in this window.

To show the Transport window:

■ Choose Window > Show Transport Window.

The Transport window can also display a Master Counter, as well as the following MIDI controls: Wait for Note, Click, Countoff, MIDI Merge, Conductor, Meter, and Tempo.

Click

Wait for Note

Countoff

MIDI Merge

Return To Zero

Online

Rewind

Stop

Play

Fast Forward

Go to End

Record

Transport window (Expanded view shown)

To conﬁgure the Transport window:

■ Choose Display > Transport Window Shows

and select view options.

The Transport window provides Play, Stop, and other standard transport controls.

The Expanded view of the Transport window provides pre- and post-roll, start, end, and length indicators for Timeline selection, as well as the Transport Master selector.

Tempo Controls

Meters

Conductor

Transport window (MIDI Controls)

To star t and stop playback:

1 Click Play in the Transport window to begin

playback.

2 Click Stop in the Transport window to stop

playback.

Press the Spacebar on your computer keyboard to start and stop playback.

Pro Tools LE starts playing from the location of the cursor, or from the beginning of the current selection. The current setting of the Link Edit and Timeline Selection command in the Operations menu also affects playback. See the Pro Tools Reference Guide for more information.

Getting Started with Mbox 240

Tracks

Pro Tools LE lets you create audio and MIDI tracks for audio and MIDI recording, submixing, routing, automating, and editing.

Pro Tools provides four types of tracks: audio tracks, Auxiliary Inputs, Master Faders, and MIDI tracks. Audio tracks, Auxiliary Inputs, and Master Faders can be mono or stereo.

Audio Tracks Record and play back audio to and from hard disk, monitor audio input when record-enabled, and edit audio regions

Auxiliary Inputs Audio mixer channels, used for input, routing, and submixing

Master Faders Provide master channel controls and options for any output or bus path

Track type is indicated by the Track Type icons just below the faders.

MIDI Tracks Record, play back, and edit MIDI data

To create a new track:

1 Choose File > New Track.

New Track dialog

2 Specify the number of tracks, track type, and

mono or stereo (for all types except MIDI).

3 To create multiple new track types in one step,

click the “+” button in the New Tracks dialog. Specify the number of tracks, track type, and track format for each additional row of new tracks you want to create.

4 Click Create.

In the Mix window, audio tracks, Auxiliary Inputs, Master Faders, and MIDI tracks appear as vertical channel strips.

Audio track

Tracks in the Mix window

Aux Input

MIDI track

Master Fader

Track colors are assigned based on track type (audio, Aux Input, Master Fader, or MIDI track). You can customize the color of tracks by clicking the color bar of each track and choosing its color from the color palette that appears.

In the Edit window, tracks are displayed horizontally along the Timeline. The area in which audio appears for each track is the Playlist.

Rulers

Audio track

Timeline Rulers and a stereo audio track in the Edit window

Chapter 5: Working with Pro Tools LE 41

Audio tracks, Auxiliary Inputs, Master Faders, and MIDI tracks can be automated.

Inserts

Sends

Input Output Automation mode

Pan sliders

Record

Enable

Solo

Volume

fader

Voice selector

Color Bar

Mute

Open Output window

Clipping indicator (lights red)

Level meter

Group enable Track Type icon

Volume

Track name

Audio Tracks

Audio tracks, Auxiliary Inputs, and Master Faders share many identical controls. Master Faders provide all the same features as audio tracks and Auxiliary Inputs, with the following exceptions:

Input Selector A Master Fader’s output assignment determines its input, or source (always outputs 1–2).

Inserts Inserts on Master Faders are post-fader only. (Audio track and Aux input track inserts are all pre-fader.)

Sends Master Faders do not provide sends. To send an output to another destination, use an Auxiliary Input.

MIDI Tracks

MIDI tracks provide volume, solo, and mute, in addition to MIDI input, output, channel, and program (patch) controls. MIDI volume, mute, and pan can also be automated using Pro Tools automation features (see “Mix Automation” on page 57 for more information).

Track comment area

Figure 6. Stereo audio track in the Mix window

Getting Started with Mbox 242

Regions Lists

Navigating in a Session

A region is a piece of audio or MIDI data that can also have associated automation data. For example, a region could be a loop, a guitar riff, a verse of a song, a sound effect, a piece of dialog, or an entire sound file. In Pro Tools, regions are created from audio or MIDI files, and can be arranged in audio and MIDI track playlists.

All regions that are recorded, imported, or created by editing appear in the Audio and MIDI Regions Lists. Regions can be dragged from either list to tracks and arranged in any order. Audio regions can also be auditioned from the Regions Lists by Option-clicking the audio region name. The Regions List pop-up menus provide features for managing regions and files (such as sorting, selecting, importing, or exporting files).

Drag border to resize width of Regions Lists

Click Audio Regions for pop-up menus

Pro Tools LE provides many ways to navigate in a session, including using the mouse or entering a memory location into one of the counters.

To navigate to a location in the Edit window:

1 In the Operations menu, make sure Link Edit

and Timeline Selection option is enabled.

2 Enable the Selector tool at the top of the Edit

window by clicking it.

Selector tool

Edit tools in Edit window

3 Click in a track or Timebase Ruler. The cursor

appears at the selected location and the counters display the current time location.

Click in a track or on a Timebase Ruler

Drag border to resize height of Regions Lists

Click MIDI Regions for pop-up menus

Click to hide Regions Lists

Audio and MIDI Regions Lists

For more information on Regions Lists, refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide or the

DigiBase Guide.

Clicking with the Selector in the Edit window

Chapter 5: Working with Pro Tools LE 43

To navigate using the counters:

1 Click in the Main counter and enter a location

using your computer keyboard.

2 Press Enter (Windows) or Return (Macintosh).

Navigating with the Counter

Press the * (asterisk) key on the numeric keypad as an alternative to clicking in the counter. (The cursor will always appear in the Transport window’s Main Counter if it is displayed.)

Memory Locations

Memory Locations provide another way to navigate within sessions. Memory Locations appear as markers under the Timebase Rulers.

To deﬁne a memor y location:

1 Navigate to the location at which you want to

store a marker or memory location.

– or –

3 In the New Memory Location window, you

can deﬁne a marker, store a selection, or store any combination of the other available settings. These settings include track height, group enables, pre- and post-roll values, and track Show/Hide status.

