• zinc
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  • Registered: 2014-10-14
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Topic: Madiface XT USB3 and Latest Mac Pro (2014)

Dear RME users,

we just purchased a madiface XT soundcard + 96 channels of D/A converters to drive simultaneously 96 loudspeakers (amplified by 96 AB class amplifiers), for sound field synthesis applications at high frequency.

In order to complete this setup, we would like to purchase a computer that has a very good compatibility with RME Madiface XT and allows a very low latency even at high channel counts. We previously had problems in a previous setup with a windows XP based computer and Adobe Audition.

I am seriously considering the option to purchase the Latest Mac Pro and use Reaper as a multichannel software. Unfortunately, I did not find any tests or confirmations that this setup works well with RME Madiface XT interfaces. Considering the high price of this machine, could you please confirm that this works flawlessly, without hiccups, noise or cracks (I read a worrying thread about problems with MacBook Pro and USB3 audio, so I have to be sure that there is no problem with this configuration ...)

Thanks in advance for any answer.

Best Regards,

  • zinc
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Re: Madiface XT USB3 and Latest Mac Pro (2014)

Additional question :

if the mac pro is overkill for this kind of application (simulataneous playback of 96 channels at highest sampling frequency with an excellent synchronisation and very low latency), please point me out to another computer/os that can do the job efficiently for pro/research applications.

Thanks.

  • From: Aotearoa
  • Registered: 2007-10-23
  • Posts: 255

Re: Madiface XT USB3 and Latest Mac Pro (2014)

Hi Zinc

If you are talking about running 96 channels at 192k at low latency, I strongly advise you to use the E-PCIE connection for the XT, with a suitable PCIE adaptor (Matrox) in a PC from a DAW builder.  The new MAC pro is unproven in this field.  If you are doing any kind of DSP at this channel throughput you want the most powerful machine possible I think.

Interesting usage though, what is your field / institution?

Simon

Madiface XT, Madiface, 3x Micstasy, ADI8QS
Sequoia 17, W10 x64
https://bsound.co.nz/tools-nix
  • zinc
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Re: Madiface XT USB3 and Latest Mac Pro (2014)

Thanks to Potscrubber for your answer about the PC with PCIE adaptor.

But I still would like to know if anyone has tested / benchmarked the RME Madiface XT with a Mac Pro ? Do you guys at RME have had the chance to test this configuration ?