The right size

At times I wish the unit had more inputs available but realized that I was then venturing into the realm of larger size and realizing this was exactly what was needed and if not Avid does make a bigger version I could look into. I still wish there was more than one XLR connection but any creative engineer can easily work around that.

Since I mentioned it, I should at this point go over the controls and connectors for the Mbox Mini. On the back of the unit are the main inputs, the monitor outputs and the USB 2.0 connection. There are two input channels to work with. Input 1 has two jacks available: a 1/4" jack and an XLR connection with +48V phantom power available and a toggle button to turn the phantom power off or on. There is also a toggle button to select between mic- or line-level input. Input 2 has a 1/4" jack and a toggle button to select between line or direct-in input. The monitor output jacks are two 1/4" jacks.

On the front of the unit are the controls. Inputs one and two each have a gain control knob which when pulled out provides a 20dB pad. Also on the front is the 1/4" headphone jack, which has a mix knob to allow the mix to be more of input from line or computer. Finally one big knob on front for the monitor output control. At this point I just have to remark that these knobs are not cheap little knobs each one is rugged and durable. Not that I would want to chance it but I'm sure I could drop this unit and would not damage the knobs in any way.

On the front of the unit are the controls. Inputs one and two each have a gain control knob which when pulled out provides a 20dB pad. Also on the front is the 1/4" headphone jack, which has a mix knob to allow the mix to be more of input from line or computer. Finally one big knob on front for the monitor output control. At this point I just have to remark that these knobs are not cheap little knobs each one is rugged and durable. Not that I would want to chance it but I'm sure I could drop this unit and would not damage the knobs in any way.

If you have limited production space or are looking to create a portable production system with a laptop this is the perfect unit to get you started.

Wilson is an announcer, producer, webmaster and promotions guy at WAKO-AM/FM, Lawrenceville, IL.

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