Pinnacle Systems Mbox 2 Micro - 8.0 Setup Guide
Setup Guide
Mbox®2 Micro
Version 8.0.x
Legal Notices
This guide is copyrighted ©2009 by Avid Technology, Inc.
with all rights reserved. Und er copyright laws, this guide
may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written
consent of Avid.
003, 96 I/O, 96i I/O, 192 Digital I/O, 192 I/O,
888|24 I/O, 882|20 I/O, 1622 I/O, 24-Bit
ADAT Bridge I/O, AudioSuite, Avid, Avid DNA, Avid Mojo,
Avid Unity, Avid Unity ISIS, Avid Xpress, AVoption,
Beat Detective, Bomb Factory, Bruno, C|24, Co mmand|8,
Control|24, D-Command, D-Cont rol, D-Fi, D-fx, D-Show,
D-Verb, DAE, Digi 002, DigiBase, DigiDelivery, Digidesign,
Digidesign Audio Engine, Digidesign Intelligent Noise
Reduction, Digidesign TDM Bus, DigiDrive, DigiRa ck,
DigiTest, DigiTranslator, DINR, D-Show, DV Toolkit,
EditPack, Eleven, Hybrid, Impact, Interplay, M-Audio,
MachineControl, Maxim, Mbox, MediaComposer, MIDI I/O,
MIX, MultiShell, OMF, OMF Interchange, PRE, ProControl,
Pro Tools M-Powered, Pro Tools, Pro Tools|HD,
Pro Tools LE, QuickPunch, Reel Tape, Reso, Reverb One,
ReVibe, RTAS, Sibelius, Smack!, SoundReplacer, Sound
Designer II, Strike, Structure, SYNC HD, SYN C I/O,
Synchronic, TL Space, Transfuser, Velvet, X-For m, XMON,
and Xpand! are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Digidesign and/or Avid Technology, Inc. All other
trademarks are the property o f their respective owners.
Product features, specifications, system requirements, and
availability are subject to change without notice.
Guide Part Number 9320-59107-00 REV B
September, 2009
Documentation Feedback
At Avid, we're always looking for ways to improve our
documentation. If you have comments, corrections, or
suggestions regarding our documentation, email us at
techpubs@digidesign.com.
Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users in the
European Union
This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that
this product must not be disposed of with other waste.
Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste
equipment by handing it over to a designated collection
point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic
equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your
waste equipment at the time of disposal will help conserve
natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner
that protects human health and t he environment. For more
information about where you can drop off your wast e
equipment for recycling, please contact y our local city
recycling office or the dealer from whom you p urchased the
product.
Warning
This product contains chemicals, including lead,
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after ha ndling.
Communications and Safety Regulation Information
Mbox 2 Micro
Compliance Statement
This model Digidesign Mbox 2 Micro complies with the
following standards regulating interf erence and EMC:
• FCC Part 15 Class B
• EN 55022 Class B
• EN 55204 Class B
• 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 Micro
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 operatio n.
Communication Statement
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and fo und 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 generat es, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and , if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio commun ications. 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 re ception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment of f and on, the user is
encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or locate the r eceiving antenna.
• Increase the separation betwe en the equipment and
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the re ceiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an e xperienced radio/TV technician
for help.
Any modifications to the unit, unless expressly approved by
Avid, 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
Digidesign is authorized to apply the CE (Conformité
Europénne) mark on this complia nt equipment thereby
declaring conformity to EMC Directive 89/ 336/EEC and Low
Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC.
contents
Chapter 1. Welcome to Mbox 2 Micro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Mbox 2 Micro Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Pro Tools LE Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
System Requirements and Compatibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Conventions Used in This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chapter 2. Installing Pro Tools on Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installation Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installing Pro Tools LE and Connecting Your Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Launching Pro Tools LE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Additional Software on the Pro Tools Installer Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Uninstalling Pro Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Chapter 3. Installing Pro Tools on Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Installation Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Installing Pro Tools LE and Connecting Mbox 2 Micro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Launching Pro Tools LE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Additional Software on the Pro Tools Installer Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Uninstalling Pro Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 4. Configuring Your Pro Tools System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Starting Up or Shutting Down Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Configuring Pro Tools LE Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Optimizing a Mac System for Pro Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Optimizing a Windows System for Pro Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Contents vii
Chapter 5. Mbox 2 Micro Hardware Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Mbox 2 Micro Hardware Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Making Hardware Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Appendix A. Configuring AMS (Mac OS X Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Audio MIDI Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
MIDI Patch Name Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Appendix B. Configuring MIDI Studio Setup (Windows Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
MIDI Studio Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
MIDI Patch Name Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Appendix C. Hard Drive Configuration and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Avoid Recording to the System Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Supported Drive Formats and Drive Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Formatting an Audio Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Partitioning Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Defragmenting an Audio Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Using Mac Drives on Windows Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Hard Disk Storage Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Appendix D. Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Backing Up Your Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Common Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Performance Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Before You Call Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Mbox 2 Micro Setup Guideviii
Appendix E. Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
About the Pro Tools Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
About www.digidesign.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Contents ix
Mbox 2 Micro Setup Guidex
chapter 1
Welcome to Mbox 2 Micro
Welcome to the Mbox®2 Micro audio playback system.
