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Firewire interfaces with thunderbolt only macs
Is anyone successfully running a core audio interface via:
1. Thunderbolt to FW800 cable connected to a 2. FW800 to FW400 cable ??? I am running a TC electronic SK48, and wondering if it's going to work like this or not. It's my understanding that a thunderbolt to FW800 cable has a FW controller built right into the cable, but as we all know not all firewire controller chipsets are created equally when it comes to using audio interfaces.
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- John If a MIDI event triggers a sample of a tree falling and there's no one there to hear it, does it make a sound? |
#2
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Re: Firewire interfaces with thunderbolt only macs
John,
I didn't have any troubles with my Saffire Pro 40 running the Tbolt to FW800, and FW800 to FW400 cable. Focusrite has since certified the tbolt to FW800 adapter. They're only $40, just give it a shot what do you have to lose?
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FBR recording - https://www.facebook.com/fromthebase...cordsrecording @FBRrecording - Instagram Rig MBP 15" High Sierra 10.13.3, i7 2.6Ghz, 8Gb DDR, 750Gb 7200rpm, PT 2019.5, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, Octopre MkII, Glyph GPT50, Avalon 737sp, AMS Neve 1073's, API 512c, CAPI 312's, DW drums, Fender Guitars/Amps, AKG, Rode, Sennheiser, Neumann U87 & KM184's, Coles 4038, Equator D5 monitors |
#3
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Re: Firewire interfaces with thunderbolt only macs
Quote:
I'll look on TC's forums too and see if anyone else has done this yet with a TC interface, but this sounds promising.
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- John If a MIDI event triggers a sample of a tree falling and there's no one there to hear it, does it make a sound? |
#4
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Re: Firewire interfaces with thunderbolt only macs
Metric halo has also qualified the apple cable for use with their interfaces. I don't use one. I just remember them posting it in their mailing list.
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Dell T5810. Harrison Mixbus 32C. Haven't used PT since 2015 and never been happier. |
#5
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Re: Firewire interfaces with thunderbolt only macs
John, generally the adapters are working great for most people. The only people who have issues are those who are trying to use interfaces or drives that are actually buss powered by firewire. Apparently the adapter is not designed to handle power.
Keep in mind that since Thunderbolt uses the PCIe protocol, using this adapter is no different than someone adding a PCIe card with firewire ports to a Mac Pro. Also, keep in mind that the Imacs all come with 2 Thunderbolt ports, and these are each on their own buss. So between those two, and USB 3, you can have 3 different busses to handle your various items. |
#6
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Re: Firewire interfaces with thunderbolt only macs
Good to know about bus powered drives.
It sounds like I'm probably going to be okay. TC's site says that it should work, but is untested and not officially supported. It's just annoying that there are not more inexpensive thunderbolt solutions yet. There is a belkin box that is around $300 that adds firewire, esata, usb3 and ethernet but it seems ridiculously expensive for what it does, especially if these $40 adaptor cables do the trick. However, if the belkin box solves the bus powered drive problem, then maybe it's worth it. I have to assume that the imac's 4 built in USB3 ports are all on the same bus, which means they are collectively limited to 205Mb/s according to macgrurus. I wish there were a more inexpensive method of getting an additional USB3 bus. I think my current needs will be able to work around the imac's connections, but I'm just wondering what I'll be doing 2-3 years from now.
__________________
- John If a MIDI event triggers a sample of a tree falling and there's no one there to hear it, does it make a sound? |
#7
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Re: Firewire interfaces with thunderbolt only macs
People are mentioning $40 cables. The Apple Thunderbolt to firewire adapter is $29. Are we talking about the same thing or something else? Or are you guys talking about the combined purchase price of the adapter and the 800 to 400 cable?
As for other choices, John, you might consider getting this when it comes out: http://sonnettech.com/product/echo15...rboltdock.html It seems expensive, but consider that with the new Imac, you would need an external optical drive anyway, plus a hub of some kind, plus at least one enclosure for an external hard drive (and this one is thunderbolt speeds). Adding that stuff up separately, this is a good value. Plus it includes Esata ports, which is handy if you already have drives with those. Also, if you're thinking about getting a Thunderbolt to PCIe chassis for any reason, they've just come out with this $99 item that would also help: http://sonnettech.com/news/pr2013/pr...ango3pcie.html |
#8
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Re: Firewire interfaces with thunderbolt only macs
honestly never looked at the price, I just pulled $40 from the previous post. but even if you already have a FW800 to 400 cable, I believe unless you have a FW800 device between the audio interface and computer, you'll need a FW800 F-F gender changer, since the apple thunderbolt cable is as male FW800.
I don't mind spending $400 on one box that meets my needs, but it seems like there are several $300-400 boxes that all do something different. If I buy the new imac, I will need the apple cable at a minimum. This still doesn't solve the problem of bus powered drives though. What's on my want list? 1. macgurus 4 drive usb3.0 rackmount enclosure $462 2. belkin thunderbolt to FW800, esata, etc. adaptor - $300 including the price of the apple cable, that's almost $800 in underwhelming, though necessary accessories right there. I also know that these items will be worthless in a few years too. What I really want is a 4 drive trayless, rackmount box like the macgurus rackmount, but with a thunderbolt connection. I'd happily pay $500 for that, and then I would not need to buy anything else. There is a blackmagic designs rackmount, but it only accepts 2.5" drives and only has one thunderbolt port. There is also a thunderbolt drive enclosure called the datatale, but it's a top load design, which is not ideal for my studio, I'd much rather have a rackmount version.
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- John If a MIDI event triggers a sample of a tree falling and there's no one there to hear it, does it make a sound? |
#9
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Re: Firewire interfaces with thunderbolt only macs
I know you're looking at the Imac, but perhaps the release of the new Mac Pro will also be timed with some Thunderbolt solutions like you mentioned.
Meaning, the same types of products will be needed for the Mac Pro that are also needed for the Imac, Mini, and laptops, so there's even more of a market for them. I assume that various companies have been developing products in anticipation of the Mac Pro release. |
#10
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Re: Firewire interfaces with thunderbolt only macs
Yes, I think you're right that I should hold out a little longer. Thunderbolt still seems too expensive, and like there are a lot of niches that need to be filled regarding thunderbolt peripherals.
Just want to make sure I upgrade while my old imac is still worth over a grand.
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- John If a MIDI event triggers a sample of a tree falling and there's no one there to hear it, does it make a sound? |
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