mBox and Garage Band

[rahul_patwari]

I've been using ProTools LE with my mBox and PowerBook, with fine results. However the time it takes to set everything up, and the complications of ProTools make it such an endeavor just to record something simple.

I like the pre-Amps on my mBox (digidesign). Will Garage Band support this? Anyone know?

It's a USB based pre-Amp much like the M-Audio one.

Thanks...

Rahul

[Trekkie]

maybe try taking it to your local apple store after 1/15 or whatever and see if they'll let you try it out and see what happens?

Just a thought. It says Chicago so figured they had one nearby somewhere

[fingers]

Originally posted by rahul_patwari
I've been using ProTools LE with my mBox and PowerBook, with fine results. However the time it takes to set everything up, and the complications of ProTools make it such an endeavor just to record something simple.

I like the pre-Amps on my mBox (digidesign). Will Garage Band support this? Anyone know?

It's a USB based pre-Amp much like the M-Audio one.

Thanks...

Rahul

I too use an mBox with PTLE - (have you tried Reason with this combo? It's a blast - limits the no of pro tools tracks though)

I won't know for sure if the mBox will play nicely with GarageBand till i get my copy later today.

I am very optimistic though - we should be able to just enable it through system prefs and it also is listed in the Apple store under GarageBand accessories.

Time will tell :D

Rich

[msbsound]

I believe the core audio update that digi posted a while back allowed all apps to use the mbox's IO. I use it with a few other analyzation programs personally without a problem. Of course, it's Digi, so who knows really...

[cpjakes]

My guess would be that it's fine to use the mbox with GB. After all, you can get it to be your audio I/O for a number of other apps, I don't see how a block could have been put on it before...

But nevertheless, let us know!

cpjakes

[27407]

Apple came to digi a little while ago...
New drivers for the mbox to be compatible with GB will be released soon..

[TiBook1ghz]

Apple is selling the mBox in their store, so it better work!

Same goes for my Digi 002, I'll be quite angry if it doesn't. I shouldn't have to spend more money on a cheesy USB i/o when I have a FW i/o.

[musicjon]

Seems like the CoreAudio drivers for Mbox would work just fine. Is there something I'm missing here?

[rjeffreyproctor]

On the "GarageBand accessories page" the MBox is listed, so I would take that as GB supports it.

My 2Cents

[g30ffr3y]

think my digi001 would be pushing it for compatibility with GB???

i also run protools LE 6.2 with reason under panther... reason is awesome!!!

either way... once i can get a G5 i think ill be moving over to logic pro 6 and getting a sweet firewire interface...

F digidesign and their F ing incompatibilities...

[cpjakes]

Originally posted by g30ffr3y
think my digi001 would be pushing it for compatibility with GB???

That shouldn't push it at all - I would assume that if the MBox works through CoreAudio that the 001 would as well.

I'm in the same boat with Digidesign, my 001 won't be coming with me when I upgrade to a G5 (in another year, probably) and now that I have a laptop and a PC with FireWire, it might be time to look at a MOTU offering...

And although you posted the Buffalo weather in the other thread, DAMN IT'S COLD HERE!

cpjakes

[g30ffr3y]

Originally posted by cpjakes
That shouldn't push it at all - I would assume that if the MBox works through CoreAudio that the 001 would as well.

I'm in the same boat with Digidesign, my 001 won't be coming with me when I upgrade to a G5 (in another year, probably) and now that I have a laptop and a PC with FireWire, it might be time to look at a MOTU offering...

And although you posted the Buffalo weather in the other thread, DAMN IT'S COLD HERE!

cpjakes


ive been looking at the motu firewire interfaces as well... they seem a lot nicer than the digi001 which is essentially a dinosaur at this point... i think a G5... the new logic and an 828 would do the trick... oh and dual 23" cinemas... now i just need about nine grand... and someone to buy my digi001 "factory" [read overpriced useless crap] bundle...

