Getting Started
Mbox®2 Mini
Version 7.4
Legal Notices
This guide is copyrighted ©2007 by Digidesign, a division of Avid
Technology, Inc. (hereafter “Di gidesign”), with all rights reserved. Under
copyright laws, this guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part
without the written consent of Digidesign.
003, 003 Rack, 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 Unity MediaNetwork, Avid
Xpress, AVoption, AVoption|V10, Beat Detective, Bruno, Command|8,
Control|24, D-Command, D-Control, D-F i, D-fx, D-Show, DAE, Digi 002,
Digi 002 Rack, DigiBase, DigiDelivery, Dig idesign, Digidesign Audio
Engine, Digidesign Intelligent Noise Reduction, Digidesign TDM Bus,
DigiDrive, DigiRack, DigiTest, DigiTranslator, DINR, DV Toolkit, EditPack,
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, R everb One, ReVibe, RTAS, Smack!,
SoundReplacer, Sound Designer I I, Strike, Structure, SYNC HD, SYNC
I/O, Synchronic, TL Space, Ve lvet, and X-Form are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Digidesign and/or Avid Technology, Inc. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability
are subject to change without notice.
PN 9320-56828 -00 REV A 7/07
Comments or suggestions regarding our documentation?
email: techpubs@digidesign.com
Communications and Safety Regulation Information
Compliance Statement
This model Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini 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
Mbox 2
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 Mini
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.
Communication Statement
NOTE: This equipment has been te sted 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 rea sonable 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 r adio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does caus e 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 measu res:
• Reorient or locate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circ uit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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
Digidesign is authorized to ap ply the CE (Conformité Europénne) mark on
this compliant equipment thereby declaring conformity to EMC Directive
89/336/EEC and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC.
contents
Chapter 1. Installation QuickStart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Windows Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Mac Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter 2. Welcome to Mbox 2 Mini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Mbox 2 Mini Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Mbox 2 Mini Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Pro Tools LE Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Digidesign Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About the Pro Tools Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About www.digidesign.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 3. Installing Pro Tools on Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Connecting Mbox 2 Mini and Installing Pro To ols LE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Launching Pro Tools LE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Additional Software on the Pr o Tools Installer Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Uninstalling Pro Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Chapter 4. Installing Pro Tools on Mac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Installing Pro Tools LE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Connecting Mbox 2 Mini to the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Launching Pro Tools LE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Additional Software on the Pr o Tools Installer Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Uninstalling Pro Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Contents
v
Chapter 5. Configuring Your Pro Tools System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Starting Up or Shutting Down Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Configuring Pro Tools LE Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Optimizing a Windows System for Pro Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Optimizing a Mac System for Pro Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chapter 6. Mbox 2 Mini Hardware Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Mbox 2 Mini Front Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Mbox 2 Mini Back Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Chapter 7. Making Hardware Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Connecting Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Connecting a Sound System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7
Connecting Audio Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Connecting a Microphone to the Mbox 2 Mini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Connecting Instruments to the Mbox 2 Mini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Chapter 8. Common Tasks with Pro Tools LE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Recording a Pro Tools Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Importing Audio from a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Creating an Audio CD from a Pro Tools Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Recording MIDI in a Pr o Tools Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Appendix A. Configuring MIDI Studio Setup (Windows Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
MIDI Studio Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
MIDI Patch Name Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Appendix B. Configuring AMS (Mac OS X Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Audio MIDI Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
MIDI Patch Name Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
vi
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
Appendix C. Hard Drive Configuration and Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Avoid Recording to the System Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Supported Drive Formats and Drive Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Formatting an Audio Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Partitioning Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Defragmenting an Audio Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Using Mac Drives on Windows System s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Hard Disk Storage Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Appendix D. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Backing Up Your Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Common Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Performance Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Before You Call Digidesign Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Contents
vii
viii
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
chapter 1
Installation QuickStart
Windows Installation Overview
(Windows Systems Only)
Installing the Mbox 2 Mini on a Windows computer includes the following steps:
1 “Connecting Mbox 2 Mini and Installing
Pro Tools LE” on page 9.
Connect Mbox 2 Mini to an available USB port
on your computer before installing Pro Tools LE
software.
2 “Launching Pro Tools LE” on page 11.
Your authorization code is located on the inside
front cover of this guide.
3 Configuring your system for improved performance.
(See “Configuring Your Pro Tools System” on page 19.)
4 Making audio connections to the Mbox 2 Mini. (See
Chapter 7, “Making Hardware Connections” for details.)
Mac Installation Overview
(Mac OS X Systems Only)
Installation of the Mbox 2 Mini on a Mac includes the
following steps:
1 “Installing Pro Tools LE” on page 15.
Connect Mbox 2 Mini to an available USB port
on your computer before installing Pro Tools LE
software.
2 “Connecting Mbox 2 Mini to the Computer” on
page 16.
3 “Launching Pro Tools LE” on page 17.
Your authorization code is located on the inside
front cover of this guide.
4 Configuring your system for improved performance.
(See “Configuring Your Pro Tools System” on page 19.)
5 Making audio connections to the Mbox 2 Mini. (See
Chapter 7, “Making Hardware Connections” for details.)
Chapter 1: Installation QuickStart
1
2
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
chapter 2
Welcome to Mbox 2 Mini
Welcome to the Mbox®2 Mini audio production system from Digidesign
Mbox 2 Mini provides your USB-equipped computer
with two channels of analog audio input, two analog
monitor outputs, and one headphone output. Mbox 2
Mini includes one professional-quality mic preamp and
24-bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters.
®
.
Mbox 2 Mini Package
The Mbox 2 Mini package includes the following:
• Mbox 2 Mini desktop audio interface
• Pro Tools Installer disc containing Pro Tools LE™
software, DigiRack RTAS (Real-Time AudioSuite) and
AudioSuite plug-ins, optional software, and elec-
tronic PDF guides
•Mbox 2 Mini QuickStart Sheet
• USB connector cable
• Digidesign Registration Information Card
Mbox 2 Mini Features
The Mbox 2 Mini provides the following:
• Two channels of analog audio input:
• XLR connector with microphone pr eamp and
switchable 48V phantom power.
• Two 1/4-inch TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) connectors.
One input is switchable be tween Mic and Line/DI
level devices.
• –20 dB pad available separately on each input
channel.
• Two 1/4-inch TRS analog monitor outputs.
•1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone output.
• Adjustable level control for he adphone and monitor
outputs.
• Mon (Monitor) Mute switch for muting monitor out-
puts, without muting headphone output. This switch
does not affect recording.
• 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, supporting sam ple
rates of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz.
• Zero-latency analog record monitoring with Mix
knob for adjustable balance between input and play-
back.
• USB-powered operation.
Mbox 2 Mini may not function properly if connected to a USB hub. Connect Mbox 2 Min i to a
separate, dedicated USB port.
Chapter 2: Welcome to Mbox 2 Mini
3
Pro Tools LE Capabilities
Pro Tools LE on Windows or Mac provides the following capabilities with Mbox 2 Mini:
• Pl ayba ck o f up t o 32 m ono ( or 16 ster eo) d igit al au dio tracks, or a combination of playing back and
recording up to 32 mono (or 16 stereo) digital audio tracks, depending on your computer’s capabilities
• Up to 128 audio tracks (with 32 voiceable tracks
maximum), 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 5 RTAS plug-ins per
track, depending on your computer’s capabilities
• Up to 5 inserts per track
• 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.
System Requirements
Mbox 2 Mini can be used with a Digidesign-qualified
Windows or Mac computer running Pro Tools LE software.
A DVD drive is required to use the Pro Tools Installer
disc.
For complete system requirements, visit the Digidesign
website (www.digidesign.com).
Compatibility Information
Digidesign can only assure compatibili ty and provide
support for hardware and software it has tested an d approved.
For a list of Digidesign-qualified computers, ope rating
systems, hard drives, and third-party devices, refer to
the latest compatibility informat ion on the Digidesign
website (www.digidesign.com).
MIDI Requirements
USB MIDI interfaces work effectively with Pro Tools systems on Windows or Mac. Serial MIDI interfa ces 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 the Digid esign
website (www.digidesign.com).
4
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
Hard Drive Requirements
For optimal audio recording a nd playback, all Pro Tools
systems require one or more Digidesign-qualified
drives.
For a list of Digidesign-qualified hard drives, vi sit the
Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).
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 wit h
Apple System software (Mac).
For more information, see Appendix C, “Hard
Drive Configuration and Maintenance.”
Digidesign Registration
Review the enclosed Digidesign Registration Inf ormation Card and follow the instruc tions on it to quickly
register your purchase online. This is one of the most
important steps you can take as a new user. Registering
your purchase is the only way you can be eligible to receive:
• Complimentary technical support
• An update to the latest version of Pro Tools at no
charge if you bought a system with older software
in the box
• Future upgrade offers
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.
Digidesign does not recommend recording to the
system drive. Record to a system drive only
when necessary.
About the Pro Tools Guides
This Getting Started guide explains how to install
Pro Tools LE software, make basic connections to your
Mbox 2 Mini interface (to get sound in and out of your
interface), and do common tasks ( such as recording in
Pro Tools).
In addition to any printed guides or documentation included with your system, PDF versions of Pro Tools
guides and Read Mes are installed automatically with
Pro Tools.
Chapter 2: Welcome to Mbox 2 Mini
5
The main guides (such as the Pro Tools Reference Guide
and the Pro Tools Menus Guide) are accessible from the
Pro Tools Help menu.
• Pro Tools Reference Guide explains Pro Tools software
in detail.
• Pro Tools Menus Guide covers all the Pro Tools on-
screen menus.
• DigiRack Plug-ins Guide explains how to use the RTAS
and AudioSuite plug-ins included with Pro Tools.
• Digidesign Plug-ins Guide explains how to use optional
Digidesign plug-ins.
• Pro Tools Shortcuts lists keyboard and Right-click
shortcuts for Pro Tools.
These guides and other guides are installed on your startup drive during installation. To view or print PDF
guides, you can use Adobe Reader or Apple Preview
(Mac only).
Printed copies of the Pro Tools Reference Guide
and other guides in the Pro Tools guide set can
be purchased separately from the DigiStore
(www.digidesign.com).
Conventions Used in This Guide
Digidesign guides use the following conventions to indicate menu choices and key commands:
:
Convention Action
File > Save Choose Save from the File menu
Control+N Hold down the Control key and press
Control-click Hold down the Control key and click
Right-click Click with the right mouse button
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 Digidesign guides.
the N key
the mouse button
6
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
About www.digidesign.com
The Digidesign website (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.
Product Registration Register your purchase online. See
the enclosed Digidesign Registration Information Card
for instructions.
Support and Downloads Contact Digidesign Technical
Support or Customer Service; download softw are updates and the latest online manuals; bro wse 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, applica tions, and
hardware.
News and Events Get the latest news from Digide sign;
sign up for a Pro Tools demo.
To learn more about these and other resources available
from Digidesign, visit the Digidesign website
(www.digidesign.com).
Chapter 2: Welcome to Mbox 2 Mini
7
8
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started 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 4, “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 Mini on a Windows computer includes the following steps:
1 “Connecting Mbox 2 Mini and Installing
Pro Tools LE” on page 9.
2 “Launching Pro Tools LE” on page 11.
3 Configuring your system for improved performance.
(See Chapter 5, “Configuring Your Pro Tools System.”)
