Quote:
Originally Posted by sdemar
I have a problem I'm betting a few others have run into. I've been a Pro Tools user since 2007, and until now I've been on a Mac Pro (2007). However I recently purchased a new S3 Control Surface, which its system requirements call for Maverick OSX, and isn't supported on Yosemite OSX yet. So I realized I need to upgrade to a newer Mac Pro to run Maverick, my Mac Pro is too old. But unfortunately new and refurbished Macs come configured with Yosemite. I know many of you are thinking "no big deal, get a Maverick OSX installer disc and downgrade the system". I thought that as well. However after talking at length with Apple tech, it turns out that as of Maverick they no longer shipped install discs, you simply can't get one, not even from Apple. It's simple if the Mac you have came configured (back in 2013) with Maverick on units of the time. But if you buy a refurbished one today (even if its hardware date is from 2013) it will have Yosemite installed on it by Apple, so its useless to me. And they won't ship one configured with Maverick (why, don't ask, their just not helpful that way).
Anyone else boxed in by this one? I'm currently sitting on a brand new S3 Control Surface that is nothing more to me than a $5k door stop right now. What I'd really like to hear is that someone else ran into this and has a solution. If your solution is "wait till Avid supports Yosemite for the S3 firmware", not an option. This is a working studio and I can't 'afford' to wait for that eventuality.
I'm really shocked Avid didn't look into the compatibility issue a little deeper before releasing this hardware. I mean, there have got to be lots of Pro Tools systems running on pre-Maverick systems hoping to get an S3, and I'm pretty sure any of those studios aren't looking forward to buying an S3 that they can't get a Maverick Mac to use it.
Tell me you have a solution, and I will give you my first born (no warranty on first born, you get what you get 
Steve DeMar
Demar Development Studios
new: Pro Tools S3 Control Surface (makes a very nice door stop) |
Hey Steve,
I can totally emphasize with your situation and I'm sorry you are blocked right now. If you are looking at a brand new Mac, then you are probably forced to run Yosemite. But, if you can find a newer machine on the used market that supports Mavericks that could be an option for an immediate solution. Of course, it depends on your preference for new vs used machines. One more thing, I know you mentioned you don't plan on using AVB. However, if there is a chance that may change make sure you purchase a Mac with Thunderbolt as those are the Macs which support AVB.
Regarding OS compatibility, we are focusing qualification on Mavericks and higher largely because of the included AVB support in Mavericks+. It's also a free upgrade for those on older operating systems. Mountain Lion (10.8) should work for control surface functionality, but its not officially qualified. FYI, EuControl 3.1+ supports 10.8 and higher.
Regarding Yosemite, EuControl is not officially supported yet. But, we are working on it and will get it out as soon as we can. As with any unqualified software, some may experience issues and some may not. We just can't recommended upgrading until we have a EuControl release that is fully-qualified with Yosemite.
Let us know how things progress.
Thanks,