Pinnacle Systems Mbox 2 Pro - 7.4 Quick Start Guide

Getting Started
Mbox® 2 Pro
Legal Notices
This guide is copyrighted ©2007 by Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology, Inc. (hereafter “Digidesign”), 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-Fi, D-fx, D-Show, DAE, Digi 002, Digi 002 Rack, DigiBase, DigiDelivery, Digidesign, 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, Reverb One, ReVibe, RTAS, Smack!, SoundReplacer, Sound Designer II, Strike, Structure, SYNC HD, SYNC I/O, Synchronic, TL Space, Velvet, 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 Pro complies with the following standards regulating interference and EMC:
• FCC Part 15 Class B
• EN 55022 Class B
• EN 55204 Class B
• AS/NZS 3548 Class B
• CISPR 22 Class B
Radio and Television Interference This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We Digidesign,
2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard, Suite 200
Daly City, CA 94014 USA
tel: 650-731-6300
declare under our sole responsibility that the product
Mbox 2 Pro
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 tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or locate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Mbox 2 Pro
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
Safety Statement
This equipment has been tested to comply with USA and Canadian safety certification in accordance with the specifications of UL Standards: UL60065 7th /IEC 60065 7th and Canadian CAN/CSA C22.2 60065:03. Digidesign Inc., has been authorized to apply the appropriate UL & CUL mark on its compliant equipment.
Warning
Digidesign is authorized to apply 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.
Important Safety Instructions
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
13) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
14) The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filed with liquids (such as vases) shall be placed on the apparatus.
Warning!
expose this apparatus to rain or mositure.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not

contents

Chapter 1. Installation QuickStart
Windows Installation Overview
Mac Installation Overview
Chapter 2. Welcome to Mbox 2 Pro
Mbox 2 Pro Package
Mbox 2 Pro Features
Pro Tools LE Capabilities
System Requirements
Digidesign Registration
About the Pro Tools Guides
About www.digidesign.com
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Chapter 3. Installing Pro Tools on Windows
Installation Overview
Connecting Mbox 2 Pro and Installing Pro Tools LE
Launching Pro Tools LE
Additional Software on the Pro Tools Installer Disc
Uninstalling Pro Tools LE
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Chapter 4. Installing Pro Tools on Mac
Installation Overview
Installing Pro Tools LE
Connecting Mbox 2 Pro to the Computer
Launching Pro Tools LE
Additional Software on the Pro Tools Installer Disc
Uninstalling Pro Tools
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Contents
vii
Chapter 5. Configuring Your Pro Tools System
Starting Up or Shutting Down Your System
Configuring Pro Tools LE
Optimizing a Windows System for Pro Tools
Optimizing a Mac System for Pro Tools
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Chapter 6. Hardware Overview
Mbox 2 Pro Front Panel Features
Mbox 2 Pro Back Panel Features
Chapter 7. Making Studio Connections
Connecting Headphones
Connecting a Sound System
Connecting Audio Inputs
Connecting a Microphone
Connecting Instruments to the Mbox 2 Pro
MIDI Connections
Word Clock
Using a Footswitch
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Chapter 8. Common Tasks with Pro Tools LE
Recording a Pro Tools Session
Importing Audio from a CD
Creating an Audio CD from a Pro Tools Session
Recording MIDI in a Pro Tools Session
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Appendix A. Configuring MIDI Studio Setup (Windows Only)
MIDI Studio Setup
MIDI Patch Name Support
Appendix B. Configuring AMS (Mac OS X Only)
Audio MIDI Setup
MIDI Patch Name Support
Mbox 2 Pro Getting Started
viii
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Appendix C. Hard Drive Configuration and Maintenance
Avoid Recording to the System Drive
Supported Drive Formats and Drive Types
Formatting an Audio Drive
Partitioning Drives
Defragmenting an Audio Drive
Using Mac Drives on Windows Systems
Hard Disk Storage Space
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Appendix D. Troubleshooting
Index
Backing Up Your Work
Common Issues
Performance Factors
Before You Call Digidesign Technical Support
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Contents
ix
Mbox 2 Pro Getting Started
x
chapter 1

Installation QuickStart

Windows Installation Overview

(Windows Systems Only)
Installing Pro Tools LE™ for Mbox® 2 Pro on a Windows computer includes the following steps:
1
“Connecting Mbox 2 Pro and Installing
Pro Tools LE” on page 9.
2
“Launching Pro Tools LE” on page 11.
Your authorization code is located on the inside cover of this guide.
3
Configuring your system for improved perfor­mance. (See Chapter 5, “Configuring Your Pro Tools System.”)
4
“Making Studio Connections” on page 35.