4 Making audio connections to the Mbox 2 Mini. (See
Chapter 7, “Making Hardware Connections” for details.)
Connecting Mbox 2 Mini and Installing Pro Tools LE
To install Pro Tools LE and Mbox 2 Mini:
1 Start Windows, logging in with Administrator privi-
leges. For details on Administrator privile ges, refer to
your Windows documentation.
2 Connect the small end of the inclu ded USB cable to
the USB port on Mbox 2 Mini.
3 Connect the other end of the USB cable to any avail-
able USB port on your computer. Wait for the Found
New Hardware Wizard dialog to appear and leave it
open: Do not click Next. If the Wizard begins to install
drivers automatically, press Cancel.
Throughout the installation, you should ignore
all Found New Hardware Wizard dialogs. Do
not click Next.
Mbox 2 Mini may not function properly if connected to a USB hub. Connect Mbox 2 Min i to a
separate, dedicated USB port.
4 Insert the Pro Tools LE Installer disc for Windows in
your CD/DVD drive.
5 On the Installer disc, locate and ope n the Pro Tools
Installer folder.
6 Double-click the Setup icon.
Chapter 3: Installing Pro Tools on Windows
9
Follow the on-screen instructions to pr oceed with in-
7
stallation.
8 Select the install location. For maximum reliability,
install Pro Tools on your startup drive.
9 Click Next.
10 Select the Pro Tools application for installation.
11 You can also select from a list of optional item s to in-
stall along with Pro Tools.
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 com monly referred to as Mac OS Extended disks.
DigiTranslator DigiTranslator™ is a software option for
Pro Tools that lets you convert and exchange OMF and
AAF sequences and MXF files directly in the Pro Tools
application. This option is pu rchased separately.
Command|8 Controller and Driver The Command|8
Driver is required if you are using the Digidesign Command|8 control surface.
MP3 Export Option The MP3 Export Option lets you export MP3 files from Pro Tools. This option is purchased
separately.
The Pro Tools Installer disc includes additional
software for your system. For more information,
see “Additional Software on the Pro Tools Installer Disc” on page 11.
12 Click Next.
13 Click Install.
On Windows XP, several messages are displayed during installation that can be ignored,
including multiple “Found New Hardware” dialogs and “A Problem Occurred During Hardware Installation.”
Additionally, if you get a warning dialog about
the driver not passing Windows Logo testing,
click Continue Anyway.
On Windows Vista, if you get a warning dialog
about the driver, click “Install this Driver Anyway!”
14 Wait for the installer to finish installing all software
components, drivers, and PACE System files before proceeding to the next step.
15 When installation is complete, click Finish.
If the USB LED on the front panel of the Mbox 2
Mini does not illuminate after installation, try
unplugging the USB cable from the Mbox 2
Mini USB port and plugging it back in. If the
USB LED still does not illuminate, shut down
the computer, disconnect Mbox 2 Mini and
start the computer. Once the computer has fully
restarted, reconnect Mbox 2 Mini.
10
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
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 XP 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 the Digidesign
website (www.digidesign.com).
To install QuickTime:
1 Visit www.apple.com and go to the QuickTime page.
2 Download the QuickTime installer applicatio n to
your computer.
3 Double-click the QuickTime ins taller application and
follow the on-screen installation instructions.
4 Restart your computer.
Disabling Screen Saver
(Windows Vista Only)
To avoid errors during recording and playback of
Pro Tools sessions, you must set your Windows Vista
screen saver to “None.”
To set your Windows Vista screen saver to “None”:
1 Right-click on th e desktop.
2 Choose Personalize.
3 Click Screen Save.
4 Set the Screen saver to None.
5 Click Apply.
Launching Pro Tools LE
When launching Pro Tools LE the first time, you are
prompted to enter an authorization code.
To authorize Pro Tools LE software:
1 Make sure Mbox 2 Mini is connected to your com-
puter and powered on.
2 Double-click the Pro Tools LE shortcut on your desk-
top (or the application icon in the P ro Tools folder inside the Digidesign folder).
3 Enter the authorization code in th e 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.
Additional Software on the Pro Tools Installer Disc
The Pro Tools Installer disc provides ad ditional software
for your system, including audio drivers (for playing
other audio applications through your Digidesign hardware) and a Pro Tools demo session.
Refer to your Pro Tools Installer disc for additional software and installers.
Chapter 3: Installing Pro Tools on Windows
11
Windows Audio Drivers
The Digidesign ASIO Driver and WaveDriver Windows
System Audio Driver let you use your Digidesign hardware interface with third-party applications that support the ASIO Driver or WaveDriver MME (Multimedia
Extension).
The Digidesign ASIO Driver and WaveDriver for your
Digidesign hardware are automatically installed when
you install Pro Tools.
Digidesign ASIO Driver
The Digidesign ASIO (Audio Sound Input Output)
Driver is a single-client multichannel sound driver that
allows third-party audio programs th at support the
ASIO standard to record and play back through Digidesign hardware.
For detailed information on configuring the
Digidesign ASIO Driver, see the Windows
Audio Drivers Guide.
Digidesign WaveDriver
(Windows XP Only)
The Digidesign WaveDriver Windows System Audio
Driver is a single-client, stereo soun d driver that allows
third-party audio programs that support the
WaveDriver MME (Multimedia Extension) standard to
play back through Digidesign hardware.
For detailed information on configuring the
Digidesign WaveDriver, see the Windows
Audio Drivers Guide.
Standalone Windows Audio Drivers
Digidesign Windows Audio Drivers can be installed on
Windows systems that do not have Pro Tools software
installed. Use the standalone version of th e Digidesign
Windows Audio Drivers installer (Digidesign Audio
Drivers Setup.exe), which is available on the Pro Tools
Installer disc.
For information on configuring the standalone
version of the Digidesign Windows Audio Drivers, see the Windows Audio 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.”
Be fore ins tall ing the demo ses sion to y our audi o
drive, make sure the drive is configured as described in “Formatting an Audio Drive” on
page 60.
To install the demo session:
1 Insert the Pro Tools LE Installer disc into your DVD
drive.
2 From your DVD drive, locate and open the Additional
Files/LE Demo Session Installer folder.
3 Double-click LE Demo Session Setup.exe.
4 Follow the onscreen instructions.
5 When prompted, select your audio drive as the install
location and click Next to begin th e install.
12
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
When installation is complete, click Finish.
6
The demo session can be opened by doubleclicking the Filtered Dream.ptf file (located in
the Filtered Dream Demo Session folder).
Pro Tools Session Templates
The Pro Tools LE Installer disc includes factory session
templates that are pre-configured to common track and
mixer setups. Using these templates will save you the
trouble of having to create your studio setup from
scratch every time you start a new session.
See the Pro Tools Reference Guide for information on
using or customizing session templates.
To install factory session templates:
1 Insert the Pro Tools Installer disc into your DVD
drive.
2 From your DVD drive, locate and open the Additional
Files/LE Session Templates Installer folder.
3 Double-click LE Session Templates Setup.exe .
4 Follow the onscreen instructions.
5 When prompted, select your audio drive as the install
location and click Next to begin the install.
6 When installation is complete, click Finish.
Uninstalling Pro Tools
If you need to uninstall Pro Tools software from your
computer, you can use Windows commands for uninstalling programs.
To uninstall Pro Tools from your computer
(Windows Vista):
1 Choose Start > Control Panel.
2 Under Programs, click “Uninstall a program.”
3 Select Pro Tools.
4 Click Uninstall.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions to remove
Pro Tools.
To remove Pro Tools from your computer (Windows XP):
1 Choose Start > Control Panel.
2 Double-click Add or Remove Programs.
3 From the Currently Installed Programs li st, select Digi-
design Pro Tools.
4 Click the Remove button.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions to remove
Pro Tools.
Chapter 3: Installing Pro Tools on Windows
13
14
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
chapter 4
Installing Pro Tools on Mac
This chapter contains information for Mac syste ms
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 Mini on a Mac includes the
following steps:
1 “Installing Pro Tools LE” on page 15.
2 “Connecting Mbox 2 Mini to the Computer” on
page 16.
3 “Launching Pro Tools LE” on page 17.
4 Configuring your system for improved performance.
(See Chapter 5, “Configuring Your Pro Tools System.”)
5 Making audio connections to the Mbox 2 Mini. (See
Chapter 7, “Making Hardware Connections” for details.)
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 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 CD/D VD
drive.
3 On the Installer disc, locate and double-click “Ins tall
Pro Tools.”
4 Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with in-
stallation.
5 Select the install location. For maximum reliability,
install Pro Tools on your startup drive.
6 Click Continue.
7 Select the Pro Tools application for instal lation.
Chapter 4: Installing Pro Tools on Mac
15
You can also select from a list of optional items to in-
8
stall along with Pro Tools:
DigiTranslator DigiTranslator™ is a software option for
Pro Tools that lets you convert and exchange OMF and
AAF sequences and MXF files directly in the Pro Tools
application. This option is pu rchased separately.
MIDI I/O Driver The MIDI I/O Driv er is required if you
are using the Digidesign MIDI I/O.
MP3 Export Option The MP3 Export Option lets you export MP3 files from Pro Tools. This option is purchased
separately.
The Pro Tools Installer disc includes additional
software for your system. For more information,
see “Additional Software on the Pro Tools Installer Disc” on page 17.
9 Click Install.
10 If prompted, enter your Administrator password and
click OK to authenticate the installation.
11 Follow the remaining on-screen instr uctions.
12 When installation is complete , click Restart.
Connecting Mbox 2 Mini to the Computer
Before launching Pro Tools LE software, connect
Mbox 2 Mini to your computer.
To connect Mbox 2 Mini to your computer :
1 Connect the small end of the inclu ded USB cable to
the USB port on Mbox 2 Mini.
2 With your computer on, connect the other end of the
USB cable to any available USB port on your computer.
Mbox 2 Mini may not function properly if connected to a USB hub. Connect Mbox 2 Min i to a
separate, dedicated USB port.
If the USB LED on the front panel of the Mbox 2
Mini does not illuminate after installation, try
unplugging the USB cable from the Mbox 2
Mini USB port and plugging it back in. If the
USB LED still does not illuminate, shut down
the computer, disconnect Mbox 2 Mini and
start the computer. Once the computer has fully
restarted, reconnect Mbox 2 Mini.
16
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
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 authorize Pro Tools LE software:
1 Make sure Mbox 2 Mini is connected to yo ur com-
puter and powered on.
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 when
prompted (making sure to ty pe it exactly as printed, and
observing any spaces and cap italization), then click Validate.
Your authorization code is located on the inside front
cover of this guide.
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.
Mbox 2 Mini CoreAudio Driver
The Mbox 2 Mini CoreAudio Driver is a multi-client,
multichannel sound driver that allows CoreAudio-compatible applications to record and play back through
Digidesign hardware.
The Mbox 2 Mini CoreAudio Driver is installed by default when you install Pro Tools.
For information on configuring the Mbox 2
Mini CoreAudio Driver, see the CoreAudio
Drivers Guide.
Standalone Mbox 2 Mini CoreAudio Driver
The Mbox 2 Mini CoreAudio Driver can be installed as a
standalone driver on Mac systems that do not have
Pro Tools software installed. The standalone version of
this driver is available on the Pro Tools Installer disc (in
the Additional Files Folder).
