1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your M-AUDIO Avid Pro Tools + Mbox High-Performance 4x4 Studio Bundle. The Mbox is a high-quality audio interface designed to integrate seamlessly with Pro Tools software, offering professional-grade audio recording and mixing capabilities for both Mac and PC systems. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product to ensure proper functionality and to maximize your experience.
2. Consignes de sécurité
- Source d'alimentation : Use only the specified power adapter or USB connection for the device. Ensure the power source matches the voltage exigences.
- Eau et humidité : Do not expose the Mbox to water, rain, or moisture. Avoid placing liquid-filled objects on or near the unit.
- Ventilation: Assurez une ventilation adéquate autour de l'appareil. Ne bloquez pas les ouvertures de ventilation.
- Chaleur: Tenez l'appareil éloigné des sources de chaleur telles que les radiateurs, les bouches de chauffage, les poêles ou autres appareils produisant de la chaleur.
- Entretien: N'essayez pas de réparer vous-même ce produit. Confiez tous les travaux d'entretien à du personnel de service qualifié.
- câbles: Protégez les cordons d'alimentation contre tout piétinement ou pincement, en particulier au niveau des prises, des prises de courant et à l'endroit où ils sortent de l'appareil.
3. Contenu du colis
Vérifiez que votre colis contient les éléments suivants :
- M-AUDIO Mbox Audio Interface
- Pro Tools Software Installation Disc/License Card
- Câble USB
- Manuel de l'utilisateur (ce document)
- Carte d'enregistrement
If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer or M-AUDIO support immediately.
4. Produit terminéview
4.1 Panneau avant
The front panel of the Mbox provides access to input gain controls, monitoring options, and headphone output.
Figure 1 : M-AUDIO Mbox Front Panel. This image displays the front of the Mbox audio interface, featuring two input channels (01 and 02) each with gain knobs, signal/clip indicators, and buttons for Sft-Lmt (soft limiter), Front/Rear input selection, and Pad (-20dB). Channel 02 also includes a guitar input option. Central controls include a Multi-function button, +48V phantom power button, Volume knob, Dim button, Mono button, and a headphone output with its own volume control. A power indicator LED is also visible.
- Input 01/02 Gain Knobs: Adjust the input level for connected microphones or instruments.
- Sig/Clip Indicators: Le voyant est vert lorsqu'un signal est présent, rouge lorsque le signal est saturé.
- Sft-Lmt (Soft-Clip Limiter): Engages a soft-clip limiter to prevent digital clipping on hot signals.
- Front/Rear Input Select: Switches between the front panel instrument input and the rear panel mic/line input for each channel.
- Alimentation fantôme +48 V : Activates phantom power for condenser microphones connected to the XLR inputs.
- Bouton multifonction : Assignable button for various Pro Tools functions.
- Bouton de volume : Contrôle le niveau de sortie global de vos moniteurs de studio.
- Bouton Dim : Réduit le niveau de sortie du moniteur d'une valeur fixe.
- Bouton Mono : Sums the stereo monitor output to mono.
- Sortie casque : 1/4-inch stereo jack for connecting headphones, with an independent volume control.
4.2 Panneau arrière
The rear panel houses the primary input and output connections for your Mbox.
Figure 2 : M-AUDIO Mbox Rear Panel. This image shows the rear connections of the Mbox audio interface. From left to right, it features a USB 2.0 port, MIDI In and Out ports, S/PDIF digital audio In and Out ports (RCA), two Monitor Outputs (1 and 2, 1/4-inch TRS), and two Mic/Line Inputs (01 and 02, XLR/TRS combo jacks).
- Port USB 2.0: Connects the Mbox to your computer for data transfer and power.
- Entrée/sortie MIDI : Connecteurs DIN standard à 5 broches pour le raccordement d'appareils MIDI.
- Entrée/Sortie S/PDIF : RCA coaxial connectors for digital audio input and output.
- Monitor Outputs 1/2: 1/4-inch TRS balanced outputs for connecting to studio monitors.
- Mic/Line Inputs 01/02: XLR/TRS combo jacks for connecting microphones (XLR) or line-level instruments (1/4-inch TRS).
5. Installation
5.1 connexions matérielles
- Connectez-vous à l'ordinateur : Use the provided USB cable to connect the Mbox USB 2.0 port to an available USB port on your computer. The Mbox is bus-powered via USB.
- Connecter les moniteurs : Connectez vos moniteurs de studio au Monitor Outputs 1/2 on the rear panel using 1/4-inch TRS cables.
- Connectez les microphones/instruments :
- For microphones, connect via XLR cables to the Mic/Line Inputs 01/02.
- For line-level instruments (e.g., keyboards), connect via 1/4-inch TRS cables to the Mic/Line Inputs 01/02.
- For guitars or basses, use the 1/4-inch instrument input on the front panel and ensure the Devant button is engaged for the respective channel.
- Connect MIDI Devices (Optional): If using MIDI controllers or instruments, connect them to the MIDI In et Sortie MIDI ports.
- Connect S/PDIF Devices (Optional): For digital audio connections, use RCA coaxial cables to connect to the Entrée/Sortie S/PDIF ports.
