Microbook IIc with DP 5 and Mac OSX?

[SteveHVasil]

Hi,
I am considering purchasing a Microbook IIc interface to address latency issues, otherwise things are working well running DP 5 with Mac OSX. I noticed this is USB 2.0 instead of the older USB on my computer. This should work just fine, yes? If not, is there an older model interface I might search out? Thanks in advance,

[mikehalloran]

USB 2.0 is backwards compatible with 1.1 but the reverse may not be true. If you have an Intel Mac, no problem there. I don't recall when the PPC went to USB 2 —G4, perhaps? The G5 certainly.

The system requirements are for OS 10.6.8 or greater since it uses the Apple Core drivers. OS 10.6.x does not run on a PPC.

So, if you have an Intel Mac, you are good if running the correct OS.

I know that, if installed and authorized in 10.6.8, that DP 5.11 or later still runs if the OS is updated (I had it running in Yosemite, I think). If there's a problem and it has to be re-authorized, you would have to revert back to OS 10.6.

[SteveHVasil]

Thanks for the reply; I am not on an Intel Mac and running OS 10.4.1. I am hoping not to upgrade both computer and software. Is there an older interface I might search out? Thanks,

[mikehalloran]

Thanks for the reply; I am not on an Intel Mac and running OS 10.4.1. I am hoping not to upgrade both computer and software. Is there an older interface I might search out? Thanks,

All of the current MOTU USB interfaces are requiring

For Mac OS X:

PowerPC G4 CPU 1 GHz or faster (including PowerPC G5 CPUs and all Intel processor Macs)

Mac OS X version 10.8, 10.7, 10.6 or 10.5; v10.5.8 or later required

I am not a fan of OS 10.5 on my 1GHz G4 Dual. YMMV

[mikehalloran]

Why, if you have a G4, wouldn't you run a FireWire interface?

[SteveHVasil]

Why, if you have a G4, wouldn't you run a FireWire interface?

Thanks for your replies; you've been kind to answer. I haven't been keeping up with this technology after investing in DP5 several years ago and this is why I am here, seeking information and hopefully not buying something which won't work. I have a couple of Mac minis and a G4 which work with DP5. A FireWire interface may be my solution; I'll do some research.

[mikehalloran]

Motorola was behind the PPC and FireWire. That's going to be a much better fit.

These will certainly work.

The 828mkII (Firewire) discontinued 2007
http://cdn-data.motu.com/manuals/firewi ... al_Mac.pdf

The 8pre (Firewire) discontinued 2009 (?)
http://www.vialab.org/MEL/EquipmentManu ... al_Mac.pdf

Neither has been made in years. Heat over time will make some units less reliable. You are looking for units that were not the sole audio interface for years.

I have no idea what other FW interfaces support OS 10.4 from other manufacturers.

The old drivers can still be downloaded from MOTU — no problems there.

[SteveHVasil]

Thanks Mike, between your responses and my mac guru wife, I'm good now. Taking a chance on an older interface is better than scrapping everything else at present.