Mbox 2 Micro and Pro Tools LE
output, which uses high-quality 24-bit, 48 kHz D/A converters. It also provides a headphone
level control. Use the Mbox 2 Micro for monitoring Pro Tools playback when editing and mixing.
Mbox 2 Micro Features
The Mbox 2 Micro provides the following:
•1/8-inch TRS stereo output
• Adjustable level control for output volume
• 24-bit D/A converters, supporting sample rates of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz
• USB-powered operation
•Lanyard hole
Mbox 2 Micro may not function properly if connected to a USB hub. Connect Mbox 2 Micro to
a separate, dedicated USB port on your computer.
Mbox 2 Micro provides no external input; it is an output only device. Consequently, you cannot
record an external source with the Mbox 2 Micro.
With the Mbox 2 Micro, even though you cannot record an external source, you can bus record
in Pro Tools LE (such as recording the audio output of an inst rum ent pl ug -in to an aud io tra ck).
®
provide your USB-equipped computer with a 1/8-inch stereo
Chapter 1: Welcome to Mbox 2 Micro 1
Pro Tools LE Capabilities
Pro Tools LE on or Mac or Windows provides the following capabilities with Mbox 2 Micro:
• P lay bac k of up t o 48 m ono or s tere o di git al audio tracks, or a combination of playing back
and recording up to 48 mono or stereo digital audio tracks, depending on your computer’s
capabilities.
• Up to 128 audio tracks (with up to 48 active tracks), 128 Auxiliary Input tracks, 64 Master
Fader tracks, 256 MIDI tracks, and 32 Instrument 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 10 inserts per track (RTAS® plug-ins or hardware inserts).
• Up to 10 sends per track.
• Up to 32 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.
2
Mbox 2 Micro Setup Guide
System Requirements and Compatibility
Mbox 2 Micro can be used with a qualified Mac or Windows computer running Pro Tools LE
software.
A DVD drive is required to use the Pro Tools Installer disc.
Avid can only assure compatibility and provide support for hardware and software it has tested
and approved.
For complete system requirements and a list of qualified computers, operating systems, hard
drives, and third-party devices, refer to the latest information on our website:
www.digidesign.com/compatibility
MIDI Requirements
USB MIDI interfaces work effectively with Pro Tools systems on Mac or Windows. 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, visit our website at:
www.digidesign.com/compatibility
Chapter 1: Welcome to Mbox 2 Micro 3
Hard Drive Requirements
For optimal audio recording and playback, all Pro Tools systems require one or more
qualified drives.
For a list of qualified hard drives, visit our website:
www.digidesign.com/compatibility
If you are using an ATA/IDE or FireWire hard drive, initialize your drive with the Disk Utility
application included with Apple System software (Mac) or the Windows Disk Management
(Windows).
For more information, see Appendix C, “Hard Drive Configuration and Maintenance.”
Avoid Recording to the System Drive
Recording to your system drive is not recommended. Recording and playback on a system
drive may result in lower track counts and fewer plug-ins.
4
Mbox 2 Micro Setup Guide
Conventions Used in This Guide
The Pro Tools guides use the following conventions to indicate menu choices, keyboard commands, and mouse commands:
:
Convention Action
File > Save Choose Save from the File
Control+N Hold down the Control key and
Control-click Hold down the Control key and
Right-click Click with the right mouse but-
The names of Commands, Options, and Settings that appear on-screen are in a different font.
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 this guide and other user guides.
menu
press the N key
click the mouse button
ton
Chapter 1: Welcome to Mbox 2 Micro 5
6
Mbox 2 Micro Setup Guide
chapter 2
Installing Pro Tools on Mac
This chapter contains information for Mac systems only. If you are installing Pro Tools on a
Windows computer, see Chapter 3, “Installing Pro Tools on Windows.”
Before installing this version of Pro Tools, refer to the Read Me information included on the
Pro Tools Installer disc.
Installation Overview
Installation of the Mbox 2 Micro on a Mac includes the following steps:
1 “Installing Pro Tools LE and Connecting Your Interface” on page 8.
