Avid MBOX Studio Audio Interface Review & Sound Quality Test

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Sound Quality Tests begins at 8:24 Which interface do you prefer? 🔥

[@Seathasky]

mbox is a tad warmer? or maybe the other way around haha

[@valeriomina3822]

Could you drop the bounce of the song trough the two interface? Thanks :)

[@povertytaretv]

Mbox

[@thejasontlewis]

The MBox is definitely wider and more detailed and the Apollo is smaller and darker. MBox wins to my ears.

[@oluwafemioio]

Exactly what I also heard 😊… Im definitely buying MBOX Studio 🔥

[@ForTheForsaken]

Hahaha Reid I have to say: I admire your dedication. Those are some full-on puppet gloves! It never ceases to amuse and this is why you are the realest puppet in the game of course. That loopback feature for OBS is actually an awesome feature!

[@youngorangee]

Realest puppet in the game hands down

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Realest subscribers in the game ❤

[@jeffloy4638]

Currently on sale for $599 with free Pro Tools Studio perpetual license on Sweetwater. I’d been waffling between Mbox and Apollo, but with it currently being $400 cheaper and including perpetual license??? No contest. Plus, from what I’ve been hearing, UAD’s PC drivers are a bit squirrelly, so Mbox already had the edge there.

[@KipCount]

Down to $499 now!

[@jeffloy4638]

@@KipCount Even sillier value!!!

[@stevenwise7301]

Outstanding review! I'm currently using Focusrite, but this product is now on my radar.

[@flowmaka]

Great review bro! They are so close in sound but the price is a lot better!

[@ks-bg5uk]

Great comparison. The mbox has the extra inputs and monitors plus has better clarity in recording based on the video. You can't go wrong with either one but the mbox is the winner.

[@7BVBY]

Thanks Reid. I've been following you since years now and you helped me growing as a beatmaker a ton. You the realest puppet in the game ❤️

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Thanks for watching! It’s production time ✅

[@ibokpayne]

Mbox sounds so big and open ! Very Nice

[@HaRLessMusic]

reid doing the nice review,always he do it nice

[@Mixedbyechobeats]

Definitely prefer the MBox it has more clarity and present which helps brings the emotion out especially in this song 🎧. Great review

[@sungodpaprika]

The Mbox design reminds me a lot to my Arturia Audiofuse Studio. I love that mine has more dedicated controls on the front but it's a pity it doesn't have any DSP :/

[@Damianthelovetour2024]

Dsp is on the out. New m1 / m2 Mac. No need as they fly through sessions

[@lancerben4551]

Huge difference to me with the mic input on both microphones the M box had a way better sound to it. So much that it made me question if you changed the reverb... It sounds so natural and clear with the mbox. After adding all of the external compressor gear etc.. It sounded nearly identical

[@thorstenweimar1190]

The MBox is surprisingly open and a bit more 3D, tiny bit better. I feel the preamps go slightly to the MBox as well. The Apollo seems brighter and I prefer the more balanced sound of the MBox and add brightness later if needed.

[@nafawi7965]

I preferred the open sound of the Mbox. I"m a UAD fanboy.

[@theend9494]

I used MBOX 2 pro for 20 years , then thought I was being clever and bought an Apogee duet 2, this is why I am in here, the Duet is crap for recording vocals, compared to Mbox 2, also my Mbox mixes sound better than the Duet which I could not believe, I also listen to many net producers mixes , many sound poor, they use more plugins than I have had hot dinners, everything is a nuance so don't believe the hype and go with Mbox :)

[@Swizzy88]

The sound quality is obv subjective as the differences are minor. I personally like the MBOX sound slightly more as it was more modern/bright. BUT the UAD apollos are very close PLUS they have DSP and can run plugins that would tax your computer during mix if u need it. EXTRA PLUS they can run vintage plugins in unison during recording with very near ZERO tracking latency. Including audio tune. So I can use a Neve 1073/CL1-B combo n record it into the tracks or Avalon 737 pre/comp baked into to tracks then just monitor or bake my autotune as well. All in basically ZERO latency. idk bout u but Huge for me. Only way ive been able to get actual real time monitoring with a bunch of effects that doesnt have a slight delay. I have a m1max macbook pro n even at 32 buffer there is still the slightest delay that throws me off. I need the UAD which is pretty much real time.

