DigiDesign Mbox Getting Started Manual page 38

Connecting Audio Sources to
Mbox for Recording
Digital and analog audio sources can be con-
nected directly to Mbox.
Analog Audio
Analog audio signals are output by micro-
phones, synthesizers, mixers, and instruments
with magnetic pickups.
Of these sources, microphones and magnetic
pickup instruments output the quietest signals,
and generally require the most amplification.
Keyboards, preamps, and mixers output "line-
level" audio, which varies with each device be-
tween the –10 dBV and +4 dBu standards.
To accommodate these varying sources, Mbox
provides switchable line input types (and associ-
ated impedances) with adjustable gain for each
input channel.
To connect an analog audio source:
Plug an XLR or TRS cable directly into
1
Mic/Line Input 1 or 2 on Mbox. These inputs ac-
cept XLR connectors or TRS connectors.
Step through choices by repeatedly pressing
2
each channel's Source button until the LED cor-
responding to your choice lights.
To activate phantom power:
If your microphone requires phantom power,
first make sure the microphone is connected,
then press the Phantom Power switch (labeled
48V).
Enabling phantom power enables 48V
through both mic inputs.
34 Getting Started with Mbox
Using the Analog Inserts
The analog input channels on Mbox each fea-
ture a dedicated TRS insert point. These hard-
ware inserts break the analog input path before
it is converted to a digital signal and sent to
Pro Tools. This is where you can insert a com-
pressor, equalizer, or other serial effect into the
analog signal path.
Because the inserts on Mbox are hardware in-
serts that divert the signal path before it reaches
Pro Tools, they are not available for insertion on
tracks within a Pro Tools session.
To insert a device you will need a TRS Insert ca-
ble that has a TRS connector on one end, break-
ing out to two unbalanced connectors. The con-
nector attached to the tip is the send, and the
connector attached to the ring is the return.
To insert a device in the signal path:
You will need a cable that breaks a TRS con-
1
nector on one end out to two unbalanced con-
nectors. The type of unbalanced connector is
determined by the inputs of the device.
Locate the unbalanced connectors and deter-
2
mine which corresponds to tip, and which to
ring.
Connect the unbalanced connector that cor-
3
responds to tip to the input port of the device.
Connect the unbalanced connector that cor-
4
responds to ring to the output port of the de-
vice.
Insert the TRS connector into an insert port
5
on Mbox.