FireWire on new MacBooks

[Audio_ELF]

I was reading today about a possible issue with the new (late 2008 onwards) MacBook and MacBook Pros and thought it may be of interest / concern to people here...

 

Aparently the new MacBook Pros (not sure exactly which models) use a "new" Augere Firewire chipsets instead of the Texas Instrument chipsets that previous MacBooks have used. This chipsets is reported to have troubles with FireFace interfaces and probably other FireWire devices. I did read that later revision of the chipset should cure the problem. The problem seams to be fixable if you use a powered hub (or drive with built in hub) between the MacBook an the device.

 

Anyway was wondering if anyone new any more, if the problem was fixable with firmware update (RME reportedly thought not) and if the newest MacBook Pros were cured. The problem looks to have started in late 2008 model MacBook Pros - think this was revision of te unibody when the 17" was introduced.

 

Eloise

 

[MontyW]

Hi Eloise,

 

Yes there are problems with MacBook Pros and the 'new' firewire chip. I have been looking into this problem, especially around using a RME FireFace 400.

 

The RME forum does say that using a Lindy repeater cable:

 

http://www.lindy.co.uk/45m-firewire-active-extension-cable/32908.html

 

or a powered hub as you have already said:

 

http://www.lindy.co.uk/3-port-firewire-800-repeater-hub/32911.html

 

Will solve the problem.

 

RME also say the 2009 MBP's with revised chipset do not cause problems with their interfaces. Here are a couple of links if you haven't seen them already:

 

http://www.rme-audio.de/forum/viewtopic.php?id=5868

http://www.rme-audio.de/forum/viewtopic.php?id=974&p=3

 

One workaround that many RME users says does work, is to use a Lacie external HD as a feirwire hub. I personally think this is a very expensive solution.

 

Monty