Macintosh- M-audio Compatibility, problem finding a new interface Options

[da_honz]

Hi there!

i was just about to buy me the m-audio audiophile usb interface when a local apple dealer told me that the compatibility between a macintosh and any interface except for emagic stuff is null!
is that true?
the real problem here is that the emagic 6/2 interface costs a hundred bucks more than the audiophile interface!

does anybody have experiences, good or bad?
how about this story,does he just want to sell emagic stuff, or is it true?

[dementia13]

Maybe he knows something I don't, but I've never heard that. I can't vouch for their audio hardware, but I use an M-audio Oxygen8 MIDI controller, and it works perfectly. Works perfectly with Logic, in fact. I suspect he's either misinformed or lying.

[lepetitmartien]

Another case of a salesman who should hold his tongue.

But I would tell you to browse and see the actual problems users may or may not have with…
(sorry I don't remember by heart for this one)

Search with "audiophile", plenty of threads to have an idea

[birdfeeder]

Simple. He was lying. I have an Ozone and I've never had any issues with it. M-Audio is a good company and are FAST to update their drivers for moving target that OS X is.

[Franerik]

I have two Delta 66 in my Power mac G4 and everything is alright!

[rickenbacker]

Then again, I've read hundreds of complaints about M-Audio gear on the web and none about Emagic hardware. Draw your own conclusions.

BTW, I own an M-Audio Oxygen 8 and an Emagic MT4 Midi interface. I have no complaints about either.

[birdfeeder]

What App are you using it with? Rickenbacker is not quite giving you a fair assessment of issues with the hardware. I found people complaining about the emi 6/2 at the first place I looked. (http://forum.cubase.net/forum/Forum1/HTML/016766.html)

It is prolly safe to say that this is the exception and not the norm though. Most USB audio devices work fine. Some are better than others. The EMI 6/2 *is* prolly better than the audiophile but $100's of dollars better? I doubt it. But since I never A/B'd them, I really don't know.

The real easy answer:
(1) Check the return policy wherever you buy it from and see how long their return window is.
(2) Buy the Audiophile and play with it.

If it flakes up or doesn't meet your standards:
(3.a) Return it and buy the EMI 6/2
or
(3.b) Keep it and know that you made the most economic decision based on experience with the product.

Good Luck...!
Happy Holiday!

[rickenbacker]

I was simply stating that I've not seen many (if any) complaints about Emagic hardware, whereas disgruntled M-Audio owners seem to crop up everywhere. Of course, that may be because M-Audio products are generally cheaper, so more people own them. Draw your own conclusions about that, too.

If I was being real sarcastic (oh, go on, then - what the heck) looking in the Cubase forums for people complaining about Emagic gear is a bit like looking in a Mac forum for people whinging about Microsoft. Hmm, Steinberg and Emagic, two of the world's biggest music technology companies and rivals, whose hardware products don't work flawlessly with the other's software. Quelle suprise!

But I agree with Birdfeeder's sensible purchase policy. Can't beat hands-on, real-world experience to tell if a product is right for you or not.

[bevlev]

Here's my limited m-Audio experience -

1. AudioBuddy pre-amp - died/fried after a year of sporadic use - warranty expired

2. MIDIsport 2x2 - only took about 4 months to hookup for MIDI to work - tech support tried to help, but couldn't - I couldn't tell you what I did to make it work - just pushed buttons - I dare not disconnect it. (Running ProTools 5.2LE with Quicksilver G4 at the time)

3. Audiophile 24/96 PCI soundboard - it will be selling on ebay - could never get to work - I should've returned it instead of spending countless hours trying. (Running SuperMac S900 and ProTools Free)

For the $ I saved, I don't think it was worth all the time and aggravation.

For my setup, I won't consider m-Audio for any future purchases.

Good luck shopping!

[birdfeeder]

Wow Bevlev. You've had some bad luck! Odd because I've had the exact opposite experience with my M-Audio products, I guess I should count my lucky stars. I owned the Oxygen before "upgrading" to the Ozone. I use the MIDISport 2x2 for live shows and a MIDISport 4x4 for my home studio. The Ozone acted up on me once while recording within Cubase SX, other than that, never a days bother on anything.

Although, as I think about it, I've only used my M-Audio gear within Mac OS X, looks like your running OS 9 (based on the apps you listed) perhaps the M-Audio OS 9 drivers are wacky.

I can see why you'd be salty though, I'd be salty too. I have the same horrible experience with my Digi-001, always flakey - "disappearing" from my system, but others on the DUC never have any issues, so I can feel your pain.

