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Message: [QUOTE="soundsurfr, post: 23890"] I've never dealt with Masterlink, and I don't know anyone who has. (Big help I am!) But, it appears you are shooting for simplicity. Looking at the Masterlink, I can think of quite a few shortcomings as compared to the Digi M-Box and a beefy computer, but there are advantages also. The shortcomings would be: 1. Sound quality - The M-Box has Focusrite mike preamps built in. It's not clear what kind of mike preamps the Masterlink has, but they probably don't compare. 2. Input - It's likely you'll have to purchase a small mixer to provide phantom power for the condensor mikes and control the input signal to the Masterlink. The M-Box is a small mixer in itself. (I'm pretty sure it has phantom power also.) 2. Edit Capability - This thing seems to be intended as a mastering device and not an editing system. Editing on a computer using Pro Tools as compared to editing through the Masterlink will be like the difference between delivering a baby in a hospital delivery room as opposed to the back of a taxicab. Also, is it capable of punch-ins and punch outs? 3. Expandability - You're limited by the Masterlink hardware. Somewhere down the line you're going to wish you had [insert feature here] and you'll probably have to go and buy a new piece of hardware to get it. Chances are Pro-Tools already has it, or you'll be able to expand with software. 4. Price - The M-Box is considerably cheaper, given the fact that you have a computer already with a CD-RW drive. Even if you need to get a second hard drive, you're still ahead of the game on price. The Masterlink could possibly have a few big advantages, though. Those would be: 1. Ease of use - There's a learning curve for recording and editing music on a computer. It can be pretty frustrating for the beginner. I suspect that using the Masterlink will be simpler. 2. Stability - I can't speak for the stability/reliability of the Masterlink, but the computer is probably using a Windows operating system. Ergo, expect system crashes and inexplicable error messages to occur on an ongoing basis. It's just something we live with in the world that Bill Gates gave us. I hope this helps and doesn't confuse you further. Good luck with your final purchase. Soundsurfr http:// [/QUOTE]

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