Windows Audio Drivers Guide

Version 8.0.4
Legal Notices
This guide is copyrighted ©2010 by Avid Technology, Inc.,
(hereafter “Avid”), with all rights reserved. Under copyright
laws, this guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part
without the written consent of Avid.

003, 96 I/O, 96i I/O, 192 Digital I/O, 192 I/O, 888|24 I/O,
882|20 I/O, 1622 I/O, 24-Bit ADAT Bridge I/O, AudioSuite,
Avid, Avid DNA, Avid Mojo, Avid Unity, Avid Unity ISIS,
Avid Xpress, AVoption, Axiom, Beat Detective, Bomb Factory,
Bruno, C|24, Command|8, Control|24, D-Command, D-Control,
D-Fi, D-fx, D-Show, D-Verb, DAE, Digi 002, DigiBase,
DigiDelivery, Digidesign, Digidesign Audio Engine, Digidesign
Intelligent Noise Reduction, Digidesign TDM Bus, DigiDrive,
DigiRack, DigiTest, DigiTranslator, DINR, D-Show, DV Toolkit,
EditPack, Eleven, HD Core, HD Process, Hybrid, Impact,
Interplay, LoFi, M-Audio, MachineControl, Maxim, Mbox,
MediaComposer, MIDI I/O, MIX, MultiShell, Nitris, OMF,
OMF Interchange, PRE, ProControl, Pro Tools M-Powered,
Pro Tools, Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, QuickPunch, Recti-Fi,
Reel Tape, Reso, Reverb One, ReVibe, RTAS, Sibelius,
Smack!, SoundReplacer, Sound Designer II, Strike, Structure,
SYNC HD, SYNC I/O, Synchronic, TL Aggro, TL AutoPan,
TL Drum Rehab, TL Everyphase, TL Fauxlder, TL In Tune,
TL MasterMeter, TL Metro, TL Space, TL Utilities, Transfuser,
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trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc.
Xpand! is Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective
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Product features, specifications, system requirements, and

availability are subject to change without notice.

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Contents

Part I Windows Audio Drivers

Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Requirements and Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Conventions Used in This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About www.avid.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Chapter 2. Avid Audio Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Avid Audio Driver Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Audio Driver Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chapter 3. Digidesign ASIO Driver (Pro Tools HD Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Digidesign ASIO Driver Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
ASIO Driver Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Chapter 4. WaveDriver Windows System Audio Driver (Pro Tools HD Only) . . . . . . . 15

WaveDriver Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Configuring WaveDriver for Using iTunes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Configuring WaveDriver for Windows Media Player and Other Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Adding Third Party Applications to the Application Access List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Contents iii
 Part II Mbox 2 Pro Audio Drivers

Chapter 5. Introduction (Mbox 2 Pro Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
System Requirements and Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Mbox 2 Pro Driver Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Chapter 6. Digidesign ASIO Driver (Mbox 2 Pro Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
ASIO Driver Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Chapter 7. DirectSound Windows System Audio Driver (Mbox 2 Pro Only) . . . . . . . 29

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Configuring DirectSound Driver Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Configuring DirectSound Driver for Using iTunes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Configuring DirectSound Driver for Windows Media Player and Other Programs . . . . . . . . . . . 30

iv Windows Audio Drivers Guide

Part I: Windows Audio Drivers

1
Chapter 1: Introduction

Audio drivers for Windows let you use your Installation

Pro Tools hardware interface with third-party
applications that support the ASIO Driver or Drivers are automatically installed when you
WaveDriver MME (Multimedia Extension) install Pro Tools 8.0.4 or higher.
standards.
Check our website (www.avid.com) periodically
The following Pro Tools® system interfaces are to acquire any updated drivers for your system
supported: as they become available.