Mac Installation Overview

(Mac OS X Systems Only)
Installation of Pro Tools LE for Mbox 2 Pro on a Mac includes the following steps:
1
“Connecting Mbox 2 Pro to the Computer”
on page 14.
2
“Installing Pro Tools LE” on page 13.
3
“Launching Pro Tools LE” on page 14.
Your authorization code is located on the inside cover of this guide.
4
Configuring your system for improved perfor­mance. (See Chapter 5, “Configuring Your Pro Tools System.”)
5
“Making Studio Connections” on page 35.
Chapter 1: Installation QuickStart
1
Mbox 2 Pro Getting Started
2
chapter 2

Welcome to Mbox 2 Pro

Welcome to the Mbox® 2 Pro portable Pro Tools
Mbox 2 Pro provides your Firewire-equipped computer with four channels of analog audio in­put, six channels of analog audio output, two channels of digital audio input and output, MIDI In and Out ports, two channels of analog monitor output, and two headphone outputs with front panel level control. Mbox 2 Pro pro­vides professional-quality mic preamps and 24­bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog con­verters.
®
micro-studio from Digidesign®.

Mbox 2 Pro Package

The Mbox 2 Pro package includes the following:
• Mbox 2 Pro desktop audio interface and power adapter
• Pro Tools Installer disc containing Pro Tools LE™ software, DigiRack RTAS (Real­Time AudioSuite) and AudioSuite plug-ins, optional software, and electronic PDF guides
• This
Getting Started Guide
tion, configuration, and common tasks for your Pro Tools system.
• Firewire connector cable (six-pin 1394)
• Power supply
• Digidesign Registration Information Card
, covering installa-

Mbox 2 Pro Features

The Mbox 2 Pro provides the following:

Audio Inputs and Outputs

Mbox 2 Pro lets your Pro Tools LE sessions uti­lize up to six discrete channels of input and up to eight discrete channels of output, using the following analog and digital I/O:
Analog Inputs
• Two channels of analog audio input with microphone preamps and switchable 48V phantom power. These analog input jacks include one XLR/TRS combo connector on the back panel, and two 1/4-inch DI con­nectors with switchable Mic and DI source selection and LEDs on the front panel. A –20 dB pad is also available separately on each analog input channel
• Two additional channels of analog audio input for Line and Phono sources (RIAA)
Analog Outputs
• Two 1/4-inch TRS analog Monitor outputs
• Four additional 1/4-inch balanced analog line outputs
• Two additional channels of unbalanced outputs on a single 1/4-inch TRS connector
Chapter 2: Welcome to Mbox 2 Pro
3
Digital I/O
• Two channels of S/PDIF digital input and out­put. S/PDIF inputs are available independent of, and in addition to, analog inputs 1–4 when clocking to S/PDIF. S/PDIF outputs are always available in Pro Tools

MIDI

• One MIDI In and one MIDI Out port, provid­ing 16 MIDI input channels and 16 MIDI out­put channels
Other Capabilities and Specifications
• 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, supporting sample rates of 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz
• Low latency analog record monitoring
• Two 1/4-inch (TRS) stereo headphone outputs (A and B) with adjustable level controls. Head­phones B can mirror A (output channels 1–2) or be switched to output channels 3–4
• Footswitch jack for starting or stopping play­back or punching in and out while recording.

Pro Tools LE Capabilities

Pro Tools LE on Windows or Mac provides the following capabilities with Mbox 2 Pro:
• Playback of up to 32 mono (or 16 stereo) digital audio 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 96 kHz
• Nondestructive, random-access editing and mix automation
• Audio processing with up to 5 RTAS plug­ins per track, depending on your com­puter’s capabilities
• Up to 5 hardware 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.
Mbox 2 Pro Getting Started4

System Requirements

Mbox 2 Pro can be used with a Digidesign-qual­ified Windows or Mac computer.
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 compatibility and provide support for hardware and software it has tested and approved.
For a list of Digidesign-qualified computers, op­erating systems, hard drives, and third-party de­vices, visit the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).

