Prob. with AWS900 HUI

[kosmokrator]

Hi there,

I have a very annoying problem with the HUI-mode of my AWS900. It's hooked up via a daisy-chained AMT8 (to another AMT8) to a MacPro running ProTools HD 7.3.1. The USB-connection between the AMT and the MAC is via a Lindy USB-over-cat5 converter.
Protools most of the time keeps telling my it lost communication with HUI.
If I disable HUI for the 3rd AWS-Port (ch. 17-24), everything is fine. I can see that the MIDI-Out #3 of the AWS does not send MIDI. All cabels are checked of course. I also connected it to a non-daisy chained AMT with direct USB connection. Same prob.
Because of that, I think it's not a timing/bandwith issue.
AWS-Port 1+2 work, 1+3 don't, 1+2+3 don't.
I set up everything exactly as explained in the AWS-MIDI-tutorial.
Funny thing is, until some days ago, it worked sometimes. Now, not at all.
Software on the 900 is Version 1.25, I didn't want to upgrade the desk, because it was in production use (for which HUI was not necessary).
Firmware of the AMT8s is 2.0.3.

But I know that my dealer checked the board thoroughly, and everything worked at his studio. (I've checked with my own eyes..


Any ideas?

[ringoman]

Hi,

check another MIDI interface? MOTU is recommneded by SSL.
I know there are some problems with emagic interfaces.

cheers

[kosmokrator]

Hm. I will do that for sure, but I don't think it's the interface, since the 3rd port of the AWS seems not to send any midi-data. (Light on the AMT doesn't flash..) Remember, other 2 ports do!

Sebastian

[ringoman]

Originally Posted by kosmokrator

Hm. I will do that for sure, but I don't think it's the interface, since the 3rd port of the AWS seems not to send any midi-data. (Light on the AMT doesn't flash..) Remember, other 2 ports do!

Sebastian

curious. I had the AWS before and it worked fine with an AMT8.
But I have a problem with my new duality/AMT8 and the 4th port.
SSL said, it's a known problem with the emagic interfaces and they recommend MOTU.

cheers

[kosmokrator]

So, I purchased a motu interface, and it works. BUT, it just works directly attached via USB. If I use our lindy usb-over-cat5-extender, the interface is greyed out in the audio midi setup.
This is sooo annoying!
Obviously, it's not possible to use the AWS900 with computers in a seperate machine-room. Very professional indeed!

[Rimshot]

Hi Sebastian,

I use my AWS900+ with the computer in a separate room. Nicky at KMR Audio recommended a MOTU Microlite and this has worked great without any problems for nearly a year.

The USB-CAT5-USB extender I use is available here Specialist suppliers of EXTENDERS, including: CAT5, Fibre, KVM,VGA,Video,S-Video,HDTV,USB,USB KVM. Call now 01202 872771 ...v. cheap but it works.

I have the micolite in the control room connected to a powered USB hub which, in turn, is connected to the USB extender.

It sounds like the USB extender is the problem, especially if everything is OK when the MOTU is connected directly to the computer.

Good luck!

Mike Thorne

Rimshot Studios

[The MPCist]

I use my AWS900 with a MOTU interface -- works perfectly. Go with one of those. Get a Fastlane --it's cheap and solves your AWS/MIDI problems.

Also, if you're using USB, make sure you use powered extenders instead of just normal cables since USB only supports up to 5 meters on its own.

[kosmokrator]

Hi,

just wanted to tell you that my problem is solved.
I had to buy a MOTU-Interface, and use a REALLY short USB-Cable behind the CAT5-converter.
Patrick, thanks for your suggestion!

S°