Q: clipping sound on new iMac when Logix X is running

NoelEiffe wrote:

 

 

Hope springs eternal, I guess. Perhaps I should have just bought a refurb'd Mac Pro after all to replace my 2006 Mac Pro, easily the most reliable, best computer I've ever owned (and still in service as a Lion Server file server with all my sample libs and such loaded on its drives).

 

- Noel

You know, I love the looks of the iMacs but it kind of defeats the purpose when you have peripherals hanging off every port... I'm sticking to my 4-year old Mac Pro just because 90% of the computer is self contained. The new Mac Pro, powerful as it is will also need stuff hanging off the Thunderbolt and USB ports which for me blows the whole concept. Plus, Internal drives are far more reliable than external drives. USB is ok for keyboards, printers and mice but I cannot imagine using it in a Pro Audio system, USB I/O is handled exclusively by the operating system and takes some CPU, plus you're seldom guaranteed compatibility. My last negative comment on USB, phantom power via USB almost always increases the noise floor by 10db, whether it's internal or external via power supply.. that's because USB generally s--ks, it's the lowest level (cheapest) consumer data transfer manufacturers could come up with.

If you have Firewire available. Use it!

Pancenter..

Well, the "ports hanging off everywhere" issue, I figured, would've been just as true of the new Mac Pro as of the iMac, which is why I decided, well, I'll save a lot of money and get a nice screen with the iMac. Seemed reasonable at the time. It has the power for my needs, or would if it worked.

But I wish there was a cheese grater pro with T-bolt and USB3.

I also just replaced my gen 1 FW Ultralite (which died) with the Steinberg USB interface, assuming, probably incorrectly, that USB has matured enough to pull it off. In fairness, it's a nice interface, I got a great deal on it with a rebate, and it worked very well on the Mac Pro - which I had expanded with a couple of forum-recommended USB PCI cards, as I do rather have a raft of USB devices with all kinds of things on them - controllers, pedals, cursed iLoks, drives, etc. Sort of regretting a lot of these choices at the moment.

Sigh.

- Noel

NoelEiffe wrote:

 

 

But I wish there was a cheese grater pro with T-bolt and USB3.

 

Sigh.

 

- Noel

Hehehe...  appreciate the humor in the face of technical woes.

Steinberg outsources their hardware and usually use a name manufacturer. RME built all of the early Steinberg PCI cards. I'm sure the USB interface is probably quite decent and would probably work if the Fusion Drive wasn't installed. You could always try the powered USB Hub workaround.

What a hassle.

Hi,

I read about the issues people had with the 2013 FD iMacs, so I went ahead and purchased a 2013 256GB SSD iMac instead, and I got it yesterday. I use an Apogee Quartet and plug it directly into the USB-port on the mac. It's on mavericks.

No issues with degrading audio and/or clicks for me. This is when just plugged in and not even installed the software (Maestro 2). I can play back any sound without artifacts in Logic, Spotify etc... I can also record through the Quartet aswell, but it's kinda limiting since you cannot activate phantom power, set levels correctly and so on... SO...

I download the latest software/driver for the Apogee Quartet, and when it's installed and I launch Maestro 2 it behaves like this:

1. After a approximatly a minute of playing back audio the meters in the Maestro software freezes up and starts peaking like crazy.
2. The Maestro software is then frozen, but the quartet unit still works and sound is still playing through, you can adjust the volume if you just look at the LED meters on the Quartet.
3. After a little while, maybe half a minute, the maestro software suddenly restarts itself, and then reconnects with the quartet (making that typical clicking sound it does when plugged in). The Maestro is now functional for about the same time, appr. a minute.
4. The procedure repeats

• If I decide to force quit the software, and then launch it again, the icon in the dock is just jumping without launching...

Would you say this problem is related to:

1. A potential USB 3.0 problem, Does anyone know if the Apogee Quartet is one of those interfaces not prepared for connecting to USB 3.0 ports? I don't have a powered usb-hub to try the work-around mentioned earlier in the thread. But it this is the case, I'll go get a powered usb-hub as a quick-fix.
2. Maestro 2 software. I'm really hoping apogee is just behind with updating the software to fit the new iMacs or something.
   
3. The iMac in another way? I'm not sure what this would be so I guess the only thing it could be is plugging a "usb-2 interface" into a USB 3.0 -port.

As I said, without maestro installed, audio plays fine, but the quartet is almost completely useless without it.

