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M-Audio Black Box Amps, Effects, and Recording | 
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| Brand: M-Audio
Category: Musical Instruments
List Price: $329.99
Buy New: $135.00
You Save: $194.99 (59%)
New (4) from $135.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  5 reviews
Sales Rank: 4674
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 12.7 x 12 x 2.9
The Black Box is the first creative tool for guitarists that combines amp modeling, powerful beat-synced effects and drum tracks with an audio interface for computer-based recording. The Black Box can be used as a stand-alone amp-modeling and effects unit featuring spot-on models of 12 of the greatest guitar amps of all time. 99 built-in drum patterns with tap tempo make it easy to try out different grooves and tempos. The Black Box also incorporates tons of inspiring unique effects that automatically beat-sync to your drum patterns. A built-in microphone preamp is also included for recording and processing vocals and acoustic instruments. One simple USB connection sends your output to your favorite computer-based recording software and syncs the Black Box drums and effects to your tracks. The Black Box gives you killer tone, groundbreaking effects, huge beats and easy recording all in a single, easy-to-use package.
MPN: 9900-40772-00
Model: 9900-40772-00
UPC: 612391460204
EAN: 0612391460204
ASIN: B00083CZDO
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | 12 of the most realistic virtual amp models anywhere | | • | 43 beat-synced effects | | • | 99 drum patterns and built-in guitar tuner | | • | Effects and drum machine sync to tap tempo or external MIDI clock | | • | Built-in USB audio interface with S/PDIF out (24-bit/441kHz) |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The Black Box is the first creative tool for guitarists that combines amp modeling, powerful beat-synced effects and a drum machine with an audio interface for computer-based recording. Based on AdrenaLinn II technology, it can be used as a stand-alone amp-modeling and effects unit featuring spot-on models of 12 of the greatest guitar amps of all time. It also incorporates tons of inspiring unique effects that automatically beat-sync to any of its 99 drum patterns. A built-in microphone preamp is included for recording and processing vocals and acoustic instruments. USB connection sends your output to your favorite computer-based recording software. The Black Box gives you killer tone, groundbreaking effects, huge beats and easy recording all in a single, easy-to-use package. 99 factory presets, 99 user presets Built-in USB audio interface (24-bit/44.1kHz) Guitar preamp (1/4 TS input), microphone preamp (XLR input), 1/4 headphone jack Balanced outputs (1/4 TRS) S/PDIF digital output (24-bit/44.1kHz) Integral tuner LCD and multi-function rotary encoders 9V AC power supply connection Kensington lock slot Includes special edition of Ableton Live software System requirements - Windows - Pentium III - 500 MHz or higher, 128 MB RAM, Windows XP (SP2) with DirectX 9.0c or higher, Onboard USB connection or installed USB-PCI interface card System requirements - Mac - G3/G4 500 MHz or higher, OS X 10.3.5 or later, 512 MB RAM, Onboard USB connection or installed USB-PCI interface card (G3/G4 accelerator cards not supported) Compatibility - WDM, ASIO, Core Audio The unit has minimal functionality as a class-compliant device with Windows XP and Mac OS 10.3.5
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| Customer Reviews:
 Adequate, But No Editing Software -- Poor Documentation August 20, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've been using digital modelers and multi-effects since they first became available. I had high expectations for this unit, but have been disappointed.
In its favor, this device easily takes the "Reloaded" firmware upgrade from M-Audio that provides many new features, models and effects, but I was astonished to discover that this device does not come with editing software.
Most naive users are unaware that the presets that come with modelers are just somewhat overstated "demo" settings that the user can use as points of departure in editing his own presets that work for his purposes with his equipment. Because of the complexity of these settings, almost all serious modelers come with computer preset editing software that allows accessing these settings in a clear, organized and simplified manner. The quality of this software is make-or-break for a modeler's usefulness to a serious user -- it has to not only work, but be well-organized and visually ergonomic. Without it, one has to access the editing by very obscure and complicated levels of coded button manipulation in the unit. This is all but impossible on most modelers.
Incredibly, the Black Box has NO editing software. To make matters worse, the documentation concerning programming is very disorganized and incomplete.
This lack of programming support robs the unit of at least 80% of its potential usefulness to serious users and is responsible for the Black Box's failure in the marketplace. It is now discontinued, but large numbers of back inventory are still being sold at deep discount.
