Steve Henningsgard
New member
Note: I know there are a few threads here and elsewhere detailing this issue, but they are anywhere from a few months to a few years old, and they all seem to disappear without any firm resolution on the subject.
Background: I've been building, repairing, and troubleshooting computers for over 7 years, 3 professionally. I've been recording on computers for nearly as long. Previous to this unit, I've had absolutely no trouble with several Creative Soundblaster cards, an M-Audio MobilePre, and more recently an M-Audio Delta 1010 card. I've used the firewire port for transferring video, and for interfacing with my iPod. This is a known-working, well-built, well-maintained machine we're talking about here.
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For those unfamiliar with the issue, I'll re-iterate: MOTU's recording interfaces, specifically the firewire-based variety, have anywhere between sub-par and nearly non-functional drivers for Windows users. I recently purchased a MOTU 896 (non-HD) for use in my home studio. I'm using a fast, home-built, Windows XP SP2-based machine, with a standard PCI firewire card.
My issues include the following:
Problem #1: In a normal windows environment, the card must be switched to a 256 buffer vs. a 512 buffer needed for multi-track recording in Sonar. In order to switch between the two, one must open up the included software, which doesn't recognize the 896 as being connected.
Problem #2: In all windows applications, the card is either not recognized, or is recognized as "MOTU Analog". Unless the buffer is switched to 256, all windows audio will have crackling and skipping and generally be completely useless. However, the aforementioned problem #1 prevents me from changing any options whatsoever unless I open Sonar and access the "Asio Panel" from there.
Problem #3 (intermittent): When starting up windows, the MOTU outputted an extremely loud, extremely high-pitched squeal through my powered monitors.
These issues, combined with those described in countless other threads, seem to point to MOTU using some sort of hacked-together, marginally-functional driver for Windows users, and claiming Windows XP support. I think this is completely ridiculous, as I have wasted several hours of my life troubleshooting what should be a simple, easy-to-use device.
I emailed MOTU's customer support yesterday afternoon with a non-hostile, well-worded letter, so we will see what response (if any) I receive and what their take on the matter is.
Please post any advice or personal experience (good or bad) with MOTU's hardware & windows machines! I know there are many out there who have had nothing but good experiences with these units, and I'd like to hear from them as well
Background: I've been building, repairing, and troubleshooting computers for over 7 years, 3 professionally. I've been recording on computers for nearly as long. Previous to this unit, I've had absolutely no trouble with several Creative Soundblaster cards, an M-Audio MobilePre, and more recently an M-Audio Delta 1010 card. I've used the firewire port for transferring video, and for interfacing with my iPod. This is a known-working, well-built, well-maintained machine we're talking about here.
--------------------------------------------
For those unfamiliar with the issue, I'll re-iterate: MOTU's recording interfaces, specifically the firewire-based variety, have anywhere between sub-par and nearly non-functional drivers for Windows users. I recently purchased a MOTU 896 (non-HD) for use in my home studio. I'm using a fast, home-built, Windows XP SP2-based machine, with a standard PCI firewire card.
My issues include the following:
Problem #1: In a normal windows environment, the card must be switched to a 256 buffer vs. a 512 buffer needed for multi-track recording in Sonar. In order to switch between the two, one must open up the included software, which doesn't recognize the 896 as being connected.
Problem #2: In all windows applications, the card is either not recognized, or is recognized as "MOTU Analog". Unless the buffer is switched to 256, all windows audio will have crackling and skipping and generally be completely useless. However, the aforementioned problem #1 prevents me from changing any options whatsoever unless I open Sonar and access the "Asio Panel" from there.
Problem #3 (intermittent): When starting up windows, the MOTU outputted an extremely loud, extremely high-pitched squeal through my powered monitors.
These issues, combined with those described in countless other threads, seem to point to MOTU using some sort of hacked-together, marginally-functional driver for Windows users, and claiming Windows XP support. I think this is completely ridiculous, as I have wasted several hours of my life troubleshooting what should be a simple, easy-to-use device.
I emailed MOTU's customer support yesterday afternoon with a non-hostile, well-worded letter, so we will see what response (if any) I receive and what their take on the matter is.
Please post any advice or personal experience (good or bad) with MOTU's hardware & windows machines! I know there are many out there who have had nothing but good experiences with these units, and I'd like to hear from them as well
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