For information on installing and configuring
the standalone version of the Mbox 2 Mini
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.”
Be fore ins tall ing the demo ses sion to y our audi o
drive, make sure the drive is configured as described in “Formatting an Audio Drive” on
page 60.
Chapter 4: Installing Pro Tools on Mac
17
To install the demo session:
1 Insert the Pro Tools LE Installer disc into your DVD
drive.
2 From your DVD drive, locate and open the Additional
Files/LE Demo Session Installer folder.
3 Double-click LE Demo Session Setup.exe.
4 Follow the on-screen instructions.
5 When prompted, select your audio drive as the install
location and click Next to begin the install.
6 When installation is complete, click Close.
The demo session can be opened by doubleclicking the Filtered Dream.ptf file (located in
the Filtered Dream Demo Session folder).
Pro Tools Session Templates
The Pro Tools LE Installer disc includes factory session
templates that are pre-configured to common track and
mixer setups. Using these templates will save you the
trouble of having to create your studio setup from
scratch every time you start a new session.
See the Pro Tools Reference Guide for information on
using or customizing session templates.
To install factory session templates:
1 Insert the Pro Tools Installer disc into your DVD
drive.
2 From your DVD drive, locate and open the Additional
Files/LE Session Templates Installer folder.
3 Double-click LE Session Templates Setup.exe .
4 Follow the on-screen instructions.
5 When prompted, select your audio drive as the install
location and click Next to begin th e install.
6 When installation is complete, click Close.
Uninstalling Pro Tools
If you need to uninstall Pro Tools software from your
computer, use the Uninstaller application.
To uninstall 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 the “Uninstall Pro
Too l s” file.
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 som e Avid products.
Clean Uninstall Removes all Pro Tools files, including
system files, Digidesign plug-ins, and MIDI patch
names.
5 Click Uninstall.
6 Enter your Administrator password and click OK.
7 Click Finish to close the Installer win dow.
18
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
chapter 5
Configuring Your Pro Tools System
After you have connected your system and installed
Pro Tools software, you are ready to start up and configure your Pro Tools system.
Starting Up or Shutting Down Your System
To ensure that the components of your Pro Tools system
communicate properly with each other, you need to
start them in a particular order.
Start up your Pro Tools system in this order :
1 Lower the volume of all output devices in your sys-
tem.
2 Turn on any external hard drives. Wait approximately
ten seconds for them to spin up to speed.
3 Turn on any control surfaces (such as Command|8).
4 Turn on any MIDI interfaces, MIDI devices, or syn-
chronization peripherals.
5 Turn on your computer.
6 Launch Pro Tools or any third-party audio or MIDI
applications.
Shut down your Pro Tools system in this order:
1 Quit Pro Tools and any other running applications.
To quit Pro Tools, choose File > Exit (Windows)
or Pro Tools > Quit (Mac).
2 Turn off or lower the volume of all output d evices in
your system.
3 Turn off your computer.
4 Turn off any MIDI interfaces, MIDI devices, or syn-
chronization peripherals.
5 Turn off any control surfaces.
6 Turn off any external hard drives.
Chapter 5: Configuring Your Pro Tools System
19
Configuring Pro Tools LE Software
Pro Tools System Settings
In the Playback Engine dialog, Pro Tools LE lets you adjust the performance of your system by changing system
settings that affect its capa city 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.
Playback Engine dialog for Mbox 2 Mini (Structure not
installed)
Playback Engine dialog for Mbox 2 Mini (Structure installed)
20
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
Hardware Buffer Size
The Hardware Buffer Size (H/W Buffer Size) co ntrols the
size of the buffer 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 moni toring latency.
Lower Hardware Buffer Size settings 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.
In addition to causing slower screen response
and monitoring latency, higher Hardware
Buffer Size settings can increase the latency
caused by RTAS plug-ins, and affect the accuracy of plug-in automation, mute data, and
MIDI track timing.
To change the Hardware Buffer Size:
1 Choose Setup > Playback Engine.
2 Fro m th e H/W Buff er Si ze po p-u p men u, se lect the a u-
dio buffer size, in samples.
3 Click OK.
RTAS Processors
The RTAS Processors setting determines the number of
processors in your computer allocated for RTAS (RealTime AudioSuite) plug-in processing.
With multiprocessor computers, this setting lets you
manage multi-processor support for RTAS processing.
With multiple processor computers that support HyperThreading (and have it enabled), you must disable Hyper-Threading for this setting to become a vailable. See
your computer’s documentation for steps on how to enter the computer’s BIOS and disable Hyper-Threading.
Used in combination with the CPU Usage Limit setting,
the RTAS Processors setting lets you control the way
RTAS processing and other Pro Tools tasks are carried
out by the system. For example:
• For sessions with large numbers of RTAS plug-ins, you
can allocate 2 or more processors to RTAS processing
and set a high CPU Usage Limit.
• For se ssions with few RTAS plug-ins, you can allocate
fewer processors to RTAS and set a low CPU Usage
Limit to leave more CPU resources available for auto-
mation accuracy, screen response, and video.
• Depending on the importance of video and overal l
screen response, and on the density of automation
being employed, try different combinations of RTAS
Processing and CPU Usage Limit settings to ac hieve
the best results. For example, to improve scree n re-
sponse in a medium-sized session using a moderate
number of RTAS plug-ins, try reducing the number of
RTAS plug-ins, but keep the CPU Usage Limit set to its
maximum on a single processor system.
Chapter 5: Configuring Your Pro Tools System
21
To set the number of RTAS Processors:
1 Choose Setup > Playback Engine.
2 From the RTAS Processors pop-up menu, select the
number of available processors you want to allocate for
RTAS plug-in processing. The number of processors
available varies depending on how many processors are
available on your computer:
• Choose 1 Processor to limit RTAS processing to
one CPU in the system.
• Choose 2 Processors to enable load balanci ng
across two available processors.
• On systems running four or more processors,
choose the desired number of RTAS processors as
needed.
3 Click OK.
CPU Usage Limit
The CPU Usage Limit controls the percentage of CPU resources allocated to Pro Tools host processing tasks.
Used in combination with the RTAS Processors setting,
the CPU Usage Limit setting lets you control the way
Pro Tools tasks are carried out by the system.
Lower CPU Usage Limit settings limit the effect of
Pro Tools processing on other CPU- intensive tasks, such
as screen redraws, and are useful when you a re experiencing slow system response, or when running other
applications at the same tim e as Pro Tools.
Higher CPU Usage Limit settings allocate more pro-
cessing power to Pro Tools, and are useful for playing
back large sessions or using more real-time plug-ins.
The maximum available CPU Usage Limit depends on
the number of processors in your computer and on the
number of processors you specify for RTAS processing.
This value can range from 85 percent for single-processor computers to 99 percent for multi-processor computers.
Increasing the CPU Usage Limit may slow
down screen response on slower computers.
To change the CPU Usage Limit:
1 Choose Setup > Playback Engine.
2 From the CPU Usage Limit pop-up menu, select the
percentage of CPU processing you want to allocate to
Pro Tools.
3 Click OK.
RTAS Engine (RTAS Error Suppression)
The RTAS Engine option determines RTAS error reporting during playback and recording. This is especially
useful when working with instrument plug-ins.
You should only enable RTAS error suppression if you
are experiencing frequent RTAS errors that are interrupting your creative workflow. When RTAS error suppression is enabled, you can experience a degradation of
audio quality. However, this may be acceptable in order
to avoid interrupting playback and recording when
working with instrument plug-ins. Be sure to disable
RTAS error suppression when you need to ensure the
highest possible audio quality, such as for a final mix.
22
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
There is one RTAS Engine option:
Ignore Errors During Pl ayback/Record When enabled,
Pro Tools continues to play and record even if the RTAS
processing requirements exceed the selec ted CPU Usage
Limit. This can result in pops and clicks in the audio,
but does not stop the transport.
To enable RTAS error suppression:
1 Choose Setup > Playback Engine.
2 Select Ignore Errors During Playback/R ecord.
3 Click OK.
DAE Playback Buffer Size
The DAE Playback Buffer Size determines the amount of
memory DAE allocates for disk buffers. The b uffer size is
shown in milliseconds, which indicates the a mount of
audio buffered when the system reads from disk.
The optimum DAE Playback Buffer Size for most disk
operations is 1500 msec (Level 2).
DAE Playback Buffer Size settings lower than
1500 msec (Level 2) may improve playback and recording initiation speed. However, a lower setting may make
it difficult to play or record tracks reliably with session s
containing a large number of tracks or a high density of
edits, or with systems that have slower or heavily fragmented hard drives.
DAE Playback Buffer Size settings higher than
1500 msec (Level 2) allow higher track count, higher
density of edits in a session, or the use of sl ower hard
drives. However, a higher setting may increase the time
lag when starting playback or recording, or cause a
longer audible time lag while ed iting during playback.
Using a larger DAE Playback Buffer Size leaves
less system memory for other tasks. The default
setting of 1500 msec (Level 2) is recommended
unless you are encountering -9073 (“Disk too
slow or fragmented”) errors.
To change the DAE Playback Buffer Size:
1 Choose Setup > Playback Engine.
2 From the DAE Playback Buffer pop-up menu, select a
buffer size. Memory requirements for each setting are
shown at the bottom of the Playback Engine dialog.
3 Click OK.
If Pro Tools needs more system memory for the DAE
Playback Buffer, it will prompt you to restart your computer.
Chapter 5: Configuring Your Pro Tools System
23
Cache Size
The Cache Size determines the amount of memory DAE
allocates to pre-buffer audio for playback and looping
when using Elastic Audio.
The optimum Cache Size for most sessions is Normal.
A Cache Size setting of Minimum reduces the amount
of system memory used for disk operati ons and frees up
memory for other system tasks. However, performance
when using Elastic Audio features may decrease.
A Cache Size of Large improves performance whe n
using Elastic Audio features, but it also decreases the
amount of memory available for other system tasks,
such as RTAS processing.
Using a larger Cache Size leaves less system
memory for other tasks. The default setting of
Normal is recommended unless you are encountering -9500 (“Cache too small”) errors.
To change the Cache Size:
1 Choose Setup > Playback Engine.
2 From the Cache Size pop-up menu, select a disk cache
size.
3 Click OK.
System Memory Allocation
When you start your computer, Pro Tools automatically
reserves a portion of system memory for the DAE Playback Buffer. This reserved memory is unavailable to
other applications, even if Pro Tools is not running.
You can set Pro Tools to reserve only the minimum
amount of required memory, so that more system memory is available to other appli cations.
To minimize system memory allocation:
1 Choose Setup > Playback Engine.
2 Select the “Minimize System Memory Allocation” option.
3 Click OK.
4 Restart your computer.
Plug-in Streaming Buffer Size
(Structure Plug-in Only)
This setting appears in the Playback Engine dialog only
if the Structure sampler instrument plug -in is installed
on your system. The Plug-in Streaming Buffer Size determines the amount of memory DAE allocates for streaming playback from d isk with the Structure plug-in. This
setting only affects playback if disk streaming is activated in Structure’s plug-in controls (see the Structure
Plug-in Guide for more information).