4 Choose settings for the memory location and

click OK.

New Memory Location window

To go to a stored memor y location:

1 Choose Windows > Show Memory Locations.

Begin playback.

2 Create a memory location by doing one of the

following:

• Press Enter on the numeric keypad.

On some Windows laptops, you can press Fn+Enter to create a memory location. This is especially useful for laptops that do not have a numeric keypad.

– or –

Click the Marker Well (“+”) button, located to the left of the Markers Ruler.

Getting Started with Mbox 244

2 In the Memory Locations window, click the

name of the memory location.

Viewing and Zooming

When viewing tracks in the Edit window, you can adjust the height of tracks as well as zoom in vertically and horizontally using the Track Height selector and Zoom tools.

Zoom buttons

Zoom presets

Track Height selector

Zoom and Track Height tools in the Edit window

To change track height:

■ Click the Track Height selector, and select a

track height from the pop-up menu.

You can apply many commands, including track height selection, to more than just a single track. Hold down the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (Macintosh) while performing an operation to apply it to all tracks. Hold down both the Shift and Alt keys (Windows) or Shift and Option keys (Macintosh) while performing an operation to apply it to all selected tracks.

Zoomer

To zoom in or out on any area of a track in the Edit window:

1 Click to select the Zoomer.

2 Click or drag with the Zoomer to zoom in hor-

izontally for a track or Ruler.

– or –

Press Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) and click with the Zoomer to zoom out horizontally for a track or Ruler.

To zoom in or out incrementally:

■ In Pro Tools, click the appropriate Zoom but-

ton:

• Left Arrow (Horizontal Zoom Out)

• Right Arrow (Horizontal Zoom In)

•Waveform and MIDI buttons, to increase or decrease vertical zoom of the appropriate track type (audio or MIDI)

Pro Tools also provides five Zoom preset buttons. You can use these to immediately return to established zoom levels; you can define the magnification level for each preset, on a sessionby-session basis.

To use a stored Zoom preset:

■ Click the appropriate Zoom preset 1–5.

To store a new Zoom preset deﬁnition:

■ Command-click a Zoom preset number to

store the current horizontal and vertical Zoom to that preset.

Chapter 5: Working with Pro Tools LE 45

Using Memory Locations for Zoom Control

Pro Tools Memory Locations let you store many attributes with each marker or memory location, including Track Height and Zoom Settings. By creating Memory Locations that are neither Markers nor Selections, but have Track Height, Zoom Settings, or other options enabled, you can use Memory Locations to zoom in and out using just the numeric keypad.

For more information on creating memory locations, see “Memory Locations” on page 44.

Importing Audio

Pro Tools LE lets you import existing audio files from disk. This is very useful if you have audio files already recorded to disk or if you are working with CD-based sample libraries that you want to use in a new session.

To impor t audio ﬁles or regions from disk:

■ Choose File > Import Audio to Track to import

ﬁles and regions to new audio tracks (they will also appear as regions in the Audio Regions List).

– or –

■ Choose Import Audio from the Audio Regions

List pop-up menu to import ﬁles and regions to the Audio Regions List only.

To impor t a CD audio track on Macintosh:

1 Insert the CD into your computer’s CD drive.

2 Open the Workspace browser by choosing

Windows > Show Workspace.

3 Navigate to the CD drive to display its con-

tents in a browser window.

4 From the Workspace browser, drag a ﬁle from

the CD and drop it into the Audio Regions List, onto an existing track, or onto the grid in the Edit window.

You can audition the audio file by clicking on its name in the Workspace Browser and pressing the Spacebar. To stop the audition, press the Spacebar again.

DigiBase provides additional options for importing audio. See the DigiBase Guide for more information.

To impor t a CD audio track on Windows:

1 Put the source CD into your computer’s CD

drive.

2 Use a third party software program of your

choice to extract audio from the CD.

3 In the session, create a new track by choosing

File > New Track.

For more information on importing audio into sessions, refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide.

Getting Started with Mbox 246

Creating a new stereo audio track

4 In the New Track dialog, specify 1 Stereo Au-

dio Track, and click Create.

5 Open the Workspace Browser by choosing

Windows > Show Workspace. The Workspace Browser is a window where you can ﬁnd, audition, and manage your audio ﬁles.

Opening the Workspace Browser

7 Drag the audio ﬁle from the Workspace

Browser to the audio track you created in your session.

6 In the Workspace Browser, navigate to the lo-

cation where you saved the audio you extracted from your CD in step 2.

Browsing in the Workspace Browser

You can audition the audio file by clicking on its name in the Workspace Browser and pressing the Spacebar. To stop the audition, press the Spacebar again.

Dragging the audio ﬁle from the Workspace Browser to an audio track

DigiBase provides additional options for importing audio. See the DigiBase Guide for more information.

Chapter 5: Working with Pro Tools LE 47

Basic Recording

This section describes how to record audio and MIDI into Pro Tools LE.

Preparing for Recording

To prepare an audio track for recording:

1 Verify the connections to your instruments.

For more information about connecting instruments to Mbox 2, refer to Chapter 4, “Mbox 2 Hardware and Connections” as well as the Mbox 2 Basics Guide.

2 Create a new track to record on by choosing

File > New Track. Specify 1 Mono Audio Track and click Create.

4 From the pop-up menu, select the interface in-

put you want to record. For example, select In 1 if your audio source is plugged into one of the Input 1 jacks on the back of the Mbox 2. Select In 1–2 if your audio source is stereo and is connected to Input 1 and Input 2 connectors.

Routing an input to a stereo track

Mbox 2 lets you record as many as four tracks simultaneously, by creating and assigning tracks to analog inputs 1–2 and S/PDIF inputs 3–4 (left and right).

3 In the Mix window, click the Input selector on

the new track.

Input selector

Choosing an input in the Mix window

5 Use the Gain controls on Mbox 2 to maximize

the signal going into Pro Tools while avoiding clipping.

Clipping occurs when you feed a signal to an audio device that is louder than the circuitry can accept. To avoid clipping, adjust the Gain control to a level where the Peak LEDs on the front of the Mbox 2 flicker occasionally.

6 On the front of the Mbox 2, turn the Mix

knob fully left to Input. To hear an equal mix of playback and input signals, turn the Mix knob to the center. See the Mbox 2 Basics Guide for more information on using the Mix knob during recording.

