Mac Mini M4 (Base Model) + Motu 624 (Thunderbolt 2 or USB3) - Interface Not Detected

[specialmonkey]

I'm trying to use my Motu 624 with a new Mac Mini M4 (OS X 15.1).

I tried installing this first: MOTU Pro Audio Installer (91429).pkg - restarting -
plugging in interface and going to Motu (Open Discovery) - it says: There are no devices currently connected

I then tried doing the same thing with: MOTU Pro Audio Installer (Dext 96343).pkg - also listed under downloads for Mac -

but it didn't help. I reinstalled the (I assume) later (91429), but still no luck.

Under login items there are 2 Motu items allowed (it says 1 item affects all users) -
Under Extensions, com.motu.driver.pro.audio.dext has been toggled to be allowed.

I'm using a Mac Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 adapter - I believe the 624 uses TB2. I'm using a Mac TB2 cable that is known to work on my PC with my 624. I tried connecting via the TB4 ports on the back of Mac Mini M4.

I also tried using a USB3 cable (blue color on plastic connecting bits) via a Mac USB-C to USB adapter - connected to a front USB-C input on the Mac Mini M4.

I'm not sure if my adapters are faulty since they don't specifically mention Thunderbolt 4 or USB3 in their compatibility, or something else?

Anyone get something similar working?

Thanks for any help!

[mikehalloran]

Either installer should work. That is unlikely to be the problem.

Did you set your new Mac for Reduced Security? This must be done first.
https://motu.com/techsupport/technotes/ ... audio-inst

After that is done, then these instructions must be followed within 30 minutes of installing the drivers. You may have to reboot multiple times before you see all the prompts.
https://motu.com/techsupport/technotes/ ... igh-sierra

When done, it should work over Thunderbolt (USB 4) through the Apple adapter or USB 2.

If your USB 3 cable doesn't support either protocol (some don't) that will not work.

In any case, the 624 is a currently supported unit. MOTU can walk you through this and even screen share if needed.

[specialmonkey]

Thank you so much!

This worked for me, more or less as the instructions specify. I didn't see as many prompts (to allow the extension(s)), maybe due to my earlier installation attempts? I'd already allowed the extensions when machine was in full security mode.

In these instructions my 624 isn't listed as one of the models now supported on Apple Silicon. The instructions say the security policy steps are only required for the models listed.

Nonetheless, it seems like this step was also required for me and my Motu 624 + Mac Mini M4 (OS X 15.1).

I'm guessing I need to leave the Mac in reduced security mode in order to continue using the interface? Or, should I change it back to full security?

Thanks again!

[mikehalloran]

That bulletin only listed units requiring a different driver. MOTU's mistake for not including everything.

Reduced Security is a permanent thing. You will not be able to install 3rd party drivers otherwise.

[specialmonkey]

Hi - I think you mention here:

viewtopic.php?t=74511

that the USB round trip latency (RTL) on an 828x might be better than with the TB connection, do you know if this is also the case with the 624? I'm wondering for a M4 Mac mini, which connection/cable type would provide the best performance with a 624?

Thanks!

[mikehalloran]

Hi - I think you mention here:

viewtopic.php?t=74511

that the USB round trip latency (RTL) on an 828x might be better than with the TB connection, do you know if this is also the case with the 624? I'm wondering for a M4 Mac mini, which connection/cable type would provide the best performance with a 624?

Thanks!

On the older MOTU units such as the 828x, Thunderbolt was a Firewire 400–Thunderbolt adapter. "High speed USB 2" is faster. I have no idea if this is still true but it would surprise me if so.

RTL is actually easy to hear. Send a click track through your interface to your DAW while monitoring the output and input (return). You will hear both. Buffer size has the biggest effect but if there's a difference between TB and USB with the same sample rate and buffer, you will know.