nMP+Sonnet Echo Express III

[mBox]

Trying to get an old HD Core + HD Accel (2) working with a new Mac Pro using the Sonnet Echo Express III-R (rack) Thunderbolt 2 chassis.
Of course this is with a Magma PCI-Expander.
Doesnt look like itll work since you cant use an PCI expander with an PCI expander (tested with a CUBIX GPU-XPANDER, no dice).
Now Im tempted to put all three cards in one single Echo Express unit.
Anyone tested this?

[JFreak]

I don't think the old cards work that way, you need HDX if you want to use the nMP. This is just a gut feeling though, I haven't tested this myself...

[nst7]

This won't work at all. For Mac, a specific Thunderbolt aware driver must be written for each card by the manufacturer, and Avid has no plans to write one for any of the TDM cards. Partly because they're discontinued, and party because they want you to buy their current cards (HDX or HDN).

Other people have confirmed it does not work. It may work on a Windows computer, but at that point you may as well get a tower computer with PCIe slots.

[mBox]

Good to know and we expected that.
The HD Core is old and we dont mind the option of upgrading.
These cards did their job for many years :)
So far Im finding that you have to be very careful with the Thunderbolt cable placement.
I have crashed the nMP with a Sonnet Echo Express III and the original Echo Express.
This is on a Dual Apple Cinema 30" setup.
There are three bus options in pairs.
Have to keep an eye where each cable plugs in.

[mBox]

Quick question, anyone know if the new HDX cards work with Digital 192 and Sync I/O?

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by mBox

Quick question, anyone know if the new HDX cards work with Digital 192 and Sync I/O?

Yes and no.

[Brandonx1]

Originally Posted by JFreak

Yes and no.

He is saying yes to the 192 no to the sync 1i/o. Sync HD will work with HDX and 11

[mBox]

Thanks JFREAK/Brandonx1 :)

Now if I could only get my sales rep to return my emails :P

There is an upgrade path and exploring our options.

Ordered another Sonnet Echo Express III-R to house the HDX cards.

Does one card match my current setup or?

[mBox]

We got some quotes on HDX upgrades.

Need to do a lot more than I anticipated.

Question, anyone use old HD Core/Accel with any Thunderbolt chassis and new Mac Pro?

It would only be Pro Tools 10 of course.

[nst7]

As mentioned, no one has gotten this to work, for the reasons listed, which have nothing to do with PT10 vs. 11.

There were a few threads on here or Gearslutz with people confirming this, but I don't know where they are.