Getting Started with Mbox 248

Recording an Audio Track

To record an audio track:

1 Assign the input for a track and set its input

levels appropriately.

2 Click the Record Enable button for a track.

(See Figure 6 on page 42).

3 Choose Windows > Show Transport to display

the Transport window.

3 Click Stop in the Transport window or press

the Spacebar to stop playback.

Recording MIDI

To conﬁgure a MIDI track for recording:

1 For Macintosh systems, choose MIDI > Input

Devices and make sure your input device is selected in the MIDI Input Enable window. Click OK to apply your changes.

Return To Zero

Rewind

Online

Transport window (Expanded view shown)

4 Click Return To Zero to start recording from

Stop

Play

Fast Forward

Go to End

Record

the beginning of the session. You can also record according to a selection or from the cursor location in the Edit window.

5 Click Record in the Transport window to en-

able recording.

6 Click Play or press the Spacebar to record on

all record-enabled tracks.

7 Record your performance.

8 Click Stop in the Transport window or press

the Spacebar when you are ﬁnished recording.

To play back a recorded track:

1 Click the track’s Record Enable button a sec-

ond time to take it out of Record mode.

2 Choose File > New Track and specify 1 MIDI

Track, then click Create.

3 In the Mix window, click the track’s MIDI Out-

put selector and choose the destination (assignment) for that MIDI track by choosing a MIDI interface port, a channel, or a device from the pop-up menu. Choices vary depending on the operating system, Pro Tools version, and the hardware and instruments you have connected.

MIDI Output selector

4 You can assign a default program change to

the track by clicking on the Patch Select button in the Mix window and making the necessary selections for program and bank select, and then clicking Done. Default program changes are sent when playing a track.

2 Click Play in the Transport window or press

the Spacebar to start playback.

Chapter 5: Working with Pro Tools LE 49

5 In the Mix Window, record-enable the MIDI

track.

6 Make sure MIDI > MIDI Thru is selected, then

play some notes on your MIDI controller. The MIDI instrument assigned to the track should sound, and the track’s meters should register MIDI activity.

To play back a recorded MIDI track:

1 Click the Record Enable button to take the

MIDI track out of Record mode.

2 In the Transport window, click Return To Zero

to play back from the beginning of the track. You can also play back according to a selection or from the cursor location in the Edit window.

To record onto a MIDI track:

1 Verify that the MIDI track you want to record

to is record-enabled and receiving MIDI.

2 In the Transport window, click Return To Zero

to start recording from the beginning of the session. You can also record according to a selection or from the cursor location in the Edit window.

3 Click Record in the Transport window.

4 Do one of the following:

•Click Play in the Transport window or press the Spacebar to begin recording.

•If using Wait for Note, the Play, Record, and Wait for Note buttons ﬂash. Recording begins when the ﬁrst MIDI event is received.

• If using Countoff, click Play. The Record and Play buttons ﬂash during the Countoff, then recording begins.

5 Play your MIDI instrument.

6 When you have ﬁnished recording, click Stop

in the Transport window, or press the Spacebar. The newly recorded MIDI data appears as a MIDI region on the track in the Edit window, as well as in the MIDI Regions List.

3 Click Play in the Transport window to begin

playback. The recorded MIDI data plays back through the track’s assigned instrument and channel.

Monitoring MIDI Instruments Without a Mixer

To monitor your MIDI instrument’s analog output, you can use an Auxiliary Input. Auxiliary Inputs function as inputs for both internally bussed signals and external audio sources.

To conﬁgure an Auxiliar y Input for MIDI monitoring:

1 Connect the MIDI instrument’s audio output

to the appropriate inputs on your Mbox 2.

2 Choose File > New Track and specify 1 mono

or stereo Auxiliary Input, then click Create.

3 Click the Input selector of the Auxiliary Input

channel and choose the input to which your MIDI instrument is connected.

4 Adjust the level of the Auxiliary Input with its

volume fader.

Getting Started with Mbox 250

Editing

Pro Tools LE provides several tools for editing audio and MIDI. In the Edit window, audio and MIDI tracks can be edited into regions or repeated in different locations, to create loops, rearrange sections or entire songs, or to assemble tracks using material from multiple takes.

The Edit mode affects the movement and placement of audio and MIDI regions (and individual MIDI notes), how commands like Copy and Paste function, and also how the various edit tools (Trimmer, Selector, Grabber, and Pencil) work.

For detailed descriptions of Edit modes, refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide.

Edit Modes

Edit modes and tools (Slip mode, Smart Tool enabled)

Edit Tools

Audio and MIDI editing are typically used to:

• Fix or replace mistakes

• Re-arrange songs and projects

• Clean up track timing and rhythm by aligning hits to Grid values like bars and beats

• Create ﬁnal tracks using selections from multiple takes (also known as comp tracks).

Edit Modes

Pro Tools LE has four Edit modes: Shufﬂe, Spot, Slip, and Grid. The Edit mode is selected by clicking the corresponding button in the upper left of the Edit window.

Edit mode buttons

Edit Tools

Pro Tools LE has seven Edit tools: Zoomer, Trimmer, Selector, Grabber, Scrubber, Pencil, and Smart Tool. Select an Edit tool by clicking it in the Edit window. The Zoomer, Trimmer, Grabber, and Pencil tools have multiple modes, which you can select from a pop-up menu when you click the tool.

Trimmer

Zoomer

Edit tools in Edit window

Press the Escape key to toggle through the Edit tools.

For detailed descriptions of the Edit Tools, refer to the Pro Tools Reference Guide.

Selector

Smart Tool

Grabber

Scrubber

Pencil

Press F1 (Shuffle), F2 (Slip), F3 (Spot), and F4 (Grid) to set the Edit mode.

Chapter 5: Working with Pro Tools LE 51

Playlists and Nondestructive Editing

Editing Regions

Playlists let you create and retrieve multiple versions of track edits. A playlist can be a complete take, an overdub, or an arrangement of selections from multiple takes. You can duplicate playlists to save edits in their current state, then continue making additional edits to the new playlist knowing you can always go back to the previous version.

To create multiple playlists for editing:

1 Start with a track on which you want to try

different edits.

2 From the Playlist Selector pop-up menu,

choose Duplicate.

Playlist Selector pop-up menu

3 Name the duplicated playlist and click OK.

4 Make your ﬁrst series of edits.

5 Return to the original playlist by selecting it

from the Playlist Selector pop-up menu.