 Really a cool littlle processor! February 10, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Alright, I wanted to get things straight here. This thing is really a well thought out piece. The quality is a bit of an issue but think it is minimal in the overall ownership of the product. I.E. the pedal broke very easily, not for the aggresive player, but was replaced and actually have two pedals cause I fixed the old one. Other quality issues would be that I am not sure they spent enough time programming the volumes of effects between the different settings. This is why it "appears" to be not user friendly. Once you get over that and just really start playing with it it becomes incredibly versatile. Keep in mind here that I have not even hooked this thing to my computer. I feel it is a really good thing to jam with since it gives you soooo much flex with your effects options. It is totally a digital sound but the way Linn has developed its sound, it is really smooth to play with. It gives the average player a great platform to create sounds by giving 100 presets and 100 user storage banks. I have tailored sound to different songs, bands, etc. and stored them for easy access through the use of the external pedal. Highly recommended to someone on a budget, who wants a tool that will work for a long time. Great for solo jamming with the drum machine, take it with to jam with friends as you can store and literally pak it in a lunchbox (with all your settings), can easly be adapted for great stage performance, and has a whole world of usb recording options that I have still to discover. Highly recommended product due to the fact that there is so much packed into this little black box!!.
Great box, easy to use, parts very hard to get February 2, 2008
I've had the Black Box for a while. I find it pretty easy to use, and the range of effects is really impressive. There was no problem doing the update on Mac OS X. It works fine with GarageBand and Logic, as well as many other programs. It is true, I found that it does inspire creativity and inspiration, I never knew a box could get that many sounds out of my guitars. Very nice.
On the other hand, my AC adapter broke. Usually this is not a big deal, but M-Audio has you on this one - they are virtually the only place to get a replacement that you can be sure will work, and the replacement will set you back $24.99. I have the pedal, and it works, but the functionality is far less than I expected. There's very little ability to switch between a wide range of sounds. I would have paid more for a pedal with more functions. Maybe next time they can even offer a FireWire version that gets its power from the computer, so the AC Adapter is no longer an issue in those circumstances, and then I would not have to wait for a part that is on backorder.
So in summary, while they did a rocking great job on the guitar sounds and effects and amps, with works fine with my Mac, I would recommend that their next version use a regular power adapter so I don't have to go searching all over the internet if mine breaks, and put in a pedal with a lot more features. I searched for a pedal that might have what I want, but did not find anything.
Russ Conte, Forest Park, Illinois
Black Box > great jamming piece December 4, 2007
For me the black box did not have as steep a learning curve as indicated in the previous review -> but agreed it is a nerdy device. Of course there is the disadvantage that M-audio decided to offer many more amp models and loops -> by a _free_ firmware update. This reduces the user-friendliness since getting to the added functionality requires some tricks. However, if a problem one can go back to the original functionality set that matches the black box layout.
So getting to the box itself. It has amazing build quality, sound, and functionality. Good starting point. The knobs, buttons, and jacks seem solid enough and the display is easily readable and clear. It offers lots of distinctly different amplifier models and effects you can apply to your guitar. Great fun, great sound quality on ear-phones right out of the box, and great PC/MAC recording support via the USB interface.
M-audio offers great driver support for their products and Vista is supported already via beta drivers from the web-page. No problems with PC/Vista and Sonar Home Studio.
The Black Box offers a drum machine for jamming on the guitar. While many different sets and patterns are offered it would have been nice with a bit more functionality. However, this is clearly not a drum machine. This is the main point why I choose to give it "only" 4/5 stars.
There is a tuner there for the guitar and recording via microphone is also supported (mix and stand-alone). I did not test the quality of that mode so cannot review. Recording of the guitar offers great performance on the PC although some tweaking was done to avoid dropout (not issue of Black Box or drivers though).
This is a great and compact device for jamming and light recording. With the minimum-functionality drum support, it is very useful and inspiring for guitar players. It offers many great amp models and effects at very limited cost. M-audio supports their devices with drivers to Vista. How can you go wrong? It is not a master of user-friendlieness but learning curve is acceptable. A bit more drum-customization would have been needed for a pure 5/5 -> it is close.
Disappointed November 1, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
It is a nice piece of electronic. It has a lot of effect and functions but it is really really difficult to use. Also following the manual it is really difficult. Better get something else. I actually sold it on ebay one week later.
Disappointed.
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