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VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E and PCI [message #108494] Mon, 01 December 2014 14:44 Go to next message
Wayne is currently offline  Wayne   UNITED STATES
Messages: 206
Registered: July 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Senior Member
Hi Mike and other Parisians,

Here my situation. I could use some advice

I run 2 Paris systems. A 2 card system inside home studio with BigBen and DAC-1 and a 1 card system in my converted garage video studio. Both machines are XP and getting kind of old and all cards are installed internally. Both are tuned for the PARIS audio app. Both used MECs. I record bands in the garage. I grab all the files and dump them into my inside studio, re-assign the ins/outs, int to ext clock and point to the new audio folder. Works pretty easily. Then I tune vocals and mix and master and convert to wav for my clients.

What I'd like to do is put all 3 cards in a VirtuaVia PCIx4 ATX Kit (I have ATX power supplies) and move the expansion between computers as needed (I only run one comp at a time) and maybe, hopefully, I'll only need to point to the audio folders and change from internal to external clock from then on. Catch: The kit comes with a PCI-e card which is not in either of my XP machines. So I was thinking of ordering a PCI card as well, if they make it for this PCIx4 ATX Kit. Anyone know?

An additional thought I must contend with.

I also have a Win7 64 bit machine with ProTools 11 (64bit) (sequencing and song writing) and VegasPro 13 (64bit) for video and this machine is solely PCI-E. So when I move Paris to this machine in the future then I'll need the supplied adaptor that comes with the original kit. If Paris stays at 32bit so be it. I'll still master my PT mixes in Paris and use Mike's drivers.

I haven't purchased Mike's latest Win7 driver because of this dilemma. But plan to real soon.

Lastly, the ASIO stuff Mike is working on is so cool. And to possibly have the ability to use EDS and 2 C16s in PT is totally awesome but this may be only at 32bit. If I understand correctly, I think we're still in the 32bit arena so it may not work in PT11 64bit. Of not, I'll run Paris independently.

A lot to consider.

Thanks gang for chiming on my situation. All ideas are welcome. I've used PARIS since '97 and really want to continue for the years ahead. Paris is so good at warming up my mixes, mastering and great for detailed audio dissecting of unwanted, non musical clangs and clips and overall editing.

Best,
Wayne

[Updated on: Fri, 06 March 2015 15:47]

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Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E and more [message #108495 is a reply to message #108494] Mon, 01 December 2014 20:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kim W. is currently offline  Kim W.   AUSTRALIA
Messages: 189
Registered: January 2010
Location: Australia
Senior Member
Hi Wayne.
Can't really comment on the VirtualVia, but I can confirm that your .exe file will work with Windows 7 64 bit, once you get Mike's driver package. He hasn't altered the original .exe file in any way.
Cheers,
Kim
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E and more [message #108496 is a reply to message #108495] Mon, 01 December 2014 22:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne is currently offline  Wayne   UNITED STATES
Messages: 206
Registered: July 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Senior Member
That's wonderful news for 32 bit Paris. Thanks Kim.
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E and more [message #108497 is a reply to message #108494] Wed, 03 December 2014 19:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mikeaudet   CANADA
Messages: 477
Registered: February 2009
Location: Canada
Senior Member
Hi Wayne,

Let me know if I miss answering anything. It's been a crazy day.

Moving the Virtua Via chassis sounds like a great idea. But, there is no PCI host card as far as I know. There are PCIe and ExpressCard. I've got both. Being able to use PARIS on a laptop is mind blowing, not that I've had much time to do it.

Pro Tools 11 is 64 bit only, but it comes with Pro Tools 10, which is 32 bit. That's what I've been working with on Windows 7 64 for the ASIO driver. It has been a complete pain in the ass, but it's made the driver a lot better to have to support it.

I hope this helps!

Mike


Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E and more [message #108498 is a reply to message #108497] Wed, 03 December 2014 21:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne is currently offline  Wayne   UNITED STATES
Messages: 206
Registered: July 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Senior Member
Hi Mike,

I'm still moving to PT11 on my main Win7 64 PC because I mostly sequence and write songs with it and I'll be running EZDrummmer2 in 64bit and I run VegasPro13 in 64bit so you see where I'm going with with this computer setup. I need the extra ram allocation due to so many audio plugins and video efx's and renders.

