Embarrassing Noob-style recording question...Mbox?

[aibohphobia]

So I want to get into recording. I'm looking for something entry level, and would probably want computer based. People have recommended the MBox (or now mbox 2) for me. Any opinions of this box?

I want to be able to record both audio and midi, track by track, mix it, and create audio files to do with what I please (burn, email, etc). I'd also like to start using some softsynths, as the mbox looks like it also doubles as a midi interface. I don't have a top of the line computer, but it is brand new, 2.53 GHz, 512 MB RAM.

Thoughts on the MBox? Other gear you'd suggest?

I've been a keyboardist for my whole life, but never had a decent computer until now, so I figure it's time to try to get into some computer-based stuff. Any advice is welcome!

[Grey Loki]

I'd go for an Alesis Fusion IO2, or the next model up, the IO14. I think both do MIDI, recording - if not, the IO14 definately does. I'm going to try to coerce a family member or two into buying me an IO14 for christmas - it's got loads of options on it. From memory, it has four mic/line pres, 8 channels of ADAT lightpipe, S/PDIF, MIDI I/O/T, as well as seperate monitor L/R outs, and...two headphone outs, with individual level controls.

It's a nice piece of kit, and quite reasonably priced, too.

[amopae]

Well, I'm not a big fan of Protools based systems, particularly Digidesign's interfaces, even Digi002. I hate the built-in preamps of those machines and they're so expensive, that's a thing I'll never understand.

I prefer Presonus, they have BEAUTIFUL preamps built-in their interfaces, like the ones in the Firebox or the Firepod. I own a Presonus Firebox and it is simply amazing. Of course, that's just my taste, I know a lot of people who prefer Digidesign over Presonus, and they're happy about it. I suggest you to go out and check some recordings made with an Mbox 2 and a Presonus Firebox and compare the two of them to see wich one you prefer.

M-Audio also has firewire interfaces that are very nice, and they even let you choose if you want to work with ProTools or something else, wich is a very nice thing if you want to use that particular DAW. With other brands besides Digidesign and M-Audio you won't be able to use ProTools as your DAW, and with Digidesign you can't use ANY other DAW that is out there, so M-Audio provides the biggets versatility in this area.

The main advice, though, is get out and compare, read reviews, research, research research, that's what you should do to decide what suits you best.

[Grey Loki]

Just as a thought - if you can get into some sort of local public library that keeps archive copies of magazines, take a look at the past few months of Sound on Sound - they've been chock-full of USB and FW audio device reviews...

[eviani]

I personally own an m-audio firewire 410 and I prefer it over the mbox for the main reason that I can use it with any DAW and use it as my main sound card on my pc (since it sounds way better than most sound cards I have had in the past as a main soundcard). Read reviews and see if you're really going to use protools. It's great software, but if you're going to use protools and other software, m-audio is probably something for you. As someone already put it, it is the more flexible company. With the mbox the ONLY thing you can use it for is recording - you can't use it with other DAW and you can't use it as a soundcard replacement for your current sound. So think about it and read :) I'd personally recommend m-audio, solid stuff.

[EloHiR ElEnDIl]

Well, I bought the firepod It's an excelent machine (And I bought at $600, now it;s $500) It's great, the ability to record up to 8 instruments,or mics. It just great.

If you need to record only the keyboard, I'd highly recommend the firebox since it works exactly as the firepod.

[rock_ya]

There is MOTU Ultralite also which is top quality too (but doesn't come with a sequencer). See here (http://www.jordanrudess.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7255) for my feedback on it.

[Grey Loki]

I've just looked at a few of the tech specs for that Ultralite - it's a rather nice piece of kit!

I wonder if it's too late to change from getting an IO14...