• Pro Tools HD® audio interfaces For instructions on installing Pro Tools,
• Avid Mbox see the User Guide or Setup Guide that
• Avid Mbox Mini came with your system.
• Avid Mbox Micro
Pro Tools LE
• Avid Mbox Pro
• Eleven Rack After installing Pro Tools LE software, new con-
trol panels will appear on your system for your
• 003®
interface and other Avid interfaces (such as
• 003 Rack
Eleven Rack). This lets you have a friend bring
• 003 Rack+ their Eleven Rack or other audio interface over
• Digi 002® to your studio and use it with your system right
• Digi 002 Rack away, without having to install additional soft-
• Mbox® 2 ware.
• Mbox 2 Mini
Pro Tools HD
• Mbox 2 Micro
Pro Tools HD software only installs drivers for
For Mbox 2 Pro systems, see Part 2, your Pro Tools HD hardware. You can add driv-
“Mbox 2 Pro Audio Drivers.” ers for Eleven Rack and other interfaces by
downloading their installers from our website
The original Mbox is not supported (www.avid.com).
by Mbox family audio drivers.

Chapter 1:: Introduction 3

 Standalone Installers for Audio Drivers Driver Installers for Pro Tools LE Interfaces

Standalone driver installers for your interface (Excluding Mbox 2 Pro)

are available on our website (www.avid.com). For Pro Tools LE interfaces (excluding
Download these installers and install the drivers Mbox 2 Pro), go to our website (www.avid.com)
if you want to do any of the following: and download the Avid Audio Drivers Setup in-
• If you want to use your interface with a staller.
supported software application (such as
iTunes) but do not want to install and use These audio drivers are not compatible
Pro Tools on your computer. with Pro Tools LE versions lower than
8.0.4. If you are running Pro Tools LE
– or –
8.0.3 or lower, do not use these drivers.
• If you want to update to a newer version of
Instead, use the drivers that came with
the driver for your interface. Avid routinely
your Pro Tools Installer disc.
provides new drivers online to improve
your interface’s capabilities for with Driver Installers for Pro Tools HD
Pro Tools and other supported software
applications. For example, to support new For Pro Tools HD systems, go to our website
or updated OS (operating system) versions, (www.avid.com) and download the standalone
new interfaces, or to improve the perfor- installers for the Digidesign ASIO Driver and/or
mance between your interface and the Digidesign WaveDriver. Versions of these
software. drivers are installed automatically when you
install Pro Tools 8.0.4.

System Requirements and

Compatibility
Avid can only assure compatibility and provide
support for hardware and software it has tested
and approved.

For complete system requirements and a list of

qualified computers, operating systems, hard
drives, and third-party devices, visit:
www.avid.com/compatibility

4 Windows Audio Drivers Guide

Conventions Used in This About www.avid.com
Guide The Avid website (www.avid.com) is your best
All of our guides use the following conventions online source for information to help you get
to indicate menu choices and key commands: the most out of your Pro Tools system. The fol-
:
lowing are just a few of the services and features
Convention Action available.

File > Save Choose Save from the Product Registration Register your purchase
File menu online.
Control+N Hold down the Control key
Support and Downloads Contact Avid Customer
and press the N key
Success (technical support); download software
Control-click Hold down the Control key updates and the latest online manuals; browse
and click the mouse button the Compatibility documents for system re-
Right-click Click with the right quirements; search the online Knowledge Base
mouse button or join the worldwide Pro Tools community on
the User Conference.
The names of Commands, Options, and Settings
that appear on-screen are in a different font. Training and Education Study on your own using
courses available online or find out how you can
The following symbols are used to highlight learn in a classroom setting at a certified
important information: Pro Tools training center.

User Tips are helpful hints for getting the Products and Developers Learn about Avid
most from your system. products; download demo software or learn
about our Development Partners and their plug-
ins, applications, and hardware.
Important Notices include information that
could affect your data or the performance of News and Events Get the latest news from Avid
your system. or sign up for a Pro Tools demo.

Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or

mouse shortcuts.

Cross References point to related sections in

this guide and other Pro Tools guides.

