Haswell rMBP w/ Traktor

[makar1]

Yes, that's to be expected since they carry large numbers of the stock models.

[Chelan]

I am need of a new Macbook myself ( my old one is about 7 years old). I am interested in one of these Haswell rMBP but have a few concerns and questions for you, the DJTT community.

Maybe not a big difference in either choice, but 8 GB or 16 GB regarding RAM, and 2 or 2.3 ghz when it comes to the CPU? I feel 8 would be enough, but am a bit concerned about future proofing and what RAM apps may require in the future (4-5 years out). I'd like to hold onto my next laptop for at least another 5 years. As far as cpu is related, I'm thinking 2.0 i7 quad core would be enough, but wasn't certain. Would I get a lower latency setting from a bit bigger processor or more RAM?

Has anyone picked up a new rMBP yet that could tell me if they are having good results without a dGPU? I wouldn't mind having the 750m one in mine, but wasn't looking to spend quite that much just to get one. I'm not a big gamer, nor do I work with 3D imaging. I do want to keep running Traktor 2.6 and beyond though.

And finally, good results with Mavericks OS so far (except for some external controller compatibility, and the power key that can put the computer to sleep when you didn't mean to)? I read about those on the Mavericks thread. Thanks for your help. Feel free to share your cpu and RAM configurations if you are currently using Mavericks and Traktor with no problems.

[shr3dder]

I am need of a new Macbook myself ( my old one is about 7 years old). I am interested in one of these Haswell rMBP but have a few concerns and questions for you, the DJTT community.

Maybe not a big difference in either choice, but 8 GB or 16 GB regarding RAM, and 2 or 2.3 ghz when it comes to the CPU? I feel 8 would be enough, but am a bit concerned about future proofing and what RAM apps may require in the future (4-5 years out). I'd like to hold onto my next laptop for at least another 5 years. As far as cpu is related, I'm thinking 2.0 i7 quad core would be enough, but wasn't certain. Would I get a lower latency setting from a bit bigger processor or more RAM?

Has anyone picked up a new rMBP yet that could tell me if they are having good results without a dGPU? I wouldn't mind having the 750m one in mine, but wasn't looking to spend quite that much just to get one. I'm not a big gamer, nor do I work with 3D imaging. I do want to keep running Traktor 2.6 and beyond though.

Get as much RAM as you can afford, 16gb would be best to future proof, especially considering it's pretty much impossible to upgrade later.

Also the video card has absolutely no impact on Traktor performance...

[ellgieff]

I bought 15" rMBP (the model with the discrete graphics card).

I get crackles from my Audio 8 (using the 2.6.0 driver, TSP 2.6.5, and Mavericks). This occurs whether I'm using scratch control or CDDA through the card.

NI support has suggested things I've already tried (different USB cable, different USB port, turning all the energy saving stuff off). There's a thread on the NI forums - so I'm not the only person having this issue.

One guy has drawn a parallel with the issues when rMBP's first came, and has contacted the guy who came up with a workaround then (involved changing a kext on the MBP so that it was using the old 2.0 USB drivers) to see if he can sort something similar this time while we wait for NI to sort their driver out.

If I get a job in the meantime, I'm seriously considering switching to Serato.

Note that there's no way in Mavericks to force the discrete GPU without a third party program: gfxCardStatus

[tranceaddict]

I bought 15" rMBP (the model with the discrete graphics card).

I get crackles from my Audio 8 (using the 2.6.0 driver, TSP 2.6.5, and Mavericks). This occurs whether I'm using scratch control or CDDA through the card.

NI support has suggested things I've already tried (different USB cable, different USB port, turning all the energy saving stuff off). There's a thread on the NI forums - so I'm not the only person having this issue.

One guy has drawn a parallel with the issues when rMBP's first came, and has contacted the guy who came up with a workaround then (involved changing a kext on the MBP so that it was using the old 2.0 USB drivers) to see if he can sort something similar this time while we wait for NI to sort their driver out.

If I get a job in the meantime, I'm seriously considering switching to Serato.

Note that there's no way in Mavericks to force the discrete GPU without a third party program: gfxCardStatus

Thank you so much ellgieff for sharing your experience, did you face the same issue without the scratch control? Like say if you just use it with x1 in external mode?

As I said earlier, the gpu inside the cpu might cause all these problems which is unique to this Haswell architecture. Also since haswell is hell bent on saving power, so I presume it switches frequently to various power states which might be cause of the dropouts and crackles.

Can you confirm if the problem exists even if you turn off your discrete graphics via that third party? I really hope NI comes out with a fix.

[Polygon]

I just ordered a fully specced (2.6/16/1tb/gt750m) model.. I hope it doesn't give any such problems..

[ellgieff]

Thank you so much ellgieff for sharing your experience, did you face the same issue without the scratch control? Like say if you just use it with x1 in external mode?

As I said earlier, the gpu inside the cpu might cause all these problems which is unique to this Haswell architecture. Also since haswell is hell bent on saving power, so I presume it switches frequently to various power states which might be cause of the dropouts and crackles.

Can you confirm if the problem exists even if you turn off your discrete graphics via that third party? I really hope NI comes out with a fix.

So, I've done as requested. The sound issues occur for me with CD Timecode, Vinyl Timecode and Internal Playback. Using the discrete graphics card makes no difference.

So I guess my show tonight will be old tunes I have on Vinyl or CDDA. *shrugs*