24
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
The optimum Plug-in Streaming Buffer Size for most
sessions is 250 ms (Level 2).
Plug-in Streaming Buffer Size settings lower than
250 msec (Level 2) reduce the amount of system memory used for sample playback and frees up memory for
other system tasks. However, audio quality of sample
playback may decrease.
Plug-in Streaming Buffer Size settings higher than
250 msec (Level 2) improve the audio quality of sample
playback, but they also decrease the amount of memory
available for other system tasks, such as RTAS processing.
Using a larger Plug-in Streaming Buffer Size
leaves less system memory for other tasks. The
default setting of 250 ms (Level 2) is recommended unless you are experiencing problems
with the audio quality of sample playback.
To change the Plug-in Streaming Buffer Size:
1 Choose Setup > Playback Engine.
2 From the Plug-in Streaming Buffer Size pop-up menu,
select a buffer size.
3 Click OK.
Optimizing the Plug-in Streaming Buffer Size
(Structure Plug-in Only)
This option appears in the Playback Engine dialog only
if the Structure sampler instrument plug-in is installed
on your system. This option is useful when you are
playing samples from the same drive that contains audio for the current session. When this option is selected,
Pro Tools automatically optimizes the size of the Plug-in
Streaming Buffer to facilitate disk access from both
Pro Tools and Structure. The Plug-in Streaming Buffer
Size pop-up menu is unavailable when this option is selected.
To set Pro Tools to optimize the Plug-in Streaming Buffer
Size:
1 Choose Setup > Playback Engine.
2 Select the “Optimize for Streaming Content” option.
3 Click OK.
Pro Tools Hardware Settings
In the Hardware Settings dialog, Pro Tools lets you set
the default sample rate and clock source for your system, as well as a range of controls specific to each type
of audio interface.
Chapter 5: Configuring Your Pro Tools System
25
Default Sample Rate
The Sample Rate setting appears as the default sample
rate when you create a new session. (This settin g is
available in the Hardware Setup dialog on ly 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 the
Pro Tools Reference Guide for details.)
To change the default Sample Rate:
1 Choose Setup > Hardware.
Hardware Setup dialog fo r Mbox 2 Mini
2 Select the sample rate from the Sample Rate pop-up
menu.
3 Click OK.
Clock Source
The Pro Tools Hardware Setup dialog is set to Internal,
which supports recording analog signals direc tly into
Mbox 2 Mini analog inputs 1–2.
26
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
Configuring I/O Setup
Using the I/O Setup dialog, you c an label Pro Tools LE
input, output, insert, and bus signal paths. The I/O Setup
dialog provides a graphical representation of the inputs ,
outputs, and signal routing of the Mbox 2 Mini.
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.
To rename I/O paths in I/O Setup:
1 Choose Setup > I/O.
2 Click the Input, Output, Insert, or Bus tab to display
the corresponding connections.
I/O Setup dialog for Mbox 2 Mini
3 To change the name of a path or subpath, double-
click directly on the Path Name, type a ne w name for
the path, and press Enter.
4 Click OK.
See the Pro Tools Reference Guide (or ch oose
Help > Pro Tools Reference Guide) for more
information on renaming I/O paths.
Configuring MIDI Setup
If you plan to use any MIDI devices with Pro Tools, do one
of the following:
On Windows, configure your MIDI setup with MIDI
Studio Setup. See Appendix A, “Configuring MIDI Studio Setup (Windows Only)” for details.
– or –
On Mac, configure your MIDI setup with the Apple
Audio MIDI Setup (AMS) utility. See Appendix B, “Configuring AMS (Mac OS X Only).”
Backing Up your System Configuration
After configuring your system and Pro Tools, you
should save an image of your system drive using a
backup utility such as Norton Ghost. By doing this, you
can quickly restore your system configuration and settings if you encounter any problems.
Optimizing a Windows System for Pro Tools
(Windows XP Only)
To optimize a Mac system for Pro Tools, see
“Optimizing a Mac System for Pro Tools” on
page 30.
Before configuring your computer, make sure you are
logged in as an Administrator for the acc ount where
you want to install Pro Tools. For details on Admi nistrator privileges, refer to your Windows documentation.
Required Optimizations
To ensure optimum performance with Pro Tools LE,
configure the following settings before using Pro Tools
hardware and software.
When you are finished changing Windows system settings, restart your computer.
Enabling DMA
Enabling your computer's DMA (Direct Memory Access)
frees up CPU bandwidth so the computer can do other
Pro Tools tasks.
In most cases the DMA option will already be s et correctly, as Windows XP detects and activates DMA mode
by default.
To enable DMA for any IDE hard drives:
1 Choose Start > Control Panel.
2 In Classic View, double-click System.
3 Click the Hardware tab.
4 Under Device Manager, choose Device Manager.
5 In the Device Manager window, double-click IDE
ATA/ ATAPI c ontr olle rs, then double-c lick 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 avail-
able,” and click OK.
8 Repeat steps 5–7 for any additional IDE Channels.
9 Close the Device Manager window and then the Sys-
tem Properties window.
Chapter 5: Configuring Your Pro Tools System
27
Disabling 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 Double-click Power Opti ons.
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.
Disabling 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 Double-click Display.
3 Click the Appearance tab.
4 Click Effects.
28
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
5 Deselect “Use the following method to smooth edge s of
screen fonts.”
6 Click OK to save your settings and close the Effects di-
alog.
7 Click OK.
8 Restart the computer.
Recommended Optimizations
Pro Tools can also be affected by other software and
hardware drivers installed on your computer. It is recommended (but not required) that you do the following:
• Avoid running any unneeded 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 nonessential USB devices while running Pro Tools.
• If your video display card supports it, enable Bus
Mastering in the manufacturer’s Control Panel. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for details.
Optional Optimizations
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 c ards (other than a
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 Manage.
2 Under System Tools, select Device Manager.
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.
Adjusting Processor Scheduling
To Adjust Processor Scheduling Performance:
1 Choose Start > Control Panel.
2 In Classic View, double-click System.
3 Click the Advanced tab.
4 Under the Performance section, click the Settings but-
ton.
5 In the Performance Options window, click the Ad-
vanced tab.
6 Under the Processor scheduling section, sele ct the
Background Services option.
7 Under the Memory Usage section, select the System
cache option.
8 Click OK to close the Performance Options window.
9 Click OK to close the System Proper ties window.
10 Restart the computer for the changes to take e ffect.
Disabling System Startup Items
The fewer items in use by your computer, the more resources are available for Pro Tools. Some startup applications may be consuming unnecessary CPU resources,
and should be turned off.
If you disable any of the following startup items, do so
carefully:
• Portable media serial number (required for applic a-
tions that utilize a copy protection key)
•Plug and play
•Event log
• Cryptographic services
• DHCP Client, TCP/IP Net BIOS, and other net-
working-related items (unless the computer has no
network or internet connection, in which c ase
these items can be disabled)
To Disable System Startup Items:
1 From the Start menu, choose Run.
2 Type “msconfig” and click OK. The System Configu-
ration 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, the computer displays a System Con-
figuration message. Check to see if Pro Tools performance has increased before you deselect the “Don 't
show this message again” option. If performance has
not changed, run “msconfig” and return your computer
Selective Startup back to Normal Startup. Alternatively,
try disabling Startup items and n on-essential processes
individually.
Chapter 5: Configuring Your Pro Tools System
29
Optimizing a Mac System for Pro Tools
(Mac Only)
To optimize a Windows XP system for
Pro Tools, see “Optimizing a Windows System for Pro Tools” on page 27.
To ensure optimum performance with Pro Tools, configure your computer before using Pro Tools hardware and
software.
Before configuring your computer, make sure you are
logged in as an Administrator for the acc ount where
you want to install Pro Tools. For details on Admi nistrator privileges in Mac OS X, refer to your Apple OS X
documentation.
Do not use the Mac OS X automatic Software
Update feature, as it may upgrade your system
to a version of Mac OS that has not yet been
qualified for Pro Tools. For details on qualified
versions of Mac OS, see the latest compatibility
information on the Digidesign website
(www.digidesign.com).
Turning Off Software Update
To turn off the Software Update feat ure:
1 Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu and
click Software Update.
2 Click the Update Software tab and deselect Check for
Updates.
Tur ni ng Of f E nergy Sa ve r
To turn off the Energy Saver feature:
1 Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu and
click Energy Saver.
2 Click Sleep and do the following:
• Set the computer sleep setting to Never.
• Set the display sleep setting to Never.
• Deselect “Put the hard disk(s) to sleep when possi-
ble” option.
Setting Processor Performance
(Mac G5 Computers Only)
To set the Processor Performance:
1 Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu and
click Energy Saver.
2 Click the Options tab and set Processor Performance
to Highest.
Disabling Spotlight Indexing
The Mac OS X Spotlight feature indexes files and folders
in the background, affecting system performance. It is
recommended that you disable Spotlight indexing before using Pro Tools.
To disable Spotlight indexing:
1 Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu and
click Spotlight.
2 In the Spotlight window, click the Privacy tab.
3 To prevent indexing of a drive, drag its icon from the
desktop into the list.
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Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
Disabling the Spotlight Shortcuts
The Mac OS X Spotlight feature uses the same key commands Pro Tools uses to start recording (Command+Spacebar), and to record onlin e (Command+Option+Spacebar). If you want to retain use of these key
commands in Pro Tools, these shortcuts must be disabled.
To disable the Spotlight keyboard shortcut:
1 Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu and
click Spotlight.
2 Deselect “Spotlight menu keyboard shor tcut” and “Spot-
light window keyboard shortcut.”
Disabling the Dashboard Shortcut
The Mac OS X Dashboard feature uses the same key
command Pro Tools uses to start recording (F12). If you
want to retain use of this key command in Pro Tools,
this shortcut must be disabled.
To disable the Dashboard keyboard shortcut:
1 Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu and
click Dashboard and Exposé.
2 Set the Dashboard keyboard shortcut to “–” to disable
the shortcut.
Enabling Journaling for Audio Drives
If you plan to use an audio drive that you used with a
previous version of Pro Tools on the Mac, enable journaling.
To enable journaling:
1 Launch the Disk Utility application, loc ated in Appli-
cations/Utilities.
2 Select the volume in the left co lumn of the Disk Util-
ity window.
3 Click Enable Journaling in the toolbar.
Chapter 5: Configuring Your Pro Tools System
31
32
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
chapter 6
USB
Headphone/Monitor
Headphone
LED
Output Level
Output
Input 1
Gain
Input 2
Gain
Monitor Mute
Mix (Ratio)
Mbox 2 Mini Hardware Overview
Mbox 2 Mini Front Panel Features
The Mbox 2 Mini front panel ha s the following features:
Figure 1. Mbox 2 Mini front panel
Headphone Output
Use the Headphone Output to connect a stereo headphone with a 1/4-inch stereo connector.
Headphone/Monitor Output Level
The Headphone/Monitor Output knob adjusts the output level of the Headphone Output and Mon Out (Monitor Output). In Pro Tools, this is the signal that is
routed to Outputs 1–2.
Chapter 6: Mbox 2 Mini Hardware Overview
33
Mon (Monitor) Mute Switch
This switch mutes the Monitor Outputs, without muting the Headphone Output. This switch does not affect
recording.
