Subject:Garbled Characters on Mackie MCU (ACID and Vegas)

Posted by: Faux Mulder

Date:10/21/2013 12:12:07 PM

ACID Pro 7.0e (build 713) on Windows 7 on VAIO all-in-one 64-bit

Please note that the problem below also occurs in Vegas Pro 12.0 (build 726).

I have been having considerable trouble with my Mackie MCU control surface displaying garbled characters (incorrect character set). The display strip starts out fine for a few minutes and then becomes garbled. It usually occurs when doing bank up/down or channel up/down, but frequently occurs when I simply load a project. In computereez, it looks like a flow-control problem where data is dropped during a large transfer, and then the Mackie is confused.

Has anyone experienced this problem and have a solution? (or simply have a solution)

This is my second Mackie that exhibits this problem. It is connected via USB directly to the computer, not a hub. I've tried multiple USB cables and all USB ports without luck.

Subject:RE: Garbled Characters on Mackie MCU (ACID and Vegas)

Reply by: Iacobus

Date:10/21/2013 12:45:20 PM

Does the Mackie work fine otherwise? There's a firmware update for the MCU Pro over at Mackie's site but I don't know if it already has the latest firmware.

Subject:RE: Garbled Characters on Mackie MCU (ACID and Vegas)

Reply by: Faux Mulder

Date:10/22/2013 8:11:20 AM

The Mackie works fine other than the display being garbled. I updated the firmware to 4.0.3 shortly after the update was released on Mackie's Web site a month or two ago.

Subject:RE: Garbled Characters on Mackie MCU (ACID and Vegas)

Reply by: Iacobus

Date:10/22/2013 12:03:56 PM

Is the USB bus the Mackie's on too busy maybe? (If any other optional USB devices exist, remove them and give it a try.)

Subject:RE: Garbled Characters on Mackie MCU (ACID and Vegas)

Reply by: BigDuff

Date:10/23/2013 8:52:16 AM

Dont use ACID but do use Vegas Pro & a MCU Pro.
Dont have a problem in Vegas.

After the firmware update did you double check to make sure the MCU is still in MACKIE mode and didn't default to HUI or one of the others?

After the firmware update my problem is the display now times out and turns off after the MCU sits for awhile and I dont touch it.
Only way to get it to come back on is to reboot it.

Duff

Subject:RE: Garbled Characters on Mackie MCU (ACID and Vegas)

Reply by: Faux Mulder

Date:10/23/2013 6:11:33 PM

The MCU is still in Mackie mode. The same garbled character problem occurs in Vegas.

I think I ruled out USB being the culprit. I used a couple of MIDI cables to connect the MCU to a Firewire MIDI device - no USB connected - same problem with garbled characters, but it did work for a few minutes.

Is anyone having success using a Mackie MCU on Windows 7 64-bit?

Subject:RE: Garbled Characters on Mackie MCU (ACID and Vegas)

Reply by: BigDuff

Date:10/24/2013 7:49:04 AM

Yes, mine is working fine after update
Windows 7 Pro x64
Hooked up to USB port.
Working fine with following:
Reaper 64 & 32
Vegas Pro12
Adobe Audition v3.01

You may want to try giving Mackie a call and see what they have to say.
Mackie tech support: 800.898.3211

Duff

Subject:RE: Garbled Characters on Mackie MCU (ACID and Vegas)

Reply by: Faux Mulder

Date:10/25/2013 2:07:25 PM

Please let me ask this. Is it bad to run two different USB MIDI devices with both plugged in via USB, not in a MIDI chain? Mackie Tech support wasn't entirely helpful since they couldn't reproduce the problem.

Former configuration:
Profire 610 Firewire (audio + MIDI)
Mackie MCU via USB
M-Audio Axiom 49 MIDI keyboard via USB.

Current configuration:
Profire 610 Firewire (audio + MIDI)
Mackie MCU to Profire via MIDI cables.
M-Audio Axiom 49 MIDI keyboard via USB.

I suppose I should try running a single MIDI chain through the Firewire interface and eliminate the Axiom USB, to see if that helps. (Axiom to MCU to Profire to computer)

Subject:RE: Garbled Characters on Mackie MCU (ACID and Vegas)

Reply by: BigDuff

Date:10/25/2013 3:00:25 PM

Looked up the Axiom. Seems it can be used as a control surface. It does/can send midi CC messages.
I also found this:
http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=products.directlink

Guess the Axiom can automatically map to some "control surface" functions.
Might want to try unplugging it and plugging the MCU into a USB port to see what happens.

Or plug them both into USB ports, then go to the Control Panel>Device Manger and see how each listed or even if they show up, and if there is a conflict.

Sorry I cant help any further....
Good luck.

Duff

Subject:RE: Garbled Characters on Mackie MCU (ACID and Vegas)

Reply by: Faux Mulder

Date:12/18/2013 10:19:22 AM

The problem is solved. The display hardware board was defective. Mackie repaired the MCU under warranty through a local shop. The MCU works perfectly now.