MIDI Requirements

Mbox 2 Pro includes one MIDI In port and one MIDI Out port, providing 16 channels of MIDI input and 16 channels of MIDI output.
If you require additional MIDI ports, add a MIDI interface to your system. USB MIDI interfaces work effectively with Pro Tools systems on Win­dows or Mac. Serial MIDI interfaces are sup­ported on Windows systems only.
Only USB MIDI interfaces are compatible with Pro Tools systems for Mac OS X. Modem-to-serial port adapters and serial MIDI devices are not supported.
For a list of supported adapters, visit the Digide­sign website (www.digidesign.com).

Hard Drive Requirements

For optimal audio recording and playback, all Pro Tools systems require one or more Digide­sign-qualified drives.
For a list of Digidesign-qualified hard drives, visit 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 with Apple System software (Mac).
For more information, see Appendix C, “Hard Drive Configuration and Mainte­nance.”
Avoid Recording to the System Drive
Recording to your system drive is not recom­mended. Recording and playback on a system drive may result in lower track counts and fewer plug-ins.
Digidesign does not recommend recording to the system drive. Record to a system drive only when necessary.

Digidesign Registration

Review the enclosed Digidesign Registration In­formation Card and follow the instructions 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
Chapter 2: Welcome to Mbox 2 Pro 5

About the Pro Tools Guides

This Getting Started guide explains how to in­stall Pro Tools LE software, make basic connec­tions to your Mbox 2 Pro 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.
The main guides (such as the Pro Tools Reference Guide and the Pro Tools Menus Guide) are accessi- ble 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 Right­click 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).

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 the N key
Control-click Hold down the Control key
and click the mouse button
Right-click Click with the right mouse
button
The following symbols are used to highlight im­portant information:
User Tips are helpful hints for getting the most from your Pro Tools system.
Important Notices include information that could affect your data or the performance of your system.
Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or mouse shortcuts.
Cross References point to related sections in other guides.
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).
Mbox 2 Pro Getting Started6

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 software updates and the latest online manuals; browse the Compatibility documents for system requirements; search the online An­swerbase; join the worldwide Pro Tools commu­nity on the Digidesign User Conference.
Training and Education Become a certified Pro Tools Operator or Expert; study on your own using courses available online, or find out how you can learn in a classroom setting at a certified Pro Tools Training Center.
Products and Developers Learn about Digidesign products; download demo software; learn about our Development Partners and their plug-ins, applications, and hardware.
News and Events Get the latest news from Digidesign; sign up for a Pro Tools demo.
To learn more about these and other resources available from Digidesign, visit the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).
Chapter 2: Welcome to Mbox 2 Pro 7
Mbox 2 Pro Getting Started8
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 Pro on a Windows com­puter includes the following steps:
1 “Connecting Mbox 2 Pro and Installing
Pro Tools LE” on page 9.
2 “Launching Pro Tools LE” on page 11.

Connecting Mbox 2 Pro and Installing Pro Tools LE

To install Pro Tools LE and Mbox 2 Pro:
1 Start Windows, logging in with Administrator
privileges. For details on Administrator privi­leges, refer to your Windows documentation.
2 Connect one end of the included Firewire ca-
ble to one of the Firewire ports on Mbox 2 Pro.
3 Connect the other end of the cable to any
available Firewire (6-pin 1394) 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.
3 Configuring your system for improved perfor-
mance. (See Chapter 5, “Configuring Your Pro Tools System.”)
4 Making audio and MIDI connections to the
Mbox 2 Pro. (See Chapter 7, “Making Studio Connections” for details.)
Throughout the installation, you should ig­nore all Found New Hardware Wizard dia­logs. Do not click Next.
4 Insert the Pro Tools LE Installer disc for Win-
dows in your CD/DVD drive.
5 On the Installer disc, locate and open the
Pro Tools Installer folder.
6 Double-click the Setup icon.
7 Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed
with installation.
8 Select the install location. For maximum reli-
ability, install Pro Tools on your startup drive.
Chapter 3: Installing Pro Tools on Windows 9
9 Click Next.
13 Click Install.
10 Select the Pro Tools application for installa-
tion.
11 You can also select from a list of optional
items to install 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 commonly 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 purchased 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.
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.

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 Quick-
Time page.
2 Download the QuickTime installer applica-
tion to your computer.
3 Double-click the QuickTime installer applica-
tion and follow the on-screen installation in­structions.
Mbox 2 Pro Getting Started10
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.”