I will continue to support you with purchases though.

I'll contact VirtuaVia and see if I can find out something on the PCI host card even though I do want both. I've got 3 XP PCs (one as backup) so you can see why I posed the question. Maybe as my newer Win7 PCs age I may then consider a new comp purchase to run 64bit apps and turn this one as a PT10 32bit PARIS comp. When I bought PT11 I was also given PT10 authorization.

Thanks for getting back.

Hope you have a wonderful holiday. I may be in touch in the early Spring for a purchase. We all get busy this time of year and then need a break.

Thanks again,
Wayne
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E and more [message #108595 is a reply to message #108494] Mon, 02 March 2015 15:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne is currently offline  Wayne   UNITED STATES
Messages: 206
Registered: July 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Senior Member
Hi all,

I've sent an email a couple months back and never got a reply as to whether they would offer for purchase or build a PCI host card. So I'm thinking I might just purchase the ATX expansion kit with the PCIe and use it in my Win7-64 comp.

Questions:
1. Does it matter which PCIe slot the host card goes in (ref: EDS used to prefer slot 1, then 2, etc for IRQ reasons)? My comp has 3 PCIe x1 with two available.
2. Since I didn't get an email response at all, I begin to question the sincerity or quality of the company. It appears as though Parisian's have been adequately satisfied with their purchases. Should I be worried?
3. It cost $281 US. Any rough idea on shipping costs to the USA and approx. ship time? Two weeks, a month? (Update - $58 for shipping, no estimated time). How long have any of you waited for parts from VirtuaVia?

Lastly, I'll purchase what I'll need from Mike once I have the hardware on hand. Smile

PARIS lives "on" !

Wayne

[Updated on: Tue, 03 March 2015 12:21]

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Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108602 is a reply to message #108494] Wed, 04 March 2015 16:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne is currently offline  Wayne   UNITED STATES
Messages: 206
Registered: July 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Senior Member
Update: FYI

The PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit with PCIe is "Out of stock".

I attempted to order today and my order was cancelled due to "out of stock".

Wayne
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108603 is a reply to message #108602] Thu, 05 March 2015 04:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mikeaudet   CANADA
Messages: 477
Registered: February 2009
Location: Canada
Senior Member
Hi Wayne,

That's really too bad. To address your question about the company, they aren't dishonest in the slightest, but they have also never even heard of customer service.

I think this time might be for good. They've removed the product from the site. They've never done that before.

I noticed they still have a kit that gives two PCI slots and two PCIe slots. Depending on how many slots you need, this might do the trick.

There are also used Magma chassis on ebay.

Or, there are still motherboards like mine that have two PCI slots, which may be enough.

I hope this helps.

Mike

Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108604 is a reply to message #108603] Thu, 05 March 2015 06:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kim W. is currently offline  Kim W.   AUSTRALIA
Messages: 189
Registered: January 2010
Location: Australia
Senior Member
Hi Wayne.
I did a bit of digging around, and it seems the Virtua Via kit consists of two components. A host card (with dvi cable) and the actual PCI expansion card. (Jump to the bottom of this convoluted post for info on a complete 4 pci box for around US$300 plus shipping).

I found another source for what appears to be the exact same components. Not cheap mind you, (they come from Germany as well), but it may be an alternative if you can't score a Magma.
The four pci slot board appears identical to the VirtuaVia one.

It is here:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/EXSYS-EX-1035-Expansion-Board-mit -4x-PCI-Slots-fur-ATX-Gehaus-/151432894350?pt=DE_Computer_So nstige&hash=item23421a978e

The host adaptor card and cable is below. It is PCI.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Exsys-EX-1094-PCI-zu-PCI-Adapter- fur-EX-1031-1032-1035-/161448414408?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_77&a mp;a mp;a mp;a mp;a mp;a mp;a mp;a mp;a mp;a mp;a mp;a mp;a mp;a mp;a mp;hash=item2597134cc8

I guess my point is that these things are made in the same factory, probably in China, and available under different names. Curiously, there is also an expresscard host for the 2x PCI/2x PCI-E box, but I think that expansion board doesn't have a ATX connector for power, only an external 12 volt wall wart input. (Thus probably precluding it from EDS duties, as does the case... it's too small to house the EDS's). Whether hard wiring a beefier 12V supply would help??????