[@elijahmant2855]

Hey, Reid. Very good, nicely presented and informative video. Also good choice in interface comparison. Thanks Man.

[@familyervi2485]

Thanks for doing this. Very helpful. I would have personally liked the sound comparisons with dry signal, but I can understand why you wanted to use wet signal too.

[@iamkarramusic]

I’m so excited to have an MBox in our studio! 🔥

[@dupermang]

There pretty close, I think it nice the MBOX includes a re-amper. That means the kids are gonna use it to make some RAWK!

[@ReidStefanMusic]

🤘

[@hexodstudio5448]

Absolutely great, all that I needed

[@c-za.c7085]

The apollo 🙌 But its freaking awesome!!

[@ahfimiwonawun]

😂🤣 @ the puppet hands plugging in cords. Troll level on god status!!!😂

[@CMedia87]

to me the apollo was overall more balanced and a bit warmer

[@TheRealZitro]

I'm thinking about getting the SSL 12. Would LOVE for you to review that interface.

[@ReidStefanMusic]

if they send me one, I’ll test and review it! ✅

[@demitrithelwell6935]

I loved the Mbox converters!

[@chrissssssss007]

I just set my up the other day! Loving it so far. Got it after my omni died… weird thing is it was playing in mono on first go… the Mbox studio software is defaulted to mono. U gotta go in and pan left and right… weird… but apart from that. Enjoying it so far.

[@povertytaretv]

That Mbox tho ❤

[@povertytaretv]

Do you know why the meters clip a lot on the mbox studio?

[@recuiemprod]

soooooooo cool !! Like Mbox. what are the particularities of your Macbook + Monitor Screen ?( conf/brand?) want to go to Apple

[@davidfabien7220]

I like the crispness of the Apollo. AVID M Box Studio comes very close though.

[@bprostudio]

Thanks!

[@Damianthelovetour2024]

Absolutely best review of this. Avid should hire u to do there reviews. I mix on a 100k avid sl6 for live concerts. Hands down avid owns the market but they need to revamp there marketing and pro tools gui. Could be if it greatly

[@accentontheoff]

Nice review thanks, this device sounds great. Just wondering whether you’ve ever checked out the Arturia Audiofuse. The Twin is just a tad pricey and the MBox Studio isn’t available where I live hence asking.

[@treyhudson73]

Dang man, you been workin' out?

[@ForTheForsaken]

He is turning into popeye the sailor man with those forearms!

[@MrMajorBusiness]

Facts my boy put on at least 3 ounces

[@damienlewis7882]

On my phone for what it’s worth in all the examples the mbox had a bit more presence and the Apollo had more 500-700hz. Different sounds. Both good. I have a Carbon and a x4.

[@TheMrCull]

I’d love to see a comparison with Arturia audiofuse studio. They seem like very similar products

[@theflippestside]

The Mbox has a sharper sound than the Twin on the vocals for sure. The apollo sounds like it's being played through a light piece of fabric or something.

[@theend9494]

I never believe hype only my ears, I have an Apogee Duet 2, I cannot believe how bad the vocals sound compared to my old Mbox 2, hence why I am i here

[@volatizee]

can we get a more in depth look at the preamps and compressors built into the mbox?

[@Bonbon1948]

I actually wanna buy this for 2 months now, but no one is importing it into my country. Sad face. Thanks for the review.

[@deliotala]

Amazing 😊

[@thearno2885]

Heads up there is a promo ending March 31st 2024 where you get a perpetual license instead of year Sub when you buy and register your MBox!