[rahul_patwari]

Okay, well I got my new Garage Band and mBox pluged in; but it doesn't seem to recognize it. I can get Channel 1/2 Audio (or separately in mono), but how do I get Garage Band to look at my USB device (mBox, or that mAudio for people who have it).

Thanks.

Rahul

[g30ffr3y]

Originally posted by rahul_patwari
Okay, well I got my new Garage Band and mBox pluged in; but it doesn't seem to recognize it. I can get Channel 1/2 Audio (or separately in mono), but how do I get Garage Band to look at my USB device (mBox, or that mAudio for people who have it).

Thanks.

Rahul

i read that for mbox you have to add garage band to protools core audio or some type new fangled thing such as that...

i cant wait til i get home to play with garage band... i hope they delivered it...

[rahul_patwari]

Yes, that worked. For those wondering how to do this.

Open the Digidesign folder and there is a program called Digidesign CoreAudio Setup. It's pretty self explanatory from there.

From there, go to the Preferences... option in Garage Band and pick Audio/Midi and pick Digidesign HW.

Now it just comes out all staticky and distorted. Next problem!

[g30ffr3y]

friggin digidesign...

i guess ive gotta wait til tomorrow to start making my garage jams... no boxes at my door... sniff...

[requies]

Originally posted by rahul_patwari
Yes, that worked. For those wondering how to do this.

Open the Digidesign folder and there is a program called Digidesign CoreAudio Setup. It's pretty self explanatory from there.

From there, go to the Preferences... option in Garage Band and pick Audio/Midi and pick Digidesign HW.

Now it just comes out all staticky and distorted. Next problem!


changing the buffering setting fixed that for me. :)

i am very happy with garageband and happy it works with my mbox! i can see its limitations, but it's a fine tool for the price. (i wish my mac was a bit faster, though!)

[rahul_patwari]

When I speak thru the mic hooked up to my mBox, it comes out as a robotic sounding voice, sped up, and then repeats about 10 seconds later.

How did you switch the buffering settings? I remember doing it through ProTools before. Should I do the same here or is there another way?

Thanks.

[fingers]

Originally posted by rahul_patwari
When I speak thru the mic hooked up to my mBox, it comes out as a robotic sounding voice, sped up, and then repeats about 10 seconds later.

How did you switch the buffering settings? I remember doing it through ProTools before. Should I do the same here or is there another way?

Thanks.

Use Digidesigns CoreAudio setup which is in your Digidesign folder in Applications.

There is also a buffer in GarageBand's Preferences - Audio/Midi

Have you got an effect on the track? try creating a new basic track without effects first. Then make sure monitor is off (double click the track icon on the left of the screen.)

I am on Panther and a G4 tiBook and it works like a dream - are you on a G3 and/or Jaguar?

Good Luck!

[rahul_patwari]

I'm using a 1st generation 12" PowerBook (G4 867 MHz with 640 Mb RAM). And I'm using Panther.

I have it set at basic track with no effects.

You know, I haven't upgraded my ProTools lately (6.1.1); perhaps this has something to do with it. Otherwise, I'm out of ideas....

Rahujl

[requies]

Originally posted by rahul_patwari
When I speak thru the mic hooked up to my mBox, it comes out as a robotic sounding voice, sped up, and then repeats about 10 seconds later.

How did you switch the buffering settings? I remember doing it through ProTools before. Should I do the same here or is there another way?

Thanks.


yes, that's exactly what was happening to me. i'm sorry, i should have been more specific. in the audio/midi pane of the garageband preferences you'll see two radio buttons where you can optimize for "faster performance" or "better performance". set it to "better performance" and it should work like a charm. :)

[requies]

Originally posted by rahul_patwari
I'm using a 1st generation 12" PowerBook (G4 867 MHz with 640 Mb RAM). And I'm using Panther.

I have it set at basic track with no effects.

You know, I haven't upgraded my ProTools lately (6.1.1); perhaps this has something to do with it. Otherwise, I'm out of ideas....

Rahujl

upgrading your pro tools would be a good idea, as well. :)

[TiBook1ghz]

Must be nice, apple forgot to ship my iLife. Yep. They created the label, but never shipped it. So I have to call back Monday and they will create a new order.