Anyway, just thought I'd post in case anyone wants to look into it further.

Kim

UPDATE: OK, I have found the PCI-E host card here:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Exsys-EX-1095-PCI-Express-Adapter -Karte-fur-EX-1010-31-32-41-42-/151140655891?pt=DE_Computer_ Sonstige&hash=item2330af6313

...And the Expresscard host is available by itself here:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Exsys-EX-1096-Notebook-ExpressCar d-Adapter-Karte-fur-EX-1031-32-35-41-42-45-/151438414279

Apparently all this stuff and more is available direct from distributor (and cheaper) here:

http://swd.de/oxid/Products-oxid/Hardware/Multiport-Solution s/passive-Multiport-Cards/EXS-EX-1035.html

This looks neat! An all in one box big enough to house 4 EDS'S. (Have to get host card separately...about $US35, the Expresscard host is about the same). It has an inbuilt 220 watt P/S and fan.

http://swd.de/oxid/Manufacturer/Exsys-GmbH/Expansion-Box/EXS -EX-1031.html?listtype=search&searchparam=ex%201096

PCI host card here:

http://swd.de/oxid/Products-oxid/Hardware/Multiport-Solution s/passive-Multiport-Cards/EXS-EX-1094.html?listtype=search&a mp;searchparam=ex%201094

PCI-E Host card here:

http://swd.de/oxid/Products-oxid/Hardware/Multiport-Solution s/passive-Multiport-Cards/EXS-EX-1095.html?listtype=search&a mp;searchparam=ex-1095

Expresscard host here (with DVI style cable):

http://swd.de/oxid/Products-oxid/Hardware/Multiport-Solution s/passive-Multiport-Cards/EXS-EX-1096.html?listtype=search&a mp;searchparam=ex%201096

and apparently another Expresscard host, but with a 2 metre HDMI cable to connect to expansion chassis here:

http://swd.de/oxid/Products-oxid/Hardware/Multiport-Solution s/passive-Multiport-Cards/EXS-EX-1097.html?listtype=search&a mp;searchparam=ex-1097

[Updated on: Thu, 05 March 2015 09:57]

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Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108605 is a reply to message #108604] Thu, 05 March 2015 12:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mikeaudet   CANADA
Messages: 477
Registered: February 2009
Location: Canada
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Kim, you are amazing!!!
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108606 is a reply to message #108494] Thu, 05 March 2015 15:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne is currently offline  Wayne   UNITED STATES
Messages: 206
Registered: July 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Senior Member
Kim & Mike,

This is great news. Not only did you find the identical components . . . you also found the PCI host card that works with it and answers my original post questions. Very cool.

Now I'll have the best of both worlds. I can continue with XP and the PCI host card on my 3 PCs (2 studios and a backup) and migrate to my Win7 with the PCIe and Mike's latest as time permits and my XP's grow older.

This might costs me a bit more now, but will keep me in PARIS for years to come. I'm completely happy.

Wayne

Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108607 is a reply to message #108606] Fri, 06 March 2015 02:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kim W. is currently offline  Kim W.   AUSTRALIA
Messages: 189
Registered: January 2010
Location: Australia
Senior Member
Hi again.
Excellent! I hope they still have stocks.
I assume the Virtua Via stuff works 100% with Paris??
Whilst I am happy with running my 4 EDS's on one of the last 4 PCI slot boards I could find, (running a quad core AMD Phenom),
I'm interested in future proofing whilst I can.
The EX-1031 4 PCI chassis with 220 watt supply, seems like an elegant and compact solution (and a bargain, compared with the oversized/overpriced Magma solutions).
Can other Virtua Via users confirm that these things do work well?
Cheers,
Kim

Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108608 is a reply to message #108607] Fri, 06 March 2015 04:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mikeaudet   CANADA
Messages: 477
Registered: February 2009
Location: Canada
Senior Member
Hi Kim,

That's a great question. Can anyone else confirm that they are using the Virtua Via with Windows XP?

