Apple and Line6 don’t play well together
I am not the lead guitarist for Fall Out Boy. I do not have the resources to drop the thousands of dollars on Pro Tools software and hardware. What I do have resources for is a simple digital audio workstation (DAW) to use with my MaBook.
Line 6 is a major player in the DAW manufacturing space. I decided on the Tone Port GX off of the recomendation of Macworld. The Tone Port GX from Line 6 is a simple DAW, having a single 1/4 inch input for a guitar or microphone. It also comes with GearBox software that allows several different amplifier and cabniet combinations. This is their entry level product, costing less than 80 dollars to obtain.
Imagine my dismay when I plugged it into my iMac and all I got was static. I plugged it into my MacBook. Got static. I plugged it into my Mac Mini, and it actually worked.
Here is what I found on the Line 6 website:
Chipset Error Explanation: If the computer fails to meet standard USB requirements, a possible result the soundcard creates a “white noise burst” at the analog audio outputs. This is caused by a flaw in some USB chipsets that were manufactured by Intel using the ICH6 architecture. The chipsets we have verified as having this problem are the 915G, 915P and 925X chipsets, although others may be affected as well.
Solution: We do not have a solution that ensures proper performance on these computers.
I understand that this chipset problem is going to affect some PC users as well, but I was hoping for a better showing from Line6 and Macworld on this one.
Keep up with the latest gadget goodness! -
Subscribe to our feed
Live from Macworld 2009
The Appletell staff is working their way through the show floor at Macworld 2009 to bring you the latest Apple products and accessories. Hit the Macworld page for non-stop coverage...
Live from CES 2009
We're live from the world's largest tradeshow. Hit up our dedicated CES page for keynote coverage, product announcements, interviews, and photo galleries from the show floor. We're excited... are you?




I have that same line 6 toneport gx, and i have the brand new aluminum macbook, and it works fine.
on November 16, 2008 at 04:21 AM - LINKCorrect George. The issue would be with the previous generation of macbooks that use the mentioned chipsets(like mine). How do you like the toneport?
on November 16, 2008 at 05:50 AM - LINKIsn’t that what we jammed with?
on November 18, 2008 at 08:35 PM - LINKYes it is but it only works with my mac mini. I wont work with my macbook or the imac due to the chipset incompatability
on November 19, 2008 at 04:13 AM - LINK