5.2 Installation du logiciel
- Installer les pilotes : Before connecting the Mbox, it is recommended to install the latest drivers. Visit the M-AUDIO support website to download the most current drivers for your operating system (Mac or PC). Follow the on-screen instructions for installation.
- Install Pro Tools: Insert the Pro Tools installation disc or download the software from your Avid account. Follow the installation wizard. You will need to activate your Pro Tools license using the provided license card or your Avid account.
- Redémarrer l'ordinateur: After installing drivers and software, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
6. Mode d'emploi
6.1 Mise sous/hors tension
The Mbox is USB bus-powered. It will power on automatically when connected to an active USB port on your computer. To power off, simply disconnect the USB cable or shut down your computer.
6.2 Réglage du gain d'entrée
- Branchez votre microphone ou votre instrument à l'entrée appropriée.
- Open your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), such as Pro Tools, and create a new audio track.
- Arm the track for recording and begin playing your instrument or speaking into the microphone.
- Ajustez le correspondant Input Gain Knob on the Mbox front panel. Aim for a strong signal level without consistently lighting the red Agrafe indicator. Occasional flashes are acceptable, but continuous red indicates clipping.
- Engagez le Sft-Lmt button if you are recording hot signals to prevent harsh digital clipping.
- Si vous utilisez un microphone à condensateur, appuyez sur +48 V button to supply phantom power. Ensure this is off for dynamic microphones or line-level inputs.
6.3 Suivi
- Moniteurs de studio : Réglez le principal Bouton de volume on the Mbox to control the playback level through your connected studio monitors.
- Casque audio : Connect headphones to the front panel 1/4-inch jack and use the dedicated headphone volume knob to set the listening level.
- Bouton Dim : Appuyez sur le Faible button to temporarily reduce the monitor output volume, useful for quick conversations without changing your main volume setting.
- Bouton Mono : Appuyez sur le Mono button to sum the stereo output to mono. This is useful for checking phase compatibility and mix translation.
6.4 Using with Pro Tools
Once Pro Tools is installed and the Mbox drivers are recognized, Pro Tools should automatically detect the Mbox as its primary audio interface. Verify this in Pro Tools' Playback Engine settings (Setup > Playback Engine). The Mbox is designed for deep integration with Pro Tools, allowing for low-latency monitoring and direct control over various functions.
6.5 Using with Other DAWs
The Mbox can also be used with other Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) that support ASIO (Windows) or Core Audio (Mac) drivers, such as Logic, Live, Cubase, and more. In your chosen DAW's audio settings or preferences, select the Mbox as your input and output device.
7. Entretien
- Nettoyage: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the Mbox. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or waxes.
- Stockage: When not in use for extended periods, store the Mbox in a clean, dry environment, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
- Gestion des câbles: Ensure all cables are neatly organized and not under tension to prevent damage to connectors or the unit.
8. Dépannage
- Pas de sortie audio :
- Vérifiez toutes les connexions des câbles (USB, moniteurs, casque).
- Ensure the Mbox is selected as the audio output device in your computer's sound settings and your DAW.
- Verify the Mbox Bouton de volume and headphone volume are turned up.
- Vérifiez si le Faible le bouton est engagé.
- Aucun signal d'entrée :
- Assurez-vous que votre microphone ou instrument est correctement connecté à l'entrée appropriée.
- Ajustez le correspondant Input Gain Knob.
- Verify the correct input is selected in your DAW and the track is armed for recording.
- If using a condenser mic, ensure +48 V phantom power is engaged.
- Vérifiez le Avant/Arrière input selector button for the correct input source.
- Cracking or Clicking Sounds:
- Increase the buffer size (latency) in your DAW's audio settings.
- Ensure you have the latest Mbox drivers installed.
- Close other applications running on your computer that may be consuming CPU resources.
- Essayez un autre port USB ou un autre câble.
- Pro Tools Not Recognizing Mbox:
- Ensure Mbox drivers are correctly installed and your computer has been restarted.
- Check Pro Tools Playback Engine settings (Setup > Playback Engine) to ensure Mbox is selected.
- Essayez de déconnecter et de reconnecter le câble USB.
9. Spécifications
| Fonctionnalité | Spécification |
|---|---|
| Poids de l'article | 3.31 livres |
| Dimensions du produit | 8.87 x 7.56 x 2.32 pouces |
| Numéro de modèle de l'article | Pro Tools + Mbox |
| Appareils compatibles | Ordinateur personnel |
| Résolution audio | Jusqu'à 24 bits/96 kHz |
| Connectivité | USB 2.0 |
| Entrées | 2 Mic/Line (XLR/TRS Combo), S/PDIF, MIDI In |
| Sorties | 2 Monitor (TRS), Headphone, S/PDIF, MIDI Out |
10. Garantie et assistance
M-AUDIO products are covered by a limited warranty. For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official M-AUDIO website. For technical support, driver downloads, and additional resources, please visit the M-AUDIO support page or contact their customer service directly.
Support en ligne: www.m-audio.com/support
