UPDATED (Feb 2014): Universal Audio UAD PCIe compatibility with the new (2013) Mac Pro models.

UPDATE: UAD Products are now compatible with the new “trash can” Mac Pros via a firmware and software update. For more information, please see this article.

Note: UAD-2 SOLO, DUO, and QUAD will not be compatible due to a new PCIe addressing scheme in the new Mac Pros. More details are at the article listed above.

In order to perform the firmware update, you’ll need to use a computer other than the new Mac Pro via firewire or thunderbolt. If you’re using an Apollo, you can use the new Mac Pro to perform the update if you have a thunderbolt to firewire adapter.

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From Universal Audio:

As you may know, Apple recently shipped their new flagship Mac Pro models. These new machines are based on all-new PCIe architecture which changes the way they work with UAD-2 and Apollo hardware.

Apollo/Apollo 16 interfaces, UAD-2 Satellites, and the UAD-2 OCTO will be fully qualified to work with the new Mac Pros over Thunderbolt via a UA firmware update in early 2014.

Unfortunately UAD-2 SOLO, DUO, and QUAD PCIe cards cannot be made to work with the new Mac Pros. (See table below for full UAD/Mac compatibility list.)

Importantly, the UAD-2 OCTO PCIe card will require a qualified Thunderbolt-to-PCIe chassis for compatibility with the new Mac Pros. UAD-2 Satellite owners, and Apollo / Apollo 16 owners not using Thunderbolt, will be able to connect to new Mac Pros via an Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter.

 

Before Connecting UAD Devices to the New Apple Mac Pro (2013 models)

Please read the important information below before connecting any Apollo DUO/QUAD, Apollo 16, and/or UAD-2 OCTO to the new Mac Pro computers (2013 models) from Apple.

A firmware update is required to enable new Mac Pro connectivity

• The required firmware is not yet available. It will be included in a revised UAD Powered Plug-Ins installer available at www.uaudio.com/downloads in early 2014.
• Apollo DUO/QUAD, Apollo 16, and UAD-2 OCTO devices with firmware from UAD v7.4.1 (and lower) require the firmware update to be recognized by the new Mac Pro.
• This initial firmware update must be performed while connected to a computer other than the new Mac Pro.
  Note: The initial firmware update may also be performed using the new Mac Pro, with Apollo devices only, via the Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter.
• The initial firmware update can be performed on compatible Mac systems (other than the new Mac Pro, as above) via FireWire or Thunderbolt, or compatible Windows 7 systems via FireWire. Subsequent firmware updates can be applied from the new Mac Pro as usual.

 

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