How to connect a FireWire Audio Interface to a Mac or PC with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C

[@ScottSchramm]

In case you missed the video description, here are the links to the items mentioned in the video: Apple Thunderbolt 3 and 4 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Adapter: amzn.to/2Us5bvh Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter: amzn.to/2Us4YrZ FireWire 800 to 400 mini plug cable: amzn.to/2UsLh3k FireWire 400 to 800 cable: amzn.to/3kr5vVG FireWire 400 to 800 adapter: amzn.to/35tNguC FireWire 400 mini to 400 mini cable: amzn.to/32JwANT Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 3 cable: amzn.to/3Lq7WFQ Have a desktop with a PCI/PCIe card slot, or a laptop with a ExpressCard/PCMCIA card slot: amzn.to/3fFr1Ww Laptops with Thunderbolt/FireWire: amzn.to/3JpAw8M Newer Interfaces: Focusrite Scarlett Solo: amzn.to/3ntfiN1 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: amzn.to/35wghWr Focusrite Scarlett 4i4: amzn.to/38IcAPr PreSonus Studio 24c 2x2: amzn.to/36AETg6 PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2x2: amzn.to/2H2GBhB M-Audio AIR 192|6 - 2-In 2-Out: amzn.to/2Up9lUO M-Audio AIR 192|8 - 2-In 4-Out: amzn.to/3f7EOEA Other items I recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/scottschramm Other videos that may help you: How to connect FireWire devices into new Mac's with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4iVc5WklLSdhKM How to connect FireWire devices into a Windows PC with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXK2eqiOZtKkrac How to connect FireWire devices to a new M1 Mac with Apple Silicon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmashKx_aLuWjdE How to capture DV & HDV video tapes on a Windows 11 PC using FireWire to Thunderbolt/USB-C: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4WToHePl9aqrc0 Troubleshooting: If you are having issues with your computer connecting to the interface, there are a few things you can try. 1. Visit the support page of your interface's manufacturer (M-Audio, RME, Focusrite, PreSonus, etc) and install the latest driver. 2. Visit the support page of your computer (support.dell.com, support.lenovo.com, etc) and verify that your drivers are up to date. Sometimes the Thunderbolt or FireWire driver is separate and needs to be installed manually. Also check that your BIOS is up to date. 3. Check the settings in your BIOS as there may be a setting in there to allow data over the Thunderbolt port. Here is an example link that shows the settings: www.dell.com/support/article/en-us/sln305418/restructuring-of-usb-and-thunderbolt-settings-on-new-bios-version?lang=en There is also usually an app within Windows called the "Thunderbolt(TM) Software " and make sure it is set to "Always Allow" like this: www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-3-devices-in-windows-10-platform/ 4. If your interface still does not communicate, then you may need to install a driver specifically for the FireWire port on your computer. Here is a good webpage that may help you troubleshoot FireWire specific drivers: www.studio1productions.com/Articles/Firewire-1.htm 5. If you have a Focusrite interface, here are some additional things you can try: support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/115001661729-Focusrite-Control-is-showing-No-Hardware-Connected-or-No-Hardware-Detected-#h_01ET5H7055EE5XR2XZ8MSCNFJV

[@DeLucas.2Mix]

Hello Scott, I'm not finding anywhere the adapters. Is there any new one, or does we still need to use the two adapters?

[@ScottSchramm]

@@DeLucas.2Mix Check updated video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gom7hI2ahL-VY80

[@robertgaudreau4009]

Great video Scott and very helpful for those who want to connect their newer computer that does not have a FireWire connection. I have followed every single step that you have shown us. First by purchasing the two needed Apple adaptors on Amazon Canada, to let you know, in the US they are out of stock and they do not know when they will have it. I have made the purchase yesterday and received today the adaptors, an excellent service from Amazon. I was eager to make that work, I have installed the adaptors at the end of the FireWire cable, hook it up directly to the USB-C connector, power up the interfaces, install the driver, voilà, it works beautifully. There is one thing that is even more interesting. First to let you know the setup. I own four audio interfaces two thunderbolt and two FireWire. On the Thunderbolt interface brand, we know that we can connect up to 7 Thunderbolt 2 in daisy chains together for which they are hooked to a USB-C Thunderbolt 3 computer connector. I said since I'm able to make the FireWire work directly hook up to the computer on the USB-C maybe it will work at the end of the second Thunderbolt 2 interface. I was surprised to see the two thunderbolts and the two FireWire were seen by the computer and I was able to select either and even record from the keyboard controller through the MIDI input of the FireWire interface, this without any latency. When I was playing the responding time within the DAW was instantaneous. This meant that I did not need the second Apple adaptor from a Thunderbolt 2 to USB-C Thunderbolt 3 because the FireWire cable was connected to the Apple adaptor Thunderbolt 2 then to the Thunderbolt 2 interface. I appreciate the time you have taken to make this setup work. This was again very helpful. Thank you

[@mstevenchapman]

My friend just nabbed a M-audio FireWire solo and a M-audio FireWire 410 cleaning out a garage. Great because my Scarlett solo is limited in outputs. Bad because I own a Lenovo Thinkpad PC. This video was exactly what I needed. Think I will go ahead and get the PCI card to FireWire adapter to make this work. Can't wait to hook up my subwoofer finally. be Thanks!

[@gregoryskip]

This (and your other videos) are by far the very best videos on the subject of the many different ports and connections to both old and new computers. Thank you so much for making these videos. I was going crazy to find this information somewhere and was having no luck at all until I stumbled onto your videos. Thanks to you I am able to get some old video recordings out of my old Sony Video camera and into my Macbook air and get them edited. Without your clear and concise descriptions I would have given up and lost all of those family memories. Thanks again for a job well done!!!

[@justinwoodrum1260]

This is the best video that I have seen on this subject. Thank you for taking the time to show this.

