New Macbook will not recognize 828MKII

[MicheleLotus]

So we've been using the MKII for years on older mac computers without difficulty. The new Macbook we just got is having problems, though. Here's what we've tried so far:

-all latest software updates are installed
-We are using two adapters to be able to plug in the old Firewire: from a Firewire 400 6 pin to firewire 800 8 pin; then from 8 pin to Thunderbolt. We have tested this connection with other firewire devices and it seems to be working as it should.
-when navigating the About This Mac window, when we click on Thunderbolt devices, the system acknowledges the adapter but not the MKII.
-MKII is definitely powered up and working.

So, the new Mac just doesn't want to recognize the MKII. Does anyone have any experience with this kind of issue?

[James Steele]

I hope you get an answer. It must have something to so with the adapters obviously.

[npatton]

Michele, did you ever find a solution to this? I am finally looking at upgrading my 7 year old MBP, and I'm wondering if I'm going to need to replace my 828 Mkii, as well.

Thanks,
Neil

[mikehalloran]

Mine hooks up through the FW adapter, no problem. So do many others.

-We are using two adapters to be able to plug in the old Firewire: from a Firewire 400 6 pin to firewire 800 8 pin; then from 8 pin to Thunderbolt.

I use an FW400-FW800 cable to eliminate 2 out of those three adapters when I connect to my wife's MacBook Air.

My iMac refuses to work with my 828mkII if I use a FW hub. I must have a direct FW connection.

I am finally looking at upgrading my 7 year old MBP, and I'm wondering if I'm going to need to replace my 828 Mkii, as well.

CueMix FX is a good reason to consider it anyway. See the NAMM demo videos that I linked in the Training Videos folder.

The 828mkII was discontinued 7 1/2 years ago. Mine is still working great but I have budgeted its replacement. Also, it doesn't have CueMix FX.

[npatton]

Thanks so much, Mike. I did some more looking around the boards and came to the same solution you just described. It's good to hear it from someone who's tried it, though.

I do covet a new interface for those very reasons. However, I need the new computer more, and my 828 mkii is still purring along nicely. If I can get the new kid to get along with the old kid for awhile, then I can save some more $ for a later upgrade.

Thanks again for the quick reply!

Yours,
n

[mikehalloran]

In case you are in the market soon:

Street $ on the 828mkIII Hybrid is $749; on the 828x it's $849. Functionality is identical except that the x has one TB port while the 828mkIII-H has two FW ports (like the mkII, it works through the Apple TB-FW adapter). Both have usb 2 and CueMix FX.

[npatton]

Cool. I'm also looking at the Ultralite mk iii Hybrid, which runs about $550. For my limited needs, it might be enough. I never use all my inputs and outputs, and I only used the ADAT interface once when transferring some old tracks from ADAT several years ago. (The Ultrlite also uses Cuemix FX.)

I'm just stoked that the spinning beach ball of death might be going away soon when I get my new MBP...

[gg2k7]

Mine hooks up through the FW adapter, no problem. So do many others.

I use an FW400-FW800 cable to eliminate 2 out of those three adapters when I connect to my wife's MacBook Air.

My iMac refuses to work with my 828mkII if I use a FW hub. I must have a direct FW connection.

Hello Mike,

Thought I'd ask here since it's the same subject in Feb 2015.
I have a Macbook Pro retina - mid 2014 with Thunderbolt. And I have an 828 mk2 which worked well with my old G5 Power PC.

So, now I've gotten the TB to FW 800 adapter.. I have an 800 to 400 adapter plugged into that.. then a 400 FW cable going into my 828 mk2.

OS is Yosemite 10.10.2 .. and it's not seeing my mk2.

I've tried lots of different things I've read here on the forum.. including reset to factory default, flipping the red voltage switch (with power off), repaired permissions on the mac, installed the latest driver- 1.6.64254.
Tried a different FW 400 cable.. nada..

So, do you think if I eliminate that middle adapter and go directly from the TB-800 to an 800-400 cable, it'll finally see the motu?

Can't afford a new motu for quite a while.. took me 2 years to save for my MBP.
Thanks kindly
GG

[npatton]

Mike's reply above had the solution for me:

828mk2 > FW400-FW800 cable > FW800-Thunderbolt adapter > MBP (Mavericks)

The key seems to be the cable, which eliminates one of the adapters in the path. Working like a charm for a few months now. Found the cable cheap on Amazon.

Good luck!
Neil

[gg2k7]

Hi Neil, thanks for your help! I will definitely return the adapter and the FW 400 cable and get the 800/400 cable.
I'll order from Amazon if the store I got this other stuff from doesn't have it.

One question though.. seems like you have the same basic setup as I do.. but you're running an earlier OS version. I have 10.10 ..Yosemite. Do you think that will be an issue at all?

Thanks again,
GG

[npatton]

Good question. First of all, you made me realize I had not updated my signature in a while. I have a newer MBP now (mid-2013) and I'm running Mavericks (10.9.5).

So we're much closer in OS than we might have been. I would think there wouldn't be a problem, but I have no guarantees. I'm guessing that if there had been a problem with this setup in Yosemite, then we would have heard about it somewhere on the Board by now.

One other thing: be sure you order the correct size of 400/800 cable. My first order ended up being for a FW 800 mini-port cable. Oops.

n

[gg2k7]

Ah..ok. Ya, maverick is just a step away..so good to know!

I'll be sure to pay attention to the plug shape and size.

Hope to report good news here when I get it running!
Fingers crossed "X"

Thank you again Neil

[npatton]

Please let us know. I hope to upgrade to Yosemite soon, once I upgrade some of my other software to be compatible. I'd hate to have to replace my 828 at the same time...

n

[Playa]

From what I can tell the MOTU Audio Drivers support all the latest operating systems. If you look on the MOTU downloads page you will notice this. The audio drivers also support legacy products, including the 828mkII, so there should be no fear of upgrading.

The cables could always be an issue. The adapters are not always reliable in my experience.

But I would make sure you have the latest drivers installed. From there check your connections, and connection options. If you are still having no luck go ahead and try it on another computer. If the 828mkII is still not connecting there may be something up with the unit itself. MOTU Tech Support has run me through this process several times for my various MOTU units.