003, SSD MBPro & Protools 12

[Zoduati]

Hi, it looks like my WD firewire drive is failing, and I'm now considering my options -- quickly.

I'm running PT12, and my console is the 003, which is a firewire connected unit.

Should I try to replace my failing drive with a new Firewire drive (they are getting harder to find), or is it now approved by Avid to run a USB3.0 SSD drive?

What about thunderbolt SSDs? Is it possible to connect a firewire and thunderbolt drive -- the MPRo has 2 thunderbolt ports but currently using the first for the firewire, and the second for a second monitor.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,
Geoff

[::F-L-E-X::]

I'd consider a thunderbolt dock, as it sounds like you're running out of ports!

I use the Belkin version which works well, (the added benefit that I only need to plug in one thunderbolt cable & be connected to all my peripherals). Make sure you choose one with a firewire port if you're intending to keep the 003 in the longterm.

There's a few options out there :

http://www.belkin.com/uk/p/P-F4U085/

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Thun...FQgz0wodIWQPPA

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-thunderbolt-dock/

As for the drive (hope it's backed up!)... USB 3 is faster than firewire 800, & probably cheaper too. I use a thunderbolt SSD on my Macbook Pro, (which also has a USB3 connection). The USB 3 connection seems to work without issue on my 2010 Mac Pro (transfer speeds are around 362MB/s). (I should add that I do have a USB 3 PCie card in the Mac Pro to achieve these speeds).

Hope it helps...

[Zoduati]

Thanks for the reply - I didn't know about the Thunderbolt docks.

Also great to hear SSD USB can work as a PT drive. That should overcome some of the speed limitation errors I occasionally get.

many thanks,
Geoff