Chapter 1:: Introduction 5

Chapter 2: Avid Audio Drivers

The Avid Audio Drivers are multi-client, multi- Avid Audio Drivers provide up to 18 channels of
channel sound drivers that allow third-party au- input and output, depending on your interface:
dio programs that support the ASIO Driver or
Mbox Family
WaveDriver MME/DirectX (Multimedia Exten-
sion) standards to record and play back through • Up to 8 channels of I/O with Avid Mbox Pro
qualified Pro Tools audio interfaces. • Up to 4 channels of input and 2 channels of
output with Mbox 2 and Avid Mbox
Full-duplex playback of 24- and 16-bit audio are
supported at sample rates up to 96 kHz, depend- • Up to 2 channels of I/O with Mbox 2 Mini and
ing on your Avid hardware and third-party pro- Avid Mbox Mini
gram used. • 2 channels of output with Mbox 2 Micro and
Avid Mbox Micro
Multi-client support lets more applications uti-
lize Pro Tools hardware in more combinations. 003 Family
These drivers also provide user-selectable Error
• Up to 18 channels of I/O with 003, 003 Rack,
Suppression, for greater flexibility when opti-
and 003 Rack+, Digi 002, and Digi 002 Rack
mizing performance on slower or older systems.
Eleven Rack
• Up to 8 channels of input and 6 channels of
Avid Audio Driver Capabilities output with Eleven Rack

Avid Audio Drivers can be used with the follow-

ing Pro Tools hardware: Limitations of the Pro Tools Audio
• Avid Mbox Drivers
• Avid Mbox Mini Pro Tools Audio Drivers cannot be used with
• Avid Mbox Micro Pro Tools LE versions prior to 8.0.4 (this in-
• Avid Mbox Pro cludes Pro Tools 8.0.3 and any CS releases). Only
install these drivers on systems that do not have
• Eleven Rack
Pro Tools installed, unless it is Pro Tools version
• 003, 003 Rack, and 003 Rack+
8.0.4 or later.
• Digi 002 and Digi 002 Rack
• Mbox 2 For the latest third-party drivers for
• Mbox 2 Mini Pro Tools hardware, as well as any known
issues, visit www.avid.com/compatibility.
• Mbox 2 Micro

Chapter 2:: Avid Audio Drivers 7

 ASIO Settings
Audio Driver Control Panel
When the chosen Driver Type is ASIO, your de-
Configuring Driver settings can be done within vice becomes selected as the current Audio De-
some third-party ASIO-compatible client appli- vice (or other device), and settings appear for
cations. you to configure your hardware. Available set-
tings vary depending on the client application.
Accessing the Pro Tools Audio
Driver Settings

To access the ASIO Driver Control Panel from a

third-party application:
„ Refer to your program’s documentation.
ASIO settings in Ableton Live
For example, with Ableton Live, choose Options
> Preferences, then click the Audio button. Use Using the ASIO Control Panel
the “Driver Type” or “Host” (or other) selector
to choose MME or ASIO, then configure the From the Driver Control Panel, you can change
available parameters as needed. the Buffer Size and Clock Source settings for
your hardware.

Audio setup in Ableton Live

ASIO Control Panel

Buffer Size

You may select from the following buffer sizes

(depending on your hardware):
• 128 samples
• 256 samples
• 512 samples
• 1024 samples
• 2048 samples

Audio setup in Audacity

8 Windows Audio Drivers Guide

‹ Small buffers have the advantage of low la- MME Settings
tency in the record monitor path. (Latency is
the time delay between a signal entering the au- When the chosen Driver Type is MME/DirectX,
dio inputs and leaving the outputs during re- your device is selected as the current Audio De-
cording.) vice (or other), and settings appear for you to
configure your hardware. Available settings vary
‹ Larger buffers have the advantage of making
depending on the client application.
the ASIO Driver more immune to audio drop-
outs during playback and recording.

