Peak Leds - DigiDesign Mbox 2 Academic Getting Started Manual

48V Switch and LED
Phantom power is activated by the switch la-
beled 48V on the front panel of Mbox 2 Aca-
demic. The LED, when lit, indicates that 48V
phantom power is active on the Mic/Line in-
puts. These inputs provide phantom power for
microphones that require it to operate.
About Phantom Power
Dynamic microphones (such as a Shure SM57)
do not require phantom power to operate, but
are not harmed by it. Most condenser micro-
phones (like an AKG C3000) do require phan-
tom 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 Aca-
demic's maximum current per microphone
is 4 mA.
If you are not sure about the phantom power re-
quirements for your microphone, consult your
microphone's documentation or contact the
manufacturer.

Peak LEDs

These LEDs are clip indicators. If the Peak LEDs
flicker occasionally, the signal reaching Mbox 2
Academic has clipped.
Gain Controls
These knobs adjust the input gain levels of the
Mic/Line inputs.
Pad Switches and LEDs
The Pad switches engage a –20 dB pad on their
corresponding input channels. When engaged,
the Pad LEDs light.
Source Selectors and LEDs
These switches select either the Mic or DI inputs
for each channel. The DI and Mic LEDs indicate
the current source input.
Removable Handle
Mbox 2 Academic includes a handle that can be
used for carrying and tilting, as well as a replace-
ment panel that makes the unit more compact.
The handle can be used as a stand that tilts the
◆
unit into a more easily viewable angle when the
Mbox 2 Academic is placed on a desktop. The
handle can also be used to carry the unit.
The handle can also be replaced with the op-
◆
tional Mbox 2 Academic faceplate panel. This
panel lets Mbox 2 Academic sit flat on a desk-
top, and reduces the space required when
packed for traveling.
To replace the handle with the Mbox 2 Academic
panel:
Unscrew the handle mounting screw located
1
along the right edge of the handle (when view-
ing from the front).
Remove the handle.
2
Mount the replacement panel in position
3
where the handle had been.
Secure the panel to the unit in its new posi-
4
tion using the same screw you removed in
step 1.
Repeat the above basic instructions to replace
5
the panel with the handle.
Chapter 5: Mbox 2 Academic Hardware Overview 33