USB LED
The USB LED indicates that the Mbox 2 Mini has received power from its USB connection. Once the USB
light is on, audio can pass in or out of the system.
Mix (Ratio) Control
Mbox 2 Mini gives you the ability to monitor your analog input signals while recording, w ithout the delay incurred by A/D/A converters and host-bas ed 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 Mini analog inputs
and Pro Tools playback.
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 Mon Out (Monitor Outputs), and is mirrored in the
Headphone output.
This ability to blend and contro l the relative levels of
Pro Tools playback and latency-free live analog inputs
can be particularly effective when overdubbing.
34
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
Input 1 Gain Control
This knob adjusts the input gain level of the Input 1 Mic
or Line/DI input, depending on which input is enabled
by the back panel Mic/DI switch.
Input 2 Gain Control
This knob adjusts the input gain level of the Input 2
Line/DI input.
Mbox 2 Mini Back Panel Features
Pad
Mic
Phantom
Power
Line/DI
Input 2
Line/DI
Input 1
Pad
Monitor
Outputs
USB
port
Input
Kensington
Lock port
Mic/DI
The Mbox 2 Mini back panel has the following features:
Figure 2. Mbox 2 Mini back panel
Input 1 Section
Mic and Line/DI Inputs
The Input 1 section includes Mic (XLR) and Line/DI inputs.
The Line/DI input accepts line leve l signals, instruments, and other 1/4-inch TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) or TS
(Tip-Sleeve) connections.
On the front panel, the input signal is adjusted by the
Input 1 Gain control. The source (Mic or Line/DI) is
chosen using the Mic/DI selector on the back pane l.
Mic/DI Switch
This switch selects either the Mic or Line/DI inputs for
channel 1. When pressed in, the DI input is enabled.
When not pressed in, the Mic input is enable d.
Chapter 6: Mbox 2 Mini Hardware Overview
35
Pad Switch
The Pad switch engages a –20 dB pad on the input channel 1. When pressed in, the Pad is enabled.
48V Switch
When pressed in, 48V phantom power is active on the
Mic XLR input. Phantom power is provided 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 harm ed 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.
When using phantom power, Mbox 2 Mini’s
maximum current per microphone is 4 mA.
If you are not sure about the phantom power requirements for your microphone, consult your microphone’s
documentation or contact the manufacturer.
Input 2 Section
Input 2 Line/DI Input
The Input 2 section includes one Line/DI input.
The Line/DI input accepts line level signals, in struments, and other 1/4-inch TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) or TS
(Tip-Sleeve) connections.
36
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
On the front panel, the input signal is adjusted by the
Input 2 Gain control.
Pad Switch
The Pad switch engages a –20 dB pad on the input channel 2. When pressed in, the Pad is enabled.
Mon Out (Monitor Output)
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 ster eo destination.
These outputs accept TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) or TS (TipSleeve) 1/4-inch connections.
The Mon Out L and R outputs play the audio that is
routed to analog outputs 1 and 2 from within Pro Tools,
respectively. These analog outputs feature 24-bit digitalto-analog converters.
USB Port
This standard USB v1.1 connector is used to connect
your computer to the Mbox 2 Mini. One standard USB
cable is included with your system.
The Mbox 2 Mini 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 Mini.
Kensington Lock Port
Use the Kensington Lock port to secure your Mbox 2
Mini with a Kensington Lock (not supplied).
For more information, visit the Ke nsington website
(www.kensington.com).
chapter 7
Making Hardware Connections
To hear audio recorded into a Pro Tools session, you will
need to connect headphones or an external sound system (such as powered monitors or a home stereo) to
Mbox 2 Mini. Sound from Mbox 2 Mini cannot be
played through your computer’s speakers or your computer’s sound output.
Connecting Headphones
On the front panel of the Mbox 2 Mini is a 1/4-inch
jack to connect headphones.
Use the Headphone and Monitor Output Level control
to adjust headphone and monitor output volume.
To connect headphones:
Connect headphones with a 1/4-inch stere o connec-
tor (or adapter) to the Headphone jack.
Connecting a Sound System
The Mon Out (Monitor Outputs) on the back of the
Mbox 2 Mini support 1/4-inch plugs. These connections can be balanced or unbalanced TRS (Tip-RingSleeve) style connectors, or unbalanced connectors. To
listen to your Pro Tools session, these outputs can be
connected to any amplification system: powered speakers, a home stereo system, or an audio mixer.
When connecting to a stereo system, connect the left
channel (often the white plug) to Mon Out L, and right
channel (often the red plug) to Mon Out R.
Home stereo systems often use RCA connectors.
You can use an adaptor or a special cable to
convert from the 1/4-inch TRS (Tip-RingSleeve) connectors used by Mbox 2 Mini to the
RCA connectors on your home stereo.
Mon Out L and R play the audio that is routed to analog
outputs 1 and 2 within Pro Tools.
Chapter 7: Making H ardware Connec tions
37
Connecting Audio Inputs
XLR connector
1/4-inch connector
Mbox 2 Mini inputs (sources) support microphones,
guitars, keyboards, and other types of instruments.
Mbox 2 Mini has two audio input sections, labeled Input 1 and Input 2. For stereo inputs, use Input 1 for the
left input, and Input 2 for the right input.
For information about connecting spe cific audio
sources, see “Connecting a Microphone to the
Mbox 2 Mini” on page 38, and “Connecting Instruments to the Mbox 2 Mini” on page 40.
Overview of Analog Inputs
Mbox 2 Mini provides a total of two channels of analog
input on the back panel. These are labe lled Inputs 1 and
2.
Input 1
Input 1 provides Mic and Line/DI input connectors. Inputs are selectable with the b ack panel Mic/DI switch.
These inputs appear as Ana log In (1) in Pro Tools.
XLR For XLR microphone cables.
Line/DI For 1/4-inch TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) or TS (Tip-
Sleeve) cables from guitars, microphones, keyboards,
mixers, or similar sources.
Input 2
Input 2 provides a Line/DI input connector. Inputs are
selectable with the back pan el Mic/DI switch. This input
appears as Analog In (2) in Pro Tools.
Line/DI For 1/4-inch TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) or TS (TipSleeve) cables from guitars, microphones, keyboards,
mixers, or similar sources.
38
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
Connecting a Microphone to the Mbox 2 Mini
Mic Cables and Connectors
There are several ways to use Mbox 2 Mini with a microphone, depending on the type of microphone and cable
you use.
Some microphone cables use an XLR connector to attach a microphone to an input (such as those on the
Mbox 2 Mini); other microphones use a 1/4-inch connector. If you have a choice, use an XLR connector to
connect the microphone to the Mbox 2 Mini to yield
better results.
XLR and 1/4-inch connectors
Phantom Power
Some microphones require power to oper ate. This
power, called phantom power, is supplied either by a battery in the microphone, or through an audio interface
(such as Mbox 2 Mini) that can supply power through
the microphone cable.
Most condenser microphones (such as an AKG C3000)
require phantom power to operate. Dynam ic microphones (such as a Shure SM57) do not require phantom
power to operate, but are not harmed by it.
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 a ribbon microphone.
The Mbox 2 Mini can only supply power through a microphone cable with XLR connectors. If you are not sure
about the phantom power requirements for your microphone, refer to your microphone’s documentation or
contact the manufacturer.
Using a Mic that Has an XLR Connector
To use a microphone that has an XLR connector:
1 Plug your microphone cable into the Mic input on
the back of Mbox 2 Mini.
2 Set the Mic/DI switch on the back panel to Mic, by
pressing the switch so that it is not pressed in.
3 If your microphone requires phantom power, make
sure the microphone is connected, then press the Ph antom Power switch (labeled 48V) on the back of the
Mbox 2 Mini. 48v phantom power is enabled when the
switch is pressed in.
4 On the front of the Mbox 2 Mini, turn the Mix con-
trol fully left to Input.
5 On the front of the Mbox 2 Mini, carefully turn the
Input 1 Gain control to the right to increase the input
level of your microphone signal.
Using a Mic that Has a 1/4-Inch Connector
To use a microphone that has a 1/4-inch TS (Tip-Sleeve)
connector:
1 On the back of the Mbox 2 Mini, plug the 1/4-inch
connector from your microphone into one of the
Line/DI inputs.
2 If you are using Input 1, set the Mic/DI switch on the
back panel to DI, by pressing the switch so that it is
pressed in.
3 On the front of the Mbox 2 Mini, turn the Mix con-
trol fully left to Input.
4 On the front of the Mbox 2 Mini, carefully turn the
input’s Gain control to the right to increase the input
level of your microphone signal.
5 If the incoming signal is too loud, press the input’s
Pad switch on the back panel to engage the 20 dB pad.
Chapter 7: Making H ardware Connec tions
39
Connecting Instruments to the Mbox 2 Mini
Mbox 2 Mini provides Line/DI inputs that support direct instruments (such as electric guitar and electric
bass), and line level devices (including electron ic audio
sources such as mixers, samplers, keyboards, turntables,
and synthesizers).
To use a guitar with Mbox 2 Mini:
1 On the back of the Mbox 2 Mini, plug your guitar ca-
ble into one of the Line/DI inputs.
2 If you are using Input 1, set the Mic/DI switch on the
back panel to DI, by pressing the switch so that it is
pressed in.
3 On the front of the Mbox 2 Mini, turn the Mix con-
trol fully left to Input.
4 On the front of the Mbox 2 Mini, carefully turn the
input’s Gain control to the right to increase the input
level of your guitar.
5 If the incoming signal is too loud, p ress the input’s
Pad switch on the back panel to engage the 20 dB pad.
To use a keyboard or mixer with Mbox 2 Mini:
1 Plug your keyboard, mixer, or other audio source into
either the Input 1 or Input 2 Line/DI (TRS) inputs o n
your Mbox 2 Mini. If your source is stereo (such as a stereo keyboard or the stereo output from a mixer), connect the left channel (often the white plug) to Input 1,
and right channel (often the red plug) to Input 2.
2 If you are using Input 1, set the Mic/DI switch on the
back panel to DI, by pressing the switch so that it is
pressed in.
3 On the front of the Mbox 2 Mini, turn the Mix con-
trol fully left to Input.
4 Set your instrument’s volume to its optimal level. For
example, the optimal level for most keyb oards is between 80% and 100% of maximum volume.
5 On the front of the Mbox 2 Mini, carefully turn the
input’s Gain control to the right to increase the input
level of your keyboard.
6 If the incoming signal is too loud, press the input’s
Pad switch on the back panel to engage the 20 dB pad.
40
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
chapter 8
Common Tasks with Pro Tools LE
Thi s cha pte r is d esig ned t o giv e new user s sp ecifi c me thods for accomplishing common tasks with your
Pro Tools system.
For the most complete information on using
Pro Tools, see the Pro Tools Reference Guide.
You can view an electronic PDF version of the
Reference Guide by choosing it from the
Pro Tools Help menu.
Recording a Pro Tools Session
Before you record with Pro Tools and the Mbox 2 Mini,
you first create a Pro Tools session, then prepare an audio track for recording.
To create a Pro Tools session:
1 Verify the connections between the Mbox 2 Mini and
your instrument or microphone.
For connection information, see Chapter 7,
“Making Hardware Connections.”
