With the release of protools 9, amateurs think that investing in an interface is pointless. These unknowledgeable beginners are under the impression that because this new version of protools does not require an interface to run, like the previous versions of protools, that they do not have to purchase one at all. These industry new comers are seriously mistaken if they think that just the software is enough to get them through to their careers.
Because this new protools system works so well with out the interface, the consensus with the new comers to the industry is that the required purchase of the interface with the software was nothing more than a ploy to sell the hardware. When in reality the hardware is the only way to record into the program and without the hardware there is really no use for the software. Yes it is true that the hardware can be pricy, but it is 100% necessary for more than 75% of the programs functions.
While there are countless interfaces out on the market, which ones are worth the investment?
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| Mbox Mini |
This interface is a 2-channel USB Audio Interface with 1 Mic Preamp and 1/4" Line/DI. Although this is one of the cheapest at around $330 it is very limited as to how many inputs can go into protools.
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| Mbox |
This interface is a 4-channel USB Audio/MIDI Interface with 2 Mic Preamps, DI, S/PDIF, Softclip Limiters, and Onboard. This interface give just a little more inputs than the mini but is still in the lower levels of professional interfaces. This hardware goes for around $550.
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| Mbox Pro |
This interface is higher up in the hardware food chain providing 8-channel FireWire Audio/MIDI Interface with 4 Mic Preamps, DI, S/PDIF, Softclip Limiters, and Onboard DSP. At $750 this interface is a little less affordable for those only willing to pay the minimum in gear.
Digidesign 003 Rack and 003 Factory
These two interfaces are pretty much the same thing only in different packages. Both interfaces are at the top of the line for protools LE users. Both offer complete functionality with the protools software.
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| 003 Rack |
• 8 redesigned discrete analog inputs (4 mic/line/instrument (DI) preamps; phantom power selectable in two channel increments)
• Alternate Source Input for monitoring -10 dBV audio equipment (tape players, CD players, etc.) directly to the monitor outputs
• 8 discrete analog outputs, all balanced +4 levels, plus a separate balanced monitor output
• Improved 24-bit/96 kHz converters
• Monitor output includes dedicated volume control knob
• 2 Headphone outputs include dedicated volume control knobs
• Word Clock
• 8 channels of ADAT optical I/O
• 2 channels of S/PDIF I/O
MIDI I/O - 1 input port/2 output ports (16 channels in/32 out)
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| 003 Factory |
• Eight redesigned discrete analog inputs (four mic/line/instrument (DI) preamps; phantom power selectable in 2-channel increments)
• Alternate Source Input for monitoring -10 dBV audio equipment (tape players, CD players, etc.) directly to the monitor outputs
• Eight discrete analog outputs, all balanced +4 levels, plus a separate balanced monitor output
• Improved 24-bit/96 kHz converters
• Monitor output includes dedicated volume control knob
• Two headphone outputs include dedicated volume control knobs
• Standalone MIDI controller mode
• Word clock
• Jog/shuttle wheel
• Eight channels of ADAT optical I/O
• Two channels of S/PDIF I/O
MIDI I/O - one input port/two output ports (16 channels in/32 out)
