MOTU G5 compatibility information
The following can be found at
August 14, 2003 – Apple’s new Power Mac G5 computers deliver extreme speed increases that greatly enhance both MOTU hardware and software. If you want to take full advantage of the fastest personal computer on the planet, then you’ve made the right choice in using MOTU products.
DP4, AudioDesk 2 and MachFive
MOTU has been working very closely with Apple over the summer to ensure compatibility with the new G5 machines. DP version 4.1 (a free update that will be available soon), AudioDesk 2 and MachFive 1.0 all run on the new G5’s. DP4 takes full advantage of the multi-processor models, as does MachFive when running with DP4 or other multi-processor-savvy hosts.
MOTU FireWire interfaces
A new MOTU FireWire OS X CoreAudio driver (Version 1.05) is now posted at www.motu.com. This driver makes all MOTU FireWire interfaces fully compatible with the G5 computers. This includes the 828, 828mkII and 896 interfaces. (Note: It’s worth getting this update, even if you don’t have a G5.)
The MOTU PCI-424 card
PCI gets even better
The G5 introduces significant enhancements to the PCI architecture, along with a required 3.3-volt card format. As a result, existing PCI-424 cards do not fit in the G5’s new PCI slots. MOTU has developed a modified 3-volt PCI-424 card that is fully compatible with the new G5 computers. In addition, an affordable trade-in program is now available – see below for complete details. We call this new card the PCI-424/G5 card, and it works in the new G5’s, as well as any earlier PCI-424 compatible Power Mac (G4, G3, etc.)
Multiple PCI busses
The two fastest G5’s now supply two independent PCI busses, so that you can separate video cards and other high-bandwidth PCI products from your PCI-424/G5 card. This will further ensure that the PCI-424 has all the PCI bandwidth it needs to deliver as many high-definition audio channels as the G5/424 system can handle. From the beginning, the PCI-424 card was designed to deliver a theoretical maximum of 48 simultaneous channels of 24-bit, 192kHz digital audio input and output (that’s 96 channels total). We’re still testing the fastest G5 models and will let you know soon just how many channels of 192kHz audio they can handle. While dual-processor G4’s can record up to 36 channels of 192kHz at a time, we expect the new G5’s will be able to handle more.
PCI-424/G5 trade-in program
Existing PCI-424 owners can trade in their PCI-424 card for a new PCI-424/G5 card for $69, plus shipping. This program is available to registered owners of a PCI-424 core system:
* 2408mk3 core system
* 24I/O core system
* HD192 core system
PCI-324 owners are not eligible for this trade-in.
PCI-424/G5 cards should be available by late August or early September. Trade-in orders are now being taken. To place your PCI-424/G5 trade-in order, contact MOTU customer service in one of the following ways:
* by phone at (617) 576-2760
* by fax at (617) 576-3609
* by email at upgrades@motu.com
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