Do you have any Firewire device that you want to connect with a computer or laptop that has only USB-C or Thunderbolt? In this article, I will show you how to convert Firewire to USB-C or Thunderbolt.
Yes, it’s possible!
We’ll go through the process to convert Firewire to USB-C or Thunderbolt with the help of adapters.
Let’s see how to do that.
Adapter Required for FireWire to USB-C Conversion
| Adapter Type | Compatibility | Price Range (USD) | Link to Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| FireWire 400-to-800 Adapter | FireWire Devices | $10–$20 | Buy on Amazon |
| Thunderbolt 2 to FireWire Adapter | Mac with Thunderbolt 2 | $29–$39 | Buy on Amazon |
| Thunderbolt 2-to-Thunderbolt 3 | Macs with USB-C | $49–$59 | Buy on Amazon |
| PCIe FireWire Expansion Card | Windows PCs | $20–$50 | Buy on amazon |
Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Firewire to USB-C or Thunderbolt
Let me share how to convert Firewire to USB-C or Thunderbolt on Mac and Windows computers and laptops.
First off,
For Mac Users
Identify Ports:
Firewire adapters are incompatible with Thunderbolt 4 ports so first check if your Macbook has Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port. If your Mac is before the 2015 build, it should have a Thunderbolt 2 port. In newer Macs like Macbook M1 etc Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports are available.
Adapter Chain Setup:
The adapter chain setup requires the following adapters.
- A Firewire 400 to Firewire 800 adapter (Only required if your Firewire device has a Firewire 400 port)
- A Firewire 800 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
- Lastly, A Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C adapter – If your Mac has a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port)
Plug all of them in this sequence: Firewire 400 to Firewire 800 – Firewire 800 to Thunderbolt 2 – Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3/USB-C.
Drivers Needed: generally MacOS does not need additional drivel installations as it auto-detects the connected devices. If it needs drivers then you should check your adapter manufacturer’s website for the required driver and install it on the system.
There are 90% chance that your system should detect the Firewire device.
For Windows Users
Compatibility Check:
Most of the Windows computers don’t have built-in Firewire and you need to install one in the PCIe slot such as a Firewire card which has an external Firewire hub.
If you have a Windows laptop then you have to install a Firewire card in the card slot of your Windows laptop, however, the latest Windows computers don’t have the card slot.
In this case, you need adapters like in Macs.
Adapter Chain Setup for Windows:
- A Firewire 400 to Firewire 800 adapter (Only required if your Firewire device has a Firewire 400 port)
- A Firewire 800 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
- Lastly, A Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C adapter – If your Windows PC/Laptop has a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port)
Connect them all in sequence: Firewire 400 to Firewire 800 – Firewire 800 to Thunderbolt 2 – Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3/USB-C.
Install Legacy Drivers if Needed:
Some Firewire devices may need to install legacy drivers to function on Windows. You can download them from Microsoft or your device manufacturer’s website.
Why Do You Need to Connect Firewire to USB-C or Thunderbolt
A few years back, Firewire devices were known for their stable and fast data transfer rate in the USA. Hence they were widely used in professional setups like audio recording studios, video editing setups, etc.
But with time and technological advancement, USB-C and then Thunderbolt 3/4 replaced Firewire ports in computers and became the new data transfer standards.
The lack of firewire ports in the computers made the firewire devices, useless however, they are still able to produce professional-level audio and video projects.
That’s where you need to connect Firewire to USB-C and make your device usable with your current setup.
Compatibility Issue: What You Need to Know
The difference in Protocol: Firewire and USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 are built with different protocols. The protocol differences make them impossible to connect without adapters.
Note: Firewire is not compatible with Thunderbolt 4 even with an adapter so buying adapters regarding this is a waste of money.
Performance Degradation:
Even if you are using adapters, Firewire devices may not give you the original speed like a direct connection. Firewire 800 provides 800 Mbps which acts as a bottleneck with USB-C higher speed (multi-gigabit).
Requirement of Power:
Some Firewire devices are bus powered which makes USB-C connection unstable due to the lack of power supply through USB-C port.
If you don’t have an older version of a computer or laptop then you have to buy a computer or laptop that supports Thunderbolt 3.
You can also check out this video to see the full process.
Applications and Use Cases of Firewire Devices
Music Production
In the last 15 years Firewire widely used in music production equipment. Especially in Audio Interfaces, it was the primary connectivity option. However, today USB 2.0 and USB-C interfaces are common because of the latest computers which are limited to only these connectivity options.