Guess 002/GB compatability test will have to wait! I imagine I'll have to tweak CoreAudio as well. Digi stuff never plays nice with anything but ProTools :P

[fingers]

Originally posted by rahul_patwari
I'm using a 1st generation 12" PowerBook (G4 867 MHz with 640 Mb RAM). And I'm using Panther.

I have it set at basic track with no effects.

You know, I haven't upgraded my ProTools lately (6.1.1); perhaps this has something to do with it. Otherwise, I'm out of ideas....

Rahujl

Thats the problem Rahujl - have you used Pro Tools with Panther? - You need 6.1.2 to run Pro Tools onPanther.

http://www.digidesign.com/
for download.

Well recommended.

Good Luck

Rich

[WM.]

Originally posted by rahul_patwari
When I speak thru the mic hooked up to my mBox, it comes out as a robotic sounding voice, sped up, and then repeats about 10 seconds later.
You need to set your mBox to 16/44.1, if possible (I've never used an mBox so I don't know if it'll let you fiddle with the converters). That's the only format GB will work with, and you'll get weird problems like that if your device is set at something else and it can't change it to 16/44.1.

I believe I read about this in Apple's knowledge base...

HTH!!
WM

[fingers]

Originally posted by WM.
You need to set your mBox to 16/44.1, if possible (I've never used an mBox so I don't know if it'll let you fiddle with the converters). That's the only format GB will work with, and you'll get weird problems like that if your device is set at something else and it can't change it to 16/44.1.

I believe I read about this in Apple's knowledge base...

HTH!!
WM

The mbox itself doesn't let you do this, it is controlled by what ever app your running it with.

Your spot on about the sample rate -16bit 44.1 khz - Soundtrack will do 24/96 - providing you've got the right hardware.

Rich

[WinterMute]

Just a note to all you Digi 001 users, the 001 interface will NEVER run on a G5, cos Apple decided to change the voltage on the PCI slots, and Digi aren't upgrading it.

There is an upgrade path to the 002 interface, which is much better, but it's more money.

The 001 isn't a great interface anyway, mortgage your Granny and buy the HD1 system....:p

Go on, you know you want to....

[zimv20]

Originally posted by WinterMute

The 001 isn't a great interface anyway, mortgage your Granny and buy the HD1 system....:p


the thing that kills me w/ the HD price -- i could buy a complete Radar system for just the price of the one HD interface card

[WinterMute]

Originally posted by zimv20
the thing that kills me w/ the HD price -- i could buy a complete Radar system for just the price of the one HD interface card

OT warning..!

Indeed you could, but you'd still need the console, the outboard FX, the patchbay, the 5.1 monitor rig (yeah, OK, I know I need that too...).

The point with HD I think is that it provides a complete production solution for whatever work you are doing, certainly I use it to track and mix stereo commercial music, lay FX into picture in audio post, compose and arrange my own music, and output to any surround arrangement up to 10.2. Sure, I've got a fortune in plug-ins active, but I can work in one space and make product to almost any specification.

I take your point, it is expensive, but a full HD3 with a G5 and a 23" Cinema Display still isn't as expensive as a Studer 827 24-track 2" recorder, it depends where your looking from.

I've just replaced an entire tape based studio with HD3, and we'll get change from selling the SSL to another studio.

RADAR is a great machine, I've used it often, but I'll keep the HD thanks.:D

[zimv20]

Originally posted by WinterMute
you'd still need the console, the outboard FX, the patchbay,


slowly but surely... in the meantime, i'll be buying some plugs and mixing in the box w/ PTLE.

after i start going back to analog for mixdown, i'll see how long i can get by w/ mixing to 8 stubs on my 002r. after that -- HD or Radar?

