StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to FireWire Adapter - External PCI Enclosure - PCIe Card plus TB3 Chassis

Bridge the gap between legacy FireWire devices and modern Thunderbolt 3 laptops and desktops with the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to FireWire Adapter. This all-in-one solution combines a high-performance Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis with a dedicated 1394 FireWire PCIe card, delivering a powerful, plug-and-play path for video capture, audio production, and data transfer from older FireWire peripherals to today’s computers. Engineered for reliability and optimized for performance, it’s the ideal upgrade for creative professionals who still rely on legacy FireWire gear.

• Seamless Thunderbolt 3 to FireWire bridge: Convert your Thunderbolt 3-enabled computer into a workstation that can run FireWire cameras, decks, external drives, and audio interfaces without sacrificing performance or reliability. The adapter leverages the Thunderbolt 3 interface to deliver fast, stable connectivity to your legacy devices.
• Includes a FireWire PCIe card in a rugged external enclosure: The package is designed as an external PCIe enclosure with a ready-to-use FireWire PCIe card installed, so you can connect FireWire peripherals immediately. This compact chassis keeps your PCIe expansion organized and protected while delivering the 1394 FireWire interface you need.
• Full-length PCIe expansion with robust compatibility: Supports a standard full-length PCIe card in a stable, fan-cooled housing, giving you the flexibility to upgrade or swap PCIe components as your workflow evolves. It’s ideal for video capture cards, storage controllers, or other add-in cards that enhance your setup.
• Cross‑platform versatility for professionals: Built for use with both Windows and macOS systems, this StarTech solution ensures broad compatibility with your DAWs, video editing suites, and archival workflows. Whether you’re editing in Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, or Pro Tools, you’ll enjoy reliable FireWire support alongside your favorite software.
• Compact, durable design with easy setup: The external enclosure is crafted from sturdy materials to withstand daily use in busy studios and edit bays. Its tool-free PCIe installation and straightforward Thunderbolt connection make setup quick, so you can start working with FireWire devices in minutes.

Technical Details of StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to FireWire Adapter

• Interface: Thunderbolt 3 (TB3) to PCIe expansion chassis that houses a FireWire PCIe card, delivering a bridge between modern TB3 hosts and legacy 1394 devices.
• PCIe Slot: 1 x PCIe expansion slot (full-length) inside an external enclosure, designed to accommodate a PCIe FireWire card and other compatible add-in cards.
• Included Card: High-performance 1394 FireWire PCIe card pre-installed inside the enclosure for immediate FireWire connectivity (1394a/1394b compatibility as supported by the card).
• FireWire Support: Provides 1394 FireWire interfaces for legacy devices such as cameras, decks, and external drives that rely on FireWire technology.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with Thunderbolt 3-equipped Windows PCs and macOS computers; supports cross‑platform workflows common in video, audio, and data transfer environments.
• Data Throughput: Leverages Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth (up to 40 Gbps) to ensure smooth data flow between the host and the FireWire PCIe card, enabling reliable streaming and rapid data transfer for FireWire devices.
• Power: External power source required to operate the PCIe enclosure and support high-demand PCIe cards; the power arrangement ensures stable performance during intensive capture or data transfer tasks.
• Build and Form Factor: Compact external enclosure with a sturdy chassis designed for desktop and studio environments, offering durable protection for installed PCIe hardware while keeping your workspace organized.
• Operating System Support: Verified usability with major versions of Windows and macOS that support Thunderbolt 3 devices and PCIe expansion, enabling a broad range of software compatibility for editing, mastering, and archiving workflows.

how to install StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to FireWire Adapter

Follow these steps to set up your Thunderbolt 3 to FireWire Adapter and start connecting FireWire devices with confidence:

• Position and connect: Place the external PCIe enclosure on your desk or workstation and connect it to your computer using the Thunderbolt 3 cable included with the unit. Ensure the host computer is powered on.
• Power up the enclosure: Attach the external AC power supply to the enclosure and turn on the unit if required by the model. The FireWire PCIe card will be enabled once power is supplied and the TB3 connection is established.
• Install or verify the PCIe card: The FireWire PCIe card is pre-installed in the enclosure. If needed, reseat the card or swap for another compatible PCIe card inside the enclosure according to the user manual. Close the chassis once the card is secured.
• Connect FireWire devices: Use appropriate FireWire cables (1394) to connect your cameras, drives, or audio interfaces to the FireWire ports provided by the PCIe card inside the enclosure. Power on your FireWire devices as required.
• Install drivers if prompted: On Windows, you may be prompted to install FireWire drivers. On macOS, FireWire support is typically built-in, enabling plug-and-play operation. Verify device detection in your system’s hardware or device manager and in your DAW or video editing software.
• Configure your workflows: In your editing or capture software, select the FireWire device as the input/output source. If needed, adjust settings for frame rate, resolution, and data transfer options to optimize performance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does this StarTech adapter include? A: The package includes an external Thunderbolt 3 PCIe expansion chassis with a FireWire PCIe card pre-installed, delivering a ready-to-use FireWire interface for legacy devices via Thunderbolt 3.
• Q: Can I use this with Thunderbolt 4 or USB-C laptops? A: Yes. Thunderbolt 4 and newer Thunderbolt 3 ports are backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 devices, so you can connect the enclosure to compatible systems that provide TB3/ TB4 or USB-C with Thunderbolt support.
• Q: Which FireWire devices are supported? A: FireWire devices that use the 1394 standard (FireWire 400/800) are supported when connected through the included FireWire PCIe card inside the enclosure.
• Q: Do I need additional drivers? A: On Windows, you may be prompted to install FireWire drivers. On macOS, FireWire support is generally native, and devices should appear as usual in your system profiler or device manager and DAW software.
• Q: Is the FireWire PCIe card upgradeable? A: Yes. The enclosure is designed to accommodate standard PCIe cards, so you can swap or upgrade the FireWire card or other compatible cards as your workflow requires.