Some time way long ago, I had some trouble getting more than 24 tracks to play using Windows XP and the Virtua Via chassis.

It may just have been the chipset I had. My UAD cards gave me trouble, too, and lots of people have had success with that pairing.

I just switched to my Magma chassis at that point, and I'm not sure exactly when I revisited the Virtua Via.

I know that I had to replace the power supply in the Virtua Via at some point. That may have been the problem.

The Virtua Via works 100% perfectly (as far as I can tell) on my current computer under Windows x64. Unfortunately, the new motherboard doesn't even run Windows XP, so I can't test it.

I hope this helps and doesn't just muddy the waters.

I wouldn't want Wayne to spend all this money if it wasn't going to work for him.

Mike
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108609 is a reply to message #108608] Fri, 06 March 2015 05:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kim W. is currently offline  Kim W.   AUSTRALIA
Messages: 189
Registered: January 2010
Location: Australia
Senior Member
Hi Mike.
Was the Chassis the same unit as the EX-1031 I described in my post, or was it the base 4 PCI card mounted in your own case and P/S?
Yeah, it would suck if Wayne spent money on something that may not work. However, I think he was still willing to spend some bucks on getting his WIN7 rig up and running. In which case if he purchased a PCI host card for his XP box, and it proved to be a dud, then all is not lost.
It could be that the archaic PCI bridge driver provided with XP wasn't up to the task, but the driver in newer O/S's are much improved.
Damn, if I were more cashed up right now, I'd buy the EX-1031 and one of each of the host adapters (pci, pci-e,and expresscard), and be the guinea pig!
Hopefully more users can chime in with their experiences.
Kim

[Updated on: Fri, 06 March 2015 05:55]

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Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108611 is a reply to message #108609] Fri, 06 March 2015 07:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mikeaudet   CANADA
Messages: 477
Registered: February 2009
Location: Canada
Senior Member
Hi Kim,

Mine is the 4 PCI slot backplate with the PCIe host adapter in an ATX case.

The Ex-1301 looks really cool!

It could very well be the driver. But Wayne is looking at using a PCI host card, which would probably use a completely different bridge chip than the PCIe version.

I read on a Linux driver forum that the bridge chip in the PCIe adapter advertises that it can do some burst mode that it can't. The driver needs to be aware of this to make it work properly. It may be the newer driver in Windows 7 takes this into account.

The closest I have is a laptop running 32 bit Vista with the cardbus adapter. I could get this set up and test the throughput. I've only got two cards in my chassis right now, but it could provide an idea. I've set it up and streamed a few tracks, and it worked fine.

All the best,

Mike
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108612 is a reply to message #108611] Fri, 06 March 2015 15:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne is currently offline  Wayne   UNITED STATES
Messages: 206
Registered: July 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Senior Member
Hi guys,

I'll be the guinney. I will purchase one PCI and one PCIe host card and the EX-1035 (board alone) and not EX-1031 chassis from SWD although I really like the 1031. I have an ATX box and 500w PS to use. I have 4 good EDS to test. I'll start with 1, then 2, then 3 and if solid try the 4th. All this will be tested on the XPs. I'll start on one system at a time and see how far I get. I'll post in depth the comp specs of each as I proceed.

I assume this will take about a month from order to receipt to testing and my gigging and studio schedule.

Note: On a post from Daniel (post is EXsys (closed)) approx. 20 posts earlier on this main forum said he had a problem with the 1031 with more than 2 cards BSOD. This chassis does look nice and might work with a beefed up PS. Everything inside seems the same except it adds a fan.

Thanks for adding your insights.

