Maximum Performance Guidelines for Mbox 2 Systems

With Pro Tools LE 6.8.1 for Windows XP

The Mbox 2 will work best with faster PC computers equipped with at least 512 MB of RAM.

Faster CPUs result in more tracks, more plug-ins, and a more responsive Graphical User Interface (GUI) -- snappy meters, screen redrawing, etc. In addition, the fastest computers allow Pro Tools to run with smaller hardware buffers for the lowest audio I/O latency. Note that the lowest hardware buffer settings may not be usable on some computers that otherwise meet all requirements.

The Mbox 2 is compatible with many different types of PC laptop/notebook & desktop computers. However, in general, desktop computers are faster than laptop/notebook computers, so the best performance will be found with desktop computers.

The Mbox 2 and Pro Tools LE require one or more supported disk drives for recording and playing audio. ATA/EIDE, SCSI, and 1394 disk drives are compatible with the Mbox 2. Best performance will be achieved with 7200 RPM (or faster) speed drives. In some cases, you may need to split audio tracks across more than one disk drive (especially when using sessions with many tracks and dense edits). Also, when using 1394 drives with the Mbox 2, some computer configurations may require a separate/dedicated 1394 interface for 1394-based (FireWire) disk drives in order to achieve maximum performance. See: Qualified FireWire/1394 Interface Cards for more information.

System Software

  • Windows XP Professional or Home Edition
  • Not Supported:
    • Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
    • Windows XP Media Center Edition
  • Pro Tools LE 6.8.1 is qualified with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP1 not tested)
  • If you are updating from SP1 to SP2, please read the following beforehand to help insure a smooth transition:
  • Pro Tools LE 6.x software can't be installed or used on systems running Windows 98, Me, 2000, NT, 95, or 3.1
  • Windows XP Settings & Requirements

Windows XP SP2, Microsoft DEP and PACE InterLok Drivers Update

  • if you encounter unexplained blue screens, freezes or spontaneous reboots when launching Pro Tools with Windows XP Service Pack 2, please update your PACE InterLok drivers:
  • The current InterLok drivers solve the described problems without having to disable Microsoft's DEP (Data Execution Prevention) feature introduced with Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Total System RAM

  • 384 MB minimum
  • 512 MB (or higher) highly recommended

Additional RAM may be required for:

  • High edit density sessions
  • Sample rates above 48 KHz
  • DAE buffer setting larger than the default
  • Extensive use of plug-ins
  • Simultaneous use of MIDI sequencers or software options such as DigiTranslator
  • Additional RAM is recommended for better video playback performance

Display card:

  • AGP card minimum

Audio Storage

SCSI Host Adapter

FireWire Connections & Qualified 1394/FireWire PCI Cards

  • A 1394 ("FireWire") controller/interface is required to connect a FireWire hard drive to your computer. Some computers have built-in 1394/FireWire controllers, while other computers require add-in 1394/FireWire PCI controller cards (purchased separately)
  • Some built-in 1394/FireWire ports may be incompatible with Pro Tools. if you experience FireWire-related issues or errors when using the built-in 1394/FireWire ports on your computer, Digidesign recommends installing a Digidesign-approved 1394/FireWire card.

Performance Guidelines

  • Recording to the system startup drive is not recommended or supported
  • For desktop models, a separate internal or external dedicated audio hard drive is required for maximum performance and track count (see Hard Drive Minimum Requirements)
  • Although limited recording and playback of audio tracks may be possible using the internal drive in laptop models, a separate external dedicated audio hard drive is highly recommended for maximum performance and track count. Digidesign recommends the use of FireWire drives for use with these computers. (see FireWire Drive Requirements)
  • For best performance on laptops, it is suggested that you set your monitor to 256 colors
  • Pentium 4 or Xeon systems with HyperThreading technology must have "Intel HyperThreading" in the system BIOS disabled in Pro Tools 6.x
    • This is no longer required in Pro Tools 7.0, which supports HyperThreading
  • Also note that we have seen better performance on computers that have less components attached and non-custom versions of the BIOS or Windows XP
  • Mbox 2 will not function properly if connected to a passive USB hub. If you need to use a hub for other USB peripherals, use a powered hub or a separate dedicated USB port for Mbox 2 to function properly.

Monitor

  • Color monitor required
  • Minimum resolution of 1024 x 768
  • 17" or larger recommended if using external monitor
  • For best performance, it is suggested that you set your monitor to 256 colors on laptop models

Apple QuickTime 6.5 or Higher Recommended

  • Available at www.apple.com/quicktime
  • Required only on systems using video
  • AGP graphics card with 16 MB or more video RAM required for movie playback
  • Known Issue: Apple QuickTime 7 is currently not supported with the Digidesign WaveDriver on Windows XP

The following chipsets have been approved with laptop computers with Intel processors:

  • 915PM
  • 915GM
  • 855PM

Other chipsets will be added as we confirm their compatibility with Mbox 2 systems.

Chipset Requirements with desktop computers with Intel P4 processors:

  • Intel 925XE
  • Intel 915PL
  • Intel 915GL/915GV
  • Intel 875P
  • Intel 865PE
  • Intel 850/850E
  • Intel 845/845E/845PE

Chipset Compatibility Alert

  • Digidesign's Mbox 2 is not compatible with desktop computers with the following chipsets:
    • Intel 915G
    • Intel 915P
    • Intel 925X
  • For more about this issue, see the following information provided by Intel:

To find out the model number of your chipset, check with the manufacturer before purchasing, or use the following tools for your existing computer:

How can I tell if my PC is compatible?

