Pro Tools LE 7.4 with PowerBook G4 — Mbox 2/Mbox 2 Mini/Mbox 2 Micro


The following Apple PowerBook G4 computers are compatible (with exceptions listed), but have not been fully qualified with Pro Tools LE 7.4. Your performance and track count may vary depending on the processor speed. The information on this page applies only to these Digidesign Pro Tools LE interfaces:
  • Mbox 2
  • Mbox 2 Mini
  • Mbox 2 Micro
Both USB Ports Compatible with Mbox 2/Mbox 2 Mini/Mbox 2 Micro

These models support Mbox 2/Mbox 2 Mini phantom power:
  • PowerBook G4 1GHz - 12 Inch Display
  • PowerBook G4 1GHz - 17 Inch Display
  • PowerBook G4 1.33 GHz - 12 Inch Display
  • PowerBook G4 1.33GHz - 15 Inch Display
  • PowerBook G4 1.33GHz - 17 Inch Display
  • PowerBook G4 1.5GHz - 15 Inch Display
  • PowerBook G4 1.5GHz - 17 Inch Display
  • PowerBook G4 1.5GHz - 12 Inch Display
The PowerBook G4 1.67GHz models do NOT support Mbox 2/Mbox 2 Mini phantom power:
  • PowerBook G4 1.67GHz (1st Generation) - 15 Inch Display
  • PowerBook G4 1.67GHz (1st Generation) - 17 Inch Display
  • PowerBook G4 1.67GHz (Hi Res models) - 15 Inch Display
  • PowerBook G4 1.67GHz (Hi Res models) - 17 Inch Display
One USB Port Qualified with Mbox 2/Mbox 2 Mini

This varies from one individual PowerBook to another. This means that if the Mbox 2/Mbox 2 Mini/Mbox 2 Micro loses communication on one USB port, you should try it on the other USB port.

Not Supported: Failed Qualification
  • PowerBook G4 1.25GHz - 15 Inch Display
    Model M8981LL/A (FireWire 800)
    Introduction Date: September 16, 2003
    Discontinued Date: April 19, 2004
  • PowerBook G4 1GHz - 15 Inch Display
    Model M8980LL/A (FireWire 800; Aluminum case*)
    Introduction Date: September 16, 2003
    Discontinued Date: April 19, 2004
*Not Tested: Titanium case PowerBook G4 15" Firewire 400 model M8859LL/A (discontinued September 16, 2003)

Not Recommended
  • All PowerBook G4 models with processor speeds less than 1 GHz
Not Recommended
  • All models with processor speeds less than 1GHz
PowerBook G4 Specifications

Apple Website
Other Websites

Additional Requirements & Compatibility



Please see the following page for requirements with Pro Tools LE 7.4:
  • Pro Tools LE 7.4 for Mac OS X System Requirements
    • Pro Tools LE Audio Interface Compatibility
    • Mac OS X System Software Compatibility
    • RAM Requirements
    • Audio Record/Playback Drive Requirements
    • DV Tookit 2 & Music Production Toolkit Options — Maximum Track Count Information
    • Performance Guidelines
    • Known Issues

Additional Notes



Mbox 2 Firmware Update v1.38
We have identified a problem with some aluminum PowerBook G4 models that may not provide sufficient power from one or both of the built-in USB ports to establish or maintain communication with the Mbox 2, especially when phantom power is used. A beta Firmware Update for some PowerBook G4 models with this problem is available on the Pro Tools LE 7,x installation disk in the "Additional Files" folder and in the downloads area below.

Please Note: This Mbox 2 Firmware Update v1.38 may not solve this issue with all PowerBook models. If you have one of the supported PowerBook G4 models listed above, and you are still not able to use the Mbox 2 on either USB port, please Contact Digidesign Technical Support.

Mbox 2/Mbox 2 Mini Unit Should be Online Prior to Engaging Phantom Power
Phantom power should only be engaged after the Mbox 2/Mbox 2 Mini is connected and Pro Tools is launched. If phantom power is on when the Mbox 2/Mbox 2 Mini is first connected to the CPU, it may drop offline. So in these cases, the following steps are encouraged:
  • Connect the Mbox 2/Mbox 2 Mini to the USB port with PHANTOM POWER OFF
  • Launch Pro Tools
  • Connect any phantom-powered microphones
  • Turn phantom power on
These steps should keep the Mbox 2/Mbox 2 Mini online.

2005 G4 PowerBooks & Sudden Motion Sensor
Apple’s 2005 G4 PowerBooks incorporate a technology called "Sudden Motion Sensor" that detects when the system is being dropped or jarred. Apple has posted a support note that recommends turning off SMS if you see skipped frames when using video applications:
Aluminum PowerBook G4 Hi Res Battery Update
If you are using a PowerBook G4 15" Powerbook with an Mbox 2/Mbox 2 Mini and receiving -6101 errors, please make sure you have the latest battery update, available from Apple:
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