Last weekend the dreaded happened. Computer froze on me during a set. Thank god it was at least towards the end and the next guy was set up and ready to go.
Any way. I have a brand new 13.3" MacBook Pro with intel i5 & 8gb memory. The high end 13" available right now. I believe the problem was that it over heated while using Traktor pro 2 with an s4. Once it cooled everything was good. Im considering replacing it with the 15" Mac with I7 and 16gb of memory. These are the solid state drives and thought this kind of problem didn’t happen as much. The computer was flat and the club was hot but nothing I hadn’t experienced before. With my older 13" that just got stolen.
I’m looking for advice. I never had this problem with the older 13" Mac disc hard drive that I played with for a few years.
So you say you have a new 13" Mac and want to replace it with one with a larger display because the harddrive freezes? No logic in there mate. I’m not a professional, but have a MacBook myself, had it droped at the airport and had to buy a new harddrive and replace the old one. I did that myself, it took about 5 minutes. So if you are sure your HD is broken go get a new one.
However if your Macbook is brand new why don’t you just go to a store and get it repaired? They should be able to locate the problem (if there even is any), take care of it and even pay for it if you’re still covered by warranty.
[QUOTE]However if your Macbook is brand new why don’t you just go to a store and get it repaired? They should be able to locate the problem (if there even is any), take care of it and even pay for it if you’re still covered by warranty.
[/QUOTE]
+1 I’d be getting it checked before deciding anything else as it could be anything from a busted fan, to dust, to a bad hard disk to faulty logicboard.
Most Apple stores can run a quick diagnostic which checks the status of all the components for issues and will run the checks even outside warranty (in my experience).
This is less about the size of the screen and more about the processing power.
I had been using a 13" MacBook Pro with a standard hard drive and 8GB of RAM for the last couple years. I never had any issues with over heating.
Recently my house was broken into and the computer was stolen (back up your hard drives ladies and gentlemen)
I replaced it with a 13" Macbook pro with a solid state hard drive, an Intel I5 processor and 8GB of RAM. I played out with it for the first time last weekend and towards the end of the set (about an hour) it froze on me. I restarted it and it was fine. I assume that it over heated causing the glitch. I never had this problem with the previous computer.
The 15" has 16GB of RAM and an Itel I7 processor therefore (I’m assuming) allowing the computer to run at similar speeds but not pushing as hard therefore reducing the chances of freezing/overheating.
I just bought the 13" so I can still return it and replace it with the 15" (more RAM/better processor) for a little extra $.
I assumed that the solid state drives allowed for speedier processing and minimal heat but its been suggested to me that during heavy use (like a live set using Traktor) that the opposite is true. Again, I never had this issue with the older, standard HD computer. Has anybody heard of the solid states having heat issues? I’m trying to find out if I’m on the right track as far as not allowing this to happen again.
I am a little gun shy now and want to prevent it, obviously.
I have a 13" 2011 Macbook. The standard drive was 5400rpm, which is pretty slow. I did get Traktor behaving erratically. Cues didn’t respond well and I got freezes. When I put an SSD in all the problems went away, so if you have a 5400rpm drive I would definitely recommend something faster
Do you have an S4mk1 or Mk2 … If it’s a Mk1 then the issue might actually be that there are compatibility issues between the Haswell USB3 chipset and the older S4mk1 chipset.
If you have the S4mk2, please check the firmware version as the latest revision solves a few problems (led freeze issue).
[QUOTE]The 15" has 16GB of RAM and an Itel I7 processor therefore (I’m assuming) allowing the computer to run at similar speeds but not pushing as hard therefore reducing the chances of freezing/overheating.
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2009 macbook pro core2duo has never frozen on me mid-set even in tropical heat and ableton running similtaniously.
I’d check the firmware on the S4 first as Frankle suggested and do an Apple hardware check.
Even with all 4 decks running with keylock and effects you are only using around 20% of your CPU (NI forum)
So ruling out overheating, which I doubt, I’d guess its more likely something else at play like a background process, power spike, dodgy USB cable, bad SSD etc …
Because I’m pretty straight up about this stuff I’ll give you the bad news … There is no current firmware update for the S4mk1 to make it work reliably with MacBooks running Haswell processors (all 2013/2014 models), and due to the older chipset in the S4mk1 it cannot be fixed by firmware.
Don’t waste your time with hubs or hacks to OS, I’ve been through them all with one of my mates and they all fall over sooner or later. He upgraded to the S4mk2 which does not have these issues.
Before you go on the “how could NI do this” tangent, the S4mk1 came out well before the current USB3 chipsets and it works flawlessly on USB2 that it was designed for. This is nothing that NI could have helped, if you’d like to blame anyone it’s Intel for creating a USB3 chipset that is not entirely backwards compatible with ALL USB2 devices.
so everything I’ve read today says that the issues seems to be in the usb connection. The new Retina display macs don’t seem to work well with the older USB on the old MK1 S4s. So based on that, anything short of buying an already obsolete computer or upgrading to the MK2, nothing can be done. Should I really think about downgrading computers?