[@GaryBradleymusic]

Another option: my FW interfaces have adat. Buying a new usb c / TB interface with adat allows optical daisy chaining of older interfaces. Yes it's more expensive, but for semi pro or pro audio, it's another viable solution to increasing input count at lower cost. Many thanks for your excellent instruction!!!

[@ScottSchramm]

How many tracks of audio does ADAT support? Or do the tracks get mixed down to stereo?

[@harrychristo]

Will the new interface recognise the older FireWire interfaces as individual audio input channels on your daw?

[@macsong053]

Thank you SO much for testing this all out, and your ability to make sense of it. When I was 'more' into VHS to Digital conversions I bought a DAC-200, and it has the usual VHS player RCA/S-Video AND Firewire 400 inputs and outputs! And I'd converted many old family videos with it, and with my old MAC G4 (desktop and laptop). The 'puters are archived now, but still working. (I even put a OWC upgraded processor in that G4!! loved that thing!) I've since moved past the G4 twice and have a 2018 Mac Mini, and have need to convert more VHS tapes, AND some audio files from a Firewire Mixer (made by Mackie Onyx), from 10-12 years ago, with these ports in the Mac Mini- Connections and Expansion Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports with support for: DisplayPort Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40 Gb/s) USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gb/s) Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, DVI, and VGA supported using adapters Two USB-A ports (up to 5Gb/s) HDMI 2.0 port Gigabit Ethernet port (configurable to 10Gb Ethernet) 3.5 mm headphone jack I've ordered your 2 Thunderbolt recommended dongles, Firewire 400 to 800 adapter and the Firewire cable, (Current total at Amazon- $110). I've got my fingers crossed, I hope it works!! (It's turning my hairs gray!! I'm getting too long in the tooth! ) (Specs on Mackie Onyx- mackie.com/sites/default/files/PRODUCT%20RESOURCES/SPECS/Spec_Sheets/Onyx_1640i_SS.pdf ) ~ Retired Engineer, Ma Bell, Audiophile.....

[@rossdangerossdrysdale945]

Also keep up the good work man. You know your stuff. You are exctly the awesome type of people the world needs for self education and expanding knowlege and conciousness. Thanks 😊

[@godlessheathen9809]

Bro! I love you man! i have been trying to connect my Korg Zero4 mixer up forever now. And now after almost a decade success. Thanks sooooo much!

[@Emily-bm9xj]

You are so sweet and I appreciate your dedication, attention to detail, and exploration of all the many variables that could occur in dealing with this issue that somehow is very under-represented in the online space. This is so appreciated, thank you very much!! :-)

[@susanmoorefield1895]

This is a fabulous video! Thank you so much for posting all of these. I will remember your channel and links whenever I need to purchase computer accessories, etc.

[@StefanBoeykens]

The FireWire solo had 32-bit drivers. I’ve been able to use it a little longer with a set of repackaged drivers from an old forum, but eventually, the process was really cumbersome and the cost of adapters went beyond the remaining value of the interface… 64-bit and then Apple silicon made it even less compatible. As to Parallels: it has no FireWire support so even if you can physically connect the Solo, it wouldn’t communicate at all. - I’m still trying to link this interface to my newer interface via SPDIF but so far no signal comes through. The hardware itself is still working fine, so I could link it via line out/in but eventually, it no longer does some58ng useful to me.

[@uzer_zero]

Very helpful info, Scott. Thanks for taking the time (and expense) to put all this together - greatly appreciated. My brother eventually found this exact solution by trial-and-error, connecting his new Win10 PC to an old Steinberg A.I.... just another data point to say that this does in fact work. It's really too bad that the communication protocols are incompatible, and that this won't work going from USB 3 Gen 2 to FW 400/800, even though the former has sufficient bandwidth. I've got a Corsair Pro that I'd love to use for audio work, but it doesn't have Thunderbolt and unfortunately won't take expansion cards. I've been using a Presonus Firestudio Mobile for years on a Win7 system that gives me all the functionality I need. I hate to abandon it as no one seems to make anything comparable these days - they're all MUCH larger, loaded with many outputs and few inputs, and way more expensive.

[@imark7777777]

FYI the small connector was branded iLink from Sony and in some cases can be 200 and not 400 but is still Crossways compatible though.

[@ColumCoyle]

Thanks for making this video. I’ve been trying to figure this out myself for a while and you laid it out so simply. Problem is is that with all the adapters and how expensive they are, for a just a bit more money it seems as though I should buy a new Soundcard and retire my old Focusrite Saffire Pro 14 after 14 years of use 😢

[@Henry0870]

I’m in the same boat, got a RME FireFace 800 interface. It has been rock solid (- a faulty power supply, but that was easily exchanged) for some 15+ years. I’d like to keep using it after switching to a M1 or M2 Mac Mini. But the apple FireWire to Thunderbolt 2 dongle seems to be discontinued. There’s some on eBay but I’m not paying €175 for it……🤪🤪

[@NickGoldston]

Incredible depth to such a niche video. Thank you

[@majorbangz]

excellent tutorial. I will try it on my old Saphire pro 24 audio interphase

[@__1t__1__r3]

are you going into usb c on laptop ?

[@DeLucas.2Mix]

Did you made it?

[@majorbangz]

@@DeLucas.2Mix yes it worked. I’m currently using it on my Digidesign 003 protools

[@GoodTechConf]

I tried with the M-AUDIO 610, it works ! (On Laptop Asus ROG: Firewire => Thunderbolt 2.0 => Thunderbolt 3.0)

[@kyriederrick3053]

I realize I'm kinda off topic but does anyone know of a good website to watch new movies online ?

[@crewjeremias3859]

@Kyrie Derrick I watch on Flixzone. You can find it on google =)

[@amirterrell1413]

@Crew Jeremias Yup, I have been watching on Flixzone for months myself =)

[@kyriederrick3053]

@Crew Jeremias thank you, I went there and it seems to work :D I appreciate it !!

