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Hey!
I just bought a Octatrack MK2, and I just can’t get the usb connection to work. I’m a Mac user, and I’ve tried to connect it to several Mac’s, but no go. I’ve tried to google too, but haven’t really found anything. I have the latest software on the Octa and my Macs. I also tried it with the Catalina OS. Nothing. I bought a Compact flash reader, and that works. But it’s strange not to be able to use the usb on the Octa, I think. Anyone else here with the same problem?

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you got the octa in disk mode?

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Yes, absolutely.

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Leaving here for newbies.

The only feature the Octatrack exposes over USB is Disk Mode. You have to turn that on as @pidgeo says. [Proj] -> System -> USB Disk Mode.

The Octatrack doesn’t support MIDI, audio, or Overbridge or anything like that over USB.

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The USB cable definitely works? You’re looking in Finder for a newly added disk? You have a CF Card inserted, and it’s formatted?

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Thanks. I know that. But when I have it in disk mode and connect it to my Mac, shouldn’t the Octa show up as a disk? Like it does when I connect with the flashcard reader?

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tried a few different usb cables? like octagonist mentioned.

in sound engineering college back in the day they used to keep banging on if there’s a problem “check your cables & connections”.

n they were right. 9 times out of 10 it was the problem.

Check yo cables :blush:

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Yes, it should.

Is it a 2nd hand unit? Could one of the pins have bent? It’s a risk with CF cards, I hear.

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It is brand new, with the brand new cable that comes with it. I also tried different cables. The card is formatted and works with the external card reader. So I guess it’s the usb connection on the Octatrack then. Damn…

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If only the Elektron website worked. You could raise a support ticket then.

Sounds like you really have a problem that needs their help and/or a return. Good luck!

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Yup, I can also return the unit to the shop.
Thanks for your time!

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You should connect it before enabling disk mode

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And unplug it after disconnecting. Some people (me included) find their OTs lock up if they leave the USB plugged in after using Disk Mode.

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I have tried every combination. It’s. Not. Working. I am returning it and hopefully get a new one.

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That’s the problem though - you can corrupt the card that way for the OT or if impatient/un-hygienic with the CF card can damage pins

Do it the right way, as per documentation, definitely not every way or you could have further issues with a replacement

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I have a crapload of synths and Analog Rytm MK2, Syntakt. That is never been a issue ever. I haven’t been impatience. Just connected the Octo to the computer. It never worked. But the card itself works in a external CF reader. I am getting a new Octo because of the warranty. Thanks for your insight though.

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This literally starting happening to me. I just bought my octatrack less than a month ago and just bought a new computer. When I plug the elektron usb / I am using a CF and it’s formatted / with the elektron USB Midi / Updated & going into USB Disk Mode / it won’t show up as a device and sometimes it’ll show RARELY and then it’ll just eject by itself. Have no idea what’s going on but I’m pissed.