2 “Launching Pro Tools LE” on page 10.
3 Configuring your system for improved performance (see Chapter 4, “Configuring Your
Pro Tools System”).
4 Making audio connections to the Mbox 2 Micro (see Chapter 5, “Mbox 2 Micro Hardware
Overview”).
Chapter 2: Installing Pro Tools on Mac 7
Installing Pro Tools LE and Connecting Your Interface
Before connecting your Pro Tools LE interface to the computer, you need to install
Pro Tools LE software.
Do not start this procedure with your Mbox 2 Micro connected to your computer.
To install Pro Tools LE
1 Make sure you are logged in as an Administrator 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 disc in your DVD drive.
3 On the Installer disc, locate and double-click Install Pro Tools LE.mpkg.
Install Pro Tools LE.mpkg icon
4 Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with installation.
5 Click Continue each time you are prompted.
6 At the Installation Type page, do one of the following:
• To install all Pro Tools application files and free plug-in suites (and associated content),
leave the default Installation options selected and click Continue.
– or –
• Select (or deselect) a custom configuration of Installation options (see “Installation Options” on page 9) and click Continue.
7 Click Install.
8
Mbox 2 Micro Setup Guide
8 If prompted, enter your Administrator password and click OK to authenticate the installa-
tion.
9 Follow the remaining on-screen instructions.
10 When installation is complete, click Restart.
11 When prompted, remove the protective USB dust cap from the Mbox 2 Micro and insert
the USB connector of the Mbox 2 Micro into any available USB port on your computer.
Mbox 2 Micro may not function properly if connected to a USB hub. Connect Mbox 2 Micro to
a separate, dedicated USB port.
If the USB LED on the Mbox 2 Micro does not illuminate after installation, or it is blinking, try
unplugging it from your computer and plugging it back in. If the USB LED still does not illuminate, shut down the computer, disconnect the Mbox 2 Micro and start the computer. Once the
computer has fully restarted, reconnect the Mbox 2 Micro.
If an incorrect output is selected in Pro Tools, the USB LED on the Mbox 2 Micro flashes amber.
Installation Options
Pro Tools LE Options
To install a subset of Pro Tools software and plug-ins (and associated content), click the reveal
triangle for the Pro Tools LE 8.0 option in the installer, and deselect any of the following options that you do not want installed.
Application Files (Required for Pro Tools) Installs the Pro Tools application and supporting library files needed to run Pro Tools. This option also installs the Digidesign CoreAudio Driver.
This option must be selected to install Pro Tools.
DigiRack Plug-Ins Installs free plug-ins including DigiRack plug-ins, free Bomb Factory plugins, Eleven Free, TL Utilities, and Digidesign D-Fi and Maxim plug-ins.
Chapter 2: Installing Pro Tools on Mac 9
Pro Tools Creative Collection Installs a set of free RTAS effects plug-ins and virtual instrument
plug-ins (including 4.4 GB of associated sample content). For more information, see the Cre-
ative Collection Plug-ins Guide.
Additional Options
The Pro Tools installer provides the following additional options to install along with
Pro Tools software and plug-ins.
Digidesign CoreAudio Driver This option installs the Digidesign CoreAudio Driver, which lets
you use qualified audio interfaces with third-party applications that support the CoreAudio
Driver standard.
Avid Video Engine This option lets you integrate Avid
®
Mojo
with your Pro Tools system).
MIDI I/O Driver The MIDI I/O
™
Driver is required if you are using the Digidesign MIDI I/O in-
®
video peripherals (such as the Avid
terface.
Launching Pro Tools LE
When launching Pro Tools LE the first time, you are prompted to enter an authorization code
to validate your software. (The code begins with the letters DIGI.)
To authorize Pro Tools LE software:
1 Make sure the Mbox 2 Micro is connected to your computer.
2 Click the Pro Tools LE icon in the Dock (or double-click the application icon in the
Pro Tools folder inside the Digidesign folder).
3 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 front cover of this guide.)
10
Mbox 2 Micro Setup Guide
4 Use the Quick Start dialog to do one of the following:
• Create a new session from template.
• Create a new blank session.
• Open any other session on your system.
Quick Start dialog
For more information on the Quick Start dialog and session templates, see the Pro Tools
Reference Guide.
Chapter 2: Installing Pro Tools on Mac 11
Additional Software on the Pro Tools Installer Disc
The Pro Tools Installer disc provides additional software for your system, including audio drivers (for playing other audio applications through your Digidesign hardware) and a Pro Tools
demo session.
Check your Pro Tools Installer disc for additional software and installers.
