Avid this week released several new products for Mac using musicians, including several pieces of hardware and a new software bundle. The Mbox family has been totally redesigned with a new look and several new hardware features. There are three models of Mbox hardware: Pro Tools Mbox Pro, Pro Tools Mbox and Pro Tools Mbox Mini.

The mid-range Mbox features up to 24-bit, 96 kHz sample rates; a soft-clip limiter lets you track hot signals without clipping; a built-in guitar tuner; 2 XLR mic/line combo inputs with 48 V phantom power; 2 1/4-inch DI inputs; 2 balanced 1/4-inch monitor outputs; 1 1/4-inch stereo headphone output with volume control; and more.

Avid's Pro Tools Mbox Pro

The top of the line Mbox Pro is capable of 24-bit, 192 kHz sample rates and has a soft-clip limiter; built-in guitar tuner; the ability to connect up to three pairs of monitors or do 5.1 surround mixing; 4 mic inputs with 48 V phantom power and high pass filter (2 XLR/DI combo, 2 XLR); 4 1/4-inch TRS line inputs; 2 unbalanced Alt line inputs (2 RCA, 1 mini 1/8-inch); 6 1/4-inch TRS balanced line outputs; 2 discrete 1/4-inch stereo headphone outputs with separate volume controls; Word clock I/O; and more.

The Mbox Mini features up to 24-bit, 48 kHz sample rates; 1 XLR mic/line combo input with 48 V phantom power; 2 1/4-inch instrument inputs (1 DI, 1 line/DI); 2 balanced 1/4-inch monitor outputs; 1 1/4-inch stereo headphone output; and more.

Of course, all of the Mbox audio interfaces are compatible with Pro Tools LE, but they are also compatible with other software DAWs like Logic, Live, Cubase and others.

Pro Tools SE is a new software package that is targeted to beginners. The software will be sold in one of three bundles with a hardware unit for guitarists, keyboard players and vocalists.

The bundles are the Avid KeyStudio, Avid Recording Studio and Avid Vocal Studio.

Pro Tools Mbox family pricing begins at $399 for the Pro Tools Mbox Mini, $679 for Pro Tools Mbox and $899 for the Pro Tools Mbox Pro. Pro Tools Mbox and Pro Tools Mbox Mini are available worldwide this month. Pro Tools Mbox Pro will be available worldwide in Q4.

Pro Tools SE bundles begin at $99.99 for Avid Vocal Studio, $119.99 for Avid Recording Studio and $129.99 for Avid KeyStudio and will be available in the US this month.