[@crewjeremias3859]

@Kyrie Derrick glad I could help :D

[@dkkrecords]

Brilliant…..even using the same M-audio FireWire card I was enquiring about

[@johng.9626]

Fantastic Video! I purchaced a 6 pin fire wire to mini small 4 pin, thought it would not work, but on my Lenovo Thinkpad 420 (2010) model, I do have a 1394 port, and I have hope now to bring a Focusrite Safire 26 pro, back to Life! It was dead when I bought it for $25, Pts. N. Wkng. but changing one radial capacitor near the 12 v. input got the the lights to power on! Thankyou, Thankyou! John G.

[@Andre7414]

My man 😫…. You may be a lifesaver 🙏🏾🤞🏾🙏🏾

[@FedericoFoglia]

Thank you, i have a profire 2626, and a pc laptop, finally a mobile recording studio

[@user-ze5oe9tx5t]

Great to hear! I recently got my hands on this unit and I hope to follow in your footsteps soon.

[@musicpharmer]

Thx for doing all this….what was the final result if you have an Apple MacBook Pro with the new Thunderbolt 3 connections.?Sure, I know you can use the two adapters shown, but will the driver’s still work for the newer Mac OS ? i.e Monterey or Ventura. I’ve been using my MacBook Pro 2015 model with Big Sur with a Thunderbolt 2 to Firewire 800 adapter and then a cable with Firewire 800 on one end and Firewire 400 on the other going into a PreSonus Firestudio interface. Works great, but have been dreading upgrading to a newer M1 Apple computer with Thunderbolt 3 on account that I would not want to have to buy all new gear when the firewire gear works just fine.

[@ScottSchramm]

Did you watch the full video? I explained my experience at 3:17 for Mac's. I also have a newer video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmashKx_aLuWjdE It all depends on your model of interface and if the manufacture supports the newer OS's.

[@musicpharmer]

Yes, watched the whole video…..the PreSonus FireStudio series only officially had support for up Mac OS Catalina. There was a workaround written which I have installed which is why I can use Mac OS Big Sur. The workaround however clearly states that Apple Silicon processors are not supported. All that is needed is an updated driver for Apple Silicon support. If enough users are out there, it may happen over time. The other simple option is to run the audio interface via Windows….Your videos have given us all hope though….Keep up the good work.

[@millerhxc]

Interesting video. I have an M-Audio NRV10 that I used to use on a MacBook Pro to record a full drum kit as well as little bits of vocal recording. After getting the MacBook fixed and updated, the interface was no longer compatible (of course.) I did manage to do some mono recordings simply using a jack to mini jack cable from the NRV10 headphone output to the MacBook line output, however I've switched to a Lenovo Yoga as the MacBook has pretty much died (battery no longer charges, can only turn on when plugged in and is generally hella slow.) I was looking this up to see if there was a way to use the NRV10 with the Lenovo laptop but I cannot see any Thunderbolt port on it - I have 2 X USB 3 ports and a USB 2 port. So are my best options to maybe get an older pc laptop with firewire that still works and run it on an earlier Windows system to use purely for recording purposes or to just get a new interface that's totally compatible with the Lenovo Yoga/Windows 10?

[@ScottSchramm]

You are correct. You can either get an older laptop with FireWire, a newer laptop with Thunderbolt to adapt down, or a newer interface that uses USB. I have some links in the video description if you want to check out some of those options.

[@Lux-Studio7]

Thank you for your reply . To this Motu 896 sound card I plug my microphones from my drums , and I want to plug it into a laptop so I have to find a Laptop with either a Firewire or Thunderbolt plug, that's fine. Thank you

[@mikevirtualteacher]

Thank you Scott for your videos!!

[@juanrodriguezvictor292]

Thank You From Puerto Rico many blessings!

[@AndrewMcMillenium]

This was a very informative video, thank you so much!

[@JamesHarris-hl2bm]

I'm still using my M-Audio Profire 2626 which is firewire. When I brought it, I was on Windows 7 x64. Now, I'm on Windows 11 and it's worked on every version in between and works perfectly on Windows 11 Pro. I do have a TI Firewire card installed as well which has been there since I built this audio machine. I upgraded the motherboard and processor in 2021 to an ASUS Tuf motherboard and Intel Core I9-9900KF processor and 64 GB of RAM and just humming along. I did think that I would have problems when I upgraded from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro, but no problems whatsoever. Windows 11 Pro was just fine with the drivers. The control panel thinks it's Windows Vista so that's funny but otherwise, everything runs just fine, and I'm able to run with buffers at 64, with no dropouts or anything.

[@ScottSchramm]

M-Audio stopped supporting newer OS's on many of their legacy models so that's great to hear you still have it working on even Windows 11!

[@JamesHarris-hl2bm]

@@ScottSchramm yup and they are the older drivers from 2009, but again, it works fine.

[@nali.musics8699]

Hey man! Can i ask something? If i used Firewire to Thunderbolt 3 then use a USB-C to USB 3.0, Does it work? Or do u have a better solution. (im trying to connect a Focusrite Sapphire 40 to USB 3.0). Can i use the Firewire 800 to thunderbolt 3 adapter then use a USB-C to USB 3.0? Please it would really help alot! Tq!

[@niklassilen4313]

Anybody know if this still works with the latest Mac OS X Sonoma or the previous Ventura? Rumor has it that they actually removed the legacy Firewire driver itself from within the operating system.. thus rendering the actual physical connection irrelevant. Anybody tried it?

[@ScottSchramm]

Regarding audio interfaces, yes. The kernel extensions were removed in Ventura. However, other FireWire devices like hard drives and camcorders still work! I am in the process of making an updated video showing this.

[@lichichen940]

Hi Scott thanks for the extensive testings! I am recently considering getting a PCIe usb c 3.2 card to reduce latency with my presonus studio26c interface, wondering if you have any thoughts on that?