[@JudgeFredd]

Great video

[@astheticworld4507]

Dear Stefan Please make tutorial and review on Magix Acid Pro DAW Much love to your content

[@oscarsoto5920]

MASTER!!!.

[@werner77wda]

That’s a great review of a great product! Too bad o don’t like Avid and I wouldn’t have another mbox, as I had the first generation blue mbox at the time.

[@Bville-E]

Nice video !!!!! What studio desk are you using

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Argosy Halo

[@CMedia87]

i noticed the Mbox has a bit wider sound the apollo pulls the audio back a bit but keeps it tight

[@CRAYCRAY3592]

Realest puppet in the game🫡

[@ChrisDerMann]

Awesome video and comparison, this must take so much time to produce but it's a huge help. What do you usually use when working with the Apollo since you only have 1 HP ouput or what's your preferred solution for using 2 HPs? Headphone switch/amp? Thanks a lot :)

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Furman makes a headphone splitter box when you need to double your outputs 👍

[@ChrisDerMann]

thanks, I'll have a look! @@ReidStefanMusic

[@prodj.mixapeofficial6431]

Is the effects process is on the interface or still on CPU?

[@jdub70]

There’s dedicated processing in the MBOX to handle the on-board effects. 🤙🏽

[@feldsparsongs2331]

Does the M Box have an Asio driver for Cubase? Like the extra in outs as standard - the balls back in UA s court ! I thought the Apollo sounded a bit brighter but the M Box had a better stereo image

[@jdub70]

It’s sure does, Thesycon powered on Windows. 🤙🏽

[@derekmonroe8203]

The Mbox USB interface with the computer is USB 2.0? Does that affect latency? Also, has Avid successfully addressed the driver and firmware issues I have read about? Please and thank you.

[@tomallonsmusicalcreation1111]

Did u examine all the preamps ?

[@duguy182]

How did you do the comparison when you use the telefunken with preamp and comp ? Did you plug in the mic input of both interfaces or did you use the line in of the mbox to bypass the avid's preamp ?

[@ReidStefanMusic]

When using an analog vocal chain you connect to your interface with 1/4” cable instead of XLR using input 1. It activates the built-in preamps when connecting via XLR

[@AlecBoyd]

Once I enabled 'Loopback', OBS didn't identify the input. Any suggestions?

[@zakaroonetwork777]

Only Arturia seems to underrate people may need at lease three preamps at once. Stereo Pair and Vocals and Maybe a Di. All at once.

[@NoRulezKG]

Could you do a stock plugin video on Adobe Audition please?

[@marshallmathers2740]

I think extra brightness in the m box would tire your ears after a long session. Apollo doesn't hype out the highs.

[@chrism3931]

dose the compensate for input and output delay in pro tools work with this.

[@chrisroyer6903]

Protools compensates whatever the interface, so yes.

[@theflippestside]

you should have used a more balanced track for your converter compariso, like a rock song or something. It was just pure bass that was basically clipping the whole time.

[@ReidStefanMusic]

I unfortunately listen to, or produce any rock music, I use my own original songs in my videos to avoid copyright strikes

[@Jovanmusictime]

hi, do both interfaces handle multiple plugins in live situation equally well? Thanks.

[@giacomorml]

Hi, what about a comparison with RME UCX2?

[@haroldbones84]

Is it me or in the speaker quality the mbox sounded better?

[@ReidStefanMusic]

They both sounded good but definitely didn’t sound the same

[@straighttrippingmusic]

how did you run external outboard with the apollo in the test?? Doesnt apollo pres effect sound? hmm?

[@ReidStefanMusic]

These interfaces bypass their preamps when you insert a quarter inch cable. Inserting an XLR cable enables the preamps. I do my hardware tests by connecting to the interfaces to my hardware with 1/4 balanced line level cables to avoid Preamps further processing the sound.

[@szs2949]

Hi Reid, How can i connect Mbox Studio Loopback with OBS?

