MOTU has released the version 1.2.5 firmware update for the 1248, 8M, 16A, UltraLite AVB, and other latest-generation audio interfaces. The free, downloadable update offers significant new features including a new way to connect an audio interface to a Mac computer under OS X 10.11 (El Capitan).
Firmware 1.2.5 supports direct connection of the interface to a Mac running El Capitan using a standard Cat-5e or Cat-6 cable, with the ability to stream 64 audio channels at sample rates up to 192kHz. Any Mac with a built-in Ethernet port and OS X 10.11 is compatible. This not only allows for significant distance — up to 100 meters — between the interface and the Mac, but it frees up the computer’s USB or Thunderbolt port.
Multiple interfaces can be connected to a single Mac using the 5-port MOTU AVB Switch (or any standard AVB/TSN switch), and in this scenario, multiple Macs can access the full network.
Check out these new features:
- Added the ability to remotely control preamp settings for any interface on a network.
- Interfaces can now resolve to SMPTE time code (LTC) from any available analog or digital input channel.
- Interfaces can convert SMPTE time code (LTC) to MIDI Time Code (MTC) under OS X.
- Added support for Apple OS X 10.11 entity mode, so you can connect multiple AVB devices to an AVB-equipped Mac.
- Added graphic control for the multi-band EQ and compressor in the web app on-screen mixer.
- Interfaces can now be password protected.
- Device presets can now save and recall AVB stream connections.
- Added a lock button to the web app Routing tab to prevent accidental changes to audio routing.
- Input meters in the web app Mixing tab can now be set to display pre- or post-fader levels.
- Added support for 3rd-party devices that support multiple AVB configurations.
- AVB networking connections no longer reset when the sample rate setting is changed.
- Added support for enterprise-grade switches from Arista and other switch manufacturers.
- Improved performance and many bug fixes.