[@ScottSchramm]

USB-C won’t work. It needs to be Thunderbolt.

[@julioericcasaslozano2916]

Hi Scott! Finally you could install the drivers? I´m facing exactly the same problem Thanks!

[@ScottSchramm]

Same results since I made this video

[@LookOutForNumberOne]

Hi, actually, I have one of the configuration that you mentioned in your video. On my Apple iMac 27-Inch "Core i5" 2.8 (Mid-2010) I have installed Windows 7 I have the intention to change the HDD to SSD, the standard 4GB of RAM was changed for 4 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM (16 GBs total installed) So, I want to utilize the FireWire 800 port for an additional SSD drive and or connect my Sony HDR-SR7E camcorder

[@ScottSchramm]

It would probably be easier to use macOS on that system to use FireWire.

[@LookOutForNumberOne]

@@ScottSchramm First of all, thank you for your reply. I have Windows 7 already installed, because my wife was in need of a PC software, so I sacrificed Apple OS. Now it is getting old and it requires a well deserved buff. I don't want to get rid of it. I just bought 2 SSD's, I am wondering where I connect the second SSD. I have seen a video where he shows a sata port hidden in the motherboard.

[@jonnymartini2628]

Very thorough video Scott, thanks. I have a M-Audio Ozone and am connecting via USB (for MIDI controller and as a pre-amp for my speakers). I've recently bought a Mac M1 laptop and can't get it to connect or install the old drivers. If I connect via midi cable will that work? Would I still be able to use it as the interface for my speakers?

[@ScottSchramm]

M-Audio is horrible with keeping their drivers up to date and supported the latest OS. You could try but may run into the same issue.

[@jonnymartini2628]

@@ScottSchramm Thanks Scott. Yes, it could be time to move to something more future friendly 👍

[@whenriqueg3]

hello Scott, following which model of this Dell notebook? Is your usb-c port 3.0 or 3.1? or is it really thunderbolt 3? I have a lenovo yoga 520 with a usb-c 3.0 port and I couldn't get it to work, I used the original apples adapters too...

[@ScottSchramm]

It needs to be Thunderbolt. This is explained in the video.

[@stephaniewilliams7414]

Thanks for the information and your time.

[@ianlewis5474]

Just ordered a laptop with TB3. Fingers crossed I can resurrect an old pair of firepods. The adapters are a lot cheaper than a new interface and an adat preamp

[@ianlewis5474]

Also in regards to the Firepod/FP10 drivers, I can't speak for win11, but I've used the drivers on win10 successfully for several years by setting the compatibility to win7 for the installer.

[@ianlewis5474]

Thanks for the video by the way! The Apple adapters worked with my HP 840 G5 and Firepod!

[@4Ever1727]

Thank you so much for the information you’ve provided… I’m very appreciative!

[@sintetik]

thunderbolt 3.0 correct ? I need to Connect my firewire Alesis MasterControl to a new NoteBook ! Thanks in advance ! Fabulous video

[@ScottSchramm]

Thunderbolt 3.0 uses the same connector as USB-C

[@Thiagopitia]

hi friend thanks for the video. Do these adapters work well? Is there any delay in data transfer?

[@ScottSchramm]

There are no delays or latency. It's basically a passtrhough.

[@Thiagopitia]

@@ScottSchramm good to know thanks !

[@mindk077]

So bad Firewire got obsolete, was a good standard for sound cards... at least they could have kept up with the adapters, eg. USB-C to Firewire 400... IMHO, the best option is to buy a used Mac (around 2012) and use that with the old Firewire interfaces, could get even cheaper than buying all the adapters

[@smartmail3962]

Help! Please! I am not finding the right cable / or connector. Or maybe I don't know what it's called. Basically I need to connect myAudio interface to my MacBook Air. Audio interface is Saffire Focusrite Audio which has a Firewire 400 and MacBook Air (2015) has a thunderbolt 2. I have a cable that came with my interface which has the firewire 400 on both ends. Please tell me what do I need to buy.

[@ScottSchramm]

You need the Thunderbolt to FireWire adapter and a FireWire 800 to FireWire 400 adapter.

[@davidbroder8110]

My laptop is an HP that is several years old. It only has 1 SD card input and 3 USB ports. No FireWire input, thunderbolt, no pcm card port. How can I connect a legacy audio interface to my laptop. What specifically can I use.

[@ScottSchramm]

Your laptop won’t support it.

[@tr3mar38]

Just came across your video‼️ I have a 2017 MacBook Air and I’m trying to connect the Apollo twin... do I just have to buy both adapters? Or what should I do to get the Apollo interface to work?

[@ScottSchramm]

The 2017 MacBook Air has Thunderbolt 2 and it looks like the Apollo Twin also has Thunderbolt. So all you need is a Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt cable. Here is a short one: amzn.to/3utP5o7 or here is a longer one: amzn.to/3upOfIU

[@frankmuelder4539]

It is difficult, I have tried hours, it worked for 30 sec then it was lost, I tried Maudio and allen & heath mixer wirh a lenovo p52, no chance. The only reliable connection is ti chip pcie card from amazon . Softwaree of maudio works fine ableton mpc and renoise works, same for ubuntuu were the jack installation was okay. Renoise on linux works. Vmware on linux works also with windows 10. Problems are the chain of Thunderbolt to Firewire. I only used apple adapter. So alternative notebook with rme usb adat, or smallest desktop pc with pcie slot and silent. Or old adat rme9652 on linux. big question, no decision yet😊

[@parranoic]

In my case a cheap 5$ pcie card with firewire legacy driver works perfectly with my old Nikon scanner on windows 10

[@rafahaddad4803]

Hi friend tank u so much ! And i have a question, i used the same adapters to connect my firestudio project audio interface to my laptop zbook hp but dosnt appear on my windows any help

[@ScottSchramm]

Check the troubleshooting section I have in the video description.