6 Repeat steps 2–5 for any further edits.

In this way, you can try out different edits of a track, and switch back and forth between playlists for comparison.

The Edit tools in Pro Tools LE are used to edit regions in the Edit window.

Audio region

Trimming Regions

After recording an audio track, you will have an audio region on that track. If there is some silence at the beginning of the region, or there is some extra audio at the end of the region, you can use the Trimmer tool in Slip mode to shorten the beginning or end of the region.

Audio region on a track

To trim an audio region:

1 Select Slip mode.

2 Select the Trimmer tool.

3 Move the cursor near the beginning of the au-

dio region (notice the cursor displays as a “[”).

Trimming the beginning of a region

4 Click at the beginning of the region and drag

right to shorten the region.

Getting Started with Mbox 252

5 Move the cursor near the end of the audio re-

gion (notice the cursor displays as a “]”).

Trimming the end of a region

6 Click at the end of the region and drag left to

shorten the region.

The trimmed region

You can also extend a region using the Trimmer tool if there is audio data beyond the current boundaries of the region. If extending the region’s beginning, drag to the left; if extending the region’s end, drag to the right.

5 Record a drum track (see “Recording an Audio

Track” on page 49) keeping in mind that you want to use only the best bar (measure). Your recording should ﬁt the grid at the speciﬁed tempo and meter.

– or –

Import an existing audio file, such as a drum loop from a sample library, and place it on an audio track (see “Importing Audio” on page 46).

6 Click the Selector tool, and drag on the wave-

form with the Selector to make a one-bar selection. Note that the selection snaps to the speciﬁed grid.

Making a selection in Grid mode

7 Create a new audio track (File > New Track).

Arranging Regions

There are many ways to edit and arrange regions; the following example demonstrates how you might create and arrange a drum loop to compose a rhythm track.

To create and arrange a rhythm sequence:

1 Open or create a session in Pro Tools LE.

2 Specify the session meter (MIDI > Change

Meter) and tempo (MIDI > Change Tempo).

3 Select Grid mode.

4 Prepare to record using a MIDI click (see “Us-

ing the Click Plug-In” on page 37 or “Using an External MIDI Click” on page 38).

8 From the Grabber pop-up menu, select the

Separation Grabber tool.

9 With the Separation Grabber tool, drag the se-

lection to the beginning of the new audio track. A new region is created and appears at the beginning of the new track.

Dragging a selection with the Separation Grabber tool

Chapter 5: Working with Pro Tools LE 53

10 With the new region still selected, choose

Edit > Repeat.

Repeat dialog

Using Channel Strip Controls

Volume Increase or decrease the track level by

dragging its Volume fader up or down.

Pan Pan a track left or right in the mix by dragging its Pan slider left or right.

Solo Solo a track (muting all other tracks) by clicking its Solo button.

11 In the Repeat dialog, enter a number of re-

peats, and click OK.

You now have a new rhythm track with a “looped” (repeated) phrase. You can use these editing tools to do much more advanced and involved editing of regions. For example, you could separate beats or “hits” into individual regions and rearrange them in Grid or Shuffle mode as a way of coming up with new and interesting rhythms.

Mixing

The Pro Tools mix environment provides many familiar channel strip controls for setting volume, pan, solo, and mute. Mixer and I/O controls can be shown in both the Mix and Edit windows.

To view the Mix window:

■ Select Windows > Show Mix.

Press Control+Equals (=) in Windows or Command+Equals (=) on Macintosh to switch between the Edit and Mix windows.

Mute Mute a track by clicking its Mute button.

Basic Signal Routing

Signal routing is accomplished by assigning track inputs and outputs. Audio track inputs can be from any hardware input or bus path. Once recorded, an audio track’s input is its audio file on disk. Auxiliary Inputs can be any hardware input or internal bus path. For all types of audio tracks, outputs can be routed to any hardware output or internal bus path.

Together, these signal routing features let you set up virtually any mixer architecture for your projects, including sends and returns for effects processing and submixing.

Send and Return Submixing for Effects Processing

When you are submixing for reverb, delay, and similar effects processing, you can use sends and Auxiliary Inputs to achieve traditional send/return bussing. You can use a real-time plug-in (see “Plug-Ins” on page 56) as a shared resource for all tracks included in a submix. The wet/dry balance in the mix can be controlled using the track faders (dry level) and Auxiliary Input fader (wet, or effect return level).

Getting Started with Mbox 254

Creating a Send

Creating a Return

Pro Tools LE provides up to five sends per audio track. A send can be mono or stereo, routing to an output or one of 16 internal bus paths.

To assign a send on a track:

1 Make sure Sends View is enabled in the Mix

window (Display > Mix Window Shows > Sends View).

2 Click the Sends button on an audio track and

choose a path from the pop-up menu.

Assigning a send to a stereo bus path

3 Set the output level of the send. You can set

the send level to zero by Option-clicking the send fader.

You can configure the default level for new sends to be

–∞ or at unity gain (0 dB) by

enabling or disabling the Sends Default To “–INF” option under the Operation Preferences.

Auxiliary Inputs can be created to act as return channels for busses, as well as for inputs from hardware sources.

Send window

Audio and Auxiliary Input tracks conﬁgured for a send and return

Send to bus 5–6

Real-time plug-in

Aux Input input from bus 5–6

To create a return:

1 Choose File > New Track and specify 1 mono

or stereo Auxiliary Input, then click Create.

2 Click the Input selector of the Auxiliary Input

and set it to the bus path you assigned to the sends on the source tracks.

3 Click the Output selector of the Auxiliary In-

put and choose an output path.

Chapter 5: Working with Pro Tools LE 55

Master Faders

Master Faders are used as output and bus masters, and can control any mono or stereo output or bus path in a session. You can then use the controls on the Master Fader to control the volume, solo and mute, or apply inserts to those paths.

When you are mastering your final mix, it is recommended that you use a dither plug-in on the Master Fader controlling your main outputs (for more information on dither, see “Using Dither on Mixdown” on page 58).

Dither plug-in applied to final mix

Output assigned to control main mix

2 In the Mix window, click the Master Fader’s

Output selector and choose the output path that you want to control. You can choose either outputs or internal busses.

