Hey people I just joined the site today after looking at posts for two days. Anyway, I have just started to build my own project studio over the past week. The equipment I have is this:
Mbox
Yamaha MG12/4 mixer
Yamaha PSR-172 keyboard
Kawai FS-690 keyboard (for midi control) - decent keyboard for being old
Maxtor 80GB external Harddrive
USB Midisport 2x2
2 pairs of Sony MDR-V150 headphones (one for monitoring through mixer, one for Mbox)
M Audio C02 Digital Converter
KLH CDR-2000 Cd Player/Recorder
Naxa nx-982 microphone
Gateway M305 laptop computer w/512 ram, 2.40Ghz processor
ART X-11 Midi master controller
I thought I would give a list of my current equipment because from the postings I have read it is helpful for others in order to give some direction. I just have a few questions:
Since I have the Mbox and it only offers 2 I/O does this mean that I would have to lay down each instrument to a seperate track and then mix them together to create a stereo track since the Mbox only offers 2 outs? What is the best way to go about using the Mbox? I know that I have extra inputs for external gear by using my mixer, but when it comes to recording I just need to know if I have to lay each instrument for a track seperately and then mix. Also, what would be a good set of monitors (under $100, to connect directly to stereo outs of mixer) that would enable me to monitor my mix without the headphones? Currently I am using my Sony home stereo for outside monitoring. Also does Digidesign offer any type of equipment that would expand the I/O of the Mbox without going to the Digi002? Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.
The m-box only offers two analog inputs, which is going to limit
The m-box only offers two analog inputs, which is going to limit you to only recording two analog signals at a time. In other words, yes, you will have to build your tracks two at a time and mix afterwards as you say.
Your other option is to take the main outs of your yamaha mixer and feed them into the m-box, using the yamaha to mix multiple sources down to a stereo track. You won't be able to mix these signals after the fact, but it's a good way to capture a live performance with limited inputs.
And no, digidesign does not offer any kind of expansion unit for the m-box. It's either make due with what the m-box offers or move up to either a 002 or another platform such as DP4.
I hope this helps some...