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Information on 2013 iMac FD issue / USB2-3 Issue and Driver Incompatibility issue

I've created this new thread to outline the THREE different issues currently being discussed in various threads here and elsewhere in the hope of clarifying a few things and cleaning the 'mess' up a little!

There are currently THREE specific and different issues that a Mac owner might have in relation to Audio problems.

Some Users may well have all three problems at the same time or a combination of any/all of them.

Issue #1 - If you own a 2013 iMac with a Fusion Drive fitted then you wil get audio dropouts, clicks and other audio issues.

To test, unplug all 3rd party interfaces and test with internal Audio only. Most people report audio dropout and noise via internal Audio.

Status - Wating on a software fix from Apple.

Possible temporary workaround options -

1) Boot from an External HD, (Very effective with a high reported success rate) and wait until fix is issued by Apple.

2) Split the FD into separate SSD and Mech Drives... (Fairly effective... but not as good as the ext drive menthod it seems) and wait for fix from Apple.

3) Contact Apple and ask for a non FD replacement iMac (when/if possible)

4) Wait for the Apple Fix

Issue #2 = If you use a USB2 device/interface/whatever and it is connected to a USB3 port then that device might have problems.

Note: This issue does not affect Firewire devices for obvious reasons...

Possible Workarounds - Note: Users have reported varying levels of success with these fixes depending on the USB2 device in question. and what else is connected to your Mac.

1) Use a USB2 powered hub. Connect device to powered hub and connect powered hub to USB3 port

2) Use a Thunderbolt hub. Conect device to TBolt hub and hub to TBolt port on Mac.

Status - Waiting on fixes from the makers of these USB2 devices to correct the problem where possible.

Issue #3 - Incompatible drivers/hardware with either 10.9 and/or 10.8. Affects mainly audio interfaces that use drivers to communicate with your Mac... but can also affect USB2 Midi interfaces and Audio interfaces those that are supposed to be 'class compliant' and therefore do not use drivers... Class compliant devices have been fixed in the past by firmware updates whenever possible, by the makers of the device. In some cases however, makers of certain USB2 devices have not been able to correct the issue and have released new versions of their hardware to reolve issue (which of course were not provided as free replacements for users with these probmatic devices!)

Workaround

Roll back to previous working OS X version whenever possible and wait for updated drivers from Maker of your device.

Status - Awaiting updated drivers from the Makers of the USB2 device.

As can be seen from the above list, it is possible that certain users who have a 2013 imac with an FD fitted and own a USB2 interface could be subject to all three issues... and you should be keenly aware of this fact. When Apple release a fix for Issue #1 you may still have problems relating to either/both Issue #2 and #3... depending on the USB2 device you own....

Important Note:

Please feel free to ask questions regarding these three issues and their descriptions but try not to clutter up the thread with other problems or posts regarding comments such as "Why isn't Apple/Maker of device fixing this?" or "I'll switch to "Name of other DAW" if this isnt fixed soon..." as frankly no one here cares about such things as none of us work for Apple 🙂

Thanks!

Logic Pro X, OS X Mavericks (10.9), Motu UltraLite V3

Posted on Dec 12, 2013 2:59 PM

158 replies

Jan 7, 2014 10:46 AM in response to shnicshnac

Only Apple can remove the link. Art was giving you a heads up. Their moderators DO pay attention to these threads, but rarely hop in.

I am not a moderator, nor did I report you, nor WOULD I report you. I understand why you posted the link. Thing is, someone who MAY not know what they are doing COULD get their machine into a lot of trouble with beta software. Much worse than whether or not it plays audio when a Fusion drive is installed.

Yes, when you get to a certain number of points, you have more direct access to areas of the discussion forums that most don't get to see, where, yes, you can have a dialog with Apple folks. It takes a lot of time and energy and a clear willingness to help folks to get there. So, not only is it points, it's quality of posts.

I would doubt highly that ArtOfSound reported you. Heck, anyone could have done that. Or, because of the HOT nature of these threads, it's a good bet Apple's watching closer than anyone knows.

So, take a deep breath and let's all stick to the facts, trying to get this issue solved.

Bob

ges8ges

Level 1

9 points

Jan 7, 2014 11:12 AM in response to shnicshnac

ArtofSound has been extremely helpful, not only regarding this issue, but many others.

No need to criticise hi for pointing out what is true.

shnicshnac wrote:

its obvious that you removed the link..

and have a task for you:

in another thread where you are also posting about this topic, there is still the link..

Maybe you will find..

