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Hello My Lovelies,

So I run a small scale studio and we're looking to upgrade out computer, the issue that we're stuck on, is that we'd like to get an old Mac Pro 5.1 and mod it to all hell (cheapest way to a high performance mac) but we currently run on a Focusrite thunderbolt interface, mac pro 5.1 doesn't run thunderbolt without a lot of hassle. I've been reading into PCIe Interface cards but it's still a newish area for me. Does anyone have any sound advice and experience with an interface that'll do 16/32 channels in and work nicely with the old cheesegraters? Thanks in advance for any help x

Comments

P. R. Thompson Sun, 07/05/2020 - 02:41

Makzimia, post: 464834, member: 48344 wrote: I would go RME if you want rock solid performance via a PCI e card. You’ve learned sadly why I ditched my 5,1 Mac Pro. I went TB3. I love what that does with my UAD Apollo, but I regret going MacBook Pro severely.

I was checking out the RME line, am I right in making the assumption, you'd install the card then simply link the card to an outboard I/O box of xlr connections? Run mic input levels over software?

Tony Carpenter Sun, 07/05/2020 - 02:58

I would go MADI and run something that’ll use that. Both myself and Chris have used a RME HDSPe MADI card. We coupled that with an Antelope Orion 32, which I would still say is excellent. Beware of people trying to tell you usb c will work with a 5,1 some MAY but I personally had issues even with a good pcie usb card. That being said, that RME will set you up solid as a rock ( no it’s not usb anything, just a side bar).

audiokid Sun, 07/05/2020 - 11:09

Makzimia, post: 464836, member: 48344 wrote: I would go MADI and run something that’ll use that. Both myself and Chris have used a RME HDSPe MADI card. We coupled that with an Antelope Orion 32, which I would still say is excellent. Beware of people trying to tell you usb c will work with a 5,1 some MAY but I personally had issues even with a good pcie usb card. That being said, that RME will set you up solid as a rock ( no it’s not usb anything, just a side bar).

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