(i'm not doing the same kind of post work you are, it's just for music, theater sound design, and VO)


RADAR is a great machine, I've used it often, but I'll keep the HD thanks.:D

given what you're doing, i can see why

[johnfitz]

I've actually had fun playing with Garage band. I've mixed a couple of songs; just guitar and vocals using a Russian condenser mike. It's great for me as i can send a rough (but much nicer than ever before) copy to my producer who then has a workable piece to start with. I just updated to pro tools 6.2 so I could use my mbox with garage band, but now when I go to my pro tools folder a blackened screen falls down and tells me to restart my computer by holding down the power button. I never saw it before in my two plus years with this ibook 600. Does pro tools mean what it says about needing a g4? I was using the mbox as an interface, but couldn't use the headphones in the mbox jack, though they worked fine plugged in to my ibook. Any thoughts from those who can ascertain these things?

[cpjakes]

johnfitz - I had this problem before upgrading to LE 6.2.2. While I have a 001 interface, it was the whole LE/Panther compatibility thing. But being on a different interface, I'm not sure what your problem may be.

Do you have any other applications open when you launch Pro Tools?

What version of OS X are you on?

As for not being able to use your headphones with the MBox, did you have the input/playback knob adjusted correctly for what you were doing?

cpjakes

[TiBook1ghz]

Originally posted by WinterMute


I've just replaced an entire tape based studio with HD3, and we'll get change from selling the SSL to another studio.


OT reply :)

Sold the SSL? Hmm, I know a lot of big wigs cherish their SSL, why sell it and how much did you get for it? (If you don't mind me asking)

[zimv20]

Originally posted by johnfitz
I just updated to pro tools 6.2 so I could use my mbox with garage band, but now when I go to my pro tools folder a blackened screen falls down and tells me to restart my computer by holding down the power button.

you may be SOL w/ panther:

Mbox is qualified on the following computers with Pro Tools LE 6.2.2 and Mac OS X 10.3.1 only:

Power Mac G5 1.6 GHz single processor, 1.8 GHz single & dual processor, and 2.0 GHz dual processor models

iMac G4 ('03)

PowerBook G4 ('03)

iBook G4

Currently shipping Power Mac G4 (may require upgrade from Mac OS X Jaguar 10.2.x to Mac OS X Panther v10.3.1)


link (http://www.digidesign.com/compato/osx/mbox/)

[WinterMute]

Originally posted by TiBook1ghz
OT reply :)

Sold the SSL? Hmm, I know a lot of big wigs cherish their SSL, why sell it and how much did you get for it? (If you don't mind me asking)

Another OT post....:D

Don't mind at all, it was an older G series 48 frame, SSL (4040?), and to be honest it sounded like trash, I've never subscribed to the SSL sound, I prefer Neve or trident, or Harrison, raindirk and Amek for that matter, so losing the SSL wasn't a problem, I'd wanted to take this studio entirely non-linear for a while, as we were only really using the SSL as a glorified router to the 5.1, even the pre-amps are outboard.

Seemed like the time to dump it, and a new studio just down the road pithched in for a whole mess of stuff we were selling on, I think they stumped up £20K for the desk.

Lot of people like SSL, lots don't. I like Marmite too, go figure...

[johnfitz]

being new to the message boards I imagine SOL means something along the lines of out of luck with being able to use my pro tools on a G3. Good excuse for getting a powerbook! Thanks for the help.

[rahul_patwari]

I'm able to run ProTools with Panther without a problem, using version 6.2.3.

However, I'm still not able to get a good signal into GarageBand. I always get the sped up, robotic sounding garbled noise from my mBox recorded into GarageBand. With ProTools, whatever is recorded sounds great.

I've tried doing everything above, any ideas? And once in a while, for no apparent reason, it'll work. (This reminds me of using Windows XP).

Rahul

[fingers]

However, I'm still not able to get a good signal into GarageBand. I always get the sped up, robotic sounding garbled noise from my mBox recorded into GarageBand. With ProTools, whatever is recorded sounds great.
Rahul
Does it play back other audio apps ok? Like iTunes or Peak? (You will have to use the Core Audio Setup to enable the use of these through your mbox.)

I would try the Digidesign Forum (http://duc.digidesign.com/) - they are a very knowledgeable bunch...

Good luck
Rich