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.
To set your Windows Vista screen saver to “None”:
1 Right-click on the 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 Pro is connected to your
computer and powered on.
2 Double-click the Pro Tools LE shortcut on
your desktop (or the application icon in the Pro Tools folder inside the Digidesign folder).
3 Enter the authorization code in the dialog
(making sure to type it exactly as printed, and observing any spaces and capitalization), then click Validate.
Refer to your Pro Tools Installer disc for ad­ditional software and installers.

Windows Audio Drivers

The Mbox 2 Pro ASIO Driver and DirectSound Window System Audio Driver let you use your Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro hardware interface with third-party applications that support the ASIO Driver or DirectSound Driver standard.
The Mbox 2 Pro ASIO Driver and DirectSound Driver for Mbox 2 Pro are automatically in­stalled when you install Pro Tools.
Mbox 2 Pro ASIO Driver
The Mbox 2 Pro ASIO (Audio Sound Input Out­put) Driver is a single-client multichannel sound driver that allows third-party audio pro­grams that support the ASIO Driver standard to record and play back through Mbox 2 Pro.
For detailed information on configuring the Digidesign ASIO Driver, see the Windows Audio Drivers Guide.
Your authorization code is located on the inside front cover of this guide.
Chapter 3: Installing Pro Tools on Windows 11
DirectSound Windows System Audio Driver
The DirectSound Windows System Audio Driver is a multi-client, multichannel sound driver that allows third-party audio programs that support the DirectSound standard to play back and record through Mbox 2 Pro.
For detailed information on configuring the Digidesign DirectSound Driver, 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 the Digidesign Windows Audio Driv­ers installer (Digidesign Audio Drivers Setup.exe), which is available on the Pro Tools Installer disc.
For information on installing and configur­ing the standalone version of the Digidesign Windows Audio Drivers, see the Windows Audio Drivers Guide.
2 From your CD/DVD drive, locate and open
the Additional Files/Pro Tools LE Demo Session Installer folder.
3 Double-click Setup.exe.
4 Select your audio drive as the install location
and click Install.
5 When installation is complete, click OK.
The demo session can be opened by double­clicking the Filtered Dream.ptf file (located in the Filtered Dream Demo Session folder).

Uninstalling Pro Tools LE

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.”

Pro Tools Demo Session

The Pro Tools LE Installer disc includes a demo session that you can use to verify that your sys­tem is working.
The demo session for Pro Tool LE is named “Fil­tered Dreams.”
Before installing the demo session to your audio drive, make sure the drive is config­ured as described in “Formatting an Audio Drive” on page 64.
To install the demo session:
1 Insert the Pro Tools LE Installer disc into your
CD/DVD drive.
Mbox 2 Pro Getting Started12
3 Select Pro Tools.
4 Click Uninstall.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions to remove
Pro Tools.
To uninstall 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 list, se-
lect Digidesign Pro Tools.
4 Click the Remove button.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions to remove
Pro Tools.
chapter 4

Installing Pro Tools on Mac

This chapter contains information for Mac sys­tems only. If you are installing Pro Tools on a Windows computer, see Chapter 3, “Installing Pro Tools on Windows.”
Before installing this version of Pro Tools, refer to the Read Me information included on the Pro Tools Installer disc.

Installation Overview

Installation of the Mbox 2 Pro on a Mac in­cludes the following steps:
1 “Installing Pro Tools LE” on page 13.
2 “Connecting Mbox 2 Pro to the Computer”
on page 14.
3 “Launching Pro Tools LE” on page 14.
4 Configuring your system for improved perfor-
mance. (See Chapter 5, “Configuring Your Pro Tools System.”)
5 Making audio connections to the Mbox 2.
(See Chapter 7, “Making Studio 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 Administra-
tor for the account where you want to install Pro Tools. For details on Administrator privi­leges in Mac OS X, refer to your Apple Mac OS X documentation.
2 Insert the Pro Tools LE Installer disc in your
CD/DVD drive.
3 On the Installer disc, locate and double-click
“Install Pro Tools.”
4 Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed
with installation.
5 Select the install location. For maximum reli-
ability, install Pro Tools on your startup drive.
6 Click Continue.
7 Select the Pro Tools application for installa-
tion.
Chapter 4: Installing Pro Tools on Mac 13
8 You can also select from a list of optional
items to install 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 purchased separately.
MIDI I/O Driver The MIDI I/O Driver is required if you are using the Digidesign MIDI I/O inter­face.
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 15.
9 Click Install.
10 If prompted, enter your Administrator pass-
word and click OK to authenticate the installa­tion.
11 Follow the remaining on-screen instructions.
12 When installation is complete, click Restart.