Oh, I've sent a support ticket to apogee on which I'm waiting for answer. Is this something I would send to apple support as well or is it solely a apogee issue?

Thankful for any help!!

/Rasmus

Most likely the problem is related to the Maestro Software not being 100% Mac compatible, others have reported similar problems.

Go over and check the Apogee forums.

It could possibly be the USB 2.0 <--> 3.0 problem, you would have to have a powered USB 2.0 hub to check it out.

Since it worked without the Maestro software I would think the answer lies there.

It's a compatibility issue with the iMac's USB 3.0 port. A Belkin thunderbolt hub will solve all your issues if you have $300 to spare :)

brentonius wrote:

 

It's a compatibility issue with the iMac's USB 3.0 port. A Belkin thunderbolt hub will solve all your issues if you have $300 to spare :)

Yes, a definite probability, could it be because the Maestro software tries to max out USB current so it can supply Phantom power and that hoses the audio?

Art Of Sound:  Thanks for your thoughtful, dispassionate response and comprehensive info.

Admittedly, I'm a newby around these parts and to the ways of Apple.   I bought a G5 many years ago -- it worked, end of story.

That being said, it amazes me that anyone (and I'm not referring specifically to Art of Sound)  would accept so readily and with such seeming fatalism that a company continues to promote and sell a $3000+ product which their senior engineering staff knows doesn't work for at least a segment of its customers -- and leave those customers to stuggle through meaningless, time-consuming troubleshooting from customer support -- followed by the hassle of exchanges not likely to solve the problem, etc. etc.    I'm hard pressed to think of any other legitimate business that could get away with this -- or would even try. 

Maybe it's because I'm new and not beaten down to accept the futility of anger or protest against the mighty Apple  -- but it nonetheless outrages me.  If I want to continue to use Logic, ultimately I'm stuck with either a MAC or a hackintosh.   But when it comes to other products (smart phones, tablets, MP3 players etc.) -- there are other choices -- and you can bet that this company philosophy will weigh HEAVILY in any decision to buy any Apple product for which there is an alternative -- and in any opinions I express about Apple to anyone I know contemplating buying their products.   I know, I know.  Apple is quivering in their boots...  But...just saying.

Amen LogicL1, I agree completely. The level of pacivity and acceptance of this problem on this thread is truely amazing. We are doing exactly what Apple wishes, quietly grumbling to ourselves. I think a little media light on this issue would be a good thing for both the corperate giant and the suffering costumers.

Logic1 who would need a 32 GB of Ram and maxed out CPU , and an expesensive SSD if not going to use it for Video or audio samples extensive work  etc ... Unless he wants to browse interent with it thats a different story... I would have asumed that they do know that the target user will be one of these two in thsi case it seems teh audio user is not in count at least for this case .

Oh dear. 3rd mac coming Tuesday, SSD not FD and I also have a quartet. Incidentally, I did send a support ticket to Apogee about a month ago now, when I first experienced problems and hadn't seen this thread, but no reply yet.

Regarding later posts, as far as the FD is concerned, Apple seems to be continuing to sell a car without wheels. Presumably, domestic users, without pro audio gear, will also be experiencing problems?

Okay,

This might seem like a dumb question, but where is this apogee forum? I've tried googling it but can't find anything like it.

Also,

Why is it that a belkin thunderbolt hub would solve it?

- Anyone using USB.2.0 audio devices (specifically apogee quartet) with Belkin Hub with a late 2013 iMac and it works?

- Are there any alternatives, other hubs?

To my understanding the USB 3.0 ports on the new iMacs only work fully with 3.0 devices, right?

So, is the reason why a belkin hub would potenially solve this is because it only uses the thunderbolt port to split up to some working backwards compatible USB 3.0, that can be used for in my case the USB 2.0 Apogee Quartet?

Thanks!

Hi Rasmusmar i can speak for my own experience, I bought a powered hub to use on my new Imac and did not do any differnece. I have the SSD drive but others managed to fix it not sure how this will go for you.

If you have a friend who has a hub try to borrow it first unless you maye need the hub down the road then fine. Its is still not a practical solution .

In regards to Apogee from reserach and from speaking with the tech guys at the aduio shop, its among the few that would work on new imacs. They have it tested. They wouldnt recomend other brands although some still work. I dont think you need the hub for the apogee because thats supposed to be supported !