In some ASIO-compatible audio programs, per-

forming various tasks will interrupt the ASIO
Driver and may result in clicks and pops in au-
dio playback or recording. Choosing medium or
large buffers (such as 256, 512, or 1024) can help MME/DirectX settings in Ableton Live
alleviate this problem.
Use the MME driver to let third-party audio pro-
Changing the Buffer Size for the Driver does not grams that support the WaveDriver MME (Mul-
affect the H/W Buffer Size settings in the timedia Extensions) standard to play back
Pro Tools Playback Engine dialog. through qualified Pro Tools audio interfaces on
Windows.
For more information on the Hardware
Setup dialog, see the User Guide or Setup Playback of 24- and 16-bit audio is supported at
Guide that came with your system. sample rates up to 48 kHz, depending on your
Pro Tools hardware and client application. The
Clock Source MME driver provides 2 channels of output on all
systems.
Clock Source lets you choose Internal or S/PDIF
(as available on your hardware). Use S/PDIF to
clock your hardware when recording into
Pro Tools from an external digital source
through S/PDIF.

For more information on setting the Clock

Source, see the User Guide or Setup Guide
that came with your system.

Chapter 2:: Avid Audio Drivers 9

Chapter 3: Digidesign ASIO Driver
(Pro Tools HD Only)

Digidesign ASIO Driver ASIO Driver Control Panel

Capabilities Configuring ASIO Driver settings can be done
The Digidesign ASIO Driver is a single-client, using the Digidesign ASIO Control Panel, which
multichannel sound driver that allows third- is accessed within some third-party ASIO-com-
party audio programs that support the ASIO patible client applications.
Driver standard to record and play back through
qualified Pro Tools audio interfaces. Accessing the Digidesign ASIO
Full-duplex playback of 24- and 16-bit audio are Driver Control Panel
supported at sample rates up to 96 kHz, depend-
To access the Digidesign ASIO Driver Control
ing on your hardware and ASIO program used.
Panel from a third-party application:
The Digidesign ASIO Driver provides up to 8 „ Refer to your program’s documentation.
channels of input and output, depending on
your Pro Tools hardware: For example, with Propellerhead Reason, click
• Up to 8 channels of I/O with Pro Tools HD the Control Panel button.

For the latest drivers for Pro Tools hard-

ware, visit www.avid.com/compatibility.

Limitations
The ASIO Driver cannot be used with multiple
applications at the same time. Only one applica-
tion at a time can use the ASIO Driver. Be sure to
disable the Windows system sounds. It is also
recommended that you use a separate sound
card for games or other general work.

Chapter 3:: Digidesign ASIO Driver (Pro Tools HD Only) 11

 Using the ASIO Driver Control
Panel
From the ASIO Driver Control Panel, you can
change the Buffer Size setting or access the Hard-
ware Setup dialog for your hardware.

Control
Panel button

Digidesign ASIO Control Panel

Setup Example, using Propellerhead Reason
Buffer Size
The Digidesign ASIO Driver Control Panel can-
not be accessed under the following circum- You may select from the following buffer sizes
stances: (depending on your hardware):
• When Pro Tools is running. • 128 samples
• When playing or recording in an audio • 256 samples
program that does not support the ASIO • 512 samples
Driver. • 1024 samples
• When using a third-party audio program • 2048 samples
that has an option to keep the ASIO Driver
‹ Small buffers have the advantage of low la-
open even when you are not playing or re-
tency in the record monitor path. (Latency is
cording. (You must close the audio pro-
the time delay between a signal entering the au-
gram before you can open the ASIO Driver
dio inputs and leaving the outputs during re-
Control Panel.)
cording.)
‹ Larger buffers have the advantage of making
the Digidesign ASIO Driver more immune to au-
dio dropouts during playback and recording.

In some ASIO-compatible audio programs, per-

forming various tasks will interrupt the ASIO
Driver and may result in clicks and pops in au-
dio playback or recording. Choosing medium or
large buffers (such as 256, 512, or 1024) can help
alleviate this problem.

12 Windows Audio Drivers Guide

Changing the Buffer Size for the Driver does not
affect the H/W Buffer Size settings in the
Pro Tools Playback Engine dialog.