[@jamesj9998]

I'm using a Focusrite Saffire Liquid 56 with firewire, that still works, but is getting to be buggy. For today, it's usable but problem prone, probably because of the Firewire. I know it's days configured for firewire are numbered. What I'm wondering is if I switched to Thunderbolt, would it be more stable. Would Windows still connect with the firewire driver, or would I delete that driver and use a thunderbolt driver? It's a shame nobody is building some sort of front-end USB-C interface that then connects to legacy firewire interfaces. I simply hate to send an otherwise great piece of gear to the landfill.

[@ScottSchramm]

When you connect via Thunderbolt to FireWire, the system will read it as a FireWire device and use the same FireWire driver. It can’t be done via USB-C. Two different protocols.

[@kylehopkins3382]

I recently bought a new M2 MacBook pro 13" with thunderbolt 3. I have a camera with a FireWire 400 export. With my 2014 Mac mini I was able to capture video with a FireWire 400 to thunderbolt 2 adapter. So my question is instead of going from FireWire 400 to 800 to thunderbolt 2 to thunderbolt 3, can I go from FireWire 400 to thunderbolt 2 to thunderbolt 3 and still capture? Or maybe FireWire 400 to usb 2/3 into a thunderbolt 3 hub? (Trying to capture with premiere pro but can still capture my old way with iMovie). Thanks!

[@ScottSchramm]

If you already have the adapters and cables needed fro your 2014 Mac Mini then all you need is the Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter.

[@brettmanuel3440]

Thanks for the video. I was given the focusrite and decided it’s gonna cost me more in adapters than it will be to upgrade (slight exaggeration but that’s the excuse I’ll give my wife :-)

[@Gardenforus]

I got a question, do you think it would work if you add an extra adaption from usb-c to regular usb at the end of the chain that you made? (Thunderbolt 2 -> thunderbolt 3 -> adaption to usb)

[@ScottSchramm]

That will 100% not work.

[@arkos4366]

My pc is a 2011 Compaq and only has USB ports, I'm trying to connect my same M-Audio FireWire Solo for a microphone, is there no way to convert the Firewire 400 to USB?

[@ScottSchramm]

There is no way. If you have a desktop you can install a PCI/PCIe card to add FireWire. Links in the description.

[@DihelsonMendonca]

I don´t intend to retire my Focusrite Pro 40 with octopre, but I want to upgrade my desktop computer, which is an old Intel 2600k CPU. Probably I will need a PCIe to Firewire card, but not all work, there´s a reccomended chipset from Focusrite.

[@djevelyn]

I have a new windows desktop pc with a FireWire card installed , so I can use my Rme 400 sound interface.. paid lots of money for this pc, but it keeps on getting random blue screens. Sometimes one a day and sometimes once a week… I now have a feeling it’s the FireWire. I disconnected for a day now and it did crash once, 3 minutes after I disconnected it and since then everything is fine. I’m thinking something in the drivers isn’t installed right. It’s windows 11. Maybe you could help

[@ScottSchramm]

Bluescreens are typically driver related. Most of the time, the default driver that Windows installs is fine. Other times you may need to install something from the manufacture.

[@r3FMusic]

thanks for the video. Is it possible to run fw solo card in Monterey version?

[@ScottSchramm]

Same issues as shown in this video, not really supported. Wouldn’t recommend it

[@joehhh]

Any idea why we can't go from Thunderbolt 3 > Firewire 410? Why do we need to first go from Thunderbolt 3 > Thunderbolt > Firewire 410?

[@ScottSchramm]

There is no adapter for that. I’m not sure why one doesn’t exist.

[@muserec]

Super helpful! Thank you.

[@DeLucas.2Mix]

Isn't it possible to connect a focusrite saffire pro 40, to a Mac M1 with only one adaptor. Firewire 800 to Thunderbolt 3?

[@ScottSchramm]

No, there is no direct adapter.

[@exactspace]

Thank you for the video. I’ve noticed the Thunderbolt to firewire adapters are expensive (ranges from 20-$30 from what I’ve found). Are there less expensive adapters out there that work, or another solution?

[@ScottSchramm]

Unfortunately those Apple adapters are the only ones that work. If you find something cheaper, there’s a 99% chance it won’t work.

[@mirekandrassy2928]

Hi there, I have Lenovo X280 where should be Thunderbolt 3 port. Could you give me an advice, which adapter I'll need for connecting with Focusrite Saffire 40 Pro ? Because you have 2 adaptors . Thank you

[@ScottSchramm]

You will need two adapters and one cable to go from the Thunderbolt 3 on your PC to the 6 pin FireWire 400 on your interface: Apple Thunderbolt 3 and 4 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Adapter: amzn.to/2Us5bvh Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter: amzn.to/2Us4YrZ FireWire 400 to 800 cable: amzn.to/3kr5vVG

[@EchoMasks]

So basically, if I'm using a laptop that doesn't have Thunderbolt (Acer Nitro 5 AN515-54), I'm screwed? i.e. I can't use any adapters and I can't use a PCIe or other slot?

[@ScottSchramm]

You can use a PCIe card if you have a desktop. Give this video a watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4WToHePl9aqrc0 and this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gom7hI2ahL-VY80

[@timopaaz310]

Thanks for this awesome video! Just 1 question: if there is a regular thundeerbolt USB-C and not a Thunderbolt 3 port on the laptop, it will for sure fail to work ?

[@ScottSchramm]

There is no such thing as "a regular thundeerbolt USB-C" - it's either USB-C *or* Thunderbolt 3. You need Thunderbolt for it to work.

[@trimembracion]

hello bro, I found your video very helpfull, Just want to know if your M-AUDIO worked fine with the two adapters and no need of an external power supply. Or did your have to use the power adapter too. Thank you.

