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The eight faders are motorised.

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In summer 2006, Digidesign released version 2 of their popular M-Box audio hardware. This release was followed just a couple of months later by the M-Box 2 Pro, which increased audio I/O and shifted the device up a gear from a USB to a FireWire connection. Then at the start of 2007, a mini version turned up, allowing users to get their hands on a Pro Tools LE system at a breakthrough low price. All the while, Digidesign 002 users were left wondering when their hardware of choice would receive the inevitable revamp - and in spring 2007 it happened.

The Digi 002 was seen very much as the semi-pro Pro Tools LE solution, enabling effortless integration with the software via high-quality mic pres, extensive audio and MIDI I/O options and (in the case of the desktop version) comprehensive, hands-on control over the software. But the continuous march of technology, alongside the clamouring of Digi 002 users offering advice for future incarnations, means that a sleek new product arrived to replace this industry stalwart.

As with previous Digis, the 003 offers itself in two hardware forms but this time as three potential packages. Firstly, it’s available as the 003 Factory, which combines a desktop control module and interface with a bundled suite of software. Alternatively, you can purchase a rack version, with or without the Factory software pack. For the purposes of this review, it’s the desktop module we’ll be concentrating on.

FireWire

In case you’re a Digi newbie, here’s an overview of what the 003 is all about. It’s a FireWire-based audio interface, featuring 18 simultaneous channels of input/output. It has eight analogue ins and outs, four freshly redesigned mic pres with independent gain and high-pass filter switches, with digital I/O options via S/PDIF and ADAT, plus MIDI control (more on that in a moment). All of the above applies whether you choose the Digi 003 or its rack equivalent. But if you opt for the desktop version you also get a panel full of controllers - faders, knobs and switches that allow you to operate the bundled Pro Tools LE software that the 003 is principally designed to drive (although this new version has some tricks up its sleeve for third-party software too).

Aesthetically, the 003 is a much better looking box than its predecessor. The slightly brooding, dark grey livery has been replaced by a more beige and cream design, and - in case you’re thinking that sounds a bit safe - rest assured that it all makes for far easier reading and operating. People tend to be split on this: does the design matter, as it’s not exactly going to be audible on the music you produce? But such things do make a difference to working practice. After all, you’re going to spend hours with this in your studio and you don’t want to spend them frustrated by design or squinting at illegible print.

While the 002 didn’t suffer either of these problems too extremely, the 003 is certainly easier on the eye. Despite the sleek exterior, the top panel is actually busier than on the 002, because of some functions that have been added at the interface stage itself. Digidesign have concentrated their efforts on trying to make it easier to do more from the interface, hence the extra buttons. There’s a further design improvement at the top of the unit’s front panel too, as the Digi 002’s short LCD windows (which appeared above each channel strip), have been replaced by one long, continuous pane. This inclines towards the front, is much easier to read and actually does a decent job as a kind of administrative meter bridge.