Device
The Device Type will always be set to your in-
stalled Pro Tools hardware.

Advanced Button
The Advanced button opens the Hardware Setup
dialog for the hardware that you are using.

For more information on the Hardware

Setup dialog, refer to the User Guide or
Setup Guide that came with your system.

Chapter 3:: Digidesign ASIO Driver (Pro Tools HD Only) 13

Chapter 4: WaveDriver Windows
System Audio Driver (Pro Tools HD Only)

Limitations
WaveDriver Capabilities
WaveDriver is not multi-client. Only one appli-
The Digidesign WaveDriver Windows System cation at a time can use the WaveDriver. It is
Audio Driver is a single-client, multichannel also recommended that you use a separate
sound driver that lets third-party audio pro- sound card for games or other general work. For
grams that support the WaveDriver MME (Mul- third-party software synthesizers and samplers,
timedia Extensions) standard play back through or for any applications requiring full duplex in-
qualified Pro Tools interfaces on Windows. put and output use the Digidesign ASIO Driver.
Refer to Chapter 3, “Digidesign ASIO Driver
Playback of 24- and 16-bit audio are supported
(Pro Tools HD Only).”
at sample rates up to 48 kHz, depending on your
Pro Tools hardware and WaveDriver client ap- For the latest third-party drivers for
plication. The Digidesign WaveDriver provides Pro Tools hardware, as well as any known
2 channels of output on all systems. issues, visit www.avid.com/compatibility.
The Digidesign WaveDriver Window System
Audio Driver supports all qualified Pro Tools HD
interfaces.

Chapter 4:: WaveDriver Windows System Audio Driver (Pro Tools HD Only) 15
 Configuring WaveDriver for Configuring WaveDriver for
Using iTunes Windows Media Player and
In order to let iTunes for Windows play back
Other Programs
through Pro Tools hardware under On Windows XP, the WaveDriver is configured
Windows XP, you must select the waveOut op- in the Sounds and Audio Devices Control Panel
tion in the QuickTime Player Audio settings. (for programs that use the Windows Sound Play-
back Default Device, such as Windows Media
The same basic steps apply for other Windows
Player), or as a preference in third-party Wave-
operating systems.
Driver client applications.

To configure WaveDriver as the iTunes default The same basic steps apply for other Windows
device: operating systems.
1 Close all WaveDriver third-party applications
(including iTunes). To configure WaveDriver as the Windows Sound
Playback Default Device:
2 Choose Start > Programs > QuickTime >
1 Choose Start > Control Panel.
QuickTime Player.
2 Double-click Sounds and Audio Devices.
3 In QuickTime Player, choose Edit > Prefer-
ences > QuickTime Preferences.

4 In the QuickTime Settings window, click the

Audio Tab.

5 Select the “Safe mode (waveOut only)” op-

tion, and click Apply.

6 Click OK to close the QuickTime Settings win-

dow.

7 Exit QuickTime Player.

8 Re-launch iTunes.

You may also need to add iTunes to the

WaveDriver Application Access list. See
“Adding Third Party Applications to the
Application Access List” on page 17.
Sounds and Audio Devices Control Panel

3 Click the Audio tab.

4 Select the Pro Tools hardware in the Sound

Playback default device lists.

5 Close the Control Panel.

16 Windows Audio Drivers Guide

When you run Windows Media Player, it auto-
matically outputs to your hardware. Adding Third Party
Applications to the
You may also need to add your third party
Application Access List
WaveDriver application to the WaveDriver
Application Access list. See “Adding Third The Digidesign WaveDriver uses an Application
Party Applications to the Application Ac- Access list to control third party application ac-
cess List” on page 17. cess to the Pro Tools hardware. Some third party
audio applications may not work with the
To configure WaveDriver for a third party WaveDriver unless they are included in this list.
WaveDriver application:
„ In the third-party application, select the For the latest instructions for adding and remov-
Pro Tools hardware as the preference for your ing applications to the WaveDriver Application
playback hardware. For details on setting this Access list, refer to the KnowledgeBase on our
preference, refer to your program’s documenta- website (www.avid.com)
tion.
Modifying the Digidesign WaveDriver Ap-
plication Access list requires editing the
Windows System Registry. Because editing
the Windows Registry can result in prob-
lems if not done correctly, make sure to
carefully follow the instructions for adding
and removing applications.