Going back to the Standard Hard drive version?
I’d recommend moving to the S4mk2 and selling your Mk1. You should be able to get a few hundred back for it which will soften the blow, although it still isn’t ideal, it’s a much better idea than going backwards in terms of your MacBook.
In the last 18 months I’ve upgraded my A4DJ to a TA6, S4mk1 to an S4mk2 and A8DJ to a TA10mk2 … I understand your pain but the best bet is to just do it if you’re financially able to.
+1 on upgrading to the MK2. By selling your MK1 you should be able to get enough towards it that the cash you would’ve spent on upgrading your Mac will cover the difference. It’ll save you money in the long run as you won’t have to replace your computer anywhere near as soon, and it’ll probably feel good having a shiny new S4 to go with your shiny new laptop.
Yo, Im just going to jump in this puddle with you guys. Frankle is 100% correct and on point. I have spoken with NI and Apple on the issue as well. I have tried everything Frankle has and yup… the CREATOR hates us.
Honestly, if your going to play out with this issue, your risking, not only the feeling and the moment, but rep and future gigs. My suggestion to anyone how is having this issue to either, wait till Yosemite or use your Key board.
You can buy a new controller if you like (I’m actually think of doing just that) or wait. This issue is a total kick in the stones. However, there still is light at the end… may be some weird dude with a glow stick or it could be the answer. This is happening along the entire spectrum of USB 3.0 compatibility; not just a couple awesome ass DJ’s like ourselves. We have musicians, producers, photographers and usb vibrator users; each screaming something different. The most common answer I see is…Upgrade. Then, of course its followed by $&@*$ ^#&@!!! The chipset issue is being worked on. Trust me on that.
Best thing we all can do is contact NI and they will have you test ur equipment and send you can send them the data. Also, anything we hear can be posted on this thread. Ill save this page and check it periodically. If anyone finds a way to upgrade the USB on the S4 or find some type of driver firmware ninja thingy on the Intel web site, let us know please. Selling ur S4 and upgrading does sound enticing but to some, the extra cash needed just isn’t there… I have that issue and it sucks. My wife would have my testicles if I did that. LOL i just bought this MAC. FML
Oh… Bring some CD’s or vinyl with you, and have it cued up and ready on the provided gear. When the music goes -------- and the 500 hundred people look at you like – You don’t have to let them talk amongst themselves while you Hard Reset, then properly shut down and restart your comp, then software, find a track, cue it, and then push… your credibility out the door.
So I was considering upgrading to the latest MBP this fall. Have these issues been documented with any other gear? Audio 2, 4, 8, 10? Is it mostly soundcards or controllers? DJM 850/900? I MUST KNOW MORE.
As far as I’m aware the following have the earlier USB chipset that cannot be upgraded:
A8DJ, A4DJ, S4mk1, A2DJ … And it might also be in the TA2 (essentially an A2DJ with new screen printing). I’m not sure if this was intentional or just dumb luck, but if the unit has an orange inner section on its USB socket it’s one of the newer chipsets that should not be affected. The only one that this is borderline with is the S2mk1 that I keep seeing mixed reports on but it might be more user error than this issue.
I understand the pain of upgrading, I’ve changed my A4DJ to a TA6, my A8DJ to a TA10mk2, and my S4mk1 to an S4mk2 progressively over the last 2 years. I’ve also had 2 mates that have upgraded their S4 to move past this issue, and another mate upgrade his A8DJ to a TA10.
We all play 1 or 2 nights each week so it’s important that our gear works, and understand that if you upgrade your computer (for whatever reason) from a known working configuration it often has a knock on effect to software and external hardware. It’s like one of my studio mates … His MacBook Pro from around 2007 finally died and so he has gone with a new 15" retina, he was on 10.4 still, yes that’s Tiger because that’s what what it came with and his software/hardware/computer combination just worked. He could have changed many things like OS or other hardware over the years but what he had worked so there was no need to change. He is now in the process of re-building his software arsenal to suit the new OS, although he luckily has an RME FireFace 400 that still works with the FireWire adapter but otherwise he was going to have to upgrade that too!
Anyhow, I guess well just wait to see if by some miracle Yosemite makes it all work but honestly I wouldn’t hold my breath. Bite the bullet, upgrade, play great gigs without fear (that should pay for the upgrade anyhow) and move forward with the times …
No logic in there mate. I’m not a professional, but have a MacBook myself, had it droped at the airport and had to buy a new harddrive and replace the old one. I did that myself, it took about 5 minutes. So if you are sure your HD is broken go get a new one.