This isn’t late breaking news, but worth posting imo.
Mac users can no longer simply run Cubase SX 3 in order to convert old VST files.
SX 3 was a PowerPC app, and Apple dropped PowerPC emulation from Mac OS 10.7
Short of purchasing a Windows license and running it in Virtual Box (or maintaining old machines) there’s no way to to access these old files on one’s own.
edit: It looks like you can install an older version of OS X inside Virtual Box (from Oracle) to achieve this. I haven’t had time to test it though. Is someone using this method?
Steve, I use both, a PC and a Mac. And I like both.
But for me, it annoys me that old plugins and softwares no longer run on a new Mac system. Which is a known real problem.
I responded like that because of the irrational “debate” that rears it’s ugly head with the slightest provocation. I do not want to invite that. Instead alternate solutions to the problem should be sought. NWP posted one possibility…
This is why I always take the time to clone my systems.
And ever since I started using laptops I’ve made every effort to keep my old computers in a closet JIC I need to resurrect an antique project for a client.
I recently pulled out my 2002 titanium PowerBook, booted VST32 and exported stems for my client.
Whenever I use SX to translate the files there’s always tons of missing automation and plugs.
My current future-proofing tactic is to print stems on all my projects so I won’t have to depend on an antique computer & software to resurect old work.
The dongle does work in a virtual Windows install, Virtual Box can take over the port. As far as installing Mac OS I tried using the DVD from 10.6 anmd Virtual Box stalled before it could install it. I don’t know enough to solve that problem, and probably won’t try, since I have access to an actual and a virtual Windows install.
This whole thing started (for me) because I installed SX 3 and discovered it was a Power PC exclusive app.
This is exactly the kind of thing that SB can and should PRE-WARN users about. If you’re going to drop such support you should advertise as such at least a YEAR ahead of time to give users time to prepare.
This is the kind of issue that you may not even be aware of until it bites you in the ass a year -after- you upgrade and don’t realise you’re screwed.
Said it before, say it again: BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY should be a -much- higher priority throughout the audio/video industry. The idea that a project that is less than 10 years old may be unreadable is ridiculous.
I agree with you Suntower. I suppose Steinberg would answer that it wasn’t them who made SX stop working on Mac, but Apple by not continuing to license Rosetta (for whatever reason).
In any case I’d be happy to help out, time allowing, in converting a file or two, if needed.
Very kind. It was more a general purpose rant. Here’s another…
I’m on Windows so it’s a non-issue. However… I frequently open material from SX1 or even (gasp) VST32 and thus have to keep a whole squadron of Cubases installed simply to work on older ideas.
Imagine how much great art in photography or movies or even audio tape would be lost if the media had an 10 year shelf life.
I am -appalled- at the disregard DAW companies have for anything ‘legacy’. Mark my words young’uns: there will come a time when you’ll all rue the day. My only regret is that I’ll be in the home and won’t be able to laugh at you.