2 Launch Pro Tools.
3 Choose File > New Session.
4 In the New Session dialog, set the session p arameters
as needed, or leave them at their default settings. (For
details on New Session settings, see the Pro Tools Refer-
ence Guide.)
New Session dialog
5 Choose where you want to save your session.
6 Type a name for your session.
7 Click Save.
Chapter 8: Common Tasks with Pro Tools LE
41
To prepare an audio track for recording:
Input Path selecto r
1 Choose Tra ck > New.
2 Specify 1 Mono Audio Track in Samples, if your source
is mono, or 1 Stereo Audio Track in Samples, if y our
source is stereo.
5 In the Mix window, click the Audio Input Path selec-
tor on the new track.
Creating a new Stereo Audio track
3 Click Create.
A mono instrument uses one input on the
Mbox 2 Mini, and a stereo instrument uses
two. Creating a stereo track in Pro Tools will
not make a mono instrument into a stereo instrument. If a mono instrument is recorded on a
stereo track, one side of the stereo track will
show no signal.
4 Make sure the Mix window is open by ch oosing
Window > Mix.
Showing the Mix window
42
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
Choosing an input in the Mix window
6 From the pop-up menu, select the interface input you
want to record. For example, select In 1 if your audio
sou rce is mono a nd plu gged i nto an Input 1 jack on the
back of the Mbox 2 Mini. Select In 1–2 on any stereo audio track when your audio source is stereo.
7 Play the instrument or sound source at the volume
you will record.
8 Use the Gain controls on Mbox 2 Mini 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 lower level.
9 Using the Mix controls on the front of the
Mbox 2 Mini, do one of the following:
• To hear only the input signal, turn the Mix control
fully left to Input.
• To hear an equal mix of playback and input signals, turn the Mix control to the center.
To record an audio track:
Fast Forward
Record
Go to EndPlay
Stop
Rewind
Return to Zero
Online
1 Click the track’s Record Enable button.
Record enabling a track in the Mix window
2 Choose Track > Input Only Monitoring. This allows you
to monitor the input of tracks that are record enabled.
3 Choose Window > Transport to display the Transport
window. Click Return to Zero to go to the beginning of
the session.
Transport window
4 Click Record button in the Transport window to arm
Pro Tools for recording. The Record button flashes red
to indicate that Pro Tools is ready to record.
5 When you are ready to start recording, click Play or
press the Spacebar.
6 Record your performance.
7 Click Stop in the Transport window or press the Spa-
cebar when you are finished recording.
To play back a recorded track:
1 Click the track’s Record Enable button a second time
to take it out of Record mode.
2 On the front of the Mbox 2 Mini, turn the Mix con-
trol fully right to Playback.
3 Click Play in the Transport window or press the Spa-
cebar to start playback.
4 Click Stop in the Transport window or press the Spa-
cebar to stop playback.
Importing Audio from a CD
To import audio from a compact disc:
1 Put the source CD into your computer’s CD/DVD
drive.
2 In Pro Tools, open the Workspace browser by choos-
ing Window > Workspace. The Workspace browser is a
window where you can find, audition, and m anage
your audio files.
Opening the Workspace browser
3 In the Workspace browser, click the Audio CD icon to
show the files on the CD.
Chapter 8: Common Tasks with Pro Tools LE
43
Click the speaker icon in the Waveform column to au-
4
dition the audio file. Press the Spacebar to stop playback.
Auditioning an audio file in the Workspace browser
5 Drag the audio file from the Workspace browser to the
Track List in the Edit window to import the file to a new
audio track.
Dragging an audio file from the Workspace browser to the
Edit window Track List
To play back the new track:
1 In the Transport window, click Return to Zero to go to
the beginning of the track.
2 On the front of the Mbox 2 Mini, turn the Mix con-
trol fully right to Playback.
3 Click Play in the Transport window to begin playback.
4 Click Stop in the Transport window or press the Spa-
cebar to stop playback.
Creating an Audio CD from a Pro Tools Session
Pro Tools does not create audio CDs directly, but you
can create stereo audio files from your Pro Tools sessions
that can be used by most CD burning software.
Bouncing Audio to Disk
Use the Pro Tools Bounce to Disk feature to combine all
your audible tracks into a single “master” audio file. After the new audio file has been bounced to disk, you can
burn it to a CD.
If you are bouncing down audio from 24-bit resolution
to 16-bit (CD resolution), you should use a dither plugin on the main output. (For details, see th e Pro Tools Ref-
erence Guide.)
44
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
To bounce audio to disk:
1 After you have finished recording and mixing a ses-
sion in Pro Tools, select the length of the session in the
timeline ruler (or on a track), plus an additional amount
of time to avoid cutting off any reverb tails that might
continue past the end of the last region.
Session audio selected and ready to bounce
2 Choose File > Bounce to > Disk.
Choosing Bounce to Disk from the File menu
3 In the Bounce Options dialog, choose Outputs 1–2 as
the Bounce Source.
4 Choose BWF (.WAV) for the File Type.
5 Choose Stereo Interleaved for the Format.
6 Choose 16 for the Resolution and 44100 for the Sam-
ple Rate.
7 If you are changing the sample rate of the bounced
file, choose a Conversion Quality s etting. (For details,
see the Pro Tools Reference Guide.)
8 Choose “Convert after Bounce,” and click Bounce.
Bounce options for creating CD burnable tracks
Chapter 8: Common Tasks with Pro Tools LE
45
In the Bounce dialog, give the bounce tracks a name
9
and choose where they should be saved.
Entering a name for the bounced file
10 Click Save.
Pro Tools begins bouncing to disk. Pro Tools bounces
are done in real time, so you hear audio playback of
your mix during the bounce process (though you cannot adjust it).
Bouncing to Disk dialog
Burning a CD
After the bounce is completed, you will have an audio
file that is ready for burning onto a CD. Quit Pro Tools
and launch any common CD burning application to
burn your bounced mix to CD.
Make certain that you configure your CD burning application to create an audio CD rather
than a data CD.
Recording MIDI in a Pro Tools Session
What is MIDI?
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data is not
audio, and has no sound. MIDI is a way for musical devices to communicate. MIDI is data that can trigger a
MIDI device (such as a keyboard or software synthesizer).
In order to create or play a MIDI recording , you must
have a MIDI controller or sound module (real or virtual)
connected to the computer through the MIDI ports on
a MIDI interface. Audio from your MIDI instrument can
be monitored through the Mbox 2 Mini or sent to an
external mixer.
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Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
Signal paths for MIDI instruments
MIDI
Audio
Mixer
MIDI keyboard (controller)
MIDI sound module
Monitoring MIDI Instruments with Mbox 2 Mini
If you have a MIDI instrument that has analog outputs,
you can connect it to Mbox 2 Mini to monitor its output.
To connect your MIDI instrument for monitoring in
Pro Tools:
Connect the MIDI instrument’s audio output to a
Line/DI (TRS) input on your Mbox 2 Mini.
Recording MIDI on an Instrument Track
Pro Tools Instrument tracks provide both MIDI and audio capabilities, so you can record MIDI and monitor
audio from software and hardware instruments.
To create an Instrument track and configure it for
recording:
1 Choose Setup > MIDI > Input Devices and make sure
your input device is selected in the MIDI Input Enable
window, and click OK.
2 Choose Tra ck > N ew and specify 1 Mono Instrument
Track, then click Create.
Creating a new Mono Instrument track
3 Select View > Mix Window > Instruments to display the
MIDI controls for the Instrument track.
Showing the Instrument View in the Mix window
Chapter 8: Common Tasks with Pro Tools LE
47
At the top of the Instrument track in the Mix window,
MIDI Input selector
4
click the track’s MIDI Input selector and assign the device and channel to be recorded, or leave it set to All.
MIDI Input selector in an Instrument track
5 Do one of the following, depending on the type of in-
strument you are using:
• If you are using an instrument plug-in, click an Insert selector and insert the plug-in on the Instrument track. The track’s MIDI output is
automatically assigned to the instrument plug-in.
Inserting an instrument plug-in on an Instrument track
• If you are using an e xternal MIDI devi ce, click the
track’s MIDI Output selector (at the top of the Instrument track) and assign the device and channel
to receive the MIDI output (the choices will var y
depending on the device).
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Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
MIDI Output selector in an Instrument track
If your connected MIDI device does not appear,
check that you have configured your computer
and its MIDI settings.
6 If you are using an external MIDI device and con-
nected its audio output to Mbox 2 Mini for monitoring
in Pro Tools, click the Input selector of the Instrument
track and choose the corresponding audio input. (This
step is not necessary if you are using an instrument
plug-in.)
Choosing an audio input for an Instrument track
In the Mix Window, click the track’s Record Enable
Track Record Enable button
MIDI Velocity meter
Volume fader
7
button to enable the Instrument track for MIDI recording.
Enabling an Instrument track for MIDI recording
8 Make sure Options > MIDI Thru is selected .
9 Pla y so me no tes o n you r MID I con trol ler a nd l ook f or
the track’s MIDI Velocity meter to move. Remember,
MIDI is not audio, and the MIDI Velocity meter is not
registering sound output, but MIDI activity.
MIDI meter in Instrument track showing MIDI activity
10 Adjust the audio output level of the Instrument
track with its Volume fader.
Adjusting the Volume fader on an Instrument track
Chapter 8: Common Tasks with Pro Tools LE
49
To record MIDI on the Instrument track:
Fast Forward
Record
Go to EndPlay
Stop
Rewind
Return to Zero
Online
1 Verify that the Instrument 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 to a selection in a track or from the cursor location in the Edit window.
Transport window
3 Click Record in the Transport window.
4 Click Play in the Transport window or press the Spa-
cebar to begin recording.
5 Play your MIDI controller or input device.
6 When you have finished recording, click Stop in the
Transport window, or press the Spacebar. The newly record ed MIDI d ata appears as a MIDI region o n the tra ck
in the Edit window, as well as in the Region List.
MIDI data in the Instrument track
To play back recorded MIDI data:
1 Click the track’s Record Enable button to take the In-
strument track out of Record mode.
2 In the Transport window, click Return to Zero to play
back from the beginning of the track.
3 Click Play in the Transport window to begin playback.
The recorded MIDI data plays back through the trac k’s
assigned instrument and channel.
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Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
appendix a
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 displaye d 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 instru ment or instruments selected in the Instrument Name list.
Import This button lets you import an existing MIDI
Studio Setup file.
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), the MIDI Studio
setup window shows both the DirectMusic timestamped output ports, and non-stamped duplicate emulated output ports.
Appendix A: Configuring MIDI Studio Setup (Windows Only)
51
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 li st displays
that instrument’s properties in the Properties section of
the window.
Properties Section
The Properties section lets you ed it information for new
instruments, or instrument currently selected in the Instrument list.
MIDI Studio Setup Properties section
When a previously defined instrument is selected in the
Instrument list, the Properties section changes to reflec t
the properties of the selected instrument.
To define an instrument with MIDI Studio Setup:
1 Choose Setup > MIDI > MIDI Studio.
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 Man ufacturer and Model
pop-up menu.
4 Set 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, choose None.
5 From the Input pop-up menu, choose the input 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 recei ve MIDI.)
Instrument Name
The Instrument Name field shows the user-definab le instrument name for the currently selected instrument.