Chapter 4:: WaveDriver Windows System Audio Driver (Pro Tools HD Only) 17
Part 2: Mbox 2 Pro Audio Drivers

19
Chapter 5: Introduction (Mbox 2 Pro Only)

Standalone Digidesign Windows Audio

Introduction Drivers
The Digidesign ASIO Driver and DirectSound Digidesign Windows Audio Drivers can be in-
Driver let you use your Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro stalled on Windows systems that do not have
hardware interface with third-party applications Pro Tools installed. Use the standalone version
that support the ASIO Driver or DirectSound of the Digidesign Windows Audio Drivers in-
Driver standard. staller (Digidesign Audio Drivers Setup.exe),
which is available from the Support and Down-
This chapter provides information on the
loads area of our website (www.avid.com).
Mbox 2 Pro Control Panel, which can be used to
configure either Mbox 2 Pro driver.

For specifications and additional configura- System Requirements and

tion information specific to each Mbox 2
Pro driver, see Chapter 3, “Digidesign ASIO
Compatibility
Driver (Pro Tools HD Only)” and The Digidesign ASIO Driver and DirectSound
Chapter 7, “DirectSound Windows System Driver can be used with Mbox 2 Pro on
Audio Driver (Mbox 2 Pro Only).” Pro Tools systems running on a qualified ver-
sion of Windows 7, Windows XP and
Installation Windows Vista.

The Digidesign ASIO Driver and DirectSound Avid can only assure compatibility and provide
Driver for Mbox 2 Pro are automatically in- support for hardware and software it has tested
stalled when you install Pro Tools. and approved.

For instructions on installing Pro Tools, For complete system requirements and a list of
see the User Guide or Setup Guide that qualified computers, operating systems, hard
came with your system. drives, and third-party devices, visit:
www.avid.com/compatibility

Chapter 5:: Introduction (Mbox 2 Pro Only) 21

 To access the Mbox 2 Pro from a third-party
Mbox 2 Pro Driver application:
Control Panel „ Refer to your program’s documentation.
Configuring ASIO Driver or DirectSound set- For example, with Propellerhead Reason, click
tings can be done using the Mbox 2 Control the Control Panel button.
Panel, or within some third-party ASIO-compat-
ible or DirectSound-compatible client applica-
tions.

For additional configuration information

specific to each driver, see Chapter 3,
“Digidesign ASIO Driver (Pro Tools HD
Only)” and Chapter 7, “DirectSound Win-
dows System Audio Driver (Mbox 2 Pro
Only).”

Accessing the Mbox 2 Pro Control Control

Panel Panel button

The Mbox 2 Pro Control Panel can be accessed

without opening a third-party application (from
the Windows Control Panel folder), or from Setup Example, using Propellerhead Reason
within some third-party programs.
No Hardware Detected Dialog
To access the Mbox 2 Pro control panel without If your hardware is not connected or cannot be
opening a third-party application: detected, the No Hardware Detected dialog will
„ Choose Start > Control Panel > Digidesign
open instead of the Mbox 2 Pro Control Panel.
Mbox 2 Pro.

No Hardware Detected dialog

Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro Control Panel

In this case, click OK, then check the FireWire
(1394) connection between the computer and
Mbox 2 Pro. If reconnecting the cable does not
correct the problem, check that you have in-
stalled Pro Tools correctly.