Third-Party Applications and Plug-ins
Your Pro Tools package also includes several free applications and plug-ins from selected Third
Party developers. Once you've completed your Pro Tools installation, you can install these separately.
Installers are located on your Pro Tools Installer disc in the Additional Files\3rd Party Content folder.
Mbox 2 Micro CoreAudio Driver
The Mbox 2 Micro CoreAudio Driver is a multi-client, multichannel sound driver that allows
CoreAudio-compatible applications to record and play back through Digidesign hardware.
Mbox 2 Micro provides no external input; it is an output only device. Consequently, you cannot
record an external source with the Mbox 2 Micro.
The Mbox 2 Micro CoreAudio Driver is installed by default when you install Pro Tools.
For information on configuring the CoreAudio Driver, see the CoreAudio Drivers Guide.
12
Mbox 2 Micro Setup Guide
Standalone Mbox 2 Micro CoreAudio Driver
The Mbox 2 Micro CoreAudio Driver can be installed as a standalone driver on Mac systems
that do not have Pro Tools software installed.
For information on installing and configuring the standalone version of the Mbox 2 Micro CoreAudio Driver, see the CoreAudio Drivers Guide.
Pro Tools Demo Session
The Pro Tools LE Installer disc includes a demo session that you can use to verify that your system is working.
The demo session for Pro Tool LE is named “Filtered Dreams.”
Before installing the demo session to your audio drive, make sure the drive is configured as described in “Formatting an Audio Drive” on page 69.
To install the demo session:
1 Insert the Pro Tools LE Installer disc into your DVD drive.
2 On the Installer disc, locate and open the
Additional Files/Demo Sessions Installer folder.
3 Double-click Install LE Demo Session.pkg.
4 Follow the on-screen instructions.
5 When prompted, select your audio drive as the install location and click Next to begin the
install. When installation is complete, click Close.
The demo session can be opened by double-clicking the Filtered Dream.ptf file (located in the
Filtered Dream Demo Session folder).
Chapter 2: Installing Pro Tools on Mac 13
Uninstalling Pro Tools
If you need to uninstall Pro Tools software from your computer, use the Uninstaller application.
To remove Pro Tools from your computer:
1 Make sure you are logged in as an Administrator 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 Go to Applications/Digidesign/Pro Tools/Pro Tools Utilities and double-click
Uninstall Pro Tools.
3 Click Continue to proceed with the uninstall.
4 Choose the type of uninstall you want to perform:
Safe Uninstall Leaves certain plug-ins and system files needed for compatibility with some
Avid products. Use Safe Uninstall if you are using an Avid application or preparing to update
to a.Customer Support release.
Clean Uninstall Removes all Pro Tools files, including system files, Digidesign plug-ins, and
MIDI patch names. Use Clean Uninstall whenever you are preparing to upgrade, or to troubleshoot from a clean system.
5 Click Uninstall.
6 Enter your Administrator password and click OK.
7 Click Finish to close the Installer window.
14
Mbox 2 Micro Setup Guide
chapter 3
Installing Pro Tools on Windows
This chapter contains information for Windows systems only. If you are installing Pro Tools
on a Mac computer, see Chapter 2, “Installing Pro Tools on Mac.”
Before installing this version of Pro Tools, refer to the Read Me information included on the
Pro Tools Installer disc.
Installation Overview
Installing the Mbox 2 Micro on a Windows computer includes the following steps:
1 “Installing Pro Tools LE and Connecting Mbox 2 Micro” on page 16.
2 “Launching Pro Tools LE” on page 20.
3 Configuring your system for improved performance (see Chapter 4, “Configuring Your
Pro Tools System”).
4 “Making Hardware Connections” on page 49.
Chapter 3: Installing Pro Tools on Windows 15
Installing Pro Tools LE and Connecting Mbox 2 Micro
Before connecting your Pro Tools LE interface to the computer, you need to install
Pro Tools LE software.
Do not start this procedure with your Mbox 2 Micro connected to your computer.
To install Pro Tools LE:
1 Start Windows, logging in with Administrator privileges. For details on Administrator priv-
ileges, refer to your Windows documentation.
2 Insert the Pro Tools LE Installer disc in your DVD drive and do one of the following:
• If Windows AutoRun is enabled, the installer splash screen will appear. Click the onscreen link to install Pro Tools LE. Then follow the on-screen instructions.
– or –
• If Windows AutoRun is disabled and the splash screen does not appear, double-click
Setup.exe on the installer disc. Then click the on-screen link.
Setup.exe icon
In Vista, if the User Account Control dialog appears, click Allow.
3 Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with installation and click Next when
prompted.
