Ahhh the mbox 2 from Digi design... what can i say, it's brilliant!! comes in many different package selections and options there is the mbox 2, mbox2 mini, mbox 2 factory and also the pro factory.

I own the Mbox2 factory edition and it has been brilliant for recording demos... the mbox itself is very easy to install being pretty much plug and play. It has two mic inputs and 2 di (direct input) ports also which alows you to record with an accoustic guitar with a di or miked and voice or electric guita and voice or two guitars, it's great fun. There is also a midi inout on the mbox 2 aswell which opens up your recording horizons for a midi keyboard etc and quite alot of midi devices are compatible with the software. When you are recording or playing back there are headphone monitoring options and also monitor options for speakers, but the speakers have to have their own power supply and be seperate from the computer, but there are as i say inputs for the speakers on the mbox 2. Also the mbox 2 has a 48v phantom power for those mics that require it and a mono option aswell.

The Mbox 2 also comes as standard with the protools software - Protools le 7.4 was what came with mine although recently protools 8.0 has been launched so i don't know where that stands. The protools software is one of the most commonly used pieces of software in the recording industry to date being used in studios all over the world as its simple and easy to use even without know the shortcuts. you can record up to 16 tracks (i might be wrong) you can import and export mp3 tracks and have fun playing around wwith the many effects which come with it. Recording with protools is very simple and easy to get the audio down and into editing... protools 7.4 le comes armed with many different effects to get your recording how you sound ranging from eq and reverb to putting things into reverse and clip managment... the factory package also comes with many other add ons and effects it also comes with the iLok device whcih is a usb device with licenses for trials and other software provided with the mbox 2.

All all in the digidesign team have created a fantastic and affordable way of recording for those on a budget or for those wanting to record their ideas before they lose them or for demos, everything that comes with the mbox2 software etc make it well worth the money and you should be able to pick an mbox 2 factory up for around £285-380 ( i think). so i hope this helps anyone looking to get into the recording world, its so far been a great bit of kit and will be holding onto mine for along time.

here are some sites i have found useful for finding this sort of equipment:
www.imuso.co.uk
www.gak.co.uk
www.digidesign.com
www.ebay.co.uk