Is there a new computer for the D8B??

[sfxman]

Hi,

I am new to this group, but I have had my D8b since '98. I was wondering if anyone knew of any new computer to use on the D8B. I have done the Mackie upgrade to the 300 about 6 years ago, but it is getting a bit tired. I need a new HD but would rather give it a new computer...LOL

any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

sfxman

[Zorba the Geek]

Hi sfxman,

Welcome to this d8b group (and thanks to the two Peter's, Peter Holmquist and 'Anyhorizon' aussie Peter for setting this new place up and so elegantly incorporating all the stuff from the old database for us d8b users).

Unfortunately, there are no easy-to-find options for a simple d8b motherboard upgrade. You don't however really need to upgrade the motherboard if you have the 300MHz version and a decent amount of ram (128 or preferably the maximum 256MB if you are running OS 5.1). This configuration runs the d8b just fine and other than a faster boot time, I don't think you'll see a massive improvement in speed, and definitely no increased functionality with a faster motherboard. The one successful and well documented upgrade story is discussed here, within the database section of this website.

http://www.sonido-7.com/d8b/maintenance.html#Post19

As you are new to this group, spend some time catching up on the most exciting d8b news in years. Have a look at the following thread which documents a successful reverse-engineering and firmware hack/upgrade (by the amazing Marc Girard!) that will eventually allow us d8b users to use the d8b as a 24 channel DAW controller. Marc links to some great YouTube clips, showing the awesome potential of his new software.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=175

Not sure how you are using your d8b (ie as a digital audio router, as a full recording desk which actually does the AD/DA conversions, in conjunction with an HDR or a DAW) but this new controller paradigm seems to me like the most logical and useful extension of d8b functionality. It effectively removes the old CPU from the equation (in terms of running the software; it is still required for providing power to the console at this stage, however a new custom PSU may come about down the track). Check out Marc's great work and see if it would be helpful for your way of working.

Hope this info helps.

Cheers,
George

[sfxman]

Thanks George, I really appreciate the info and the resource page has a lot of good info.

I use my D8B for Audio and have not even tried using it as a controller, although I may try. I use the HUI as my computer controller.

My main issue is that I need a new drive. Where can you even find IDE drives anymore? I also never got my software floppies from Mackie after the upgrade, but it looks as though they can be found as download but I don't know how to turn that into usable floppies...and where do you buy floppies anymore...LOL

Again, thanks

[synthjoe]

As far as replacement drive, I'd look at a 4 GB (or similar) CF flash card and an IDE to flash converter (can be had for $5-10 at various places selling digital gadgets). In fact the CF card type/spec might be a bit tricky, but my experience that current CF cards from decent manufacturers do not pose a problem to the Mackie booting from it. Yes, SW is downloadable, you'll have to unzip and execute the downloaded file(s) (I'm referring to the PC version here, but the process is pretty similar on a Mac) which will prepare the floppy that you can boot to on the Mackie. Indeed, nowadays your biggest issue might be getting a working floppy drive connected to your machine and finding disks. Any decent computer shop should be able to help you with that at a modest fee, however.

Currently I'm looking into an alternative for old/failed main boards in the CPU, but it might take a while before my solution will fly, so don't hold your breath - but you might want to check back ocassionally if you prefer to hold on to your d8b with the audio function.