What's wrong with my set up OR should I get a new interface?

by **Gian** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 4:28 pm

I currently have a MacBook (OSX 10.5.6) with an original (mark 1) MOTU 828.

I have been using Cubase (very early version) and played with Garage Band, and just recently (few months ago) played with Reaper.

I usually go with the software updates that are suggested on the mac.

Having not recorded for a few months, early this week I plugged it all back in, only to discover that I could not hear any audio in the headphones.

If the DAW software was not running, I could hear audio (in the headphones) coming into the 828 from the mic, but when I started cubase or any of the other DAWs, the following problems occurred:

* could not listen to the recorded audio
* could not record as it was stuttering and rarely recording
* massive latency issues (like the marker that you see moving when you playback and record was getting stuck, then trying to catch up)

I got onto the MOTO site and downloaded the most recent drivers which are supposed to be compatible with the mark 1 of the 828.

It didn't fix the problem.

If I switch back to the built in mic on the laptop and the internal speakers, everything works like it should.

Any suggestions on what to try to fix the problem? OR

Is it time to replace the MOTU?

If it is time to replace the MOTU, what should I get?
I need at least 2 XLR inputs (more inputs would be nice - either XLR or phono so long as they are balanced)
A couple of outputs (balanced) for sends too.

If I go the digidesign route I get protools LE (theres the Mbox pro + etc, the 003 is probably more than I want to spend)

If I go another route, then what interface should I get?

I have nice (hardware) mic preamps, just need an interface (either firewire or usb - compatible with my macbook). Is the Firewire interface being phased out?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

by **no-fi** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 5:06 pm

maybe try the MOTU with another computer, if you can easily go to one with a firewire port.
Go visit a friend, or something..

that way you can see if it's the interface or the computer.

by **chris p** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 5:10 pm

Gian

FWIW I recently leapt from a MOTU 828 Mk1 to an Apogee Ensemble. 4 x XLR + 4 x TRS + 8 x ADAT + 2 x SPDIF. No regrets at all, and works well with Intel Macs.

If you go with the upgrade option, I really do suggest this as the way to go unless you want to go for the $4k and up sort of converters. Its plug and play right out of the box.

by **Gian** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 5:26 pm

chris p wrote:Gian

FWIW I recently leapt from a MOTU 828 Mk1 to an Apogee Ensemble. 4 x XLR + 4 x TRS + 8 x ADAT + 2 x SPDIF. No regrets at all, and works well with Intel Macs.

If you go with the upgrade option, I really do suggest this as the way to go unless you want to go for the $4k and up sort of converters. Its plug and play right out of the box.

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the suggestion. Does the Apogee Ensemble use firewire or usb?

by **chris p** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 6:29 pm

Firewire. I don't think Apple will be dropping f/wire anytime soon, and they're pretty heavily invested in the Ensemble with its Logic integration.

http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/ensemble.php

The thing I notice most is that the pre's in the unit sound good across a great range of sounds and levels. I actually liked the MOTU unit but it had a good clean sound only when kept within its limitations. The stereo imaging of the Apogee and the overall cleanliness of input/output are also streets ahead of the MOTU.

by **musikwerks** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 7:27 pm

The new Mac Pro's and Macbook Pros's don't have firewire 400 anymore.... Apple dropped it. Only has USB 2.0 and FW 800.

by **smash** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:42 am

Tried a different FireWire cable?

Tried to repair Disk Permissions?

Simon Ashby

What's wrong with my set up OR should I get a new interface?

What's wrong with my set up OR should I get a new interface?

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