DigiDesign Mbox 2, Getting Started

Page: 40 / 90

Mbox 2 Getting Started Guide 34
The Mbox 2 Monitor Outputs feature 24-bit dig-
ital-to-analog converters capable of maximum
output of +4 dBu/+2 dBV (balanced/unbalanced
signal). The connectors are TRS ports; unbal-
anced TS connectors are also supported.
To connect headphones:
• Connect headphones with an 1/4-inch stereo
connector (or an adapter) to the Headphone
jack.
To connect to a home stereo:
■
Using 1/4-inch cables, connect the left and
right Mon Outs on the back panel of Mbox 2 to
the appropriate inputs on your stereo.
To connect monitor speakers with a power amp or
self-powered monitor speakers:
■
Using 1/4-inch cables, connect the left and
right Mon Outs on the back of Mbox 2 to the ap-
propriate inputs on your mixer, power amp, or
powered speakers.
Connecting Audio Sources to
Mbox 2 for Recording
Digital and analog audio sources can be con-
nected directly to Mbox 2.
Analog Audio
Analog audio signals are output by micro-
phones, synthesizers, mixers, and instruments
with magnetic pickups. Of these sources, micro-
phones and magnetic pickup instruments out-
put the quietest signals, and generally require
the most amplification. Keyboards, preamps,
and mixers output “line-level” audio, which
varies with each device between the –10 dBV
and +4 dBu standards.
To accommodate these varying sources, Mbox 2
provides switchable line input types with ad-
justable gain for each input channel.
To connect an analog audio source:
1
Do one of the following:
• To connect a microphone, plug an XLR ca-
ble directly into the Input 1 or Input 2 Mic
input.
• To connect a keyboard, mixer, or other
1/4-inch TRS source, plug its TRS cable(s)
directly into the Input 1 and/or Input 2
Line (TRS) ports. Make sure nothing is
plugged into the same channel’s Mic input.
• To connect a guitar, bass, or similar device,
plug its TS cable into the Input 1 or Input 2
DI ports.
You cannot monitor Pro Tools audio
through speakers connected to your com-
puter. To monitor audio, connect head-
phones, powered speakers, or an external
amplifier to your Mbox 2.
The Mbox 2 headphone output can produce
very loud output levels. Prolonged exposure
can cause hearing damage. Adjust head-
phone volume carefully using the front
panel Headphone Level control.
Home stereo systems often use RCA connec-
tors. You can use an adaptor or a special ca-
ble to convert from the TRS or TS connectors
used by Mbox 2 to the RCA connectors on
your home stereo.