1 Topic by lukasecho (edited by lukasecho 2020-04-16 08:10:20)

  • Registered: 2020-04-16
  • Posts: 2

Topic: 2020 is an original Multiface I + Cardbus (PCMCIA) usable today? MacOS

I have searched but can't find a definitive (or recent) answer.

What would be the cheapest and most reliable way in 2020 (if any exists) to use an original RME Multiface I w/ flat Cardbus (PCMCIA) adaptor with a modern computer (preferably a MacOS).

I realise that this interface is probably almost 20 years old -- It has been in my basement for 5 years or so, but thought I might be able to resurrect it. A few years ago, it seemed like I would need first need to get the RME HDSPe ExpressCard adaptor (or HDSPe PCIe  for a desktop computer) since Cardbus is absolutely obsolete.

ie. the flat version of this: https://archiv.rme-audio.de/en/products … erface.php

It seems that even the  HDSPe ExpressCard is no longer available:

2 Reply by vinark (edited by vinark 2020-04-16 08:46:29)

  • vinark
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2009-06-05
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: 2020 is an original Multiface I + Cardbus (PCMCIA) usable today? MacOS

I can only tell you for windows...
Get a PCI based quad core like a Asus P5Q mobo with q9550. Then (or first) a PCI to carbus adapter. 8gb ram. This will work pretty good with win7 or 10. (I have such an adapter for an old echo indigo cardbus audio card, works 100%)
You can get a newer PC with PCI slot and a PCi to cardbus adapter, but I know the P5Q series work. cause I use them daily (with hdsp9652 PCI).

But it is a lot easier if you get a usb RME interface which will work with any computer.

I don't think this will work for mac as there were never any PC's with PCI (or cardbus) with OSX. SO you would need a PCIe hdspe card for that.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • Registered: 2008-11-04
  • Posts: 90

Re: 2020 is an original Multiface I + Cardbus (PCMCIA) usable today? MacOS

…works like a charm on a 2018 mbp…but you needsome adapters (and of course the hdspe card from rme):

- thunderbolt3 to thunderbolt2 adapter from apple
- then this: https://www.sonnettech.com/product/echo … rbolt.html

bam...20 year old mf1 still working in 2020!

  • Registered: 2008-11-04
  • Posts: 90

Re: 2020 is an original Multiface I + Cardbus (PCMCIA) usable today? MacOS

…and you could also use the mf1 in conjunction with a pciexpress card inside this:
https://www.sonnettech.com/product/echo … rview.html

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 9,843

Re: 2020 is an original Multiface I + Cardbus (PCMCIA) usable today? MacOS

There are no Intel Mac based drivers for the HDSP Cardbus card, sorry. This won't work, even with an adapter. On a Windows system, it will...

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website