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Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
Manufacturer
The Manufacturer pop-up menu provides a list of MIDI
equipment manufacturers. This lis t is derived from the
XML-based MIDI device files provided with your
Pro Tools installation.
For more information, see “MIDI Patch Name
Support” on page 53.
Model
Th e Mo de l po p- up m en u pr ov ide s a l is t of MI DI d evi ce s,
filtered by the manufacturer n ame. This list is derived
from the XML-based MIDI device files provided with
your Pro Tools installation.
For more information, see “MIDI Patch Name
Support” on page 53.
Input Port
The Input Port pop-up menu displays a list of available
MIDI interface input ports. In puts will include any
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.
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.
Receive Channels
The Receive Channels grid sets the receive channels for
the MIDI device specified in the Instrument Name field .
MIDI Patch Name Support
Pro Tools supports XML (Extensible Markup Language)
for storing and importing patch names for your 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 import MIDI patch names into Pro Tools:
1 Verify the MIDI Device name in the MIDI Studio
Setup window (see “MIDI Studio Setup” on page 51).
2 Verify the MIDI track’s output is correctly assigned to
the MIDI device.
Appendix A: Configuring MIDI Studio Setup (Windows Only)
53
Click the MIDI track’s Patch Select button.
Patch Select button
Patch Select button
Change button
3
Patch Select button, Edit window
Patch Select button, Mix window
4 In the Patch Select dialog, click the Change button.
Patch Select dialog
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Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
5 In the Open dialog, navigate to Program Files\Com-
mon Files\Digidesign\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.
Patch Select dialog with patch names
Once patch names have been imported into P ro Tools,
they are available for that MIDI device in all sessions.
To clear patch names:
In the Patch Select dialog, click th e Clear button, 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.
appendix b
Configuring AMS (Mac OS X Only)
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 Do one of the following:
• Launch Audio MIDI Setup (located in
Applications/Utilities).
– or –
• In Pro Tools, choose Setup > MIDI > MIDI Studio.
2 Click MIDI Devices. AMS scans your system for con-
nected MIDI interfaces. If your MIDI interface is properly connected, it appears in the window with each of
its ports numbered.
3 For any MIDI devices connected to the MIDI inter-
face, 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 location
within the window.
5 Connect the MIDI device to the MIDI interface by
clicking the arrow for the appropriate output port of the
device and dragging a connecti on or “cable” to the input arrow of the corresponding port of the MIDI interface.
Making MIDI input and output connections (Digidesign
Command|8 shown)
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 remove a connection, select the cable and
press Delete. To delete all connections, click
Clear Cables.
7 Repeat steps 3–6 for each MIDI devi ce in your MIDI
setup.
Appendix B: Configuring AMS (Mac OS X Only)
55
To configure an external MIDI device:
1 Select the external device icon and click Show Info (or
double-click the new device icon).
For Manufacturer and Model names, AMS refers
to one or more files with the suffix “.middev” in
the directory Root/Library/Audio/MIDI Devices.
Pro Tools installs a file that contains in formation
for many commercially available MIDI devices,
named “Digidesign Device List.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 the .middev file in any text
editor (such as TextEdit).
External Device Icon
2 Select a manufacturer and model for the new devic e
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.)
Naming a new MIDI device
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Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
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
Click the device image. The window expands to show
4
images for various MIDI devices (such as keyboards,
modules, interfaces, and mixers). Select an i con 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.
.
MIDI 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 m any
common MIDI devices. These files reside in directories,
sorted by manufacturer, in /Library/Audio/MIDI Patch
Names/Digidesign.
To import MIDI patch names into Pro Tools:
1 Verify the MIDI Device name in the Audio MIDI Setup
window (see “Audio MIDI Setup” on page 55).
2 Verify the MIDI track’s output is correctly assigned to
the MIDI device.
3 Click the MIDI track’s Patch Select button.
Appendix B: Configuring AMS (Mac OS X Only)
57
Click the MIDI track’s Patch Select button.
Patch Select button
Patch Select button
Change button
4
Patch Select button, Edit window
Patch Select button, Mix window
5 In the Patch Select dialog, click the Change button.
6 In the Patch Select dialog, click the Change button.
Patch Select dialog
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Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
7 In the Open dialog, navigate to /Library/Audio/MIDI
Patch Names/Digidesign/<name of manufacturer >, and
select the MIDI Patch Name file (.midnam) for the MIDI
device.
8 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 P ro Tools,
they are available for that MIDI device in all sessions.
To clear patch names:
In the Patch Select dialog, click th e Clear button, 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.
appendix c
Hard Drive Configuration and Maintenance
It is recommended that you start with a newly formatted external or secondary internal audio drive. You
should also periodically defragment your audio drive to
ensure continued system performance.
Always back up any important data on your
drive before formatting it, as it will erase all
data on the drive.
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 or fewer plug-ins.
Supported Drive Formats and Drive Types
Drive Formats
Windows Windows XP systems should use drives formatted as NTFS only.
Windows systems can also support Mac drives
formatted with HFS+ system (also commonly
referred to as Mac OS Extended). Refer to the
Pro Tools Reference Guide for more information.
Mac Mac systems should use drives formatted with HFS
or HFS+ file system only.
HFS drives are supported as Transfer drives only.
Hard drive performance depends on factors including
system configuration, number of tracks, session sample
rate, density of edits, and the use of crossfades and other
processes such as Beat Detective in a sessi on.
For complete hard drive requiremen ts, see the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).
Appendix C: Hard Drive Configuration and Maintenanc e
59
SCSI Hard Drives
Digidesign recommends qualified SCSI hard drives and
a qualified SCSI host bus adapter (HBA) card or (on Windows systems) a qualified built-in SCSI HBA connector
on the motherboard.
For complete information on track count and the supported number and configuration of SCSI drives, vi sit
the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).
FireWire Hard Drives
Digidesign recommends qualified FireWire drives and
(on Windows systems) a qualified FireWire host adapter.
For complete information on track count and the supported number and configuration of FireWire drives,
visit the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).
IDE/ATA/SATA Hard Drives
A qualified internal IDE/ATA/SATA drive may be used as
a dedicated audio drive.
For complete information on track count with internal
drives, refer to the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).
Formatting an Audio Drive
Formatting Windows Audio Drives
(Windows Only)
For optimal performance, audio drives should be formatted as NTFS.
To format an audio drive:
1 On Windows Vista, choose Start.
2 Right-click Computer (Wi ndows Vista ) or My Computer
(Windows XP) and choose Manage.
3 Under Storage, choose Disk Management.
Disk Management window (Windows XP)
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Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
If the volume is “Healthy,” do the following:
4
Healthy volumes are volumes that have previously been partitioned and formatted.
• In the Disk Management window, right-click the
hard drive you will use for audio and choose Format.
• In the Format window, name the volume.
• Choose a file system. For optimum performance,
audio drives should be formatted as NTFS.
• Select “Perform a quick format.”
• Make sure “Enable file and folder compr ession” is
not selected.
• Set the Allocation unit size to Default.
• Click OK.
Pro Tools only supports Basic drive types. Do
not convert the drive to a Dynamic type
.
5 If the volume is “Unallocated,” do the following:
• In the Disk Management window, right-click the
hard drive you will use for audio and choose New
Partition.
• In the New Partition Wizard window, click Next.
• When prompted, select the partition type.
Digidesign recommends using Primary partitions, instead of Extended partitions.
• Follow the on-screen instruct ions to select a partition size and other partition settings.
• When prompted, choose a file system. For optimum performance, audio drives should be formatted as NTFS.
• Select “Perform a quick format.”
• Make sure “Enable file and folder compress ion” is
not selected.
• Set the Allocation unit size to Default.
• Click OK.
Pro Tools only supports Basic drive types. Do
not convert the drive to a Dynamic type
.
Appendix C: Hard Drive Configuration and Maintenanc e
61
Formatting Mac Audio Drives
(Mac Only)
For optimum performance, audio drives sh ould be formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
To format an audio drive:
1 Launch the Disk Utility applicat ion, located in Appli-
cations/Utilities.
Disk Utility (Mac OS X)
2 Click the Erase tab.
3 Select the drive you want to init ialize in the column
on the left side of the window.
4 Choose the Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format.
Do not choose the “Case-Sensitive” format option. Pro Tools will not operate properly with
case-sensitive formatted drives.
5 Type a name for the new volume.
6 If you plan to connect the drive to a Mac OS 9 com-
puter, select Install Mac OS 9 Drivers.
7 Click Erase.
The drive appears on the Desktop with the new volume
name.
Partitioning Drives
Partitioning creates a logical volum e or volumes on a
physical drive, almost as if yo u were creating virtual
hard drives. Partitions can then be formatted with the
appropriate file system (NTFS for Windows, HFS+ for
Mac).
Windows XP allows drives formatted with the
NTFS file system to be seen as whole volumes.
Single Pro Tools audio files cannot exceed
2048 MB in size.
Mac OS allows drives larger than 4096 MB to
be seen as whole volumes. Drives must be initialized with a disk utility that recognizes the 2
terabyte limit. Single Pro Tools audio files cannot exceed 2048 MB in size.
Seek Times on Partitioned Drives
Seek times are actually faster on partitioned drives (assuming that reads and writes are perf ormed on a single
partition), since the heads only have to se ek within the
partition boundaries, rather than the whole capacity of
the drive.
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Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
Smaller partitions perform faster than larger partitions,
but this comes at the expense of contiguous storage
space. When you partition a drive, you will need to find
the compromise that best suits your performance a nd
storage requirements.
Avoid distributing audio files within a session
over different partitions on the same drive since
this will adversely affect drive performance.
Defragmenting an Audio Drive
Mac Systems
When working with larger files (such as video), you ca n
limit fragmentation by backing up your important files
to another disk, erasing the files from the original hard
disk, then copying the files back, instead of doing a defragmentation.
Window Systems
Periodically defragment audio drives to maintain system
performance.
For maximum recording and playback efficiency, data
should be written to your hard drive in a contiguous
fashion—minimizing the seek requirements to pla y
back the data. Unfortunately, your computer can’t always store the sound files in this way and must write to
disk wherever it can find space.
In multitrack recording, audio tracks are written in discrete files, spaced evenly across the disk . While fragmentation of individual files m ay be zero, the tracks
may be far enough apart th at playback will still be very
seek-intensive. Also, the remaining free space on the
disk will be discontiguous, increasing the likeli hood of
file fragmentation on subsequent record passes.
Increased fragmentation increases the cha nce of disk errors, which can interfere with playback of audio, and result in performance errors.
On Windows, to avoid fragmentation, format
drives with higher cluster sizes (such as 32K).
Optimizing (Defragmenting) Drives
To prevent fragmentation, you can optimize your drive,
which rearranges your files into a contiguous format.
Most optimizing software lets you run a check on a
drive to find out the percentage of fragmentation. If
your drive shows moderate to heavy fragmentation,
you should consider optimizing it.
If you use your system for intensive editing, or if you
frequently delete audio or fade files from your hard
drive, you may need to optimize your drives on a
weekly basis, or even every few days, since it doesn’t
take long for even a large hard drive to be come fragmented.
Appendix C: Hard Drive Configuration and Maintenanc e
63
Backing Up Data Before Optimizing
Since your files will be rewritten by the optimization
process, always make a backup copy of the data on your
hard drive before you optimize it. You should also use a
hard drive utility to find and r epair any problems before
optimizing data or re-initializing your drives. If there is
any damage to your hard drive's directories prior to optimizing, serious data loss may result.
