#81

Hmm, doesn’t read like trolls to me at all. There are at least 10 people having issues in that thread, some who have had accounts on the RME forums for 5-10 years.

Are you using it via USB? Glad to hear you’re not having issues!

#82

No, not reboot. But I might need to give the audio preferences a bit of a nudge in Logic. I use as an aggregate device alongside another couple of things though, so I think my Mac finds that a bit challenging after sleep.

#83

If it could help don’t letting your Mac fall asleep !

http://lightheadsw.com/caffeine/

2 Likes
#84

I have both Avid HDX and UA Apollo 8 interfaces. The Mojave update really trashed ProTools on the laptop that I was using… it just doesn’t recognize the interfaces any more. I, of course, didn’t upgrade the desktop Mac, So the studio is cool… but watch out for potential issues before you upgrade. The downgrade is a huge pain as well.

As to the OP, cheap interfaces and mixers always have downsides, but can be OK. Generally look for a mixer with a bunch of direct outs, the Midas live consoles are very good and versatile, but not small, and not really inexpensive. I’ve not had really good luck with the Focusrite interfaces… others have. I tried a Presonus for a remote solution, but had noise issues, and clock issues with it… Presonus told me that it was a known issue with Mac laptops, but weren’t going to fix it, or arrange any type of refund or upgrade. Not the type of customer service that I could recommend.
MOTU stuff has always been solid, just watch out for the latest OS upgrades to see if your gear stays compatible.
I have been running various DAWs since the 80’s… Nowadays, when I get a studio machine working, it never sees the internet again.

*** Update ***
After thrashing for a couple of hours today, I got the laptop to see the interfaces again. The problem was that Mojave changes a bunch of access permissions to the microphone, and all interfaces are considered microphones. Even, or maybe especially, on a previously working machine, you have to manually grant permissions through the privacy settings.

#85

Not a criticism of MOTU, still think it’s great but I had a tonne of issues today with the Ultralite AVB and my mojave macbook. Random latency, not appearing at all, appearing to the OS but not the MOTU config tools etc. I’ve settled with a configuration with the most palatable bug, appearing twice in the source list. Checking the website they have a big warning saying there are bugs but an update is coming so fingers crossed. In the meantime I’m having fun hardware only

1 Like
#86

Thank you for this - I have the 828es and will hold off on the OS upgrade.

#87

One thing that was a huge negative for the MOTU MK4 vs. the old MK3 was that they’ve actually eliminated the possibility to control inputs’ levels from the front panel.

With the MK3, this was my main method of adjusting levels, as I used the MK3 standalone almost all the time. I can’t really fathom why they’ve cut this from the MK4. I ended up returning it for an K-Mix, because I’m so used to playing without a computer, and only introducing the DAW when it’s time to actually multitrack.

#88

It’s likely because computer-less use is a secondary use case for them.

I’ll say from my perspective of mainly using my interface for multi track recording that I’ll never buy an interface with front panel gain. It makes it hard to gain match stereo sources or recall setting for different inputs.

#89

On the MK3, the gain settings were digitally controlled so you could set the gains numerically. Additionally, you could override them using the computer. So I think gain matching or similar was made fairly easy with the MK3.

And yes, unfortunately I guess you’re right – standalone isn’t considered as important enough. Currently it feels I’m pretty much locked to the K-Mix, because I can’t, for my use, be without ‘front panel gain’ anymore :slight_smile:

#90

Oh, cool. I didn’t realize the the mk3 worked both ways. That is nice.

It sounds like a mixer interface hybrid is best for that use case. Or even an interface with an iPad control app?

Out of curiosity, what’s the benefit of using a digital interface stand alone vs just an analog mixer? If there’s no computer in the mix I don’t know what the interface adds, other than maybe being smaller than a mixer.

#91

My process is that I build almost the entire song computerless. When I have everything in place, I add the computer, by just plugging in the USB cable. Then I open a Live template that enables me to multitrack everything with the mix settings I’ve done previously on my K-Mix. Then it’s on to finalizing the mix, and possibly adding some elements on the computer.

A mixer would be a more tactile solution for the OTB portion, but I love the ability to multitrack the mix I’ve created. One obvious other choice would be the mixer/interface hybrids like the Soundcraft MTK line, but I’m currently confined to a very small space, so the K-Mix or Ultralite fits this constraint.

3 Likes
#92

I’m not sure, but doesn’t the Mk4 have an iOS control app as well? I can understand how that’s probably not a solution for your process, of course.

2 Likes
#93

Yes it does, and that seemed like it works well, with any ios device, so there’s absolutely that :slight_smile: I thought I’d be less in the minority with my DAWless/screenless preference… It’s great.

2 Likes
#94

this sort of “DAWless until you need it” approach is what drew me to the K-Mix, especially since I like the idea of recording with the same basic setup I’d use live, but I am really having trouble not getting annoyed by the touch faders. from a spec/theoretical point of view, it’s nearly perfect IMO, but when I actually use it I end up somewhat frustrated. I’ve also had an Ultralite for a long time and like it fairly well, but controlling multiple channels from the panel makes it also pretty annoying to use without a computer/CueMix software.

my ideal would be something like the K-Mix (mixer-interface with generous/re-routable line-level I/O and a pair of preamps, able to operate standalone, compact, built in FX are fine but unnecessary), but maybe just with encoders and LED indicators instead of the touch surfaces, since that would still eliminate the challenge of having pots/faders that don’t automatically update when switching modes. anyone know of such a thing? seems like maybe I’m wishing that Elektron made a mixer-interface.

1 Like
#95

I basically do this same thing, but not with one device.

I have an analog mixer with direct outs always connected to my recording interface. When I’m just working on stuff I only use the mixer. When I’m ready to record I open my daw and it’s all already hooked up and ready to go.

4 Likes
#96

I saw a video recently with Cenk from Elektron also stating that he wished they made some sort of performance mixer, and maybe I was reading between the lines, but I kept waiting for him to wink to the camera. :smiley:

2 Likes
#97

I can see you have the K-Mix alright :smiley: exactly my thoughts.

@emenel - which interface/mixer do you use, if you don’t mind?

1 Like
#98

My interface is the Apogee Element 88 and the mixer at the moment is a Mackie 1604, but will soon be swapped out for something else.

3 Likes
#99

Here’s RME talking about the issues with the USB interfaces: https://www.forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?pid=136666#p136666

That is specific to the Mac Mini, but the issues also exist on 2016+ MacBook Pros, and even some reports on High Sierra pre-2016 MBP which seem similar.

Based on the RME post I bought this TB3 Dock, and it fixed all of the issues that I was having with my MOTU Ultralite Mk4. So seems like macOS and/or Apple hardware problems:

1 Like
#100

@rebderless thank you so much for this info. I’m on a Macbook pro 2018 and the audio/usb dropouts are driving me nuts! I’ll order the dock in hope of a dropoutless future!

Is anyone on an MAcbook Pro 2018 or MacMini 2018 who tested the UAD Arrow?

1 Like