To use a Master Fader as a master stereo volume control for all tracks in a session:

1 Choose File > New Track and specify 1 stereo

Master Fader track, then click Create.

2 Set the outputs of all audio tracks in the ses-

sion to outputs 1–2 and set the panning of each track.

3 Set the output of the Master Fader to your

main output path (outputs 1–2).

Plug-Ins

Plug-ins provide EQ, dynamics, delay, and many other types of effects processing, and function either in real time or in non-real time.

RTAS plug-ins are nondestructive effects, which are inserted on tracks to process audio in real time—just like an external hardware processor (during playback).

Master Fader controlling main outputs

To create a Master Fader:

1 Choose File > New Track and specify 1 mono

or stereo Master Fader track, then click Create.

Getting Started with Mbox 256

AudioSuite plug-ins are used to process and modify audio files on disk, rather than nondestructively in real time. Depending on how you configure a non-real-time AudioSuite plugin, it will either create an entirely new audio file, or alter the original source audio file.

Real-time plug-ins are assigned to tracks from the Inserts view in the Mix or Edit windows. Once assigned to a track, plug-ins appear in the track’s Inserts view, and can be opened by clicking the Insert button.

Plug-In windowInsert button

Compressor plug-in

To inser t a real-time plug-in on a track:

1 Make sure the Inserts View is shown in the

Mix or Edit window.

Mix Automation

Mix automation lets you record, or automate, changes to track and send levels, mutes, pan, and plug-in parameters. MIDI tracks provide volume, pan, and mute automation only.

To write automation:

1 In the Automation Enable window

(Windows > Show Automation Enable), enable an automation type (volume, pan, mute, send level, send pan, send mute, or any plug-in automation).

2 Select an automation mode for the tracks to be

automated (Write, Touch, or Latch mode).

3 Start playback and begin writing automation

by adjusting faders and other controls during playback. Pro Tools LE remembers all moves performed on enabled parameters.

2 Click the Insert selector on the track and select

the plug-in that you want to use.

Pro Tools comes with a complete set of DigiRack plug-ins, and many more are available from Digidesign and our Development Partners.

For more information about plug-ins, see the DigiRack Plug-Ins Guide, the Digidesign Plug-Ins Guide, and the Plug-Ins chapter of the Pro Tools Reference Guide.

Enabling automation (left) and choosing a track Automation mode (right)

Chapter 5: Working with Pro Tools LE 57

Once written, automation can be re-written or displayed and edited graphically in the Edit window.

Track view set to Volume

Volume breakpoint automation

Volume automation in a track in the Edit window

For more information on using automation, see the

Pro Tools Reference Guide.

Final Mixdown

Selection or Track Length If you make a selection in a track, the bounced mix will be the length of the selection. If there is no selection in any track, the bounce will continue until it reaches the end of the session.

To Bounce to Disk:

1 Choose File > Bounce to Disk.

2 Select any mono or stereo output or bus path

as the source for the bounce.

3 Select the File Type (such as WAV), Format

(such as mono or stereo), Resolution (such as 16bit), and Sample Rate (such as 44.1 kHz).

To create a mixdown that can be written to an audio CD, be sure to select WAV, stereo interleaved, 16-bit, 44.1 kHz.

The Bounce to Disk command lets you write a final mix to disk, create a new loop, print effects, or bounce any submix. Once you have bounced your final mix to disk, you can use another program to burn the resulting file to compact disc.

When you bounce a track to disk, the bounced mix includes the following:

Audible Tracks All audible tracks are included in the bounce. Any muted tracks do not appear in the bounce. If you solo a track or region, only the soloed elements appear in the bounced mix.

Automation All read-enabled automation is played back and incorporated in the bounced mix.

Inserts and Sends All active inserts, including real-time plug-ins and hardware inserts, are applied to the bounced mix.

4 Click Bounce.

Using Dither on Mixdown

You should use a dither plug-in when using the Bounce To Disk command, or when mastering to an external device. Bounce to Disk does not automatically apply dither. To dither a bounce file, insert an included Digidesign Dither plugin, or another dither plug-in, on a Master Fader assigned to the bounce source path. Master Faders are often preferable to Auxiliary Inputs because Master Fader inserts are post-fader (which is better for dither applications).

For more information on using dither, refer to the

Pro Tools Reference Guide.

Getting Started with Mbox 258

appendix a

Windows System Optimizations

When installing Pro Tools on Windows XP, there are many system variables that affect performance. If you have followed all the Windows configuration instructions in Chapter 2, “Windows Configuration” and are still experiencing problems, try the following troubleshooting suggestions.

Norton Ghost is highly recommended, as it lets you save your system in a working state and easily revert to that state should you accidentally disable anything that your computer needs.

For more information on Ghost, visit the Symantec Web site (www.symantec.com)

Troubleshooting

Blue Screen at Startup

Advanced Settings

The following system optimizations may help Pro Tools perform better on some systems. It is recommended that you only try these optimizations if necessary, as they may disable or adversely affect the functionality of other programs on your system.

Disabling Network Cards

If applicable, disable any networking cards (other than a 1394 “FireWire” card that you might use to connect an external drive to your system).

To disable a network card:

1 Right-click My Computer and choose Man-

age.

2 Under System Tools, select Device Manager.

If, after installing Pro Tools and QuickTime, your computer crashes with a blue screen, do the following:

•Use Add/Remove Programs to uninstall Pro Tools.

• Use Add/Remove Programs to uninstall QuickTime.

• Repeat the installation instructions in “Installing Pro Tools LE and Mbox 2” on page 10.

3 In the Device Manager window, double-click

Network adapters, then double-click the Network Adapter card you want to disable.

4 Under the General tab, choose “Do not use

this device (disable)” from the Device Usage pop-up menu, and click OK.

5 Close the Computer Management window.

Appendix A: Windows System Optimizations 59

Processor Scheduling

To Adjust Processor Scheduling Performance:

1 Choose Start > Control Panel.

2 In Classic View, launch System.

3 Click the Advanced tab.

4 Under the Performance section, click the Set-

tings button.

5 Click the Advanced tab.

6 Under the Processor scheduling section, select

the Background Services option.

If you disable any of the following startup items, do so carefully:

• Portable media serial number (required for applications that utilize a copy protection key)

• Plug and play

• Event log

•Cryptographic services

• DHCP Client, TCP/IP Net BIOS, and other networking-related items (unless the computer has no network or internet connection, in which case these items can be disabled)

7 Under the Memory Usage section, select the

System cache option.

