M-AUDIO Avid Pro Tools + Mbox High-Performance 4x4 Studio Bundle User Manual

1. Introducción

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. Información de seguridad

• Fuente de energía: Use only the specified power adapter or USB connection for the device. Ensure the power source matches the voltagy requisitos.
• Agua y humedad: Do not expose the Mbox to water, rain, or moisture. Avoid placing liquid-filled objects on or near the unit.
• Ventilación: Asegúrese de que haya una ventilación adecuada alrededor de la unidad. No bloquee las aberturas de ventilación.
• Calor: Mantenga la unidad alejada de fuentes de calor como radiadores, rejillas de calefacción, estufas u otros aparatos que produzcan calor.
• Servicio: No intente reparar este producto usted mismo. Refiera todo el servicio a personal de servicio calificado.
• cables: Proteja los cables de alimentación para que no sean pisados ​​ni aplastados, especialmente en los enchufes, receptáculos y en el punto donde salen del aparato.

3. Contenido del paquete

Verifique que su paquete contenga los siguientes elementos:

• M-AUDIO Mbox Audio Interface
• Pro Tools Software Installation Disc/License Card
• Cable USB
• Manual de usuario (este documento)
• Tarjeta de registro

If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer or M-AUDIO support immediately.

4. Producto terminadoview

4.1 Panel frontal

The front panel of the Mbox provides access to input gain controls, monitoring options, and headphone output.

Figura 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: Lights green when a signal is present, red when the signal is clipping.
• 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.
• Alimentación fantasma de +48 V: Activates phantom power for condenser microphones connected to the XLR inputs.
• Botón multifunción: Assignable button for various Pro Tools functions.
• Perilla de volumen: Controla el nivel de salida general a sus monitores de estudio.
• Botón de atenuación: Reduces the monitor output level by a fixed amount.
• Botón monocromático: Sums the stereo monitor output to mono.
• Salida de auriculares: 1/4-inch stereo jack for connecting headphones, with an independent volume control.

4.2 Panel trasero

The rear panel houses the primary input and output connections for your Mbox.

Figura 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).

• Puerto USB 2.0: Connects the Mbox to your computer for data transfer and power.
• Entrada/Salida MIDI: Conectores DIN estándar de 5 pines para conectar dispositivos MIDI.
• Entrada/Salida S/PDIF: Conectores coaxiales RCA para entrada y salida de audio digital.
• Monitor Outputs 1/2: Salidas balanceadas TRS de 1/4 de pulgada para conectar a monitores de estudio.
• Mic/Line Inputs 01/02: XLR/TRS combo jacks for connecting microphones (XLR) or line-level instruments (1/4-inch TRS).

5. Configuración

5.1 conexiones de hardware

1. Conectar a la computadora: 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.
2. Conectar monitores: Conecte sus monitores de estudio a la Monitor Outputs 1/2 on the rear panel using 1/4-inch TRS cables.
3. Conectar micrófonos/instrumentos:
   • 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 Frente button is engaged for the respective channel.
4. Conectar dispositivos MIDI (opcional): If using MIDI controllers or instruments, connect them to the MIDI en y Salida MIDI puertos.
5. Connect S/PDIF Devices (Optional): For digital audio connections, use RCA coaxial cables to connect to the Entrada/salida S/PDIF puertos.

5.2 Instalación del software

1. Instalar controladores: 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.
2. 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.
3. Reiniciar la computadora: After installing drivers and software, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.

6. Instrucciones de funcionamiento

6.1 Encendido / Apagado

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 Ajuste de ganancia de entrada

1. Conecte su micrófono o instrumento a la entrada apropiada.
2. Open your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), such as Pro Tools, and create a new audio track.
3. Arm the track for recording and begin playing your instrument or speaking into the microphone.
4. Ajuste el correspondiente Input Gain Knob on the Mbox front panel. Aim for a strong signal level without consistently lighting the red Acortar indicator. Occasional flashes are acceptable, but continuous red indicates clipping.
5. Involucrar a la Sft-Lmt button if you are recording hot signals to prevent harsh digital clipping.
6. Si utiliza un micrófono de condensador, presione el botón +48 V button to supply phantom power. Ensure this is off for dynamic microphones or line-level inputs.

6.3 Monitoreo

• Monitores de estudio: Ajustar el principal Perilla de volumen on the Mbox to control the playback level through your connected studio monitors.
• Auriculares: Connect headphones to the front panel 1/4-inch jack and use the dedicated headphone volume knob to set the listening level.
• Botón de atenuación: Presione el Oscuro button to temporarily reduce the monitor output volume, useful for quick conversations without changing your main volume setting.
• Botón monocromático: Presione el Mononucleosis infecciosa 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. Mantenimiento

• Limpieza: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the Mbox. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or waxes.
• Almacenamiento: When not in use for extended periods, store the Mbox in a clean, dry environment, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
• Sistema de organización de cables: Ensure all cables are neatly organized and not under tension to prevent damage to connectors or the unit.

8. Solución de problemas

• Sin salida de sonido:
  • Verifique todas las conexiones de cables (USB, monitores, auriculares).
  • Ensure the Mbox is selected as the audio output device in your computer's sound settings and your DAW.
  • Verify the Mbox Perilla de volumen and headphone volume are turned up.
  • Comprueba si el Oscuro el botón está activado.
• Sin señal de entrada:
  • Asegúrese de que su micrófono o instrumento esté conectado correctamente a la entrada correcta.
  • Ajuste el correspondiente 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.
  • Comprueba el Delantero/Trasero input selector button for the correct input source.
• Cracking or Clicking Sounds:
  • Aumente el tamaño del búfer (latencia) en la configuración de audio de su DAW.
  • Ensure you have the latest Mbox drivers installed.
  • Close other applications running on your computer that may be consuming CPU resources.
  • Pruebe con un puerto o cable USB diferente.
• 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.
  • Intente desconectar y volver a conectar el cable USB.

9. Especificaciones

10. Garantía y soporte

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.

Soporte en línea: www.m-audio.com/support