Connecting Mbox 2 Pro to the Computer

Before launching Pro Tools LE software, con­nect Mbox 2 Pro to your computer.
To connect Mbox 2 Pro to your computer:
1 Connect the small end of the included
Firewire cable to the FireWire port on Mbox 2 Pro.
2 With your computer on, connect the other
end of the cable to any available FireWire port on your computer.

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 Pro is connected to your
computer 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 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.
Mbox 2 Pro Getting Started14

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.

Pro Tools Demo Session

The Pro Tools Installer disc includes a separate demo session installer. You can use this session to verify that your system is working.
The demo session for Pro Tool LE is named “Fil­tered Dreams.”
Before installing the demo session to your audio drive, make sure the drive is config­ured as described in “Formatting an Audio Drive” on page 64.

Mbox 2 Pro CoreAudio Driver

The Mbox 2 Pro 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 Pro CoreAudio Driver is installed automatically when you install Pro Tools.
For information on configuring the Mbox 2 Pro CoreAudio Driver, see the
Drivers guide
.
Standalone Mbox 2 Pro CoreAudio Driver
The Mbox 2 Pro 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 Pro CoreAudio Driver, see the CoreAudio Drivers Guide.
CoreAudio
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 Ad-
ditional 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 the install.
6 When installation is complete, click Close.
Chapter 4: Installing Pro Tools on Mac 15

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 Ad-
ditional 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 Close.
The demo session can be opened by double­clicking the Filtered Dream.ptf file (located in the Filtered Dream Demo Session folder).

Uninstalling Pro Tools

If you need to uninstall Pro Tools software from your computer, use the Uninstaller application.
To remove Pro Tools from your computer:
1 Make sure you are logged in as an Administra-
tor for the account where Pro Tools is installed.
For details on Administrator privileges in Mac OS X, refer to your Apple OS X docu­mentation.
2 Go to Applications/Digidesign/Pro Tools/
Pro Tools Utilities and double-click the “Uninstall Pro Tools” file.
3 Click Continue to proceed with the uninstall.
4 Choose the type of uninstall you want to per-
form:
Safe Uninstall Leaves certain plug-ins and sys­tem files needed for compatibility with some 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 window.
Mbox 2 Pro Getting Started16
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 system.
2 Turn on any external hard drives. Wait ap-
proximately ten seconds for them to spin up to speed.
3 Turn on any control surfaces (such as Com-
mand|8).
4 Turn on any MIDI interfaces, MIDI devices, or
synchronization peripherals.
Shut down your Pro Tools system in this order:
1 Quit Pro Tools and any other running applica-
tions.
To quit Pro Tools, choose File > Exit (Windows) or Pro Tools > Quit (Mac).
2 Turn off or lower the volume of all output de-
vices in your system.
3 Turn off your computer.
4 Turn off any MIDI interfaces, MIDI devices, or
synchronization peripherals.
5 Turn off any control surfaces.
6 Turn off any external hard drives.
5 Turn on your computer.
6 Launch Pro Tools or any third-party audio or
MIDI applications.
Chapter 5: Configuring Your Pro Tools System 17
Configuring Pro Tools LE

Pro Tools System Settings

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.
In the Playback Engine dialog, Pro Tools LE lets you adjust the performance of your system by changing system settings that affect its capacity for processing, playback, and recording.
Playback Engine dialog for Mbox 2 Pro (Structure plug­in not installed)
Hardware Buffer Size
The Hardware Buffer Size (H/W Buffer Size) con­trols 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 monitoring latency.
Lower Hardware Buffer Size settings reduce
monitoring latency, and are useful when you are recording live input.
Higher Hardware Buffer Size settings allow for
more audio processing and effects, and are use­ful when you are mixing and using more RTAS plug-ins.
In addition to causing slower screen re­sponse and monitoring latency, higher Hardware Buffer Size settings can 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.
Playback Engine dialog for Mbox 2 Pro (Structure plug­in installed)
Mbox 2 Pro Getting Started18
2 From the H/W Buffer Size pop-up menu, select
the audio buffer size, in samples.
3 Click OK.
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