Mac OS X Leopard (10.5) is now shipping. Are your MOTU software and hardware products compatible? Absolutely. MOTU has worked closely with Apple to ensure a smooth transition for your MOTU products when you make the move to Leopard.
In some cases, current versions of your MOTU software have already been made forward-compatible with Leopard. In other cases, MOTU software updates or driver updates are now (or soon to be) available to tame the new Leopard in your Mac.
If you need to download a software updater, use your motu.com log-in account. Don't have a log-in account yet? Create one.
MachFive, Ethno Instrument, Symphonic Instrument and MX4
MOTU's entire current line of virtual instrument products are already compatible with Leopard. This includes MachFive 2.0.1, Ethno Instrument 1.0.1, Symphonic Instrument 1.1.3 and MX4 2.1. If you don't already have them, you can download these updates here.
Digital Performer
Digital Performer 5.13 updater is required for Leopard compatibility; download it here. An existing DP 5.12 complete install is required for the 5.13 updater (i.e. the 5.13 updater is not a complete install).
AudioDesk
AudioDesk 2.11 updater is required for Leopard compatibility; download it here. An existing AudioDesk 2.1 complete install is required for the 2.11 updater (i.e. the 2.11 updater is not a complete install).
MOTU FireWire/USB Audio interfaces
MOTU Universal Audio Install for OS X version 1.4.5 is required for Leopard compatibility; download it here.
MOTU PCI-424 audio interfaces
MOTU Universal Audio Install for OS X version 1.2.1 is required for Leopard compatibility; download it here.
MOTU USB MIDI interfaces
USB MIDI OS X Drivers 1.37 and ClockWorks Installer is required for Leopard compatibility; download it here.
MOTU V3HD video interface
V3HD driver update 1.01 is required for Leopard compatibility; download it here.
Below are some general guidelines for updating your MOTU studio to Leopard.
How to upgrade your MOTU system to Leopard
In general, the process for moving to Leopard goes as follows:
- Install Leopard.
- Update your MOTU software and/or drivers, if an update is necessary.
For step 1, there are two basic approaches to installing a major OS upgrade such as Leopard:
- A) Install Leopard on your existing system drive/partition.
OR
- B) Install Leopard to a new, separate drive/partition.
Method A is less work because your MOTU software components are preserved by the Leopard installer and all you have to do is update the ones that require an update for Leopard. But if you install over your old system, you eliminate the possibility of quickly returning to that old system for any reason. For example, you may discover that a crucial 3rd-party component of your system (a plug-in perhaps) is not yet Leopard compatible.
Method B is more work initially because it requires a full reinstall of everything. However, there are several benefits. First, you start with a clean, "pristine" system. Second, if you run into issues, you can quickly revert to your old system partition until the issue is resolved.
If you choose Method A, simply run any MOTU Leopard software updates that apply to you after you install Leopard. Watch this page for the latest Leopard-related software and driver updates for current MOTU software and hardware products.
If you choose Method B, you may need to do a complete fresh install of your MOTU software before running a Leopard updater (because the updater is not a complete install). Refer to the instructions supplied with the software or driver updater.
All MOTU hardware driver updaters for Leopard are complete installs.