Most stable Mac OS X for HDX / HD software

[anguswoodhead]

Sorry if this has been covered before...
I’m running a 2010 12 core Mac Pro
I’m in the process of installing a HDX card
With current HD software subscription.
So licensed for all previous versions I believe.

What are the most reliable Mac OS X and PT HD software versions?
That play together nicely.

I was thinking Yosemite and HD 12.8.1 but I’ve heard Yosemite is buggy...

Thanks in advance.

[Howardk]

PT12.8.1 on Yosemite is best if you also plan to run some native plugins or VIs and want to avoid the dreaded CPU spikes that cause AAE-9171 errors/Halts or AAE-9173 Halts... otherwise Sierra or High Sierra with PT2018-10 but your CPU will be spiking and you may have Playback or recording Halts from time to time.. Do not use PT2018-12 if you use many playlists... there is a SWOD/delay that happens when soloing tracks that makes it unusable for comping large playlists. AVID has confirmed this problem in PT 2018-12, -10 is fine in that regard.

High Sierra will update your MacPro firmware... I am not aware of any issues with that as long as the computer does not loose power during the process...

Some current AAX Plugins & VIs and will not run on Yosemite...

It is not smooth sailing...

[anguswoodhead]

Originally Posted by Howardk

PT12.8.1 on Yosemite is best if you also plan to run some native plugins or VIs and want to avoid the dreaded CPU spikes that cause AAE-9171 errors/Halts or AAE-9173 Halts... otherwise Sierra or High Sierra with PT2018-10 but your CPU will be spiking and you may have Playback or recording Halts from time to time.. Do not use PT2018-12 if you use many playlists... there is a SWOD/delay that happens when soloing tracks that makes it unusable for comping large playlists. AVID has confirmed this problem in PT 2018-12, -10 is fine in that regard.

High Sierra will update your MacPro firmware... I am not aware of any issues with that as long as the computer does not loose power during the process...

Some current AAX Plugins & VIs and will not run on Yosemite...

It is not smooth sailing...

Thanks very much for your reply...

I'm setting up 2 x 1TB SSD
- Yosemite with 12.8.1
- High Sierra with 2018.12
I do have some modern Plugin Alliance plugs (big fan here) and FabFilter too
And I do use Playlists a fair bit

When High Sierra updates my 2010 Mac Pro firmware will it still run ok on the Yosemite OS?

I also have an old OS X Mountain Lion - will that be ok?
I have HD10 and an old version of Cubase on that....
For old archived sessions

I just need to get to a stable OS X and PTHD version - then I'll 'sit' until I buy the rumoured new Mac Tower.

[Howardk]

I have worked on Mountain Lion with PT 10, with HD and HDX cards, after updating my Mac Pro firmware from a High Sierra install, and I did not notice any new issues, but it was not an exhaustive test...

I am hoping the Mojave release will solve the long existing CPU spiking and new playlist lane solo delay problem that appeared in PT2018-12.

[anguswoodhead]

Originally Posted by Howardk

I have worked on Mountain Lion with PT 10, with HD and HDX cards, after updating my Mac Pro firmware from a High Sierra install, and I did not notice any new issues, but it was not an exhaustive test...

I am hoping the Mojave release will solve the long existing CPU spiking and new playlist lane solo delay problem that appeared in PT2018-12.

Yes
Same here
And I like the idea of more voices in HD 2019 too
Apparently I have to upgrade my video card for Mohave
Something about a ‘metal’ one.

[Howardk]

Yes, a video card that supports Metal is required for Mojave, and I think Mojave does yet another MacPro (2010 or 2012) firmware update, but don’t quote me on that. Most video cards of this nature require 2 auxiliary power cables connected, which leaves no connectors left on the Mac Pro motherboard for the extra power cable on the HDX card. There is a thread discussing this.... just be careful you don’t fry your Mac Pro motherboard circuit board power traces, others have! I am still a bit uneasy on this due to lack of concrete information on the power consumption of the cards.

Also, you likely will want a card that is Mac ready, so you can select a startup drive on power up with the Opt key... Mac flashed, and no drivers required.