[@diarx1]

Mmmbox, ba duba dop, duba da box, ba duba box, duba, yeah yeah (being reminded of that damn earworm every time I switched that interface on would be pretty counterproductive for me 😂)

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Now I can’t I hear this 😂

[@shawnwaldron1018]

Got any Kool ways to mix intro and outro vocals are there any sort of effects that can be used

[@mrreggiej85]

Once you added the external eq, I could absolutely hear the mbox more bright. addedtocart

[@rako4869]

Is it okay to output dt1990 (250 ohm) headphones directly??

[@tobyvan1524]

How does mbox studio's playback sound compare to hd io or hd Omni? Are they similar?

[@itsabadbadbadmovie4457]

Has almost everything I want....almost. Cannot run off BUS, at least for me, this is very important because it makes it portable, if I want to record live music anywhere, can't do it if you need to plug it into the wall. Such a shame.

[@gravesg]

Listening on an apogee smphony mkii, the pro tools box has waaayyyy more width and depth.

[@coatbridgedrivinglessons8106]

Stick a neve 1073 or api channel strip on the Apollo and I think you would change your mind.

[@ReidStefanMusic]

You can apply those plugins after you record if you like them. You don’t need Apollo or console to achieve the same result

[@tboneoioi]

iPad Pro or iPhone 15 max compatibility?

[@ReidStefanMusic]

It works with both

[@sasharey3153]

Does MBOX supports loopback? I'm streamer and also curious in starting making my own music and I need a good device that will be handy in my studio. I need a dac, amp, mixer with loopback will MBOX studio able to cover all this needs?

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Yes

[@7thsignBizzy]

I have a Slate VMS mic system. Would I be able to bypass the preamps on the MBOX so that I can record using the slate mic preamp?

[@chrisroyer6903]

sure, inputs #5-6 are line level type.

[@anshuvenkateshwaran5324]

m box with some more low end in the mix bus eq test

[@catsbusoperator3389]

Reid how are you running the preamp test ?sounds like the same vocal from another video I saw

[@ReidStefanMusic]

The first mic test is a dynamic mic connected directly with XLR. The 2nd mic test sends the signal thru a preamp and compressor before going into the interface

[@catsbusoperator3389]

@@ReidStefanMusic oh okay got you thanks bruh

[@faustomelchiorre4285]

Hi, I just received my Mbox studio and I installed it with a Mac mini late 2014 which doesn't have the USB-c so I had to use the adapter but a don't hear a clean sound, which is slight noise that could depend on the adapter? Using it with the iPad and connecting it with and USB-c feel like is really clean. Somebody had the same issue? thanks

[@dannyharpermusic]

Will this work with Studio One Pro?

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Yes

[@matthewblake2258]

Apollo. Im going with a Focusrite Clarett+ tho over both

[@SteveRobz1]

How’s the clarett

[@rilloroshe]

Does it include a perpetual license?

[@ReidStefanMusic]

No. Only 1 year of free subscription

[@thearno2885]

if you buy one now it does. There is a promo on.

[@j-perezmusic]

Better than Apollo , sound wise ?

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Sound quality tests begin at 8:24

[@j-perezmusic]

@@ReidStefanMusic the vocals through mbox smoother and more detailed 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@j.du6]

Apollo, by a mile

[@j-perezmusic]

@@j.du6 no way. But then again , I don't think any unison pres were used

[@LeeOnTheTrack]

​@@j-perezmusic the difference in sound isnt the pre.. its the conversion. , in the test he even used a hardware 73 pre w/ the tele mic and results were still the same. the apollo has an akm 5000 series a/d chip that just sounds familiar to hear. (most mid-high level interfaces in the 20teen years.. ie digi 192's, prism, mytek, rme, etc etc) . akm's fab plant burned down in 2020. if that didnt happen they'd probably sound the same since the apollo and carbon use the same exact converters. they're different but i wouldn't say one's better than the other. at 96k or 192 sample rates the slight difference fades even more because what we're hearing is the roll off. At the same time the apollo is also almost triple the price per channel ... it doesn't sound 3 times better though.