8 Click OK twice. You will need to restart your

computer for the changes to take effect.

Startup Items

The fewer items in use by your computer, the more resources are available for Pro Tools LE. Some startup applications may be consuming unnecessary CPU resources, and should be turned off.

Norton Ghost is highly recommended, as it lets you save your system in a working state and easily revert to that state should you accidentally disable anything that your computer needs.

For more information on Ghost, visit the Symantec Web site (www.symantec.com)

To Disable System Star tup Items:

1 From the Start menu, choose Run.

2 Type “msconﬁg” and click OK. The System

Conﬁguration Utility opens.

3 Under the General tab, choose Selective

Startup.

4 Deselect Load Startup Items and click OK.

5 Click Restart to restart the computer.

6 After restarting your computer, a System Con-

ﬁguration message dialog is displayed. Try Pro Tools to see if performance has increased before you uncheck the don't show this message again box. If performance has not changed, run “msconﬁg” and return your computer Selective Startup back to Normal Startup. Alternatively, try disabling start up items and non-essential processes individually.

Getting Started with Mbox 260

appendix b

Conﬁguring Midi Studio Setup (Windows Only)

MIDI Studio Setup

MIDI Studio Setup (MSS) lets you configure the MIDI controllers and sound modules that are connected to your system, and control the routing of MIDI data between your MIDI equipment and Pro Tools.

MSS automatically finds MIDI interfaces, and lets you specify a custom name for each of the MIDI ports within the MIDI Studio Setup document.

MSS also supports XML-based patch file names for storing and importing patch names for your external MIDI devices.

Entire MIDI Studio Setup configurations created within MSS can be imported and exported.

MIDI Studio Setup Window

The MIDI Studio Setup window is organized into three sections. Interface controls are at the top of the window. All the currently defined instruments are displayed in the Instrument Name list on the left side of the window. A detailed view of MIDI parameters is shown in the Properties section on the right.

MIDI Studio Setup window

Interface Controls

Create This button adds a new instrument to the Instrument Name list.

Delete This button deletes the instrument or instruments selected in the Instrument Name list.

Import This button lets you import an existing MIDI Studio Setup file.

Appendix B: Conﬁguring Midi Studio Setup (Windows Only) 61

Export This button lets you export the current MIDI Studio Setup file.

Show Duplicate Emulated Ports When this option is selected and you are using a MIDI interface that supports timestamping (such as MIDI I/O), in addition to the MIDI ports on Mbox 2, the MIDI Studio setup window shows both the DirectMusic time-stamped output ports, and non-stamped duplicate emulated output ports.

Some MIDI Interfaces will not properly load or unload their drivers unless you quit and re-launch Pro Tools. Check the documentation that came with your MIDI interface for more information.

Instrument List

The Instrument list contains all the currently defined instruments. Selecting an instrument in the list displays that instrument’s properties in the Properties section of the window.

Properties Section

The Properties section lets you edit information for new instruments, or instrument currently selected in the Instrument list.

To deﬁne an instrument with MIDI Studio Setup:

1 Choose Setups > MIDI Studio Setup.

2 Click Create.

3 In the Instrument Name ﬁeld, type the name

of your instrument, and press enter.

If you do not enter an instrument name, the Instrument Name field will automatically inherit information from the Manufacturer and Model pop-up menu.

4 Set a manufacturer and model for the new de-

vice from the corresponding pop-up menus. If the Manufacturer and Model pop-up menus do not provide a name for your particular device, choose None.

5 From the Input pop-up menu, choose the in-

put port on your MIDI interface that is connected to the MIDI Out of your instrument.

6 From the Output pop-up menu, choose the

output port on your MIDI interface that is connected to the MIDI In of your instrument.

7 Enable the appropriate MIDI channels (1–16)

for the Send Channels and Receive Channels options (These determine which channels send and receive MIDI.)

MIDI Studio Setup Properties section

When a previously defined instrument is selected in the Instrument list, the Properties section changes to reflect the properties of the selected instrument.

Getting Started with Mbox 262

Instrument Name

The Instrument Name field shows the user-definable instrument name for the currently selected instrument.

Manufacturer

The Manufacturer pop-up menu provides a list of MIDI equipment manufacturers. This list is derived from the XML-based MIDI device files.

For more information, see “Patch Name Support” on page 63.

Model

Receive Channels

The Model pop-up menu provides a list of MIDI devices, filtered by the manufacturer name. This list is derived from the XML-based MIDI device files provided with your Pro Tools installation.

For more information, see “Patch Name Support” on page 63.

Input Port

The Input Port pop-up menu displays a list of available MIDI interface input ports. Inputs will include Mbox 2 and any additional MIDI interfaces enabled on your system. The MIDI interface port that is set and displayed here is the port through which MIDI data is sent from the external MIDI device specified in the Instrument Name field into your MIDI interface.

If you set the input port to None, the defined instrument will not appear as a choice in a MIDI Input selector.

Output Port

The Output Port pop-up menu displays a list of available MIDI interface output ports. The port set and displayed here is the port through which MIDI data is sent from your MIDI interface to the MIDI device specified in the Instrument Name field.

The Receive Channels grid sets the receive channels for the MIDI device specified in the Instrument Name field.

Patch Name Support

Pro Tools supports XML (Extensible Markup Language) for storing and importing patch names for you external MIDI devices. Pro Tools installs MIDI patch name files (.midnam) for the factory default patch names of many common MIDI devices. These files reside in directories, sorted by manufacturer, in Program Files\ Common Files\Digidesign\MIDI Patch Names\ Digidesign.

To impor t MIDI patch names into Pro Tools:

1 Verify the MIDI Device name in the MIDI Stu-

dio Setup window (see “MIDI Studio Setup” on page 61).

2 Verify the MIDI track’s output is correctly as-

signed to the MIDI device.

If you set the output port to None, the defined instrument will not appear as a choice in a MIDI Output selector.

Send Channels

The Send Channels grid sets the send channels for the MIDI device specified in the Instrument Name field.

Appendix B: Conﬁguring Midi Studio Setup (Windows Only) 63

3 Click the MIDI track’s Patch Select button.

Patch Select button

Patch Select button, Edit window

PAtch Select button

6 Click Open.

The Patch Select dialog is populated with patch names and the Patch Name Bank pop-up menu appears in the upper left hand corner of the window.

