Avid Introduces the MBOX Studio Audio Interface

With a new hardware offering, Avid is back and aiming it at users of project studios and home studios. An audio interface and monitor controller with many features is the MBOX studio a 21×22 desktop USB interface with some tricks up its sleeve. It has built-in DSP effects, high-quality variable Z mic and DI inputs, guitar-centric features, Bluetooth connectivity, extensive metering, tactile control of software and extensive use of colour in a wedge-shaped enclosure and lots more!

The MBOX Studio is a fully-featured USB interface solution that operates on both Mac and Windows operating systems running not only the bundled Pro Tools Studio subscription, but also any third-party digital audio workstations.

Built In DSP

The onboard DSP effects include EQ, reverb, and delay effect unit as well as a DSP mixer for low latency direct monitoring using the new MBOX Control software. With variable Z for timbre-shifting experiments, 4 mic preamps with the same design as those found in the Pro Tools Carbon are available.

Take Control

The two sizable encoders on the top control the input and output levels (left and right, respectively), and some of the buttons that go with them, such as mute, dim, input select, mono, talkback and an integrated talkback mic. The illuminated button with the MBOX logo on one of the level metres launches the new MBOX control software, while the Tune button launches a built-in DSP guitar tuner with tuning displayed onscreen. A long list of predefined actions in the MBOX control software can be launched using the row of four illuminated User Action buttons, which are programmable soft keys.

Guitarist Features in Mind

Two variable Z inputs with an additional capacitor option on each of the impedance options, which when used adds a different, tube-type response, are a huge bonus for guitarists. The two built-in effects loops, one of which can be switched to Hi-Z operation so it can be used with guitar pedals, are also designed with consideration for impedances. Along with housing a Hi-Z output that shares a path with one of the rear panel FX loop sends and is intended for re-amping duties, the front panel also features two combi XLR connectors for the mic/line/DI inputs and a pair of independent headphone outputs.

Monitor Control and Bluetooth

The MBOX STUDIO looks like a well-designed monitor controller with tactile controls for source switching, dimming, and level linking between monitors. Once your monitors are level matched, which the MBOX STUDIO can do since your monitors’ back panels cannot balance levels, you can choose to link their levels so they remain level matched. The MBOX STUDIO can, in fact, serve as a stand-alone monitor controller for a more complex system.

Additionally, Bluetooth in and out is available, providing a way to play mixes through AirPods or Bluetooth speakers in addition to the increasingly necessary method for streaming from phones. The expected ADAT ports are present, and in addition to a pair of independent headphone outs, additional monitoring options include a main and an alt pair of monitor outputs as well as spdif inputs and outputs on RCAs for the connection of digital monitors and the like.

Key Features

• 21 in/22 out USB Interface with DSP

• 4 mic preamps/line inputs with Variable Z (impedance)

• 2 Variable Z instrument inputs

• 4 additional line inputs

• 2 impedance-switching effects loops

• 2-way simultaneous stereo Bluetooth I/O

• Optical I/O (8-channel ADAT or 2-channel S/PDIF)

• Coaxial S/PDIF I/O

• MIDI I/O

• 2 stereo monitor outputs

• 1 Hi-Z reamplification output with ground lift

• 2 headphone outputs with individual cue mixes

• 2 footswitch/expression pedal inputs

• Hi-Z Reamp Output

• Loopback

• Monitor Controller Functionality

• Integrated talkback mic

• four assignable, dual-function, user action buttons

• Included 1 year Pro Tools Studio subscription

• MBOX STUDIO Ignition Pack software Bundle included

Get all of this with the MBOX Studio USB interface

Included hardware and accessories

• MBOX Studio USB interface
• USB-C cable
• USB-C female to USB-A male adapter
• Power adapter
• Registration card

Included software

• Pro Tools Studio 1-year subscription
• Sibelius Artist 1-year subscription (desktop and mobile app)
• MBOX Control
• Celemony Melodyne 5 essential (part of the Pro Tools Studio bundle)
• SoundFlow Cloud Avid Edition (part of the Pro Tools Studio bundle)

Included plugins and sounds

• All plugins included with Pro Tools Studio
• MBOX Ignition Pack
  • Baby Audio Vibe Box—exclusive plugin only available with MBOX Studio
  • BPM Create—MBOX Producer Toolkit with sounds and samples
  • Brainworx A/DA Flanger—A/DA Flanger stompbox emulation
  • Brainworx Ampeg SVT-VR Classic—Ampeg bass amp emulation
  • Brainworx bx_bluechorus2—Boss CE-2 Chorus stompbox emulation
  • Brainworx bx_console N—Neve VXS console channel strip emulation
  • Brainworx bx_greenscreamer—Ibanez TS 808 Tube Screamer emulation
  • Brainworx bx_megadual—Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier emulation
  • Brainworx bx_opto compressor—all-around compressor emulation
  • Gauge LUSH VOX—parallel compression + processor for vocals
• Avid Loopmasters Sample Pack (part of the Pro Tools Studio bundle)

The MBOX STUDIO will be available from around mid-November.