I have a Mac Pro 2 x 2.8 Quad-Core Xeon (14 GB Ram)
OS 10.6.8

Using a Motu 828 Mk2

I'm having real issues with firewire audio (using standard firewire bus).
The audio signal drops out regularly, sometimes cracking, popping and even slowing the audio down or speeding up (tempo drifting).

I have tried all sorts:
Different firewire cables
Unplugging my lacie drive (uses same firewire bus).
Re-installing the motu firewire drivers.
Installing alternate motu drivers (previous versions).
Re-setting the motu
Unplugging the motu and switching voltage to 110, then back to 240 before plugging back in.

The problem is getting worse but is not permanent. It can be ok for days but then returns causing havok. Surely if it works sometimes then my motu is ok and it is a software / driver issue? Snow Leopard issue?


ANY IDEAS?

Things I thought to try are :
Buying new pcie firewire card to use as dedicated bus

Upgrade to Lion

Ditch the Motu and get something else (Steinberg, RME, Appogee etc...)


any help appreciated.




Edited by studio404 (13/07/12 10:58 AM)

there shouid be a h/w test that you can run for firewire port, memory etc

if it is not a hardware problem then backup all your data and re-install the O/S and drivers

only plug in the minimum kit you need and do some benchmarking

certainly recommend not sharing the firewire bus if there are glitches

can you borrow another interface and see if you get the same results with that ?

You could be overloading your firewire buss. Try a usb drive and see what happens.

Sounds like it could be a wayward clock issue if you are getting varying speed on the audio.
Have you tried contacting MusicTrack ?..

They are the UK distributors for MOTU products and I have always found them to be extremely helpful. Ask for Mark



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MBP 17", PC 100(Nubus Protools) Motu 896, X-Station, Logic9, Reason6, Korg legacy, ACE, Alchemy, Emax II, E-Synth, Evolver MEK, Waldorf Pulse and Blofeld, AS Telemark, AS Leipzig-S

Can't be overloading it if it's the only device on the firewire buss surely?

Edited by studio404 (13/07/12 02:35 PM)

Have you tried a separate FW card ?
These are relatively cheap - much cheaper than having the Mac diagnosed.
It would tell you if the Mac or the Motu is at fault.

Given the known problem with the 828s FW bus, I suspect the Motu is dying.
I often see 828s on flea-bay with dead FW ports......

I've ordered a SIIG firewire card anyway.
Will see if it helps.

Planning to change my interface now too I think.

Looking at:
Steinberg MR816 X
RME Fireface 400/800
Motu 896 Mk3

any advice / preference?
I don't do a lot of band recording, mostly electronic, occasional vocals. Stability top of the list.

Quote Chevytraveller:

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Sounds like it could be a wayward clock issue if you are getting varying speed on the audio.
Have you tried contacting MusicTrack ?..

They are the UK distributors for MOTU products and I have always found them to be extremely helpful. Ask for Mark

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Musictrack just replied. Nice quick response. They just recommend I get the unit looked at (£110).
Prefer to put that towards a new interface though tbh.