Mbox 2 & PowerBook G4

[Avid]

From the Digidesign Compatibility Documents Change History:
http://www.digidesign.com/compato/changes/

We have identified a potential problem with some aluminum PowerBook G4 models that may not provide sufficient power from one or both of the built-in USB ports to establish or maintain communication with the Mbox 2. The 15" PowerBook G4 Model M8981LL/A and 15" PowerBook G4 Model M8980LL/A (both manufactured in September 2003) in particular may require utilization of a powered USB hub when used with the Mbox 2.

For more information, including recommended powered USB hubs, please see Mbox 2 Compatibility Information with PowerBook G4.

Please note that the vast majority of PowerBook G4s do not exhibit this problem, and we have not discovered any similar problems on any other Apple models, such as the Power Mac G5, Power Mac G4, iMac, iBook or Mac mini, or on any Windows computers.

[vf124]

I, myself deleted my own negative posts ...

[djaikon]

I have a 1.5 GHz 15" Powerbook from August 2004 which exhibits the exact same problem described above. It's not only the early revisions of the Aluminum Powerbooks that have this problem...And how is a workaround buying a powered hub? The hardware should work without a hub! Everything else I own does. I thought hubs were not recommended at all when using Digidesign hardware.

[Atlam]

Hi,

This is not just a problem relagated to earlier G4s. I have just bought (September 2005) a Powerbook G4 1.67Ghz. When the mbox is plugged into the USB port on the right hand side the problem occurs. When plugged into the left its fine, (so far).

Extremely disappointing.



Gavin Attard
Editor / Sound Designer / Audio Engineer
Liverpool

[red_wedge]

That's interesting. I have a Belkin 7-port powered hub, but when I use it with my MBOX (version 1) it causes the 9134 (I think) error and stops playback. I have to plug it into the computer to get it working.

I wasn't intereted in the MBOX 2 anyway, but I'm really thinking about switching to another DAW now. There are always problems and delays with Digi these days. I love the software, but I hate the hassle.

[vf124]

That's interesting. I have a Belkin 7-port powered hub, but when I use it with my MBOX (version 1) it causes the 9134 (I think) error and stops playback. I have to plug it into the computer to get it working.

I have one of the very first Mbox and would you believe it runs beautifully thru a cheap ***** Staples (Belkin) 4 port usb 1.1 hub. No problems whatsoever.

I wasn't intereted in the MBOX 2 anyway, but I'm really thinking about switching to another DAW now. There are always problems and delays with Digi these days. I love the software, but I hate the hassle.

On the contrary, I'm very much interested in the Mbox II ... in fact, I'm so interested having just sent the Mbox II back for a full refund, I've re-ordered it. Why? Because I know "first hand" that Digi is working the problem. Sadly, there is a shortage ... but my 2nd Mbox II order is in.

[Joseph9]

I have a 15", 1.25 PowerBook, 1.25 RAM, running OS 10.4.2/LE 6.8.1. Neither one of my ports could power the interface, the LEDs on it were flashing. You guys suggested getting a Belkin 7 Port USB Hub F5U027, Apple had none so I purchased a Belkin 7 Port F5U(can't remember the last 3 digits, maybe 267??) it's the later model, supposedly faster. This solved that problem, my interface was now being powered, LEDs were staying solid. However, I am now getting an error 6104 (CPU is holding off USB audio) everytime I try to record or playback for longer then 15-20 seconds. I have hardly any tracks or plug-ins going. I've tried everything in your troubleshooting tips. Nobody knows what this error is??? You think it's the hub? I'm at a loss.

[meric]

when we can update it?do you know?
peace,thanks

[dub3000]

i think i heard that the reason the mbox 2 is more picky about the power supply is mainly to do with powering the preamps (which are meant to be much better than original mbox pres)

[Joseph9]

Yeah, there's definitely some weird stuff going on with my USB ports. I've talked to 2 Digi techs who have never even heard of the error I'm getting (6104). I don't know what to do.