Topic: Basic MT2496 Firmware Question

[LeftoverSammy]

Ok, I drank the Cool-Aid  and purchased a MT from a local taper friend mostly for local taping to lighten rig load and save my DA-P1 for summer festys. It has the 6GB Hitachi microdrive with a firmware version 1.2.0 loaded onto it. I've tested it out before purchasing with my V3 running 24/48 with great results. I've been reading all the hub-bub about the issues & updates from M-Audio. My question to the real "beta testers" out there in the field is this:
-   If the MT has issues reading/time display cards larger than 4GB (or what ever it is), will it just shut down while recording in the field if I exceed what it “thinks” it has left to store files? What will it actually do when it runs over its threshold? Shut down? Start a new file?   -   What is the general consensus out there with M-Audio’s firmware version 1.3.3? Should I go ahead and update the damn thing or should I wait & run V1.2.0 until all the bugs are out. Seems like some folks are having mixed results with V1.3.3.
-   Can you revert back to a prior firmware version if I do indeed have issues with 1.3.3? How do I do this??

I’ve read through a bunch of these postings but its enough to make your head spin! I’ve read from someone that if it aint broke don’t fix it. Well, if I can't write past the file sizes of 4GB then it really isn’t working per its design specifications and might not be worth the risk of upgrading the firmware to V1.3.3.

Any help, feedback or general info pertaining to my concerns is mucho appreciated!!

Peace and thanks again folks!!
LoS 

[Chris K]

i have two of the 6gb microdrives and have never experienced the time issue that you refer to on either card whether running analog 1/4in in or coax in.

i am also using version 1.2.0 and will probably stick with it as it has been flawless for me, and if it aint broke...

good luck with your microtrack...and have fun!

[cpatch]

You can downgrade to a previous version of the firmware the same way you upgrade to a new version. 1.2.3 is still available for download on M-Audio's web site.

Craig

[dallman]

I have gone to the new firmware and like most, have hd no issues with it. Each firmware version has improved upon the former version. Depending on how you record will determine what issues you may have with the older firmware, but I think like the newest firmware best so far. The twitchy thumbwheel was fixed. That alone is worth it to me. I use the S/PDIF with a UA-5 or in stealth I use the 1/4TRS jacks with my AT 853's adapted from 1/8 to the 1/4. I run a 5gb seagate microdrive and always use an external battery pack. The only problems I've had were learning in the field issues. I have used the MT many times with no back up, and have never lost a recording. I will probably always go to new firmware, because it always seems to improve what the device is capable of.

While I agree with "If it aint broke don't fix it", firmware upgrades improve and increase the capabilities of the machine, so I don't look at it as a fix, but as an enhancement, so I don't think the saying fits. Besides you can always save the firmwares on your PC and go back, but I don't think that would be necessary.

[coloartist]

I have used 1.3.3 twice. The MT stopped working at 1:14 and 1:18 and didn't  restart a new file in the 2nd set both times.

My first set for each show went 1:24 and 1:33 without problems.

I'm running SPDIF from my V3 @ 24/48 with a 4gb Kingston card. I didn't have problems with the last firmware upgrade.

I am going to try to go back to the last upgrade.

[LeftoverSammy]

Thanks guys! I down loaded several versions of the firmware last night and will upgrade incrementally to see what the outcome is at each level. Having the ability to go back to a previous version that I know works (at least partially) is reassuring until M-Audio gets the bugs completely worked out. 

Tape on!

LoS

[cpatch]

until M-Audio gets the bugs completely worked out.

  Good one!

Craig