Rickenbacker: You're right, the Cubase form prolly isn't the best place to get a fair shake on Emagic stuff, forgive me, the dayQuill has had me the past few days...

[rickenbacker]

No offence meant and certainly none taken, Birdfeeder - everything I type is done with a smile on my, er, fingertips. A sunny little soul, that's me.

I just like to chip in my twopenneth and debate a point from all sides. Gives a more rounded flavour to a topic, I find. Personally, I've had no major issues with my Oxygen 8 (apart from wishing it had about twice as many keys, ha ha) - unlike bevlev's M-Audio experience. Ouch!

This post has been edited by rickenbacker: Tue 23 Dec 2003, 21:36

[Franerik]

My Midisport 2X2 work' s fine since 2 and half years...

[rolle33]

1. Yes, there are problems with logic and Delta-Cards like 1010, 1010LT and 2496, etc.!!!
BUT: only when you are using PCI-Cards like TC PowerCore or similar. You WILL get massive problems if you are using PowerCore AND MAudio-Cards!!!!!! (OSX and OS9!!)
2. You can`t use Midi and Audio at the same time from the Delta-Cards if you are working with OSX!! i use a 2x2 USB Midiport from M-Audio and a 1010LT - and it works...

Both problems are well known from M-audio, TCWorks and Logic. but still no solution!! (TcWorks says its a problem of Maudio, Maudio says its a problem of TCWorks...)

its better to invest in professionell Equipment. I wish i had...

good luck

Rolf

[dixiechicken]

To "da honz"!

Rest in peace brother, the sales-man was lying to you.
I use motu gear & software myself on my iMac, it works just great.

People are using all kinds of hardware & software on their Macs with great results.

As some good folks have already said, you should check out forums/boards and the "m-audio" website as well,
for info about troubles people may have had with the m-audio gear.

Do a bit of homework first and good luck, whatever you choose.
Cheers: Dixiechicken

[monkeyboy]

2. MIDIsport 2x2 - only took about 4 months to hookup for MIDI to work - tech support tried to help, but couldn't - I couldn't tell you what I did to make it work - just pushed buttons - I dare not disconnect it. (Running ProTools 5.2LE with Quicksilver G4 at the time)

Bevlev...

I have been experiencing MIDI timing errors with my M-Audio Midisport 2x2 for the last 2 years. Tech support are unable to help and say they've 'never heard of anyone else having trouble like this...'

If you have any ideas what might help sort this out I'd love to know..

I only have trouble when running in OS 9.2.

OS X, 9.0.4 etc is fine...

Personally I wouldn't buy another M-Audio product, but I know people who use their stuff and say it's fine. M-Audio are noticeably absent from every 'pro' studio I've worked in though...

[Franerik]

Did you compared with another interface on the same computer, with the same softs?

Have you some friend who have a same Midisport to try if yours is "bugged"? If yes M-Audio have to give another!

[macmusicpd]

Regarding the MIDI timing problem with the Midiman (M-Audio) MIDI sport 2 X 2: Do not panic! It happened to me too for a long time about two years ago. I think it was a Sweetwater rep that finally solved it for me. I'm pretty sure I have the directions for solving the problem on my other computer. I'll check tonight. But basically, the problem was easily solved by "trashing" the Sport's preferences that reside in the System folder. Restart the computer and then your audio/sequencing program. It should create new preferences on its own. At least that's what I remember. You might also want to go to M-Audio's driver section and download any up to date driver for your computer. After I did that my problem was solved. Previously my timing was oddly delayed and repeated or weird notes would be inserted as I recorded MIDI. That was a bummer.

[ferret]

I've had good results with m-Audio midi (Midisport 2x2, Keystation 61), but terrible results with their audio (Firewire 410).

And my main worry is their weasel-like attitude. The specs for the 410 said I should be able to use it on my 500 MHz TiBook. When I started having problems with it, their tech support said: "Yeah, sorry about that - the 500 really isn't compatible. We're changing our packaging and documentation to reflect that. You're out $400? Sucks to be you."

So, I guess I can sell it and recoup some of my loss. But I won't buy M-Audio again.

But lots of audio interfaces are just fine, as long as you don't have an old TiBook. Any of the newer models seem to work okay with a lot of interfaces. Just be careful if you've got a 400/500 MHz machine.

[ruuiii]

well I had really big problems with my ozone.
it's constantly loosing connection and I found out it is incompatible with my external lacie firewire hard drive. weird!!!
how can one works in a laptop with 10 gb hard drive, like mine, not using external drives? and lacie is one the most popular brands...