Patch Select button, Mix window

4 In the Patch Select dialog, click the Change

button.

Change button

Patch Select dialog

5 In the Open dialog, navigate to Program

Files\Common Files\Digidesign\MIDI Patch Names\Digidesign\<name of manufacturer>, and select the MIDI Patch Name file (.midnam) for the MIDI device.

Patch Select dialog with patch names

Once patch names have been imported into Pro Tools, they are available for that MIDI device in all sessions.

To clear patch names:

■ In the Patch Select dialog, click the Clear but-

ton, and click Done.

MIDI patch name files (.midnam) can be edited in any text editor, or you can use third party patch librarian and editor software to create your own custom patch names.

Getting Started with Mbox 264

appendix c

Conﬁguring AMS (Mac OS X Only)

2 Click the MIDI Devices tab. AMS scans your

Audio MIDI Setup

Pro Tools recognizes the ports on your MIDI interface as generic ports. With Mac OS X, you use Apple’s Audio MIDI Setup (AMS) utility to identify external MIDI devices connected to your MIDI interface and configure your MIDI studio for use with Pro Tools.

To conﬁgure your MIDI studio in AMS:

1 Launch Audio MIDI Setup (located in Applica-

tions/Utilities).

– or –

In Pro Tools, choose Setups > Edit MIDI Studio Setup.

system for connected MIDI interfaces. If your MIDI interface is properly connected, it appears in the window with each of its ports numbered.

Audio MIDI Setup (MIDI Devices tab)

3 For any MIDI devices connected to the MIDI

interface, click Add Device. A new external device icon with the default MIDI keyboard image will appear.

4 Drag the new device icon to a convenient lo-

cation within the window.

Appendix C: Conﬁguring AMS (Mac OS X Only) 65

5 Connect the MIDI device to the MIDI inter-

face by clicking the arrow for the appropriate output port of the device and dragging a connection or “cable” to the input arrow of the corresponding port of the MIDI interface.

Making MIDI input and output connections

6 Click the arrow for the appropriate input port

of the device and drag a cable to the output arrow of the corresponding port of the MIDI interface.

To conﬁgure an external MIDI device:

1 Select the external device icon and click Show

Info (or double-click the new device icon).

External Device Icon

2 Select a manufacturer and model for the new

device from the corresponding pop-up menus. (If the Manufacturer and Model pop-up menus do not provide a name for your particular device, you can type a name.)

To remove a connection, select the cable and

press Delete. To delete all connections, click Clear Cables.

7 Repeat steps 3–6 for each MIDI device in your

MIDI setup.

Getting Started with Mbox 266

Naming a new MIDI device

AMS refers to one or more files with the suffix “.middev” in the directory Root/Library/Audio/MIDI Devices for Manufacturer and Model names. Pro Tools installs two such files that contain information for many commercially available MIDI devices, “Legacy Devices.middev” and “Digidesign Devices.middev.” If the Manufacturer or Model names for any of your external MIDI devices is not available in the AMS Manufacturer and Model pop-up menus, you can add them by editing any of the current .middev files in any text editor (such as TextEdit).

3 Click the More Properties arrow to expand the

dialog, then enable the appropriate MIDI channels (1–16) for the Transmits and Receives options. (These determine which channels the device will use to send and receive MIDI.)

Enabling MIDI channels

4 Click the device image. The window expands

to show images for various MIDI devices (such as keyboards, modules, interfaces, and mixers). Select an icon for your device.

Selecting a device icon

To use your own custom icons, you can place TIFF image files in /Library/ Audio/MIDI Devices/Generic/Images, and they will appear as choices in the AMS device window.

5 Click OK.

The device names you enter appear as MIDI input and output choices in Pro Tools.

Appendix C: Conﬁguring AMS (Mac OS X Only) 67

Patch Name Support

To impor t MIDI patch names into Pro Tools:

1 Verify the MIDI Device name in the Audio

MIDI Setup window (see “Audio MIDI Setup” on page 65).

2 Verify the MIDI track’s output is correctly as-

signed to the MIDI device.

3 Click the MIDI track’s Patch Select button.

Patch Select button

4 In the Patch Select dialog, click the Change

button.

Change button

Patch Select dialog

5 In the Open dialog, navigate to /Library/Au-

dio/MIDI Patch Names/Digidesign/<name of manufacturer>, and select the MIDI Patch Name file (.midnam) for the MIDI device.

6 Click Open.

The Patch Select dialog is populated with patch names and the Patch Name Bank pop-up menu appears in the upper left hand corner of the window.

Once patch names have been imported into Pro Tools, they are available for that MIDI device in all sessions.

Patch Select button, Edit window

Patch Select button

Patch Select button, Mix window

Getting Started with Mbox 268

To clear patch names:

■ In the Patch Select dialog, click the Clear but-

ton, and click Done.

MIDI patch name files (.midnam) can be edited in any text editor, or you can use third party patch librarian and editor software to create your own custom patch names.

index

Numerics

32K clusters 15

AMS (Audio MIDI Setup) 65

configuring MIDI devices in 66

analog

inputs 31 outputs 31

ASIO driver 11 audio

analog 32 editing 51 importing 46 monitoring 31 preparing 48 routing 48, 54

audio connections

home stereo 32 self-powered monitors 32

Audio Regions List 43 audio tracks 41, 42 authorization 12, 19 authorizing Pro Tools 19 automation 57

creating 57

Auxiliary Inputs 41, 42, 50, 54

Bounce to Disk command 58

channel strip controls

Mute 54 Pan 54 Solo 54 Volume 54

click 38 Click plug-in

Accented parameter 37 Unaccented parameter 37

Clock Source 14 clock source

digital output 34 S/PDIF 14

Clock Source (Mac) 21 cluster size 15 connect 33 CoreAudio 22 CoreAudio driver 22 CPU Usage Limit 20