[@FANSTEFAN-tf3oy]

Stefan how to make a mix of vocals and guitar like in this song: SB Maffija - Lawenda

[@razorpaine4682]

Can you print Auto tune while tracking with no latency while hearing it back while performing like UAD do?

[@ReidStefanMusic]

No only UAD offers AUTOTUNE within the interface

[@razorpaine4682]

@@ReidStefanMusic that's buddy for responding

[@mwemoneyworldent321]

All in your routine cuz I can record like I’m on a console with protool using my id44

[@teddym2808]

So, so close, but the lack of DSP compression of any kind to be in the same low latency signal path just kills it for me. Oh well.

[@Inkawgneegrow]

Can the two hi-z sends on the back be used like hi-z out on the front?

[@chrisroyer6903]

Not exactly : the line-outs are on a 10kOhms (typical outboard gears) impedance while the re-amp is 1MOhms (typical guitar/kbd)... depending on the destination, the result can be different.

[@Inkawgneegrow]

@@chrisroyer6903 right but in the software it lets you convert two of them to Hi-Z. Is it still different even if you do this?

[@chrisroyer6903]

@@Inkawgneegrow I didn't know that, but in this case, yes you can use as you wish.

[@MrMajorBusiness]

Can you do a tutorial on bounce music. Artist like Mastr_G or Kas. Thank you for breaking down so much knowledge!

[@geobeo8823]

Καλησπερα από Ελλάδα. Ερώτηση ποια κάρτα πιστεύεται ότι είναι καλύτερη σε ήχο, αξιοπιστία;;; Rme ucx ii Motu mk5 Avid m box studio ???? Παρακαλώ απαντήστε μου

[@ReidStefanMusic]

The MBox is a very good interface. Unfortunately I haven’t used MOTU Or RME yet

[@90041hood]

It works with Luna?

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Yes it does 👍

[@90041hood]

UA says only UA interfaces will work with Luna - are you sure???

[@goodboy65]

Audient ID MKII has better Preamps and converters 120dB Dynamic Range (ADC) 126dB Dynamic Range (DAC) 0.001% THD+N:(ADC) 0.0005% THD+N:(DAC)

[@joseguillermoespinozaarce]

Mbox Is the best

[@juliuscaesarsanchezrimando9392]

Apollo Twin

[@Tav_cr]

You should put them both against the new Neumann MT48. But I guess we all know who is gonna be the winner. Both Ecosystems UAD and Avid are rabbit holes but at least Universal Audio gives you Luna for free not only for a year. Avid should give their costumers a permanent Protools license for this purchase, one year license it's a joke considering the meh quality of the Mbox.

[@Waleanu101]

MBOX = better :)

[@Fredcaramia]

Thanks a lot. But I own the sphere 22 mic. We can’t insert plugin inside mbox? I can’t use my hardware. I have to stay with apollo if not.

[@ReidStefanMusic]

The MBox Control app doesn’t support any plugins or FX beyond the EQ reverb and delay built into the Control App

[@gift33]

And I thought an interface is just an interface. There's no difference in the sound quality. What differentiates between two interfaces???

[@ReidStefanMusic]

There’s some slight differences in sound quality, but the software included, inputs & outputs, features, and user experience really set them apart

[@jrgeorgeproduction3223]

Hey can you make a video on how to get more than 8 tracks on ableton because a lot of people are not making videos like that and it will help a lot of people🙏🏽

[@ReidStefanMusic]

It sounds like you’re possibly using a free demo version instead of a paid version?

[@maximboe]

Now do the Neumann MT 48!

[@ReidStefanMusic]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYS7qmdmgMSiadU

[@Lanatemusic]

@@ReidStefanMusicmbox or mt48 if you’re using outboard gear ?