Q: Massive problem with audio interface

 

Now I'm stuck; not sure if I wait it out, exchange my iMac for a Macbook w/ SSD, or swap out the Fusion drive for SSD.

 

Throughout the many pages of this discussion (and also this discussion) you will see that there are multiple issues affecting pro-audio interfaces.

As I have discovered, a new MBP will not eliminate all the issues (except obviously the Fusion issue)

I suggest entering a bug report at apple.com/feedback if you haven't already.

By the way, is RME issuing "Mavericks" patches? I know some other manufacturers are, with varied results.

Spoke with RME support in the US and they didn't have much of an update yet.  They suggested trying to split the fusion drive.

I actually just returned the machine and got my money back.   Bummer, I'm just not sure what to do now other than wait it out which is obviously not ideal since that means not making any music for a while.

Ok, so I posted a week or so ago that I returned my iMac with it's 3TB Poopsion Drive. Having seen people report the problem with the SSD as well, i went to the apple store near me and tried to talk to the staff there about this whole issue. No one knew what the **** was going on, or that this was even an issue, even the 'geniuses' didn't really have an answer. They just spend their days fixing phones and selling ridiculously high-end machines to people who only use them to check their FaceBook, send emails, and watch ****. So seeing that it's not even on their radar at a store wide level - you know, so that the staff can educate the user before they make a purchase - I decided to order a new machine with just the standard HDD... only downside, it'll take about a month to be ready ***! I'll definitely post on here once I have everything up and running. I hope it arrives earlier than expected *fingers crossed*!

Hi all fellow iMac late 2013 with 10.0.1/ Fusion Drive owners,

Please help to feedback all your disappointments and problems to http://www.apple.com/feedback/

That's where they can get notify. To get the problem fix from their side.

So help fill up that feedback form and send to apple please.

I returned my IMac 27 Fusion for an IMac 27" SSD after having the same Fusion drive related problem.  It is working fine for  recording and playback through Scarlett 2i2 with compliant mode drivers installed. About 4 weeks so far.

Just a note for those who fall under the following criteria...

- Within Australia

- Are attempting to return/swap their faulty fusion drive iMac, but are outside Apple's official 'return exchange' window and have been told 'no thanks' by apple.

As a sufferer of this problem, I too was told repeatedly that apple's engineers are 'working on the problem' and that nothing else could be done.

Fortunately Australian consumer law is on our side here. Even the information on Apples statutory warranty page lends itself well to our argument that these products are unfit for their intended purpose.

You can find the page here...

http://www.apple.com/au/legal/statutory-warranty/

I sent through an annotated copy to apple's supprt staff highlighting the points I felt were relevant, along with mention that I'd contacted the ACCC for clarification.

You can find the annotated version here...

http://tinypic.com/r/dwc1li/8

After having the case escalated 3 or 4 times, putting the problem in writing along with apple's own stat warranty page was the first time I felt as though I'd been heard. A replacement iMac (sans fusion drive) is currently in the works.

My point is, if you've spent upwards of $3k for a system that can't perform tasks that my nearly 10yr old windows pc can, then don't let it go. As consumers, we have rights; we just have to be aware of them.

This is the first apple system I've purchased. I switched from windows due to the perceived 'turn key' solution that Mac's offer in this field. It's been a disppointing experience.

Good luck.

**** it, that's how it should be!!!

It's a real shame from once such a quality company to break like the rest for the quantity!

I'm to late to change it and our policy isn't that good. I'll have to hope that it will work out with updates.

i can report a couple of crash/click/dropout/whitenoise free hours of playing with my echo audiofire interface after getting my new macbookproretina EARLY2013 WITHOUT haswell running 10.8.5

it was like the last retina mbp BEFORE haswell i found in the internet which was still brandnew!

i m in touch with native instruments tech support daily about this issue, and they seem almost certain, that the promlems do only happen with machines having either:

- intel Haswell chips (late 2013 mba and mbpr)

- mavericks

- fusion drive

this basically means at the moment ALL new apple computers (maybe except the macpro) are USELESS for audio work with external soundcards!!

thanks much.

I haven't seen anyone report issues with regular HDD yet.... I've got one ordered, but it's gonna take a while to arrive.

I too had all of the problems described and got back to Apple in the UK immediately to tell them that there were evident issues.  They of course don't want to admit what it is but finally accepted that there was a problem of some sorts to do with ports and Fusion Drive.  I have accepted an exchange for my Fusion Drive iMac to a SSD iMac.  I will await the outcome of futher tests.  The only thing I can do after that would be to buy a USB3 or Thunderbolt interface - more money and not so many choices out there........

Just wanted to share my story, because reading this thread was extremenly helpful and supportive. 

I bought a 27" iMac with 3TB Fusion Drive about three weeks ago.  I use an Apogee Duet 1 with firewire(and added the thunderbolt adapter.)  I downloaded the new apoggee software for Mavericks. 

I record using Garageband.  I could record for about two minutes before the sound would start cutting out.  A couple minutes later I would either get full blown static, or just pure silence.  No output or input through the audio interface would work. 

I started doing research and seeing that many pro musicians like myself were having the same problems, and were unable to work. 

I called Apple support and "Vince" merely suggested that I try unplugging the computer and plugging it back in.  I did that to humor him and obviously that didn't do the trick.  I asked him if I should switch the hard-drive out for a Serial ATA or wait for an update to the operating system.  He just said that the computer is mine now, and I can do whatever I want with it.  Thanks "Vince".  I'm sure you're knowledgable trouble-shooting makes Apple proud. 

I took my computer to the Genius Bar.  They were all very nice there, but unaware of this massive problem!  I pointed them to this thread, and they didn't even know about it.  It was the 14th day on my return policy and I simply returned the computer and got a full refund.  But now I'm back to using my 2011 macbook pro for recording, and unable to do my job to its full potential. 

Apple, if you are reading this, please awknowledge the problem and fix it asap.  I'm a big fan of your products, but this has been extremely frustrating. 

guys,

i just ordered the thunderbolt universal audio Apollo twin ... apparently it could work .. i will let you know if i returned the interface or not

My experience was similar - though the tech support on the phone did try hard to be helpful; we spent 3 calls and over 3 hours on the phone together.

When I brought my computer into the retail store, as requested by phone support, they kept my machine for a week.  After a full week of 'testing' they came back to me to let me know they couldn't diagnose any problems. 

I asked them if there tested it with an external audio interface -  their reply  "no we just tested with internal audio and it worked fine".

Thanks for paying zero attention to the problem I reported and basically ignoring the issue.

C'mon Apple, I know the pro audio community isn't your money maker, but you sure do love to use us in your commercials and marketing to make the products feel cool.

Keeping the faith here, just please let us know you are working on a fix.

OMG, November problems and still not working fine? I was apple user for the first time with this Mac and I'm completely sad... Thinking why spent so much money if I have to work with a stupid laptop because Apple is taking such a LONG time...

What about the money audio producers are losing?

PD: I'm with the first beta someone posted and, dropouts are not ocuring, but clicks and pops EVERYTIME I record...