Wayne

[Updated on: Fri, 06 March 2015 15:46]

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Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108617 is a reply to message #108612] Sun, 08 March 2015 09:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kim W. is currently offline  Kim W.   AUSTRALIA
Messages: 189
Registered: January 2010
Location: Australia
Senior Member
Hmm. The plot thickens...
There is an interesting discussion about the Virtua via and Exsys 4-pci backplanes here:

https://www.gearslutz.com/board/music-computers/346311-virtu avia-pci-expansions-good-alternative-overpriced-magma.html

A couple of posts are hinting that the onboard 3.3v and 5v voltage regulators are underpowered, thereby limiting the number of pci cards that can be used. (Particularly if they are high power devices such as DSP cards.)

Some people have had hit-and-miss success by using premium 700watt supplies, but the evidence is inconclusive.

I rather suspect that a modification may indeed be required to the backplane board, to get 4 EDS cards working.

The biggest clue comes from this post:

"Hi all,
Sorry that I have been in and out of this discussion.
My guess as to why so many people have had issues with the Virtua Via chassis,kit,power supplies, ATX, etc is that simply connecting a larger power supply to the Virtua circuit board will not give reliable results.... This is why....

The Virtua Via backplane circuit board is fitted with two low power voltage regulator IC's ....
1) +3.3 VDC regulator (1084)
and
1) +5 VDC regulator (2596)

In order to supply enough current to the PCI cards(Protools HD, UAD-1, etc) these IC's need to be bypassed out of the circuit path!!

DON'T TRY THIS UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING... and please don't get mad at me if the smoke comes out!
This is what I followed from the UAD forum(you will have to join to be able to download the guide files with pictures)
Thanks to the Aussie fellow Markus for his tenacity and knowledge.
UAD Forums • View topic - How to get the VirtuaVia box working with multiple UAD cards

(DEAD LINK HERE:) http://www.studionu.com/uadforums/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=9 404

With computer as we all know there are many variables, but in my personal experience the PCI spec is pretty universal within revisions...
Good luck!
AL

p.s. I have used my rig for quite a few paying sessions... though I am more a professional musician and writer than one booking studio time to make my ends meet...

My feelings regarding The Magma offerrings.... I have payed the Magma price in the days of MixPlus... and it worked and was expensive(it was a 2 slot that actually had a third slot with a warning sticker over it that I blew -off and had a 3-slot portable for the mere price of $1250.00 which was still a heck of a lot of money after evertything else was bought...


I would still love to get hold of one of those boards. It shouldn't be too difficult to upgrade the offending regulators...



Kim

[Updated on: Sun, 08 March 2015 10:03]

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Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108618 is a reply to message #108617] Sun, 08 March 2015 10:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mikeaudet   CANADA
Messages: 477
Registered: February 2009
Location: Canada
Senior Member
Hi Kim,

I just took a look at my Virtua Via chassis, and the 1084 chip is definitely there. My eyesight isn't good enough to read the numbers on the other chip by the power connector.

If I read the data sheet right, the LM2596 will only output 3 amps, which at 5 volts wouldn't even power a single EDS card.

I suspect that these regulators are there to protect the bridge chips on the backplane and are not even connected to the PCI slots at all.

I've had 4 EDS 100 cards working in my Virtua Via backplate, and the only issue I ran into was clocking related. I really believe that PARIS requires an interface on every card when using an external clock, and I only had three interfaces connected. I've been meaning to try picking up a 442 ever since. There were no power related problems.

The issue this guy had with his Pro Tools cards could have been a million things. Over the years, the 5 volt lead on power supplies has been providing less and less current because new hardware doesn't use it. 700 watts may seem like a lot, but if the power supply can only put out 80 watts on the 5 volt lead, that may not be enough for the cards he was trying. This is just a guess, of course.

Digidesign also has a history of cards that only work in certain computers.


I hope this helps.

