The Digidesign 002 is a great control surface in which will bring you into the Pro Tools world. The 002 comes with Pro Tools LE version 6.x. When you first see the 002, it looks like a control surface, however, it is also an interface that will allow you have 8 inputs into Pro Tools!
The 002 comes will four mic preamps. In addition, if you need more inputs and outputs you can add an additional eight I/O with an 8-channel mic preamp that has optical I/O. The eight faders are all motorized which will allow you to automate everything in Pro Tools. If you want to control any of the parameters from the plug in settings to pan you can do it all on the control surface without using the mouse! You also have a transport on the controller.
An added feature that brings this product into its own is the ability to you MIDI with it. It comes with a MIDI in and two MIDI out. This will allow you to add sequencing to Pro Tools. You will be able to control keyboards to sound modules. In addition, you will be able to write MIDI information in Pro Tools also.
Unlike like past Pro Tools systems, FireWire connects the 002 to your computer. FireWire gives you an easy way to connect the 002, unlike the older Digi 001 or TDM systems in which you have to install PCI cards into the computer. An added feature that does not get talked about is that you can use the controller as a standalone 8x4x2 digital mixer. It has built-in plug-ins that can be accessed from the board.
Overall, the 002 is a very clean and easy to use control surface in which you can control most of the options in Pro Tools. On the other hand, this will allow you to enter the world of professional digital audio workstation, which is used in the top studios around the world.