Altec Lansing XT1 USB Speakers Problem

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Altec Lansing XT1 USB Speakers Problem

Hi,

I just purchased Altec Lansing XT1 USB speakers.
I have a Mac Pro running OS 10.4.8.

When my system is running and I plug-in the USB connector to the speakers, the XT1's register to the USB chain and I can use the "Sound" system preference pane to set my output to "Altec Lansing XT1 - USB Audio".

So far, so good. Great sound.

Now, when I either shutdown or reboot my Mac Pro, when the computer is restarted, the XT1's power-up (little blue light is on) but do not register with the USB chain.

The current workaround is, after the Mac Pro is booted, unplug and re-plug the XT1, then go to the "Sound" system preference pane and reset my output to "Altec Lansing XT1 - USB Audio".

This is a real pain.

Is there any way (maybe a startup item) to make the XT1 register to the USB chain at startup? The Mac Pro boots very quickly, about 15 seconds from gray apple to desktop.

I currently use my Apple 20" Cinema Display's USB port, but no difference using the Mac Pro's rear/front USB.

Thanks,

Lonnie

Mac Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Nov 8, 2006 7:54 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 8, 2006 9:43 PM in response to lonnie2

Using a powered USB hub that stays powered when the computer is off, might help.

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Answer 2

lonnie2 Author

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Nov 9, 2006 5:54 AM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

Using a powered USB hub that stays powered when the
computer is off, might help.

Good suggestion, but during a Restart, my Cinema Display hub stays powered (where the XT1 is connected) and problems still remain.

Aditionally, the keyboard, mouse and Display controls are all USB devices, and always start-up properly.

If I could only give the Mac Pro's USB Audio a 'nudge' at startup. I suspect this is some sort of timing issue that might be unique to the Mac Pro.

Lonnie

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Answer 3

lonnie2 Author

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Nov 9, 2006 10:23 AM in response to lonnie2

I have some more clues/data...

If I connect the XT1 USB Speakers to my PowerBook G4 running 10.4.8, everything works perfectly, reboot, power-up, everything.

One difference I noticed, on the PowerBook, the XT1's blue power LED is lit a second or two before the gray apple appears on boot and stays solid blue from that point on.

On the Mac Pro, the XT1's blue power LED is lit a second or two before the gray apple appears (like the PB) BUT shortly after the gray apple appears the blue LED flashes for less than a second.

If the Mac Pro USB Audio driver mutes the XT1 the blue LED will go out. If the USB power flickers the blue LED will go out.

More clues, more confused.

Lonnie

Mac Pro and PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

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Answer 4

lonnie2 Author

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Nov 14, 2006 9:35 AM in response to lonnie2

I installed "Mac Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.1".

Problem still exists.

Lonnie

Mac Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8)

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