22 Windows Audio Drivers Guide

Using the Mbox 2 Pro Device Properties Section
Control Panel
Clock Source
Use the Mbox 2 Pro Control Panel to identify
your Digidesign hardware, check firmware, view This pop-up menu lets you choose the clock
or change the Clock Source, and enable S/PDIF source for Mbox 2 Pro:
mirroring of analog outputs 1 and 2.
Internal Use this setting for normal playback of
audio, or if you are recording audio through the
analog inputs.

S/PDIF Use this setting if you are recording au-

dio through the S/PDIF input.

S/PDIF input is only available when S/PDIF

is the Clock Source.
Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro Control Panel
Word Clock Use this setting to clock Pro Tools to
The ASIO Driver and DirectSound Driver use the a Word clock source connected to the Mbox 2
same Mbox 2 Pro Control Panel. Pro Word Clock In port.

Changing the Clock Source in the Mbox 2

S/PDIF Output Mirroring
Pro Control Panel will not dynamically up-
date the setting in the Pro Tools Hardware Check this box to set the S/PDIF output chan-
Setup or Session Setup window if it is open. nels to always mirror analog outputs 1 and 2.
The Pro Tools Hardware Setup and Session
Setup window will update when you close
and reopen them.

Device Information Section

This area shows the hardware (Mbox 2 Pro) de-
tected by the Control Panel, the firmware ver-
sion of your Mbox 2 Pro, and other informa-
tion.

Chapter 5:: Introduction (Mbox 2 Pro Only) 23

Chapter 6: Digidesign ASIO Driver
(Mbox 2 Pro Only)

Introduction ASIO Driver Control Panel

The Digidesign ASIO Driver is a single-client, On Windows XP, configuring ASIO Driver set-
multichannel sound driver that allows third- tings can be done using the Digidesign ASIO
party audio programs that support the ASIO Control Panel, which is accessed within some
Driver standard to record and play back through third-party ASIO-compatible client applications.
your Mbox 2 Pro.
The same basic steps apply for other Windows
Full-duplex playback of 24- and 16-bit audio are operating systems.
supported at sample rates up to 96 kHz, depend-
ing on third party program used.
Accessing the Digidesign ASIO
The Digidesign ASIO Driver will provide up to 4 Driver Control Panel
channels of input and 2 channels of output with
Mbox 2 Pro. To access the Digidesign ASIO Driver Control
Panel from a third-party application:
For the latest third-party drivers for „ Refer to your program’s documentation.
Pro Tools hardware, as well as any known
issues, visit www.avid.com/compatibility. For example, with Propellerhead Reason, click
the Control Panel button.
Limitations of the Digidesign ASIO
Driver
The ASIO Driver cannot be used with multiple
applications at the same time. Only one applica-
tion at a time can use the ASIO Driver. Be sure to
disable the Windows system sounds. It is also
recommended that you use a separate sound
card for games or other general work.

Chapter 6:: Digidesign ASIO Driver (Mbox 2 Pro Only) 25

 Using the ASIO Driver Control
Panel
From the ASIO Driver Control Panel, you can
change the Buffer Size setting or access the Hard-
ware Setup dialog for your Digidesign hardware.

Control
Panel button

Digidesign ASIO Control Panel

Setup Example, using Propellerhead Reason
Buffer Size
The Digidesign ASIO Driver Control Panel can-
not be accessed under the following circum- You may select from the following buffer sizes
stances: (depending on your hardware):
• When Pro Tools is running. • 128 samples
• When playing or recording in an audio • 256 samples
program that does not support the ASIO • 512 samples
Driver. • 1024 samples
• When using a third-party audio program • 2048 samples
that has an option to keep the ASIO Driver
‹ Small buffers have the advantage of low la-
open even when you are not playing or re-
tency in the record monitor path. (Latency is
cording. (You must close the audio pro-
the time delay between a signal entering the au-
gram before you can open the ASIO Driver
dio inputs and leaving the outputs during re-
Control Panel.)
cording.)
‹ Larger buffers have the advantage of making
the Digidesign ASIO Driver more immune to au-
dio dropouts during playback and recording.