Defragmenting Windows Audio Drives
To defragment an audio drive (Windows V ista):
1 Choose Start > Control Panel.
2 Click System and Maintenance.
3 Click Performance Information and To ols.
4 Click Advanced Tools.
5 Click Open Disk Defragmenter.
6 In the Disk Defragmenter window, click the Defrag-
ment Now button.
The Defragment Now command defragments all
your ha rd dri ves. This can take a lot of t ime, e specially on systems with multiple drives.
Advanced users can use the command line tool
Defrag.exe to defragment individual drives. See
your Windows Vista documentation for more information.
To defragment an audio drive (Windows XP):
1 Right-click My Computer and choose M anage.
2 Under Storage, choose Disk Defragmenter.
3 In the Disk Defragmenter window, choose the drive
you want to defragment
4 Click the Defragment button and follow the on-
screen instructions.
When defragmenting is complete, close the Computer
Management window.
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Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
Using Mac Drives on Windows Systems
Pro Tools for Windows lets you record and play back sessions directly from a Mac-formatted (HFS+) dri ve connected to a Windows system. This functionality requires that all Mac session and audio files be stored on
Mac-formatted drives.
During Pro Tools installation, make sure to select the
Mac HFS+ Disk Support option. This optio n lets your
Pro Tools system read, write, record, and play back using Mac-formatted HFS+ disks.
For information on using the Mac HFS+ Disk
Support option, see the HFS+ Disk Support Option Guide.
For information on sharing sessions between
Mac and Windows systems, see the Pro Tools
Reference Guide.
Formatting and Maintaining HFS+ Drives
To format and partition any drives as HFS+, connect the
drives to a Mac computer and use the Apple OS X Disk
Utility.
Appendix C: Hard Drive Configuration and Maintenanc e
65
Hard Disk Storage Space
Mono audi o tracks re corded wi th 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 di sk
space per minute. The same tracks recorded with 24-bit resolution require about 15 MB per minute.
Table 1 lists the required disk space for certain track numbers and track lengths, to help you estimate your hard disk
usage.
Table 1. Required hard drive space for audio tracks (44. 1 kHz and 48 kHz sessions shown)
Number of Tracks and Length 16-bit at 44.1 kHz 16-bit at 48 kHz 24-bit at 44.1 kHz 24-bit at 48 kHz
1 mono track, 1 minute 5 MB 5.5 MB 7.5 MB 8.2 MB
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
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Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
appendix d
Troubleshooting
Backing Up Your Work
It is highly recommended that you back up your work
on a regular basis, and especially before making changes
to your system configuration.
Backing Up Your Session Data
Back up your session and audio data frequently. There
are a variety of media that are suited to back up projects
of various sizes, including additional hard drives,
CD/DVD burners, automated tape backup systems, and
high-capacity optical drives .
The best way to back up an entire session is to use the
Save Copy In command. This command lets you save
the session file and all of its associated files to a new location.
You can also use the Auto Save Backup feature
(in the Operation Preferences page) to have
Pro Tools automatically save backups of the
session file while you work.
Backing Up Your System Configuration
After configuring your system and Pro Tools, you
should save an image of your system drive using a
backup utility such as Norton Ghost (Windows) or
Bombich Carbon Copy Cloner (Mac). By doing thi s, you
can quickly restore your system configuration and settings if you encounter any problems.
Appendix D: Troubleshooting
67
Common Issues
Pro Tools Won’t Launch
Problem
When you double-click the Pro Tools application or a
Pro Tools session file, Pro Tools doesn’t launch, or displays an error message.
Possible Solutions
Check to be sure your computer has the required
amount of RAM to launch Pro Tools. See the Digidesign
website (www.digidesign.com).
Try a complete restart. Turn off your audio interfaces,
computer peripherals and your computer, and then
turn them on again in the proper sequence.
If you tried to launch Pro Tools by double-clicking a
Pro Tools session file, do the following:
• Close any error message.
• Double-click the Pro Tools application.
• In Pro Tools, choose File > Open Session to open
the session.
Reinstall the Pro Tools application, using the
Pro Tools Installer disc.
Audio Interface Is Not Recognized
Problem
When you launch Pro Tools it does not recognize an audio interface, or a connected audio interface is not available.
Possible Solutions
Turn off your computer and check to be sure your ca-
bles are properly and securely connected to your computer and to your audio interface.
Verify that your Hardware Setup dialog settings are
correct.
Try unplugging the USB cable from the Mbox 2 Mini
USB port and plugging it back in. If the USB LED still
does not illuminate, shut down the computer, disconnect Mbox 2 Mini and start the computer. Once the
computer has fully restarted, reconnect Mbox 2 Mini.
68
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
Performance Factors
There are several conditions that may adversely affect
the performance of Pro Tools. These include:
Network Connections Close any network connections
unless you are using them for network interchange of
audio data.
Background Applications Any so ftware utilities that run
in the background or generate disk activity, such as virus protection, disk optimization, or file savers , should
be turned off or removed.
Screen Savers Screen saver software should be completely disabled on your computer before running
Pro Tools.
Power Saver Features Some automatic power saver features, such as those that spin down the system hard
drive, can affect Pro Tools performance. These features
should be turned off.
Before You Call Digidesign Technical Support
Register Your System
Register your purchase immediately after reviewing the
Digidesign Registration Information Card included
with every Pro Tools system. Registering your purchase
is the only way you become eligible to receive complimentary technical support and future upgrade o ffers.
Registering is one of the most important steps to complete as a new user.
Use Digidesign Resources
In addition to the printed and PDF versions of Pro Tools
guides, your system includes the following sources of
information:
Read Me Files These contain late-brea king information
and known issues pertaining to Pro Tools software and
hardware configurations. Read Me files are inst alled in
Documentation folder when yo u install Pro Tools.
Answerbase This is a database of common problems and
DAE errors, and their solutions based on the latest information from Digidesign Technical Support. This database is installed in the Digidesign folder when you install Pro Tools. Answerbase is also available on the
Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).
Website (www.digidesign.com) This is your best online
source for information to help you get the most out of
your Pro Tools system.
Appendix D: Troubleshooting
69
Gather Important Information
Digidesign wants to help you resolve problems as
quickly and efficiently as possible. If you have the following information handy when you contact Technical
Support, it will make the diagnosis of your problem easier. Take a few minutes to collect the following basic information:
System Information
Computer
• Make, model, processor speed
• Amount of system RAM
• Operating system (version of Windows or Mac OS)
• Any Drivers, Disk Utilities, or other system-related
applications you may have installed
Digidesign Hardware
• Type of cards, interfaces, or peripherals
Hard Drives
•Make, Model
• Drive size (GB)
• Drive speed (RPM)
• Drive type (SCSI, FireWire, IDE/ATA)
• Utility used to format the drive
• Number and size of partitions on the drive
Digidesign Software
• Pro Tools software version
• Plug-in versions
• Other Digidesign software
• Additional plug-ins from Digidesign Develop ment
Partners
Other Hardware
Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for operational details.
The most common hardware additions include:
• 1394 (FireWire) cards for Windows systems (manufacturer, model)
• Video Capture cards (manufacturer, model)
To verify that your hardware is qualified for use with
your Pro Tools system, refer to the latest compatibili ty
information the Digidesign website ( www.digidesign.com).
Other Software
If you are using other audio or video applicatio ns, refer
to the manufacturer’s documentation for operational
details.
Make note of any other software that was running when
a problem occurred.
Diagnostic Information
Note any DAE errors or other error codes you encounter.
Additonally, note the ability to reproduce the problem
under different conditions, for example, with another
session, or after changing settings (such as the Hardware Buffer Size).
70
Mbox 2 Mini Getting Started Guide
index
A
ASIO driver (Windows) 12
audio drivers
ASIO driver (Windows) 12
CoreAudio driver (Mac) 17
WaveDriver (Windows) 12
Audio MIDI Setup (AMS) (Ma c) 55
authorizing Pro Tools LE
Mac 17
Windows 11
C
Cache Size 24
connecting Mbox 2 Mini
Mac 16
Windows 9
CoreAudio driver (Mac) 17
CPU Usage Limit 22
D
DAE Playback Buffer Size 23
drive formatting
Mac 62
Windows 61
drive maintenance 59
drive requirements 5
F
FireWire requirements 60
G
gain
headphones 33
input 34
H
hard drives
drive formats 59
FireWire requirements 60
formatting 61, 62
IDE/ATA requirements 60
maintenance 59, 63
optimizing 63
partitioning 62
requirements 5
SCSI requirements 60
space requirements 66
Hardware Buffer Size 21
headphones
gain control 33
output 33
I
I/O Setup
Windows 26
IDE/ATA requirements 60
indicators
phantom power 36
USB connection 34
inputs
gain 34
installing Pro Tools LE
Mac 15
Windows 9
installing QuickTime (Windows) 11
K
key commands 6
L
latency 34
Index
71
M
Mbox 2 Mini
back panel 35
connecting (Mac) 16
connecting (Windows) 9
features 3
front panel 33
MIDI
setup (Mac) 55
setup (Windows) 51
MIDI Input selector 48
MIDI Studio Setup (MSS) (Windows) 51
mix control (Mbox 2 Mini) 34
monitoring 34
N
network connections 69
O
optimizing hard drives 63
P
partitioning hard drives 62
Patch Select dialog
Mac 58
Windows 54
phantom power 39
indicator 36
when to use 36, 39
Playback Engine
RTAS Processors setting 21
Plug-in Streaming Buffer 25
Plug-in Streaming Buffer Size 24
plug-ins
RTAS Processors setting 21
power management settings
Mac 30
Windows 28
Pro Tools
demo session (Windows) 12, 17
removing (Windows) 13, 18
session templates (Windows) 13, 18
Pro Tools LE
capabilities 4
configuration (Windows) 20
installing (Mac) 15
installing (Windows) 9
Q
QuickTime
installing (Windows) 11
R
ratio control (Mbox 2 Mini) 34
registration information 5
removing Pro Tools
Windows 13, 18
RTAS Processors setting 21
S
Sample Rate 26
screen saver, disabling (Windows Vista) 11
screen savers 69
SCSI requirements 60
sources
selecting 35
system
shutting down 19
starting up 19
System Memory Allocation 24
system optimization
Mac 30
Windows 27, 28, 29
system requirements 4
system settings
Cache Size 24
CPU Usage Limit 22
DAE Playback Buffer Size 23
Hardware Buffer Size 21
I/O Setup 26
Plug-in Streaming Buffer 25
Plug-in Streaming Buffer Size 24
Sample Rate 26
System Memory Allocation 24
72
Index
T
technical support 69
U
uninstalling Pro Tools
Windows 13, 18
USB connection indicator 34
W
WaveDriver (Windows) 12
Index
73
DIGIDESIGN
2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard
Daly City, CA 94014-3886 USA
Tel: 650.731.6300
Fax: 650.731. 6399
www.digidesign.com
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Tel: 650.731. 6100
Fax: 650.731.63 84
(USA)
PRODUCT INFORM ATION
Tel: 800.333.2137
(USA)
INTERNATIONAL OFFICES
Visit the Digidesign website
for contact information
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