Mike





Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108619 is a reply to message #108618] Sun, 08 March 2015 11:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kim W. is currently offline  Kim W.   AUSTRALIA
Messages: 189
Registered: January 2010
Location: Australia
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Thanks, Mike.
Yeah, that makes sense.
In retrospect, I think the guy with the modification was talking about the version of the chassis that uses an external 12v 3A supply.
I found a working link to his modifications here:

http://uadforum.com/uad-pci-pcie-cards/5259-how-get-virtuavi a-box-working-multiple-uad-cards.html

I have signed up to the UAD forum, just so I can download his zip files with instructions. Still waiting confirmation.
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108620 is a reply to message #108619] Sun, 08 March 2015 12:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mikeaudet   CANADA
Messages: 477
Registered: February 2009
Location: Canada
Senior Member
Thank you for digging all this up!

The 3 amp power supply fits nicely with the three amp regulator.

My eyesight is not the greatest, but I couldn't see a chip that looks like the LM2596 on my backplane. Can anyone else confirm that it's there? I wonder if it was only on the original, non atx powered version.

All the best,

Mike
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108622 is a reply to message #108620] Sun, 08 March 2015 14:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne is currently offline  Wayne   UNITED STATES
Messages: 206
Registered: July 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Senior Member
Mike,

Great info.

I'm confused on your note while using 4 EDS:

" I really believe that PARIS requires an interface on every card when using an external clock, and I only had three interfaces connected."

On my in house studio XP comp, I use 2 EDS cards with 1 MEC. The MEC has the BigBen clock using "word clock" and it plays nice.

I think I'm misunderstanding.

Wayne
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108623 is a reply to message #108622] Sun, 08 March 2015 15:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mikeaudet   CANADA
Messages: 477
Registered: February 2009
Location: Canada
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Hi Wayne,

I was remembering this post here (and remembering it wrong)

http://kerrygalloway.com/ParisForums/index.php?t=msg&got o=107686&S=52600cc2df8c13f58681a1b5771c4486&srch=wor d+clock#msg_107686

It's been a while since I did my testing. From what I remember, you need to have no more than one EDS card without an interface connected between each eds card that is connected to an interface when using external clock.

So, with 4 cards and two interfaces, it would work like this:

1) MEC/442
2) no interface
3) MEC/442
4) no interface

Sorry about that. My four year old has an ear infection, and I haven't really slept much since Thursday.

All the best,

Mike
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108624 is a reply to message #108623] Sun, 08 March 2015 16:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne is currently offline  Wayne   UNITED STATES
Messages: 206
Registered: July 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Senior Member
Understood.

Take care and get some rest.

Wayne
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108626 is a reply to message #108624] Mon, 09 March 2015 04:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kim W. is currently offline  Kim W.   AUSTRALIA
Messages: 189
Registered: January 2010
Location: Australia
Senior Member
Yep, as suspected, the modifications were intended for another backplane.

Just for the hell of it, I have uploaded a zip file containing the mods, for the sake of "conceptual continuity", even if it is not useful for our purposes.

Kim.
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #108627 is a reply to message #108626] Mon, 09 March 2015 05:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mikeaudet   CANADA
Messages: 477
Registered: February 2009
Location: Canada
Senior Member
Thanks so much, Kim!

Just to add a little more to my comment about a 4 card setup needing 4 interfaces:

The way I described works (alternating cards with interfaces), but it's akin to having word clock cables of varying lengths. The cards with interfaces have shorter cables than the cards without because the clock from the interface gets routed through the ribbon cables connecting the cards. This delays the clock of the cards without interfaces and puts the cards slightly out of synch.

I'm not sure if this ever becomes a problem. But, I suspect it's pushing the design a bit.

I know after working with it for a while, I decided that I would be on the lookout for another two 442s to fill out the clocking without the rack space bulk and fan noise of two more MECs (which I already have).

I hope this helps explain what I was thinking.

Mike






Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #109744 is a reply to message #108626] Sun, 01 December 2019 05:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mikeaudet   CANADA
Messages: 477
Registered: February 2009
Location: Canada
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Hi Rich,

If you scroll up to Kim's post number 108604, there are links to the original manufacturer of the Virtua Via chassis. They sell direct.

I'll check our the recordings!

