Question

Hi,

Do the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on the new MacBook Pro support FireWire connection to the RM32AI and other Presonus hardware, using adaptors? As there's no direct USB-C -> FireWire adaptor the following two would make the physical connection possible, but are they compatible?

USB-C -> Thunderbolt 2:
http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter?fnode=4c

Thunderbolt 2 -> FireWire 800:
http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD464LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapter?fnode=8b

I'm guessing the same answer goes for other macbooks with usb-c?

I'm using the RM32AI but again, I'm guessing the same answer applies to other firewire-equipped devices?

Answer 1

Apple Mac's would require the following cables/adaptors depending the Mac you get.

• A Bilingual S800 to S400 FireWire cable: http://support.presonus.com/hc/en-us/articles/210046833-9pin-6pin-Firewire-800-400-Cable-Why-is-a-Bilingual-S800-to-S400-FireWire-cable-needed-
• Apple's Approved Thunderbolt 2 to Firewire Adapter: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD464LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapter
• Apple's Approved Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2ZM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter

Answer 2

Hi! 

I had the same question and i've been doing some research and i am pretty sure we both need a thunderbolt 3 dock. 

You can find it at www.owcdigital.com 

Let me know if this helps you.

Answer 3

No special dock needed, just a bunch o' dongles :-)

Check out my solution here:

Answer 4

Having the same problem. It used to just plug right into my old Macbook. Firewire DOES not work with an adapter. You have to get a duo cable. One with 800 on one side and 1394 on the other. There is also a 1394b. My Belkin hub is working with my new iMac with a thunderbolt 3 to 1 adapter. The new iMac can also be used with all usb cables. I am waiting for an 800 to 1394b cable that I ordered on Amazon for my hub. We'll see if it works, otherwise I'm getting another interface that supports thunderbolt 3. Universal audio is the only one I know so far

Answer 5

Yeesh double dongles, special installation instructions... It's not like the studiolive is 20 year old technology.  Hopefully Presonus will get wise to the fact that Apple is playing games and making toys for hardware/software at everyone's expense. I for one am done with them. Please build a version for Linux like your competitor Bitwig. It's really not that difficult.

Answer 6

I have a ACER Swift 1 Windows 10 64 bit with USB- C (NOT THUNDERBOLT 3) and Quantum 2626 connected with Apple Thunderbolt 3 0.8m using Studio One 5. I’m upgrading from a Audio Box iTwo. Universal Control will not read my Quantum 2626. I’ve read every forum I can and I’ve almost tried all I can. Red light is solid and never seen it blue. What should I do? Any suggestions? Thanks!

Answer 7

I'm trying that on a Macbook Pro M1 but it's not working.