[@ScottSchramm]

The adapters do provide bus power, so my particular interface worked without the power adapter. However whenever possible I recommending using the external power supply, especially some larger interfaces will require it.

[@trimembracion]

@@ScottSchramm thanks for your quick response. I have a focusrite saphire pro24. So I think should work fine as your MAudio did.

[@dodidido81]

Help me please I have presonus firestudio tube and laptop dell i7 with thunderbolt C, Please tell me what I need for both so we can conect for a 10-pro cubase I use

[@MrDavidtobi1]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@PetrasPlayground]

I have an iMac 2019 with Sony DVCAM firedeck connected via the cables listed. On Premiere Pro 2022 I can control the deck, start/stop. However I get no video image, no audio, timecode doesnt appear. Any thoughts how to fix?

[@ScottSchramm]

If you are able to control the desk, then we know the cables and adapters are working. Try using QuickTime or iMovie and see if you get video there. Also make sure macOS is up to date due to a bug in previous versions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naTFYmafq8msh6s The only other thing I can think of is a video format issue....like PAL vs NTSC or DV vs HDV?

[@PetrasPlayground]

@@ScottSchramm Thank you for prompt response! You're awesome. I do see on Quick Time. I am updating my MAC OS as well. Will see if that fixes Premiere or if an Adobe issue.

[@PetrasPlayground]

Well it worked and now I upgraded 12.5 QT doesn't work anymore. I just get the black screen. Still black screen with FCPX and Premiere.

[@ScottSchramm]

@@PetrasPlayground I haven't personally tested on macOS 12.5 yet, but another user did comment on one of my other videos saying they upgraded and it still worked, and I haven't seen any reports of the bug coming back so my guess is there is something else going on particular to that Sony deck

[@carlosruiz5987]

Hi Scott! Thanks a lot for this video! I'm trying to get my fireface 800 to work with a thunderbolt 4 dell PC running windows 11 and the apple adapters. I read that windows 11 removed support for firewire, but it is possible to install a legacy driver. I also read that the legacy driver might not work with the adapters, but I have found mixed information about this, so my question is if you have tried it with windows 11 or if you think it could work, with or without the legacy driver. Thanks!!

[@ScottSchramm]

Windows 11 did not drop support for FireWire however 12th gen Intel processors seem to no longer support it. I am trying to find a workaround to make it work but so far have not been successful

[@carlosruiz5987]

@Scott Schramm , thanks a lot for the info and for your efforts to help the community. I'm really disappointed to hear this, because being able to still use all of my firewire devices was the main reason why I went for the Dell instead of the MacBook pro (second was repairability), because some of them wouldn't work with m1/m2, and now I find myself having spent a fortune in a worse computer and now I can't use any of my firewire devices 😭

[@carlosruiz5987]

I have just one last question if I may. If I connect only the tb3 to tb2 adapter to the xps 17, and ask device monitor to rescan, it reports pci express ports on the side of the laptop where the adapter is connected to be stuck, and the USB device for that port is disabled. Is this normal? I haven't been able to run TB configuration because the TB configuration tool is not installed in my system, and it fails to install. No need to answer if you have no idea, but just thought maybe you would know 🙂 I'll stop spamming your channel now 😅 Thanks again!

[@ScottSchramm]

@@carlosruiz5987 That sounds like an issue with drivers. I would suggest calling Dell for support.

[@carlosruiz5987]

Hi again Scott. After a wasted month of unresponsive Dell "premium" support, I finally found the answer myself: "Accessories built to Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 specifications are not supported by Thunderbolt 4 PCs. Accessories built to the Thunderbolt 3 specification are fully supported by Thunderbolt 4 PCs." Form the TB faq site. Just so nobody else has to waste as much time as I did

[@markdouglass6856]

will this work for the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40? been having a connection problem and i keep buying and returning different adapters and cables. but i know that the computer i have works but its just the set up. any clue?

[@ScottSchramm]

What kind of computer is it? What OS is it running? How do you have it connected?

[@RADLADRICK]

My old 2009 MacBook Pro has FireWire 800. I’ve used an apogee duet in Logic Pro. So if I get a new MacBook Pro then I can still use my old duet interface with the right conversion cable? I wonder if the drivers will work with a new laptop . The duet worked great and I hate to just have to buy another interface. Anybody know?

[@ScottSchramm]

FireWire audio drivers were removed in macOS 10.15 Catalina, so if your new Mac runs an OS past this, it won't work.

[@RADLADRICK]

@@ScottSchrammok thanks I was afraid of that

[@machytka]

I have an Alexis Multimix 16 mixing console that has unfortunately no 64 bit drivers. Lost on M1?

[@ScottSchramm]

If it doesn’t support 64 bit then it definitely won’t work on M1 :(

scott do u know something about focusrite saffire? unfortunately i can’t seem to get to work. the saffire uses a 400 to 800 cable but idk what’s wrong in the process

[@ScottSchramm]

Depends on your OS. You need to check with the manufacture to ensure they have drivers to support whatever system you are running.

[@samcooper5539]

Stumbled on your videos trying to get my old Phase One camera to tether to my Dell Precision 5510 (XPS 15 with Quadro graphics, has TB3). I'm borrowing the two Apple adapters before waste money and time on buying them but I'm not getting anywhere. The adapter does not show up in Thunderbolt Software like yours does . I've enabled it in the BIOS and confirmed everything is up to date. Any ideas?

[@ScottSchramm]

Hmm check that all your drivers are up to date and then check in Device Manager and see if you can find it there.

[@jacobdejongh9042]

Why is it that I won't be able to get an adapter from USB C to USB A? Is there any work around is this is the only input in my pc...

[@ScottSchramm]

It doesn't exist because it's not possible. Thunderbolt and FireWire use a different protocol then USB.

[@LisaFirestone]

You are awesome Scott.. taking the time to investigate, and present with such clarity. I'm so appreciative! QUESTION: Is it possible to use the coaxial out into usb? I have a Macpro now that only has usbC, and would so love to use the solo again.

