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Activity Forums Apple Final Cut Pro Need dependable method for connecting Firewire hard drives to 2016 MacBook Pro

  • Need dependable method for connecting Firewire hard drives to 2016 MacBook Pro

    Posted by Gilbert Daspit on May 9, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    I use FCPX on a Mac Pro desktop computer. I’d like my organization to purchase a 2016 MacBook Pro laptop so I can use FCPX away from the office. We’ve been using firewire external hard drives for video storage in our editing process. Since there are only Thunderbolt 3 receptacles on the 2016 MacBook Pro, I need an adapter to connect the firewire hard drives holding my video.

    Apple recommends connecting two adapters together to do the job: Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter connected to a Thunderbolt 2 to Firewire adapter. This isn’t the most elegant seeming solution but I’ll do it if it works. Has anyone had experience doing this — is it a reliable method?

    Thanks to anyone who can help.

    P.S.: I realize OWC is coming out with a Thunderbolt 3 dock that will handle Firewire but I’m not sure if it’s shipping yet. Also, it’s an extra $300 and it operates off A/C power from what I’ve read which takes away some of the functionality of a laptop that can operate off battery.

    Rikki Blow replied 8 years, 11 months ago 3 Members · 4 Replies
  • 4 Replies
  • Noah Kadner

    May 9, 2017 at 3:25 pm

    New Thunderbolt 3 drives are $100/TB now- perhaps your org can kick in a few in top of the MBP and cover the bases?

    Noah

    FCPWORKS – FCPX Workflow
    FCP Exchange – FCPX Workshops
    XinTwo – FCPX Training

  • Gilbert Daspit

    May 9, 2017 at 3:56 pm

    Thanks for the reply, we’ll probably start using Thunderbolt 3 drives. I get the impression Apple went all in on the Thunderbolt 3 (which I believe uses the USB-C receptacle) because that’s the connector of choice for all kind of devices and storage.
    However, I still have footage I need to work with on firewire drives, does anyone know if Apple’s suggested connection (above) will work dependably?

    Thanks again.

  • Noah Kadner

    May 9, 2017 at 4:23 pm

    Sure it’s a pile of dongles- but it works.

    Noah

    FCPWORKS – FCPX Workflow
    FCP Exchange – FCPX Workshops
    XinTwo – FCPX Training

  • Rikki Blow

    June 8, 2017 at 7:29 am

    yep the two adapters in a row have been working absolutely fine for me here – loads of legacy firewire drives needing connecting to my 2016 touch bar jobbie.

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