Mbox 2 Firmware and Driver Update Kit v1.38 (for Select PowerBook G4s Only)

We have identified a potential problem with some aluminum Apple PowerBook G4 models. These laptops may not provide sufficient power from one or both of their built-in USB ports.

Digidesign is providing a beta firmware and driver update to help counteract these issues. Only users experiencing a lack or loss of communication with Mbox 2 and a PowerBook G4 should use this update. If you do not have a PowerBook G4, there is no need to update your Mbox 2 firmware with this version.

To update your Mbox 2 firmware and driver from a Macintosh:

1) Quit all applications and connect your Mbox 2 to your computer.

2) Obtain the update kit: If your Mbox 2 came with Pro Tools 7.0 software, the Mbox 2 Firmware Updater is located on your Pro Tools 7.0 CD in the Additional Files\Unsupported Software folder. Otherwise, the firmware is available at the Digidesign Web site: (http://www.digidesign.com/download/mbox2).

3) Run the installer. This will install the updated drivers onto your computer, as well as place the Firmware Updater applica­tion on your desktop.

4) Restart your computer. Note that the Mbox 2 LEDs will not light up. This is normal and expected.

5) Go to Applications/System Preferences and launch the Mbox 2 Control Panel to verify that your Mbox 2 is connected. This may take up to 30 seconds.

6) Launch the Firmware Updater that was placed on your desktop to update the Mbox 2 firmware.

7) If you have multiple Macintosh machines, you will need to update the drivers on all your Macintosh machines: Repeat steps 1–5 for each additional Macintosh. You can skip step 6 because you only need to update the firmware once.


***Macintosh users that update to this firmware will not have their Mbox 2 recognized on a Windows-based PC unless they also update the Mbox 2 drivers on that Windows machine. To do this, proceed to the following steps. Note that you only need to do the following if you have updated your Mbox 2 firmware as above, and want to use your Mbox 2 on both a Macintosh and a Windows computer

To update your Mbox 2 drivers on a Windows PC:

1) Obtain the update kit: If your Mbox 2 came with Pro Tools 7.0 software, the Mbox 2 Firmware Updater is located on your Pro Tools 7.0 CD in the Additional Files\Unsupported Software folder. The firmware is also available at the Digidesign Web site: (http://www.digidesign.com/download/mbox2).

2) Run the installer. This will install the updated drivers onto your computer, as well as place the Firmware Updater applica­tion on your desktop. Note you will not need the Mbox 2 Firmware updater if you have updated your Mbox 2 firmware on previously on your Macintosh (using the steps above).

3) During installation, Windows will warn you of “unsigned device drivers.” Please click-through these warnings to assure that the firmware update can complete uninterrupted.

4) Restart your computer.
In all situations, please follow the Firmware Updater instructions closely to avoid damage to your Mbox 2.


For more information on this issue, please see the Mbox 2 Compatibility Information with PowerBook G4 page on the Digi­design Web site (http://www.digidesign.com/download/mbox2).
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