Apple macOS Catalina

[garystrat]

For those with Apple Mac’s, I went against the accepted wisdom of waiting a while and decided to try out the new Catalina OS with my music software.

I anticipated potential problems as this is a significant upgrade to a full 64 bit only OS, 32 bit software simply won’t run at all!

In the run up to the release I ensured that all my current software and plugins are all 64 bit, you can check the your apps are 64 bit by going to top left Apple logo and selecting “About This Mac”, “System Report” and selecting “Applications” under “Software”. This may take a little time to run, but will list all current 32 bit and 64 bit software, click the top column over 32/64 bit to sort them into these designations (please note this will not check plugins. only apps).

I have not done intensive testing of every feature, but I’m pleased to say that my music software seems to be fully working!

I’m using the following:

Focusrite Claret Pre 2 USB Audio Interface with 3.4.0 drivers

Ableton Live 10 (Ableton Live 9 doesn’t work according Ableton’s website, there are 32 bit components)

Reaper 5.983 (Latest update)

Plugins - all the latest 64 bit versions that I tried from the following developers appear to be working fine:

Apple

Audority

AudioThing

Fabfilter

Overloud

PSP

Scuffham Amps S-Gear (2.71 update on download page)

SoundToys

STL Tones

Valhalla

There are still possibly going to be compatibility issues with older DAWs and plugins, so it’s worth checking before installing if you rely on any of these. The above applications system check should be a good indicator, but Apple have doubled down the emphasis on security and this may not always be the case.

The update creates a relocation folder containing files that are not permitted to be stored in the original locations as part of the tightening up of security, but I don’t seem to have encountered any problems so far, I guess the installation handled these. It did take quiet a while for the installer to complete, with several re-starts, it seemed a** though there was quite a bit going in the background.

I also found that my file system has been converted to the new APFS, which probably explains much of the time taken to install, this article provides an explanation:

www.howtogeek.com/327328/apfs-explained-what-you-need-to-know-apples-new-file-system/


In summary, I’m very much in favour of the 64 bit only only approach as a way forward to providing improved functionality, stability and security. There are probably many who disagree and will prefer to stick with what they are familiar with, but I think there comes a point where progress is inevitable and sooner one comes to terms with it the smoother the transition.

Regards

Gary

[normg]

Hi Gary, I made the mistake of updating and now found my old 32 bit Microsoft Office (Excel, Word etc) doesn't work. I now have to purchase a new copy of Office which is not cheap.
Cheers Norm

[garystrat]

Hi Norm,

It was well known that Catalina wouldn't support 32 bit apps, I'm a little surprised that you didn't get the warning messages that your version of MS Office was not optimised for the next OS update (these popped up periodically when running non compatible apps), this may not have been clear until you read the notes on what it meant.

I don't know if you have the Apples office apps, they are are not so advanced as MS Office, but if your needs are not overly demanding they are usually able to work with Office files providing they are not in the older formats?


If you use Time Machine you should also be able to reformat the disk to the old file format and re-install just prior to the update, immediately after turning on press and hold the Command and R keys to go into recovery mode.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Gary

[normg]

Thanks Gary, I was hoping I could still use Office to open sent files etc but will see if I can re-install otherwise I'll bite the bullet and get a new version. The Apple office apps don't seem to display all the information as sent in a Excel file as I have just discovered. Anyway I will try to reinstall, thanks Gary.

[frankmarvin]

Well, I have read the above four times and I am happy to say it means absolutely nothing to me. all I CAN say is , I hope you used a new stylus , . of course I am joking, but music ( in the real sense) seems to be drifting off into the distant horizon . Just an old timers input.

[garystrat]

Hi Frankmarvin,

Well, if it means nothing to you and you’re perfectly happy to remain doing things “old style” thats fine with me, I can also appreciate that some may feel that there is a “purist” sentiment in your comments.

Of course smiley faces did give the game away that it’s all in good humour, but seriously do you not know the difference between a 32 bit and 64 bit stylus, the latter will wreck vinyl’s (sorry, just couldn’t resist that one)! LOL

As they they say “you’re never too old to learn”, why not come over and explore the “dark side”, you may find yourself enjoying it!

By the way I’m only only one or two years younger than you, so us “old boys” must stick together and keep the music alive by whatever means! LOL

Regards

Gary

[glyderslead]

Hello Frankmarvin,

I’m sorry to say I’m with you on this one. My recording “career” stopped when the cassette recorder stopped working! However, this has prompted me to work on getting a bit more up to date.

So, to start off, my todo list is try a video recording straight on to an iPad and then find out how to post it.


Cheers

Mick

[ha2he]

Hi Gary & Mick,

There is a free office suite call Libre Office which I believe has windows and mac versions.
Might be worth looking at before buying MS Office.

Available from this linkj:-
www.libreoffice.org/

Regards,
Tim.

[garystrat]

HI Tim,

Thanks for the info, but I have MS Office 2016 for the Mac which still works fine.

Regards

Gary

[glyderslead]

Hello Tim.

Thank you for the link. I have clocked it and will likely use it as I move on in my techie development

Cheers

Mick

[frankmarvin]

Hi Gary and Mick, of course my comments were light hearted and to a certain degree in fun, however on a more serious note, I would hate to have to decline from playing on the basis that it wouldn't sound the same without the computer tonal aids etc, ( although I need all the help I can get), so yes I suppose that I am old school in my outlook, but please understand that after decades of playing trash guitars and equipment , a good amplifier, Charlie's H&C echo chamber and a Stratocaster are still pure magic to my ears and for now I am enjoying the unadulterated sounds.( with the exception of a few Bub notes ).

Regards Frank.

[Stu's Dad]

Like Frank, I don't use my computer for recording at all. If I want to record something I use my guitar, echo unit and amp to get the sound I want, then DI it into a Tascam 8 Track. The computer's used to record the backing track onto the Tascam, then to save the end result. If I can't make it sound right with my own gear I leave it alone.

Len

[shawbridge]

I second that Len, I don’t see the point in having quality gear to use, then to have it interpreted by a computer, it’s similar to having a H & C with all the relevant echo patches but resorting to using one echo in a live situation, it’s all pointless😁
What’s the point of all the gear in the first place, Tin Hat firmly in place ha ha🤭🤔😂
Pete