[@ScottSchramm]

All Mac Pro's have Thunderbolt. You could take the coaxial output and feed that into a USB sound card, but you would likely loose a lot of features as the audio would be mixed down. Usually only 2 channels uncompressed or 6 channels compressed.

[@LisaFirestone]

@@ScottSchramm .. ahhh, Thunderbolt ..thank you. My Mac Pro only has 4 USB-C inputs. Are u able to share a link to a converter w/ a single, round male coaxial end to anything digital that I could mess around with? I sure appreciate all that you’ve done with respect to this. if there’s nothing I can line the coaxial into, I think the next option is to toss these darn FireWire solo interfaces.

[@ScottSchramm]

@@LisaFirestone I took a look but I really can't find any modern devices with SPDIF/Coax ports. I found some devices that can output your computer sound, but nothing with an input. Your best bet is to buy a new interface and connect your devices to that. Here are some options: www.amazon.com/shop/scottschramm/list/2Y3EUZH5WA3UU?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_list_d

[@gillesdumoulin2470]

Hi, finally after changing settings of thunderbolt in the bios. My lenovo thinkpad 52 recognize the apple thunderbolt 3 to 2 adapter as well as the thunderbolt 2 to firewire 800 adapter. Unfortunately when I'm trying to connect my motu ultralite ml3 hybrid it doesn't power on when I try do do it. It seems there is no power management of the soundcard or something like that. Had someone already this issue ? great thanks (ps: I know I can connect in usb but I want to try if the firewire is more stable as well as using other firewire interface) !

[@ScottSchramm]

You may need to use the external power supply in order to provide enough power if your interface isn't working with the FireWire connection alone. I would not connect both FireWire and USB at the same time.

[@gillesdumoulin2470]

@@ScottSchramm Normally the interface works in firewire without power supply. When I'm powering it with the power suply on the sound card it starts in workalone. What is weird is that if I remove the cable of power it stayed powered but still working in standalone...

[@B227-j2t]

Great video! So sad to realise that probably i can't connect my fw1804 to my new imac as they don't have they driver updaded for years... The old driver won't install as you mentioned on your video. It stops at the final step as there is nothing to install. If you have any other suggestions i would give one more try as i don't want to throw my card away just like that... Thanks again!

[@angieagostino7837]

Hi Scott, great video, thank you. The only question I have is about the Thunderbolt adapter that connects to the Firewire. I can't tell what type of input the adapter works with (on the firewire end) and if it will work with my Firewire. My firewire coming out of my older audio interface is the same on both ends and reads 1394. I think it's a 6 pin but I'm not positive. Can you help here?

[@ScottSchramm]

The Thunderbolt to FireWire adapter goes to a 9 pin FireWire 800 connector. Sounds like you need a 6 pin FireWire 400 connector. Just buy a FireWire 400 to 800 cable or adapter and you should be good. Check out the links in my video description. The 4th or 5th link is what you need.

[@angieagostino7837]

@@ScottSchramm thank you!!

[@douglaslawrie3449]

Very thorough. Thank you and great work!

[@jimbonventre4307]

I just bought a new Mac Book Pro, it has Thunderbolt 4 (usb c) connections, I need to connect a Presonus mixer which has firewire 800 ports. But I've had no luck finding thunderbolt 4 to firewire 800 adapters. Will thunderbolt 3 to firewire 800 adapter work.

[@ScottSchramm]

You need the first two links in my video description: Apple Thunderbolt 3 and 4 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Adapter, and Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter.

[@jimbonventre4307]

@@ScottSchramm Thanks Scott.

[@AndyGeroldMusic]

Hello, thank you for the video. Can you tell me what adapter(s) i would need to connect my IEEE 1394 cable to Thunderbolt 3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C? Windows 10 operating system.

[@ScottSchramm]

It depends on what your plug looks like. You'll need the fist two adapters and then a cable depending on what your device has. Check the links in the video description.

[@Lux-Studio7]

Hi and thank you for your great info. I have a great old Motu 896 sound card which only has Firewire 400 and optical outputs do you have any idea how I can use it on my Windows 10 Laptop? I have the USB-Hdmi- Ports Rgds Rui Luxembourg

[@ScottSchramm]

If you don't have FireWire on your computer then you need Thunderbolt and the adapters shown in this video or if you have a desktop you can add a PCIe FireWire card. Otherwise you need a different computer.

[@lazertroll702]

Firewire 400 is not hot-swappable due to the liklihood of the cable header sparking out the fw chip via shorting the pins out under connector movement... FW800 (1394b) doesn't have this problem.

[@ScottSchramm]

Best practice is not hot plug but most people do and it generally doesn’t cause an issue. Additionally the 4 pin connector used on camcorders does not carry power, so there is no chance of “sparking”.

[@lazertroll702]

@@ScottSchramm hi there, and sure; as inferred above, the shorting issue seems to only affect the 1394a form-factor.. The "best practice" is to accomodate this specific flaw in the 1394a connection spec (as well as when certain *filesystems* are writing to external storage devices, in general) - not because of a 1394* protocol limitation. The mini fw400 has a form-factor shape similar to the 1394b, which is why the spark problem doesn't show up, not necessarily due to there being no 'power' rails.. low power can still spark out some chips (check respective whitepapers for max voltage tolerences) ..

[@spencerwhite6741]

What about a lightning 3- USB 3.0 adapter at the end? I don't have a USB c drive

[@ScottSchramm]

No, that won't work.

[@zmajodbasa8663]

Hi! I have presonus live 24.4.2 with firewire 400 port, what I need to connect him on macbook pro 2013? No firewire port, only thunderbolt

[@ScottSchramm]

You need the 1st, 2nd, and 4th links in my video description.

