Mbox Vs. Ultralite

Mbox vs. Ultralite

Given today's technology, portable audio recording and music production is at its best. It's extremely powerful and amazingly versatile. You can be sitting at the beach, on a road trip, or just at a friend's house working on music. But to get the best quality out of your software, you need a good audio interface. Digidesign's MBox 2 is one of the best sellers, with their world-renowned software Pro Tools. The newly released Ultralite by Motu is feature packed, versatile, and well designed. Although similar in operation, they both have different features that can make it difficult to choose from.

Digidesign's Mbox 2 is one of the best selling portable audio interfaces on the market. It's simple to use and includes their award winning software Pro Tools LE. Weighing in at 2.7 lbs, this bus-powered interface is ready for professional audio recording and production, anywhere you want to go. It features 24-bit audio, with 2 analog inputs and outputs. You can use with microphones, standard line connections, or just plug your guitar in and use one of the guitar amp modelers. It also includes midi in and out, for integration with a keyboard or multiple keyboards. The Mbox 2 works with a many software packages besides Pro Tools, such as Logic, Digital Performer, and Cubase.

The UltraLight is the newest addition to a long line of great audio interfaces by Motu. With it sturdy aluminum design weighing in at 3 lbs, it's designed to withstand the rigors of portability. Its front panel mixer allows for virtually no latency, and can even be used as a stand-alone unit. Featuring 10 inputs, 14 outputs, midi in/out, headphone out, and digital input and output, the UltraLight is ideal in professional situations. It supports all Mac and PC software and also includes their award winning Audio Desk. The UltraLight is also expandable to offer you as many inputs and outputs as needed.

With two great units it's hard to make a decision. They both offer analog microphone inputs, a headphone output, digital ins and outs, midi in and out, and they're both bus powered. These units are both extremely portable, and offer decent sound quality. They're both used professionally all over the world, and have a great reputation.

But there are some key feature differences. First the Mbox 2