In some ASIO-compatible audio programs, per-

forming various tasks will interrupt the ASIO
Driver and may result in clicks and pops in au-
dio playback or recording. Choosing medium or
large buffers (such as 256, 512, or 1024) can help
alleviate this problem.

26 Windows Audio Drivers Guide

Changing the Buffer Size for the Digidesign
ASIO Driver does not affect the H/W Buffer Size
settings in the Pro Tools Playback Engine dialog.

Device
The Device Type will always be set to your in-
stalled Pro Tools hardware.

Advanced Button
The Advanced button opens the Hardware Setup
dialog for the hardware that you are using.

For more information on the Hardware

Setup dialog, refer to the User Guide or
Setup Guide that came with your system.

Chapter 6:: Digidesign ASIO Driver (Mbox 2 Pro Only) 27

Chapter 7: DirectSound Windows
System Audio Driver (Mbox 2 Pro Only)

Introduction Configuring DirectSound

The DirectSound Windows System Audio Driver
Driver Settings
is a multi-client, multichannel sound driver that On Windows XP, configuring DirectSound set-
allows third-party audio programs that support tings can be done using the Mbox 2 Pro Control
the DirectSound standard to play back and re- Panel, or within most third-party DirectSound-
cord through Mbox 2 Pro. compatible client applications.

Playback and recording of 24- and 16-bit audio The same basic steps apply for other Windows
are supported at sample rates up to 96 kHz, de- operating systems.
pending on your DirectSound client applica-
tion. For information on the Mbox 2 Pro Control
Panel, see “Mbox 2 Pro Driver
The DirectSound Driver provides up to 6 chan- Control Panel” on page 22.
nels of input and 8 channels of output with
Mbox 2 Pro systems. Some third-party applications require additional
configuration step (such as iTunes). See “Config-
For the latest third-party drivers for uring DirectSound Driver for Using iTunes” on
Pro Tools hardware, as well as any known page 30 and “Configuring DirectSound Driver
issues, visit www.avid.com/compatibility. for Windows Media Player and Other Programs”
on page 30.

For more information on configuring your

program, refer to its documentation.

Chapter 7:: DirectSound Windows System Audio Driver (Mbox 2 Pro Only) 29
 To configure DirectSound Driver as the Windows
Configuring DirectSound Sound Playback Default Device:
Driver for Using iTunes 1 Choose Start > Control Panel.

In order to let iTunes for Windows play back 2 Double-click Sounds and Audio Devices.
through Pro Tools hardware, you must select the
waveOut option in the QuickTime Player Audio
settings.

To configure DirectSound Driver as the iTunes

default device:
1 Close all DirectSound Driver third-party appli-
cations (including iTunes).

2 Choose Start > Programs > QuickTime >

QuickTime Player.

3 In QuickTime Player, choose Edit > Prefer-

ences > QuickTime Preferences.

4 In the QuickTime Preferences window, click

the Audio Tab.

5 Select the “Safe mode (waveOut only)” op- Sounds and Audio Devices Control Panel
tion, and click Apply.
3 Click the Audio tab.
6 Click OK to close the QuickTime Settings win-
4 Select the Pro Tools hardware in the Sound
dow.
Playback default device lists.
7 Exit QuickTime Player.
5 Close the Control Panel.
8 Re-launch iTunes.
When you run Windows Media Player, it auto-
matically outputs to your Digidesign hardware.

Configuring DirectSound To configure DirectSound Driver for a third-party

Driver for Windows Media DirectSound Driver application:
Player and Other Programs „ In the third-party application, select the

The DirectSound Driver is configured in the Pro Tools hardware as the preference for your
Sounds and Audio Devices Control Panel (for playback hardware. For details on setting this
programs that use the Windows Sound Playback preference, refer to your program’s documenta-
Default Device, such as Windows Media Player), tion.
or as a preference in third-party DirectSound
Driver client applications.

30 Windows Audio Drivers Guide