2408mk2 Interface for iMac 5K?

[mr88cet]

Best I can tell from reading the posts here (and other sources), there does not appear to be a means of connecting a 2408mk2 to an iMac 5K (for purposes of running DP and/or Logic). That would require an AudioWire (aka "AW," aka, looks like FireWire 400, but isn't) interface, and, again best I can tell, there's no converter from Thunderbolt or any other port on the back of the iMac to AW. True?

[mikehalloran]

True. There is no workaround of any kind.

[mikehalloran]

True. There is no workaround of any kind except to install on a PPC or pre-2013 Mac Pro with the correct 424 card (x or e depending) and network the MP as a slave.

[mr88cet]

Thanks for confirming that.

Anybody have any recommendations for something that will connect to an iMac 5K, and is roughly comparable in capabilities with a 2408mk2?

[bayswater]

You can't use it as intended, but my iMac can apparently connect via SPDIF to a 2408-2 although I've never tried it. That keeps your addressable channels to 2 at a time, but that's more than zero, and you can then use the 2408 as a mixer with a load of inputs.

[ghobish]

What about a Thunderbolt-->PCI expansion chassis? Not very efficient money wise, but technically it should work. (Assuming you have the 424 card mentioned above).

[mikehalloran]

What about a Thunderbolt-->PCI expansion chassis? Not very efficient money wise, but technically it should work. (Assuming you have the 424 card mentioned above).

No. This will not work. MOTU would need to release a a new version of the 424e with an upgraded firmware chip. This is not going to happen. Writing new drivers wasn't going to change this.

Except for the UAD Octo with its upgradable firmware, every other PCI audio card has the same issue. None will work in a PCIe – Thunderbolt expansion chassis. There are a couple of long threads on this, "MOTU must do; Apple must face..." and so on. Well, they didn't.

Everyone blames Apple for changing the firmware when Thunderbolt was released. Perhaps but Intel holds the keys to Thunderbolt firmware, not Apple. Won't work with TB equipped PCs either.

[bayswater]

"MOTU must do; Apple must face..." Intel holds the keys to Thunderbolt firmware,

... and all three have a bigger stake in selling new stuff than in keeping old stuff working.

[HCMarkus]

The converters in the MOTU 828mkII are the same ones in the 2408mkIII. If you are on a budget, used 828mkII's can be had for around $200. You will also need a Thunderbolt>Firewire converter and FW800 to FW400 Cable or adaptor.

If budget constraints are less severe, the new MOTU AVB series 16a looks like a real winner, but there are many other choices as well.

[ghobish]

What about a Thunderbolt-->PCI expansion chassis? Not very efficient money wise, but technically it should work. (Assuming you have the 424 card mentioned above).

No. This will not work. MOTU would need to release a a new version of the 424e with an upgraded firmware chip. This is not going to happen. Writing new drivers wasn't going to change this....

Ah, I see. Never tried that myself, was just a thought. Glad I got my newly refurbed/upgraded 2010 MacPro a few months back, I'll have my 2408/mkIII option (great for transferring syncd ADATS and Tascams) for quite a while (even though my main interface is now a Metric Halo ULN8).