Video Production
In the 2000s, Firewire was a standard connectivity option in camcorders. In those days you needed to connect your camcorder with Firewire ports given in the PCIe slots of Windows computers, and even found FireWire ports on the laptops.
Storage
Firewire was widely used in HDDs. Professionals used these Firewire hard drives in the USA due to fast data transfer speed.
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem: Adapters Not Recognized
Solution: check if the adapter is compatible with your system. Check if the firmware of your adapter is updated. If not then update the firmware. Also, check if the adapter needs an external driver to install. Then restart the computer and device and connect again.
Problem: Low Data Transfer Speed
Solution: When Firewire is used with adapters speed issues are common. However, it doesn’t affect your device performance if it’s an audio interface or camcorder. But HDDs may perform slowly.
Problem: The device is Not Powering on
Solution: If the device is not powering on then it’s a power failure issue from your port. You have to use an external power source to provide a sufficient power supply to your device.
What is USB-C
USB-C is the latest version of the USB connectivity protocol. USB-C provides high-speed data transfer up to 10Gbps which makes it ideal to transmit multiple types of data without losing quality.
Key features of USB-C:
- High Data Transfer Rate: USB-C 3.1 version can transfer data up to 10Gbps, and USB 3.2, up to 20Gbps.
- Reversible Connector Profile: USB-C connector can be used symmetrically. You can insert it in either orientation.
USB-C was built to use in mobile devices which require both charging and data transfer at the same time.
Today USB-C is a widely used interface in mobile devices and computer peripherals.
You can read more about USB-C in this article.
Apart from USB-2, it has an oval-shaped connector which is easier to connect with USB-C compatible devices.
As you can see in the image I described above, USB C can be used in a symmetrical way from both the ups and downsides.
USB-C is now used in most digital devices such as gaming consoles, mobile phones, and laptops.
What is Thunderbolt 3
Thunderbolt 3 is newer although not the latest version of the Thunderbolt, exclusively used in Apple devices.
Where Thunderbolt 1 and 2 require an external power source to operate in active mode, Thunderbolt 3 can operate in both active and passive mode.
In passive mode, Thunderbolt 3 provides a top speed of 20Gbp, while the active Thunderbolt 3 cables provide 40Gbps speed.
Thunderbolt 3 can be used for several types of data transfer works and also works with USB-C devices. Even USB-C Cables can be used as Thunderbolt 3 as long as you use good-quality cables.
Most USB-C devices can be used with a Thunderbolt 3 cable so you can use USB-C audio interfaces and other USB-C compatible peripherals with any device that has a thunderbolt-3/4 connection.
But, Thunderbolt 3 devices can not be used with USB-C ports as they need separate Thunderbolt chips inside your device to function.
A few years back, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 were exclusive products of Apple so you would not find them in Windows devices. But, nowadays it’s common in some high-end Windows computers and laptops.
History of Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt connection interface was first introduced in 2011 and since then it’s evolved now you are seeing the latest versions Thunderbolt 3 and 4 which provide up to 40gbps of data transfer speed.
Thunderbolt 3 and 4 is they use USB-C connectors, so you can also use USB-C devices via this connector.
But, USB-C and Thunderbolt both are different as their chipset are different.
You can read more about Thunderbolt in this article
Conclusion
Connecting Firewire Devices to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 is possible by using different adapters. But, they are not compatible with Thunderbolt 4 so if your computer has only Thunderbolt 4 port then don’t waste your money on the adapters.
If your computer has a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port then you can use these adapters to connect your Firewire device to your computer as shown above in this article.
So, let’s give it a try, and let me know if it works with your device.
FAQ: Firewire to USB C
Can I get lossless data quality in Firewire to Thunderbolt 3 USB-C connector?
It depends on the data transfer load. If you transfer data more than the capacity of your Firewire port then the quality tends to be lost.
What’s the price of a Firewire – Thunderbolt 2/USB-C adapter?
Firewire to Thunderbolt 2 adapters cost you between $25 to $100.
How do I connect FireWire 400 to Thunderbolt?
I have already described above how to connect FireWire 400 to Thunderbolt.
How can I use my legacy Firewire audio interface on a USB-C port?
You can use your Firewire audio interface on a USB-C port through FireWire to USB-C adapters.
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