All the best,
Mike
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E and PCI [message #109746 is a reply to message #108494] Sun, 01 December 2019 10:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kim W. is currently offline  Kim W.   
Messages: 189
Registered: January 2010
Location: Australia
Senior Member
Greetings.
I just checked, and Exsys are still selling the four PCI gear on ebay.
Here is a self contained box (full size for the large EDS's:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Exsys-EX-1031-Expansion-Box-with -4x-PCI-Slot-220W-Power-Supply-38cm-Long/162799525913?hash=i tem25e79ba019:g:DWkAAOSwcu5UMU4Y

DIY backplane for mounting in any ATX case here:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Exsys-EX-1035-Expansion-Board-wi th-4x-PCI-Slots-for-ATX-Casing/163078704461?epid=4009587333& amp; amp; amp;hash=item25f83f8d4d:g:NdcAAOSw1x1UMVlB

....AND you will need (with both of these options) the PCI-E Host card:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Exsys-EX-1095-PCI-Express-Adapte r-Card-for-EX-1010-31-32-41-42/163078704485?hash=item25f83f8 d65:g:OVMAAMXQyFFTkbDI

I'm in Australia, so these are in Australian dollars. Check Ebay U.S. for pricing.

ALSO, if opting for the 4 PCI self contained unit with inbuilt power supply, make sure it is the full size unit capable of 38cm cards. (They make a smaller unit which WON'T suit the EDS cards.

Cheers,
Kim

[Updated on: Sun, 01 December 2019 11:09]

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Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E [message #109747 is a reply to message #109744] Sun, 01 December 2019 14:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rich.Kelley is currently offline  Rich.Kelley   UNITED STATES
Messages: 98
Registered: August 2009
Member
Hi Mike, I pulled the trigger on a Magma that I found on Ebay. It looks like that should work for a four card rig. I'll play with that first before I look at the VirtaVia stuff. I have enough spare Paris components to setup another rig without taking apart my current rig.

As I said in another post, the next step is the computer and operating system.

Love to hear any thoughts on the music. It's classic, melodic rock if you're into that genre.

Thanks.
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E and PCI [message #110056 is a reply to message #108494] Sun, 09 January 2022 12:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Will The Weirdo is currently offline  Will The Weirdo   MEXICO
Messages: 190
Registered: December 2009
Location: On The Lake
Senior Member
Hello all,
I was looking at picking up the EXS-EX-1035 and EXS-EX-1095 card to run my PARIS system in my Win 7 DAW.

Anyone have a confirmation this EXS combo will work?
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E and PCI [message #110058 is a reply to message #110056] Sun, 09 January 2022 14:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mikeaudet   
Messages: 477
Registered: February 2009
Location: Canada
Senior Member
Those two look like the exact ones I'm using. The 1035 backplane came as part of the Virtua Via kit, but I'm using a 1095 PCIe card that I bought later, and the two work together fine.

I hope this helps!
Mike
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E and PCI [message #110060 is a reply to message #108494] Sun, 09 January 2022 15:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Will The Weirdo is currently offline  Will The Weirdo   MEXICO
Messages: 190
Registered: December 2009
Location: On The Lake
Senior Member
Many thanks Mike.
I'll be emailing you with some questions.
Re: VirtualVia PCI x4 expansion ATX Kit for PCI-E and PCI [message #110065 is a reply to message #110060] Mon, 10 January 2022 12:46 Go to previous message
Wayne is currently offline  Wayne   UNITED STATES
Messages: 206
Registered: July 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Senior Member
I'm using the ExSys EX-1035 4 card motherboard and EX-1094/5 PCI/e card. The EX-1035 is in an old gutted Compaq case with just a power supply and 1035 card with 3 EDS cards. I have installed on my Win7-64 Paris computer the 1095 PCIe card and I have installed on my XP 32 bit system the 1094 PCI card. I move the Compaq case to which ever system I am running at the time and it has worked flawlessly in both systems.

Running 4 EDS cards on XP is troublesome. Locks and burps and glitches. On Win7-64 better but not as stable as I would like. Running 3 cards in the expansion box on either computer system is very stable.

FYI - recently moved from Las Vegas to Texas and remodeling my home. All my equipment is boxed up so I can not run any tests or verify any further. Just going off of memory for now.

Wayne
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