FW800 port —> FW800 Drive —> Out FW400 port on Drive —> Pro Tools LE FireWire

[maharzan]

Hi,

I need help in buying external hard drive.

from doc on digidesign, its stated:

*The late 2008 and early 2009 “unibody” MacBook Pro models require an unconventional configuration due to a lack of a FireWire 400 port and only having FireWire 800 instead:
MacBook Pro Tech Specs
The configuration options are:
1) FW800 port —> FW800 Drive (912 or 924 chipset) —> Out FW400 port on Drive —> Pro Tools LE FireWire audio interface

So, can anyone suggest me a good FW800 Drive? perhaps 500GB one.

Thanks for your help.

[On Purnt]

I'm not 100% positive the firewire path will work (really I have no idea, it could work just fine) but LaCie Externals have been great for me so far...I bought a 200gb in 2003 that I still use cus it has a triple interface on it exactly like what you're looking for (USB 2, FW400 & FW800).

I would just verify whether or not the FW800 terminals on the hard drive enclosure allow you daisy chain using the FW400 terminal.

Good luck

-d

[JrummerJ]

I was under the impression that it is not recommended to mix 400 and 800 devices on the MBPs onboard ports. So, I wouldn't chain an 800 drive with a 400 interface. An expresscard is probably your best bet, that is what I use. I have my interface connected via 6 pin firewire to the siig 400 card, and then my external drive is connected to the 800 port on the MBP. Puts everything on separate busses.

Great Drive: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other.../MEAQ7500GB16/

J

[The Dougfather]

You need to downstep from the MBP to FW400 with a FW800>FW400 conversion cable, whis will bring the bus down to FW400 speed.

Don't mix FW's, alternatively use an xpress card as stated above.