4 To install the complete compliment of Pro Tools software and plug-ins, leave Pro Tools selected.
16
Mbox 2 Micro Setup Guide
5 At the Select Features page, do one of the following:
• To install all Pro Tools application files and free plug-in suites (and associated content),
leave the default Installation options selected and click Continue.
– or –
• Select (or deselect) a custom configuration of Installation options (see “Installation Options” on page 18) and click Continue.
6 Click Next.
7 Click Install.
8 When prompted, remove the protective USB dust cap from the Mbox 2 Micro and insert the
USB connector of the Mbox 2 Micro into any available USB port on your computer.
Mbox 2 Micro may not function properly if connected to a USB hub. Connect Mbox 2 Mini to
a separate, dedicated USB port.
In Windows XP, a series of Software Installation dialogs about the driver not passing Windows
Logo testing may appear. Click Continue Anyway on each one until they go away.
If any other dialogs appear (such as the “Found New Hardware” dialog), leave them open and
do not click on them. These dialogs will close on their own.
In Windows Vista, a series of Windows Security dialogs may appear. Click “Install” on each
one until they go away.
9 Click OK.
10 Wait for the installer to finish installing all software components, drivers, and PACE Sys-
tem files before proceeding to the next step.
Chapter 3: Installing Pro Tools on Windows 17
11 When installation is complete, click Finish and restart your computer.
The USB LED on the Mbox 2 Micro illuminates green when it is receiving power and ready for
use.
If the USB LED on the Mbox 2 Micro does not illuminate after installation, or it is blinking, try
unplugging it from your computer and plugging it back in. If the US B LED still does not illuminate, shut down the computer, disconnect the Mbox 2 Micro and start the computer. Once the
computer has fully restarted, reconnect the Mbox 2 Micro.
If an incorrect output is selected in Pro Tools, the USB LED on the Mbox 2 Micro flashes amber.
Installation Options
Pro Tools LE Options
To install a subset of Pro Tools software and plug-ins (and associated content), click the plus
(+) next to Pro Tools LE 8.0 option in the Select Features page of the installer, and deselect any
of the following options that you do not want installed.
Application Files (Required for Pro Tools) Installs the Pro Tools application and supporting library files needed to run Pro Tools. This option must be selected to install Pro Tools.
DigiRack Plug-Ins Installs free plug-ins including DigiRack plug-ins, free Bomb Factory plugins, Eleven Free, TL Utilities, and Digidesign D-Fi and Maxim plug-ins.
Pro Tools Creative Collection Installs a set of free RTAS effects plug-ins and virtual instrument
plug-ins (including 4.4 GB of associated sample content). For more information, see the Cre-
ative Collection Plug-ins Guide.
Additional Options
The Pro Tools installer provides the following additional options to install along with
Pro Tools software and plug-ins.
18
Mbox 2 Micro Setup Guide
Mac HFS+ Disk Support Option This option lets your Pro Tools system read, write, record, and
play back using Mac-formatted HFS+ disks. HFS+ disks are commonly referred to as Mac OS Extended disks.
Avid Video Engine The Avid Video Engine is required to use Pro Tools with Avid video peripherals such as the Avid Mojo.
Command|8 Controller and Driver The Command|8
®
driver is required if you are using the
Digidesign Command|8 control surface.
Installing QuickTime
QuickTime is required for Pro Tools if you plan to include movie files, or import MP3 or MP4
(AAC) files in your sessions. QuickTime for Windows is available as a free download from the
Apple website (www.apple.com).
For information on which version of QuickTime is compatible with your version of Pro Tools,
visit the compatibility pages of our website (www.digidesign.com./compatibility).
To install QuickTime:
1 Visit www.apple.com and go to the QuickTime page.
2 Download the QuickTime installer application to your computer.
3 Double-click the QuickTime installer application and follow the on-screen installation in-
structions.
4 Restart your computer.
Chapter 3: Installing Pro Tools on Windows 19
Launching Pro Tools LE
When launching Pro Tools LE the first time, you are prompted to enter an authorization code
to validate your software. (The code begins with the letters DIGI.)
To authorize Pro Tools LE software:
1 Make sure the Mbox 2 Micro is connected to your computer.
2 Double-click the Pro Tools LE shortcut on your desktop (or the application icon in the
Pro Tools folder inside the Digidesign folder).
3 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 front cover of this guide.)
4 Use the Quick Start dialog to do one of the following:
• Create a new session from template.
• Create a new blank session.
• Open any other session on your system.
.
Quick Start dialog
For more information, see the Pro Tools Reference Guide.
20
Mbox 2 Micro Setup Guide
Loading...