Master Fader 5 Vs 4

[ChiroVette]

Hey everyone, I have a question about upgrading from version 4 to version 5. Normally this would be a non-issue, and I would use the latest version of the app. However I just ordered a new iPad, eighth GEN, which does not dock with my DL1608. Now I have been using a third generation iPad, literally from about 10 years ago lol to run my mixer, and it has served me well as a decent work surface. Problem, of course, is that it only supports master fader 4.

Now, other than the fact that my old unit is, well really old, it functions fine still. And I like the fact that I can leave it docked. Now that I have a new iPad that can only run from the Wi-Fi, my dilemma is a trade-off of sorts. My real question then becomes, what am I losing if I just stay with master theater 4? You may be asking why I would need to do that, and the reason is because I spoke to Mackie tech support, and they told me that I cannot run the mixer with two different units using two different versions of the app, which does make sense.

I just like the idea of being able to control the mixer with two different iPads, which means I guess I could leave the iPad 3 docked while running the 8th GEN model on Wi-Fi only.

So what, exactly am I losing if I stick with the last version of master fader?

[WK154]

I guess you missed a lot since 2013. You will find out that using V5 will install the new bios update and your old V4 will no longer work AFAIK. Decision time.
Cheers

[ChiroVette]

So what are the changes from V4 to V5?

[WK154]

V5.0 was only for the DL16S and DL32S. V5.1 handled the DL1608 etc. Read all about it here.   http://cacophony.aspinock.com/index.php?topic=1536.msg18124#msg18124
Cheers

P.S. The search function works just fine to catch up on 9 years here.

[ChiroVette]

Is there a difference between 5.0 and 5.1 or are they one in the same?

By the way, that thread didn't really get into what the differences are between V4 and V5 (whether 5.0 if it exists, or 5.1). My only goal here is to decide whether or not V5 is a worthwhile enough upgrade from V4 to sacrifice being able to use one older, docked iPad and my brand, spanking new one on WiFi on the same mixer and/or show. All I know now, is Mackie tech support couldn't even tell me what the differences are between the V4 and and of the V5's. LMAO The tech support guy admitting he had no clue about it actually suggested I make a thread in this forum to find out, as he didn't know. 

By the way, I didn't know that V5 wasn't designed for the DL1608 and has been made "compatible," again, none of which helps me clearly define what V5 does that V4 doesn't.

[WK154]

My advice is to stick with V4.62. JohnMHoyt's list pretty much spells out the major differences. For more answers use the search function from the main page if you are looking for specifics.
Cheers

[WK154]

The obvious source for all your questions even if Mackie Tech support can't read is the MF manual. Appendix E. has a list of all the changes from 4.62 to 5.2. As they say RTFM. Mackie has always been great with documentation on this product. If anything strikes your fancy you can also get the details there.
Cheers

[ToH2002]

So what, exactly am I losing if I stick with the last version of master fader?

For the "classic" DL1608, the key feature you're losing is the new effects engine. Also, 5.x versions have better copy/paste functions for whole channels (including sends), which can be very useful for re-organizing channels.

Another minor new feature: you can actually use the faders and mute/solo buttons in the overview screen.

That's prety much it.

For the DL1608, you'll need the 5.1 version - that's the version that introduced support for the older models. 5.0 only supported the new models (DL16S, DL32S)

Cheers,

Torsten

[James91104]

What do you stand to gain, albeit with possible additional investment of time and resources.
https://mackie.com/img/file_resources/Master%20Fader_V5_1_RG.pdf
Point to consider, if had there been no MF5.1 or the recent iPad, then no dilemma. If Not Broke, Do not Fix, presuming operational to date.

Personally, I would migrate to MF5.1, aware that I would want to acquire the Lightning dock kit, for an additional (used) iOS 11 minimum iPad for docking, the current minimum iOS required by MF5.1.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209574
Its a relatively minor investment for continued and enhanced operational feature set, with additional choices in UI device control other than an iPad.
Cheers

[WK154]

The current version is 5.2. Is there anything wrong with it that I'm not aware of?
Cheers

[ToH2002]

The current version is 5.2. Is there anything wrong with it that I'm not aware of?

Nope - should have written "at least 5.1"...

[WK154]

It doesn't matter anyways, when you download MF5 you will only get V5.2. According to Wynn both MF 4.x and MF 5.x can be run on the same iPad. He used to have a DL1608 but is currently using a DL16S which I believe this test was from. So the docked old unit running V4.x and the WiFi V4.x should both be able to control the DL1608. See http://cacophony.aspinock.com/index.php?topic=1653.msg18909#msg18909
Cheers

Corrected to MF V4.xx above

[ToH2002]

So the docked old unit running V4.x and the WiFi V5.x should both be able to control the DL1608.

Not quite - whenever you start MF 5.x and connect to the 1608 it will update the firmware, since it will only run with newer firmware. Then MF 4.x can't be used with that 1608 anymore.

The key of the thread you linked is that the MF 5.x and 4.x apps can co-exist nicely on one iPad (I have the same on one of my iPads).

But if you have a DL1608 that is still on a 4.x compatible firmware, you can only control it with the 4.x app on both iPads. Once the firmware is updated to 5.x compatibility, the 4.x app will not be able to control it anymore, so the OP's older "docked" iPad won't be able to control the box anymore.

If you want to keep using both iPads, that means running a 4.x compatible firmware on the mixer and ONLY the 4.x app on both iPads. Yes, you can have the 5.x app on the newer iPad (if you want to control other Mackie mixers with it), but make sure you don't connect that to the 1608 with the old firmware.

TL;DR: if you want to keep using both iPads, stick with 4.x. If you don't have any other Mackie mixers to control, don't install 5.x on the newer iPad because you'll risk an accidental firmware update that will make the older iPad unable to connect.

[WK154]

You're quite correct it should have been MF V4.xx for the WiFi to use both iPads.
Cheers

[pytchley]

Just to be clear you can revert back to V.4 firmware after trying out V.5. It's in the manual. I use V.4 since three of my my four ipads are incompatible with V.5. The big difference is supposed to be the reverb, I use an external, in my view, superior sounding app called AudioReverb on the docked ipad 3.