003 Factory - Trouble Getting ProTools to see hardware!

[Ape_Man]

I am running Mac OSX 10.4.11 with ProTools LE 7.3.1 CS5 and a 003 Factory console. Mac is 2x3Ghz Quad Core Intel Xeon with 8Gb ram and 4x750Gb internal HDs.

I have had this set-up for about a month, and I still can't get the 003 to be recognized by ProTools on a consistent basis. It only works 1 out of 5 attempts or thereabouts. I follow the manual's instructions by first turning on the 003 factory. Then I turn on my computer. Then I launch ProTools. Instead of seeing the 003 factory, ProTools usually displays a msg to the effect of "cannot detect hardware or hardware is in use by another program..." and then shuts down. There is never any other program running, and the hardware is always properly connected. It's a brand new Mac with almost no programs on it other than ProTools and Final Cut. And Final Cut (or any of its components) is never running when I attempt to launch ProTools. I only open ProTools in isolation, knowing full well that Final Cut could try to use the 003.

After ProTools fails to detect the 003 and shuts down, I then turn off the 003, and either unplug it and plug it back in - or detach the firewire connector and re-attach, or both! Then relaunch ProTools, and (if I'm lucky) it will see the 003 factory and properly start-up. But most often, I have to go through this ritual several times before I get a proper launch. Sometimes just turning the 003 on and off does the trick. But most often I have to unplug and re-plug either the power or firewire.

All my cables and connections are good and firm, never loose. I use the same firewire cable for other devices without problem, and I have cycled through a half-dozen good quality cables just to make sure - but same problem. The 003 Factory itself seems to be good, in the sense that when ProTools ultimately does launch, the 003 performs as it should.

Anyone else experience this exasperating problem? Any ideas of what else to try?

Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Slim Shady]

What firewire port are you using on your G5?

Definitely read the "General Troubleshooting" thread if you haven't already, lots of stuff to try in there.

[Ape_Man]

I'm using the Firewire 400 port on the back of the G5 to one of the 400 ports on the Factory. I've tried both 400 ports on the factory with similar results. And the 400 port on the G5 definitely works, as I've tried it with other devices and they work consistently.

Been reading the General Troubleshooting thread as well and so far don't see anything that I'm doing wrong.

[Barry Johns]

I had this problem on my 1st install of my 002 Rack this week, just sold my HD rig so I was already crying. I uninstalled Protools and then reinstalled and it's worked since. I hate being back in Native, but had to sell my HD rig. Oh stability, I really hope it gets better.

[Ape_Man]

I had this problem on my 1st install of my 002 Rack this week, just sold my HD rig so I was already crying. I uninstalled Protools and then reinstalled and it's worked since. I hate being back in Native, but had to sell my HD rig. Oh stability, I really hope it gets better.

Man, I really hope there is something simpler I can do, rather than uninstalling and reinstalling the whole shebang, with all the plug-ins.

Yeah, nice to dream about stability...

[geeball]

install your interface on the front firewire port on your mac i had the same issue repaired it right away ...no more problems with anything the 003 does no like thr rear ports on the g5

[Barry Johns]

I'm only talking about Protools, not the plugs. It takes 5 minutes. Not big deal really.

[Barry Johns]

I'm only talking about Protools, not the plugs. It takes 5 minutes. Not big deal really.

[Ape_Man]

install your interface on the front firewire port on your mac i had the same issue repaired it right away ...no more problems with anything the 003 does no like thr rear ports on the g5

Well that's interesting. I am going to cross my fingers and try that out. I could certainly live with attaching the 003 to the front port, if that's all it takes. Wonder why the back port would be any different though...

If the above does not work, will try Barry's suggestion of reinstalling ProTools. See how it goes.

[Ape_Man]

Tried using the front firewire port on the G5, instead of the back port, and same problem.

Uninstalling and reinstalling ProTools did not help either, unfortunately.

Dang, this is frustrating! I'm close to just returning this 003 factory box and getting my money back. But the fact that other people use it with success indicates that it's supposed to work!

Anyone else had this problem and successfully solved it?!