Questions & Answers for Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter

No, it is not a Thunderbolt 3 type connector (USB C), you would need to connect this connector to a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 connector. I have not seen a Thunderbolt 3 to Firewire connector from Apple.

• Answered by Seth B from Fort Lauderdale
• 11-Jun-2017
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (Is this a Thunderbolt 3 type connection? Does it have the new USB-C type plug?)

First check if your camera is supported by iMovie. If not you will need another software like MacX Video Converter. Then you will need the Thunderbolt to Firewire and a Firewire that will connect with your camera. I did the same thing.

• Answered by Arthur S from Fort Worth
• 7-Mar-2017
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (I would like to record videos straight to my Macbook Pro.)

I use my RME fireface 400 via a firewire/thunderbolt adapter with my 15" macbook pro for Logic. This trick also works for my 2010 mac book air as well though I don't use logic there.
User forum at RME has notes about 800 use as well.
-jrain

• Answered by William R from Amsterdam
• 6-Feb-2016
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (I am considering upgrading my Mac. Will my RME Fireface 800 audio interface work with the Firewire/Thunderbolt cable?)

Thunderbolt is not backwards compatible at all because it is basically a revised mini display port that can also do hi speed data and other things. My point is that this technology will not work with old technology. So unfortunately there is no way to do what you are trying to do, sorry :( The best way I can explain it would be to compare it to trying to put a floppy disk into a cd drive.....it just doesn't work :P

• Answered by Jonathan D from Gilbert
• 21-Jul-2014
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (How do I connect my new WD Thunderbolt Drive to my 2007 iMac?)

You can use this adapter since it's FireWire 800
You could then buy a standard FireWire 800 to 400 cable and have it work for older FireWire devices

What you use as an example (external thunderbolt drive) WILLNOT work.

This adapter converts a thunderbolt port to FireWire, so you can attach older FireWire devices to the newer thunderbolt port.
This will not allow older macs with a FireWire port to suddenly get thunderbolt capabilities.

• Answered by Ryan C from Bowmanville
• 23-Sep-2013
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (External Thunderbolt drive to older Firewire Mac adaptor???)

You would need to buy a firewire 800 to 400 adapter to get it to work.

• Answered by Jonathan S from Cincinnati
• 16-Dec-2014
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (Does the most recent Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter also work with FireWire 400? Need it for mini DV camcorders.)

Highly unlikely as it can't power my external G-TECH drive.

Time to upgrade to the Duet 2 to be safe...

• Answered by Chris B
• 15-Oct-2012
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (Does this adaptor allow me to connect the Apogee Duet (1st gen) to my Mac?)

Hi Nancy. This adapter has a 50/50 success rate correctly powering Bus Powered Firewire drives. Your drives are probably perfectly fine. It's most likely the adapter causing the issue. If your bus powered external portal drive has a power source, try finding a power adapter to power it and then connect it via this adapter to see if your results change. I have more Firewire Drives than I do Thunderbolt drives so this adapter is something I keep in my back pocket at all times. Hope this helps.

• Answered by Ellsworth R from North Hollywood
• 27-Sep-2014
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (Im using it to connect my exteral hardrive, but it wont work. Is it the adapter?)