Digidesign has long been hailed as the "best in class" in terms of home and conveyable recording. Recently the brand was purchased and rebranded as "Avid." So has this had any influence on the potential or reputation of the Digidesign brand? We assessed this by evaluating the Mbox 3 Pro, the top-of-the-line Mbox model. The '3' series of Mbox products are the first to carry the Avid branding.
Digidesign fans will be happy to know that the Avid rebranding has not had a negative impact on the potential of the Mbox audio interface and recording products. In fact, it could be argued that the Avid takeover has resulted in an improvement in the potential of the Mbox line. The Mbox has had a radical make-over, with a sleek, modern finding streamlined design. A considerable correction on the "boxy" Mbox 2 design.
In expanding to this, Avid have improved the compatibility of the gadget significantly. It still ships with Pro Tools, Digidesign's flagship recording product, but unlike old iterations of the Mbox, the Mbox 3 is compatible with many recording software (now along with Reason, Cubase and many more). Previously the gadget would Only interface with Pro Tools. This is a considerable correction and will make upgrading to the Series 3 line worthwhile, even for those that use and are happy with their '2' series devices.
Previous Mbox'ers will be happy to know that the '3' series carry on the tradition of ultra-high potential sound, gift 24-bit 192kHz sampling, FireWire, potential soft-limiters on inputs and built-in guitar reverb & tuner. The excellent Midi hold from the '2' series is also carried through to the Mbox 3 range.
The Avid Mbox Pro is very solidly constructed. It has an aluminum enclosure (instead of plastic one, like the Mbox 2) which makes it slightly heavier than the old model. This may be an issue for those that want to use the gadget as a conveyable recording solution.
The range of I/O options on the gadget is impressive, with 4 analog input channels gift Di, Line and Mic inputs. The gadget also supports digital I/O via coaxial cable. The gadget has it's own power supply, which may break the deal for those that want a clarification powered over Usb / FireWire.
All-in-all, it's safe to say that Avid have done the Digidesign range justice with the '3' series. The sleek design, great features, awesome sound and allembracing compatibility options will keep recording artists of all expertise-levels and recording backgrounds happy. Long live Avid.
Mbox 3 Pro by Avid
