Mac Mini doesn't recognise Vitus USB DAC

[a.dent]

Well I have recently taken delivery of a Vitus RCD-101.

 

I have been trying to play music from my Mac Mini to via USB to the Vitus but the Mac will not "see" the Vitus.

 

I have hooked up my Macbook Pro and it shows the Vitus straight away. No worries playing everything via JRiver, iTunes, Audirvana etc from the MBP but no joy from the MM.

 

Can anyone help me find where the problem is. The Vitus dealer has no idea either.

 

Thanks.

[baddog]

Try running AudioMIDI, it is located in your Utilities folder on the Mac. Open AudioMIDI and see if it detects the Vitus. If so select it, and try running your Music player software again.

 

Also you may try using a different USB port on the Mac Mini if you have not done so already.

[avta]

Also check the Sound app in the System Preferences. Choose the Vitus if it is shown then close System Preferences.

[a.dent]

Thanks guys

 

Yes already checked audiomidi and sound about 20 times!

 

My MBP detects the USB input as XMOS something or other (not at home at the moment).

 

Im thinking maybe it's something to do with Core audio but I need someone with an intimate knowledge of OSX to offer some advice

[avta]

Have you tried different usb slots on the MM?

[alfe]

apple->about this mac->more info->system report->usb

check if detected

or if usb 2 or 3 output

[ericuco]

I had the same (similar) issue with my Mini (2012 i5) and TPA DAC with XMOS USB board.

 

Assuming you are having the same issue, the easiest fix is to use a simple USB 2.0 hub (powered or not). I initially got a cheap hub ($20) from Office Depot that solved the problem. Eventually got a Schiit Wyrd unit ($99) because having a cheap hub from Office Depot just didn't feel right.

 

My understanding is the the newer Mini's have USB 3.0 support which is SUPPOSED to be backward compatible to USB 2.0 but not so with the XMOS USB boards.

[a.dent]

I had the same (similar) issue with my Mini (2012 i5) and TPA DAC with XMOS USB board.

 

Assuming you are having the same issue, the easiest fix is to use a simple USB 2.0 hub (powered or not). I initially got a cheap hub ($20) from Office Depot that solved the problem. Eventually got a Schiit Wyrd unit ($99) because having a cheap hub from Office Depot just didn't feel right.

 

My understanding is the the newer Mini's have USB 3.0 support which is SUPPOSED to be backward compatible to USB 2.0 but not so with the XMOS USB boards.

 

Yes that sounds like my problem.

 

Thanks for the help. I'll get a USB hub today and give it a try.

[a.dent]

Thanks ericuco

 

The $20 USB hub worked perfectly.

 

I looked at the Schiit Wyrd but with our "Australia tax" the local dealer is asking $199. I'll have to think about it.

 

I wonder if there will ever be a firmware update to allow USB 3 on XMOS?

[ericuco]

The $20 USB hub worked perfectly.

 

Glad to hear you are up & running. No idea what the impact on SQ is with a "cheap" hub. There are other USB hubs out there (e.g. iFi) that might be a suitable option for you vs the Schiit.