[@mj6103]

Hello! Thanks so much for this video. Do you think there's a way to connect FireWire to an Ethernet port? I don't have a thunderbolt port and I really want to use this old interface I have!

[@ScottSchramm]

Sadly that is not possible. They are two completely different protocols.

[@kshak3125]

Anyone tried hooking his firewire interface with succes on an Alienware laptop with thunderbolt 3?

[@leorosendow9728]

Tava querendo pegar uma Duet 1 da Apogee. Meu mac não tem Firewire mais tem thunderbolt. Como o adaptador Thunderbolt/FIREWIRE é bem caro, Será que da dar certo pegar um adaptador Thunderbolt/USB (mais barato) fêmea e compre um cabo Firewire/usb???

[@ScottSchramm]

It doesn't work with USB....you need the adapters I linked in the video description.

[@lilyr6492]

Hello - so I have a 6pin Firewire 400 and a MacBook OS X version 10.6.8 with 2 usb ports and a minidisplay port only. Is there anyway to connect my Tascam fw-1884. This is the only computer that I have working that would allow me to download the software because it is a discontinued item. I really need some help.

[@ScottSchramm]

All you need is a standard FireWire 400 to 400 cable like this one: amzn.to/3QcPi6s

[@lilyr6492]

@@ScottSchramm Hello - no this is the firwire cable that I have, but there is no connection to the Macbook laptop. I only have usb ports.

[@ScottSchramm]

@@lilyr6492 The only model I'm aware of is the white plastic MacBook from around 2008 which did not have FireWire and was before Thunderbolt came out. If that's the model you have then you are out of luck. You will need either an older model which still have FireWire 400 or a newer model which had FireWire 800 or Thunderbolt onboard.

[@hismajesty40]

Excellent presentation!

[@michiganman5969]

Thanks for the great video! I have a question: I use a pci x1 slot for a small firewire card. I want to mount my gpu vertically, so do you know if there is a mounting kit that will leave a pci x1 slot open for my firewire?

[@ScottSchramm]

I found these items which may help you: amzn.to/3e3kEfY and amzn.to/2QKtsyr

[@elspoocho4637]

So at 6:00, the laptop has an actual thunderbolt connection or is it usb-c with some driver which allows thunderbolt? I just cant follow

[@ScottSchramm]

It has Thunderbolt. If your laptop only has USB-C then it won't work. It needs to be a Thunderbolt-capable port.

[@elspoocho4637]

@@ScottSchramm alright, thanks

[@Leandro-np1uk]

If I use a firewire 400 to 800 cable, do I still need to use an external power adapter? How is the sequence of switching on and off so as not to burn the ports? Greetings.

[@ScottSchramm]

FireWire 800 and Thunderbolt still pass power just like FireWire 400 did, so no changes there. As for not "burning the ports" - you will need to check if your devices are hot swapabble or not.

[@CAlexanderParra]

I wish this worked on my Dell XPS 9310. Every time I connect the fw800 to TB2 adapter to the connected TB2 to TB3 adapter the laptop freezes. Tried bios settings, Thunderbolt control settings, bios downgrades, driver downgrades..etc, no luck. Might be too new, guess it's time to move on.

[@ScottSchramm]

The adapters are hot-swapable but I would try shutting the PC all the way down, connect both adapters, and then boot the PC and then see if that works?

[@CAlexanderParra]

@@ScottSchramm It won't boot, unfortunately. Gets stuck at the DELL logo and the spinning circle freezes.

[@ScottSchramm]

@@CAlexanderParra If you've already tried upgrading and downgrading the drivers then you should contact Dell for support. There is no reason a thunderbolt device should cause that serious of an issue with your PC.

[@jerryhernandez6441]

Any help?? Hey guys anyone know if you’re able to run Logic Pro X with the boot camp windows setup for this? I’ve never used boot camp before and got it all setup but was wondering if I am able to record audio in logic using this interface

[@ScottSchramm]

Logic is only for macOS so installing BootCamp for Windows isn’t going to help.

[@benjohnson8439]

So this dongle method wouldn't work on a windows device with a USB C 3.2 port? Only thunderbolt 3 specifically?

[@ScottSchramm]

Only Thunderbolt

[@DaniloAltamiranoOficial]

I have a Presonus firepod10 interface. Are those adapters does work to Windows laptops? I have windows 10

[@ScottSchramm]

Yes as long as your PC has Thunderbolt 3 or FireWire and your interface is supported in Windows 10 then it should work

[@ChillingTouchBeats]

I need help. I have the Safire Pro 24 DSP with FireWire connection and I used it with my old iMac, but I got a new pc but there’s no thunderbolt/FireWire port. I running windows 10. How I can connect my FireWire interface to the new pc?

[@ScottSchramm]

You either need Thunderbolt, or if you have a desktop you can install a PCI or PCIe card slot to add FireWire. Links are in the video description.

[@ChillingTouchBeats]

@@ScottSchramm thank you. I also have usb type c port, is that can be useful?

[@ScottSchramm]

@@ChillingTouchBeats No, you can't use USB-C. It needs to be Thunderbolt.

[@HerreraBeatschannel]

You think this would work on the presouns 24.4.2

[@ScottSchramm]

macOS 10.4.6 appears to be the last version that it supports. legacy.presonus.com/products/StudioLive-24.4.2/downloads

[@fabioformaggi5828]

Hi Scott, thank you so much, I have a dell notebook with win11. With your solution I've managed to run an old Edirol FA-101, from last year until recently. Unfortunately now the pc can't detect anymore the audio interface. The interface is ok, because it still works on my old pc with firewire 400 port. Any suggestions? Thank you. I ran the bios, everything seems ok, i changed the cable, still doesn't work

[@ScottSchramm]

Check if Windows installed any patches or updated any drivers recently. If it did, roll them back and see if that fixes it.

[@erniebaron9252]

my m audio firewire 1814 works on my pc windows 10 pro smoothly.