Pancenter

Level 6

14,686 points

Jan 7, 2014 11:48 AM in response to shnicshnac

shnicshnac wrote:

so I guess you are from Apple or at least an extended arm of them, as most of us anyway thought here..

well, well.. I remember having read posts from you where you really try to tell us you have nothing to do with Apple.

Look.. artsoundy: A lot of people are in really big troubles because of these issues.

And if the BETA of 10.9.2 can help even only a couple of people than its alright when they can download it.
I really dont think that after spending more than 2'500 bucks we should get developer and pay that company another 99 bucks.. even my Apple Care guy was with me.. "I didnt say Torrent.. you said it.."

think about it, policeman..

cheers

shnicshnac

No one here is from Apple... the link was reported to the moderators and removed by them. Posting links to software under copyright is against the forum rules you agreed to when signing on. If you have an issue with Apple, by all means take it up with them, I always encourage Mac users to speakup... but don't take it out on users here who take their time to be helpful and post suggestions/solutions.

Jan 7, 2014 9:24 PM in response to The Art Of Sound

Hi all, just to say I also sadly had the late-2013 iMac with FusionDrive. Living in the UAE I thought the extra delivery wait was worth waiting for the custom build.

Anyway, after two months of waiting for a solution I gave up and Apple have given me a full refund. I am now the proud owner of an FD-less iMac... working perfectly. Even went for the smaller screen as the 27" looked bloody stupid on my desk haha.

Just wanna say thanks for everyone's contributions, especially Art Of Sound. Have been checking in regularly to see the latest news. Hope Apple DO resolve it properly soon, feels so good to be able to finally make music again and on the lurrrvely Logic Pro X (that virtual drummer is insane!).

Cheers.

ges8ges

Level 1

9 points

Jan 8, 2014 6:38 AM in response to boynash101

Glad that worked for you. I'm holding on and expecting to get a fix for the FD problem.

boynash101 wrote:

Hi all, just to say I also sadly had the late-2013 iMac with FusionDrive. Living in the UAE I thought the extra delivery wait was worth waiting for the custom build.

Anyway, after two months of waiting for a solution I gave up and Apple have given me a full refund. I am now the proud owner of an FD-less iMac... working perfectly. Even went for the smaller screen as the 27" looked bloody stupid on my desk haha.

Just wanna say thanks for everyone's contributions, especially Art Of Sound. Have been checking in regularly to see the latest news. Hope Apple DO resolve it properly soon, feels so good to be able to finally make music again and on the lurrrvely Logic Pro X (that virtual drummer is insane!).

Cheers.

Jan 8, 2014 7:19 AM in response to The Art Of Sound

Hi Nigel,

My issue is with Firewire to Thunderbolt Motu 828mk3 so not just a USB issue with iMac.

All the best

james

Jan 8, 2014 8:31 AM in response to El Gweiro

Hi James,

Just to clarify...

If you have a 2013 iMac with a Fusion Drive then yes, the FD issue affects all Audio Interfaces of any type.....

The USB2/3 issue only affects some USB devices.....

The current USB and 10.0.5 issue seems to only affect some Class Compliant (driverless) USB interfaces or devices...

Hope that helps...

Nigel

Jan 8, 2014 10:30 AM in response to The Art Of Sound

Sorry for not recognizing this, but what is the "10.0.5" issue?

Bob

Jan 8, 2014 12:17 PM in response to Robert Martin 1

Bob,

The 10.0.5 and USB issue is the one where people with certain USB 2 class compliant (Driverless) audio interfaces... or Mics.. are not seeing a record button in LPX... after updating to LPX 10.0.5

Jan 8, 2014 1:16 PM in response to The Art Of Sound

Aaaah - LogicProX 10.0.5.

Thanks for the clarification.

Bob

Jan 8, 2014 1:20 PM in response to Robert Martin 1

You are welcome Bob...

Cheers..

Nigel

jwweeks

Level 1

0 points

Jan 8, 2014 4:55 PM in response to The Art Of Sound

Hey AoS,

Can you paste a link to the post where you describe how to boot from an external HD? Thanks!

Jan 8, 2014 5:07 PM in response to jwweeks

With an external drive with a functioning OS on it connected to your computer, hold down the option key while starting up. Select the external as the boot drive. That's it.

Bob

Jan 8, 2014 5:37 PM in response to Robert Martin 1

+1 Bob....

and to create an OS X bootable ext HD...

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5911

ges8ges

Level 1

9 points

Jan 9, 2014 6:24 AM in response to The Art Of Sound

so.... to avoid the FD problem do you only need to have OS X on the external drive? Or does Logic need to be on that drive, too. I'm assuming all you need on the external drive is the OS.

Information on 2013 iMac FD issue / USB2-3 Issue and Driver Incompatibility issue