How to Connect Firewire to USB-C or Thunderbolt 3

A few years back, Firewire devices such as audio interfaces, video cameras, and external hard disks were quite popular.

However, as the technology evolved, USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 data transfer standards replaced them due to higher data transfer speeds.

But, sometimes we want to connect Firewire devices to a computer or laptop although, most modern computers don’t have Firewire ports.

Luckily, even USB-C and Thunderbolts are common it’s still possible to connect Firewire to USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 computers by using some types of adapters.

Well, if you want to connect your Firewire device to your computer but it doesn’t have Firewire port then this article written for you.

Yes, it’s possible!

In this article, we’ll go through the process to connect Firewire to USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 enabled computers and laptops with the help of adapters.

We’ll also discuss the different ports typs and their uses.

How to Connect Firewire USB-C or Thunderbolt Ports

Let’s start with the solutions.

There are different type of adapters available to to connect Firewire 400 or Fire wire 800 devices to USB-C or thunderbolt 3/4 ports.

Connecting Firewire Devices with USB-C Ports in Windows

Generally, Windows computers come with USB-C ports which support high-speed data transfer.

Since, Firewire is not directly compatible with USB-C, you will need a series of adapters to connect your device to your USB-C enabled computer as described below.

1. Firewire 400 to Firewire 800 adapter (Only if you have Firewire 400 audio interface)
2. Firewire 800 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter (If unavailable you can check this video to use Firewire without adapter or you can order one on eBay)
3. Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3/USB-C adapter

You can order them online and when you get all the adapters, connect them in sequence like, Firewire 400 to Firewire 800 then Firewire 800 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, and lastly Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3/USB-C adapter.

When you have connected all the adapters, now connect the Firewire side to your Firewire device and the Thunderbolt 3/USB-C side to your computer’s Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port.

That’s it.

If all the settings are perfect, your Firewire Firewiore device should be working with the USB-C port.

Note: This setting is only compatible with Intel 10th Generation and previous processors which support Thunderbolt 3. This setting is not compatible with Thunderbolt 4.

💡Pro Tip: If you want to connect to Thunderbolt 4 port then you need Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 4 hub but even then, it’s not guaranteed to work.

So, I would suggest using a PC with Intel 10th Generation or previous version processors.

You can check out the port compatibility list in the image given below.

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 checkout this video to see the full process.

Connecting Firewire Audio Interface With USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 Ports in Mac

For Mac users, the process is similar to the Windows computer. However, this setting only works with intel Mac released upto 2020. Those versions of Mac feature Thundebolt 3 ports.

Just like Windows computers, Thunderbolt 4 is not compatible with Firewire on Mac. Both are based on different chipset so we can’t use a Thunderbolt 4 port to connect with Firewire devices.

Even if you have a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 4 hub, the settings might not work. So, don’t waste your time and money to connect your Firewire device to Thunderbolt 4 Mac.

Now, Let’s go through the process:

So, what do you want?

• Firewire 400 to Firewire 800 adapter (Only if you have Firewire 400 audio interface)
• Firewire 800 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter
• Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3/USB-C adapter

Connect all of them as described above (in the Windows section) in this article and the setting should be working.

Important note: Keep in mind that all the latest versions of Mac PC and laptops have different chipsets that do not support Firewire transmission even via an adapter so go for 2020 or below versions of Macbook or iMac and your setting should be working fine. 

Firewire to Thunderbolt 2 Connection Video Tutorial

Another Great Video Tutorial to Conncet Firewire Device to USB-C/Thundebolt Ports

Now let’s understand Firewire, USB-C and Thunderbolt ports one by one.

What is Firewire Interface?

Firewire which is technically called IEEE 1394 was invented as a common connectivity interface used in video cameras, audio interfaces, and other computer peripherals. 

back in 5-6 years ago Firewire was a high-speed data transfer protocol used in various types of data transfer applications.

But in recent years USB-C and Thunderbolt 3/4 replaced Firewire as they are compatible to most of the devices, require low power, and provide more data transfer speed than Firewire.

Firewire was first released in the year 2000. Since then there were many versions released with more compatibility and speed.

But the two varients were most popular:

• Firewire 400: The earlier version, capable of 400 Mbps speed.
• Firewire 800: This versionprovides just double data transfer speed ie; 800 Mbps.

Due to the high-speed data transfer and daisy-chain feature, Firewire had been widely used in computer peripherals. 

Although, Firewire is no longer used, many professionals like this as a reliable performance especially in audio and video production equipment.

You can read more about Firewire in this article.

What is USB-C

USB-C is the latest version of USB connectivity protocol. USB-C provides high-speed data transfer up to 10Gbps that makes it ideal to transmit multiple type of data without losing quality.

Key features of USB-C:

• High Data Transfer Rate: USB-C 3.1 version is able to transfer data upto 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 and 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 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 bak, 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 and now you are seeing the latest versions Thunderbolt 3 and 4 which provide upto 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 totally different.

You can read more about Thunderbolt in this article.

Conclusion

Eve the Firewire is an older data transfer protocol, if you follow the steps described above, it’s possible to run your Firewire devices running smoothly with modern USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 ports.

Keep in mind that Thunderbolt 4 is not compatible to Firewire, so it’s a waste of time and money to use Thunderbolt 3 to 4 hub, because it doesn’t work.

Instead, get a Windows 10th generation and below PC or a 2020 and earlier MacBook or iMac which have thunderbolt ports.

Now it’s your turn to try connecting Firewire to USB-C or Thunderbolt ports and let me know in the comments if the setting works with your Firewire device. Even if you have suggestions, don’t hesitate to share them with others in the comment section. 

FAQ: Firewire to USB C

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