Howdy... I'd like to post this interaction I had with MOTU support on this issue. This was my first time dealing with MOTU.. Be warned: I got a little frustrated towards the end... Probably should have kept my cool...
Best,
Ben
TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS:
Howdy...
I just purchased an Ultralite Mk4, and a new 2018 13" MBP Touch Bar. I've been using the MBP and Mainstage with no issues for a couple of months with a Focusrite, but I wanted the extra outputs and mixing of the MOTU, so purchased that..
MBP is still running the High Sierra it came with.
However, I am noticing that after random intervals, I am getting digital distortion on the outputs, which can be fixed by toggling the 'computer volume' setting on the MOTU. Sometimes the output cuts off all together...
I've tried reinstalling everything, tried turning off every other think like wifi and bluetooth. Tried different sample rates and clocks, etc... Nothing helps overcome this random noise and cut offs, which make this unuseable...
Can you suggest a course of action?
Responses
Added by Andrew on 2018/12/04 15:41:56 Universal
Attached file:
http://techlink-attachments.motu.com/ti ... 17076/MOTU Pro Audio troubleshooting macOS.pdf
State change from 'Awaiting reply' to 'In progress'
Hi Ben,
Thanks for writing.
I'd recommend taking a look at the attached troubleshooting guide for the UltraLite mk4. Specifically, I recommend taking a look at step number 8 and 9.
Additionally, if you leave the Computer Volume controls set to off, does the distortion issue still happen?
Best,
Andrew
Added by Andrew on 2018/12/04 15:43:37 Universal
Last edited by Andrew on 2018/12/04 15:43:50 Universal
Attached file:
http://techlink-attachments.motu.com/ti ... 17076/MOTU Pro Audio troubleshooting macOS.pdf (1)
Added by BENJAMIN on 2018/12/04 17:07:33 Universal
Thank you. In regards to this... Point 8... If I run the unit in class compliant mode, will this not disable some of the functionality of the unit?
Point 9... This is a brand new MBP, and I have never used Digidesign or any AVID software. The only thing installed is APPLE Logic/Mainstage and your interface. This is a dedicated computer for my music purposes.
Distortion and cut offs happen no matter what the computer volume is set to, however I do that toggling this setting brings things back to life for a short periord. Same with sample rate. It seems like this 'resets' the connection to the computer and makes it work for a short while thereafter, but the problem soon returns.
What would you suggest I try next?
Best,
Ben
Added by Andrew on 2018/12/04 17:24:07 Universal
State change from 'Awaiting reply' to 'In progress'
Hi Ben,
It's true that the USB class compliant will not let you access the MOTU Discovery App. So yes, the device's functionality will be slightly limited in this mode. However, you can still use the presets menu via the front panel to change the settings of the unit. Also, USB class compliant mode only allows 24 channels.
I suspect that using the USB class driver may resolve the distortion. However, I am aware that this isn't an ideal solution for everyone. Please keep me posted and I will be sure to help you out with this.
Best,
Andrew
Added by Andrew on 2018/12/04 21:47:50 Universal
Hi Ben,
Please do and keep me posted. We are working on driver updates so please be sure to keep an eye open in the MOTU Discovery App for updates.
Best,
Andrew
Added by BENJAMIN on 2018/12/05 20:54:39 Universal
Howdy...
How do I access the Pro Audio Control webapp without the discovery app?
Thanks.
Ben
Added by Andrew on 2018/12/05 23:49:26 Universal
Hi Ben,
With the UltraLite mk4, you can access the MOTU web app by opening your browser and typing 'localhost:1280' in the address bar. However, keep in mind that this will only work when you have installed the MOTU Pro Audio installer and have not removed the MOTUProAudio.kext from the extensions folder. If you are running the UltraLite mk4 via the USB class driver, then you will not be able to use the MOTU Discovery app or web app.
Best,
Andrew
Added by BENJAMIN on 2018/12/05 23:52:37 Universal
Howdy...
So, just to clarify... When you said "So yes, the device's functionality will be slightly limited in this mode."
... by slightly limited, you meant ZERO functionality except for a basic computer audio interface?
Really? Is that what you meant by slightly limited?
Best,
Ben
Added by Andrew on 2018/12/06 00:54:45 Universal
Hi Ben,
I suppose it really depends on the use case. For users who want realtime control of the UltraLite's mixer, then USB class complaint is not an ideal solution as you cannot access the web app with this driver. For users who merely use the UltraLite as an I/O box for their computer or users who like to direct monitor in addition to the I/O without a need for live mixing control, USB class compliant is a solution.
Best,
Andrew
Edit
Added by BENJAMIN on 2018/12/06 01:04:34 Universal
Not really a solution, but perhaps a stop-gap. If your use case is a door-stop, you don't even need to hook up the power supply.
May I suggest you'll have happier customers if don't over-promise on workaround or solutions. Class Compliant means customers are not getting the device they paid for no matter what their use case, and there's no use case where disabling the drivers could be considered 'slightly limited' functionality.
I guess since the unit just doesn't work with the current MBPs and current drivers, I'll have to join the rest of the people on the forum in hoping that you have a new driver to fix this issue soon.
Ben.