Find out how much RAM and which processor, chipset, and Windows XP Service Pack you have:

Known Incompatibilities

Anti-Virus Software

Anti-Virus software such as PC-cillin and Norton Anti-Virus typically cause problems with real-time software like Pro Tools LE. It's best to disable & possibly remove anti-virus software from your system before running Pro Tools LE. If you are using drives that meet the Hard Drive Minimum Requirements and you are experiencing "disk too slow" errors, this may be the cause.

Network Devices

Some Network Interface Controllers (NICs) cause problems for real-time software like Pro Tools LE. If you are experiencing DAE errors while running Pro Tools LE, try disabling all network devices via the Device Manager in the Windows "System" control panel.

Power Management

Be sure to disable the "hibernate" feature in the Windows "Power Options" control panel.

Video Display Settings

If you are experiencing DAE errors while clicking on GUI elements (such as dragging windows, resizing windows, maximizing windows, etc.) try adjusting the "Hardware Acceleration" setting in the Windows "Display" control panel. This setting is located in the "Advanced" section of the "Settings" tab. Some systems work best with "full acceleration," while others work best with acceleration set to "none."

Another possible work-around for systems experiencing video-related compatibility problems is to run in 256-color mode.

It is best to disable screen savers while running Pro Tools LE.

PCI-to-DRAM Pre-fetch BIOS Setting

Some PC compatibility problems with some 1394 controller cards may be resolved by disabling the "PCI-to-DRAM Pre-fetch" setting in your computer's BIOS.

Other Applications/Processes

Running some applications ("processes") at the same time as Pro Tools LE may cause DAE errors. To avoid such performance problems, be sure to close/terminate all unnecessary applications/processes prior to running Pro Tools LE. Uninstall unnecessary applications from your computer, or use "End Process" in the Windows Task Manager.

Other Known Incompatibilities

  • The Mbox 2 will not function if any other Digidesign PCI cards are installed in the CPU (Digi 001, Audiomedia III, TDM cards)

  • Pro Tools will crash when pressing play if Avid XPress DV 4.1.1 is installed after PT. The workaround is to install Avid XPress DV before installing Pro Tools. (Item #47816)

  • Computers with motherboards containing SiS (Silicon Integrated Systems) chipsets cause system failures with Pro Tools systems

  • Intel Celeron, Pentium III and older processor based computers are not supported

  • AMD K6, K6-2 or K6-III, K7 processor based computers are not supported (newer AMD Athlon XP, Athlon 64, and Athlon 64 FX processors are supported)

  • Older Dell Inspiron & Latitude notebooks that run under 1ghz are not compatible with the Mbox 2. Please see recommended laptops section

  • Some notebook computers (such as the Gateway 600L) have loud fans that run often while using Pro Tools LE

  • Some notebook computers (such as the Gateway 600L) generate noise on the Mbox 2 analog audio outputs when using the notebook's power supply

  • Pentium 4 or Xeon systems with HyperThreading technology must have "Intel HyperThreading" in the system BIOS disabled in Pro Tools 6.x

    • This is no longer required in Pro Tools 7.0, which supports HyperThreading

  • "ESS Solo-1 PCI AudioDrive" Sound, video and game controller. This device can be disabled from the "Device Manager" in the "System" Control Panel.

  • Laptops users may need to disable integrated wireless networking

  • Pro Tools does not support RAID technology. Please do not activate this feature.

  • The Digidesign WaveDriver does not support Avid Xpress DV or certain other DirectSound applications that require advanced DirectSound capabilities

  • Some HP Pavilion models do not meet the minimum requirements as listed in these compatibility documents. Before purchasing these or any computer, please carefully go over these documents and the exact specifications of the computer to make certain that all of the compatibility guidelines have been met.

Building Your Own Computer

Digidesign recognizes that some customers will want to build their own computer for use with Pro Tools. To help increase the potential for success, we are providing the above known system requirements.

However customers should be very aware of the following:

Digidesign can not provide full customer support as to the potential loss of performance for such systems. If a loss in performance is encountered Digidesign will assist customers by verifying the components of the system, to look for incompatibilities. If it is determined that the problem is inherent to a system component, a substitution to a different component may be necessary. Digidesign can not guarantee that all performance issues on these computers will be solved; however incorporating components from this compatibility document can help customers avoid problems.

Systems adhering to this specification are in no way certified by Digidesign to provide full Pro Tools functionality or track performance. While they may be able to operate perfectly well and provide full track count performance, they cannot be guaranteed to do so.

It is impossible for this list to comprehensively cover all possible options. We are providing details of known requirements and known failures based on our experience to date.

Need Additional Advice on a Computer Purchase?

Be sure to check out the Pro Tools LE Windows section of the Digidesign User Conference for computer recommendations from other Mbox 2 Windows users.

Disclaimer: Digidesign can not verify that the information in this forum will provide full functionality or performance. Please refer to these Compatibility Documents for Digidesign's official system requirements.

Digidesign Compatibility Documents Index