DAE Playback Buffer Size 20 defragment

Windows 15

Digital 32 digital

connecting 33 output setting 34 recording 33 S/PDIF 14 S/PDIF clock source 21

Digital clock source 14, 21 Disk Cleanup 15 drivers

CoreAudio 22

Index 69

Edit mode buttons 51 Edit modes 51

Grid 51 selecting 51 Shuffle 51 Slip 51 Spot 51

Edit tools 51

Grabber 51 Pencil 51 Scrubber 51 Selector 51 Smart Tool 51 Trimmer 51 Zoomer 51

Edit window 36 editing 51 editing regions 52

fade files 35 FAT32 15

gain

headphones 27 input 29

Grabber tool 51 Grid mode 51

handle 29 hard drive

and Macintosh system drive 22 and Windows system drive 16

hard drives 20

cluster size 15 formatting 22 maintenance 15 space requirements 4 Windows maintenance 15

Hardware Buffer Size 19 hardware installation 7

USB 10

headphones

gain control 27 output

front panel 27

Hibernate 8

I/O Setup

Macintosh configuration 14, 21 Windows configuration 14

iLok

authorization 12, 19

importing audio 46 indicators

peak level 29 phantom power 29 S/PDIF 27 USB connection 27

input and output connectors 30 input monitoring

mono 28

inputs

analog 1–2 31 gain 29 mono summing 28

inserts

plug-ins 57

Internal 34 Internal clock source 14, 21

key commands 6

latency

see monitoring

Master Faders 41, 42, 56

creating 56

Mbox 2

back panel 30 features 2 front panel 27

Getting Started with Mbox 270

memory locations 44, 46

defining 44 recalling 44

MIDI

connections 33 editing 51 monitoring 50

MIDI click 38 MIDI controls 38, 40 MIDI Regions List 43 MIDI tracks 41, 42 mix automation 57 mix control 28 Mix window 36, 54 mixing 54 MME 11 Mon Out 31 monitor outputs 31 monitoring 31

audio 31 MIDI 50 when overdubbing 28 zero latency 28

mono switch 28 multi-processor 20 Mute button 54

NTFS 15

output monitoring

S/PDIF mirroring 33

outputs

analog monitor 31

Pan slider 54 Patch Select dialog

Macintosh 68 Windows 64

peak indicators 29 Pencil tool 51 phantom power 33

indicator 29 when to use 29

playback

starting and stopping 40

Playback Engine dialog 39 playlists 52

creating 52

plug-ins 56 power

Windows System Standby 8

Pro Tools

authorizing 19 capabilities 2 Macintosh configuration 17 main windows 36 software configuration 19 validating 19 Windows configuration 12

Pro Tools LE

installing on Macintosh 18 installing on Windows 10

QuickTime 10

ratio control 28 recording

audio 49 digital inputs 33 MIDI 50

regions 43

arranging 53 creating 43 editing 52 trimming 52

returns 55

creating 55

rulers 36

S/PDIF 14, 30

clock source 21 connecting 33 input indicator 27 mirroring 33 recording 33

Sample Rate 13, 21 Scrubber tool 51

Index 71

Selector tool 51 sends 42, 55

assigning 55

sessions 35

creating 35 duplicating 39 navigating 43 saving 35, 39 saving copies of 39

Shuffle mode 51 Slip mode 51 Smart Tool 51 Solo button 54 sources

analog 31, 32 instrument 31 line 31 microphone 31 selecting 29

Spot mode 51 submixing 54 summing

inputs 28

system requirements

MIDI 33

system settings 39

Clock Source (Mac) 21 Clock Source (Windows) 14 CPU Usage Limit 20 DAE Playback Buffer Size 20 for Windows 7 Hardware Buffer Size 19 I/O Setup 14, 21 Sample Rate 13, 21

System Usage window 39

tempo 37 track height

changing 45

tracks 41

audio 41, 42 Auxiliary Inputs 41, 42, 54 creating 41 Master Faders 41, 42, 56 MIDI 41, 42 playing back audio 49 playing back MIDI 50 recording audio 49 recording MIDI 50 types 41

Transport

MIDI controls 40

Transport window 36, 40 Trimmer tool 51

USB 10

connection indicator 27 port 18

validating Pro Tools 19

Windows 12

Volume fader 54

WaveDriver 11 Windows

required System settings 7 System Standby 8

windows 36

Edit window 36 Mix window 36, 54 Transport window 36, 40

Windows System Standby 8 Windows XP

maintenance 15

Workspace 36

Zoom presets 45

recalling 45 storing 45

Zoomer tool 51 Zooming 45

Getting Started with Mbox 272

Pinnacle Systems Mbox 2 - 6.8.1 Quick Start Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

contents

Welcome to Mbox 2

Mbox 2 Package

Mbox 2 Features

Pro Tools LE Capabilities

System Requirements

MIDI Requirements

Hard Drive Considerations

Avoid Recording to System Drives

Hard Disk Storage Space

Digidesign Registration

About the Pro Tools Guides

Conventions Used in This Guide

About www.digidesign.com

Installation Overview

Windows System Settings

Required Settings

Disable Hyper-Threading

Disable System Standby and Power Management

Disable ClearType Font Smoothing

Disable Data Executive Prevention (DEP)

Completing Required Windows System Settings

Installing Pro Tools LE and Mbox 2

MIDI Studio Setup

Installing QuickTime

Optional Software on the Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM

Digidesign ASIO Driver

Digidesign WaveDriver

Pro Tools Demo Session

Launching Pro Tools LE

Pro Tools System Settings

Hardware Buffer Size

CPU Usage Limit

Pro Tools Hardware Settings

Default Sample Rate

DAE Playback Buffer Size

Clock Source

Avoid Recording to System Drives

Removing Pro Tools on Windows XP

Installation Overview

Apple System Settings for Mac OS X

Connecting Mbox 2 to the Computer

Installing Pro Tools LE

Optional Software on the Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM

Pro Tools Demo Session

Launching Pro Tools LE

Pro Tools System Settings

Hardware Buffer Size

CPU Usage Limit

DAE Playback Buffer Size

Pro Tools Hardware Settings

Clock Source

Default Sample Rate

Mbox 2 CoreAudio Driver

Audio MIDI Setup (AMS)

Avoid Recording to System Drives

Removing Pro Tools on Mac OS X

Mbox 2 Hardware and Connections

Mbox 2 Front Panel Features

S/PDIF LED

USB LED

Headphone Level

Monitor Level

Front Panel Headphone Output

Mix (Ratio) Control

Mono Switch and LED

48V Switch and LED

Pad Switches and LEDs

About Phantom Power

Source Selectors and LEDs

Removable Handle

Peak LEDs

Gain Controls

Mbox 2 Back Panel Features

USB Port

MIDI I/O