Help deciding interface upgrade

[auricle74]

Hi all,

I posted a version of this question on gearslutz but I would greatly appreciate your informed response.

I have a MOTU Traveller for my Mac which I need to add more i/o. I was thinking of either getting an 828 mk3 Hybrid or perhaps getting a PCIe-424 based system. The reasons and questions are:

1) Better performance. I have heard that a PCIe based system gives lower latency and better CPU performance than Firewire. How much better would you say? To be honest, I'm not too happy with my 2010 Mac Pro's performance so if a PCIe based system would give a noticeable improvement compared to firewire I would be happy.

2) A 2408 and a 24 I/O would be enough for a while with plenty of room for expansion on the card. I can use the extra I/O for Volta and Silent Way with my modular. Would you say that the PCIe-424 system is fairly future proof and would be supported by MOTU for a good while in your opinion?

Any other considerations you think I should be aware of? Any positive or negative experiences?

I would be grateful for any pointers.

[mikehalloran]

Looks like you've already answered your own question. In the absence of any system information or idea of what you are trying to accomplish, that is probably as good an answer as any.

[auricle74]

Thanks, Mike

I've updated my signature to include my Mac's system specs.

I'm mainly using virtual instruments (synths and samplers) with various plugins. I find that I can only have a couple of instruments running (with effects) before DP starts overloading - especially if I have to go use a lower latency such as 128 samples so I can play it for recording. I'm wondering if having a PCIe based interface system would help improve the performance of DP for plugins at lower latency.

[wylie1]

I replaced my 2408mk3 with a 828mk3 didn't notice any difference in latency at all if anything its less with the 828.
Although I went from DP7 to DP8 64bit at the same time.
I think the 828mk3 is a much better unit it gives you more features in CueMix as well.

[mikehalloran]

Unless you have identified major conflicts with some of your older plugs and VIs, I'd think your first money is best spent on a DP 8 upgrade. Running 64bit may solve some of your problems.

I've had both PCI and FW based MOTU hardware. I've not noticed a difference in latency - but I'm probably not using DP like you are.

Now that you have provided some context for your question, it may be something that MOTU can answer if you email it to them.