MOTU 828 Original and Thunderbolt 3

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Discussion related to installation, configuration and use of MOTU hardware such as MIDI interfaces, audio interfaces, etc. for Mac OSX
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rellinb
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MOTU 828 Original and Thunderbolt 3

Post by rellinb »

Hello,
I was not able to find this question posted elsewhere, nor on the MOTU FAQ page - I'm hoping to upgrade to a new macbook pro, which only has thunderbolt 3/usb-c ports. Is it possible to connect my 828 Original to that laptop. It is firewire 400 only.

I have heard some rumors that I *might* be able to use a thunderbolt 3 to thunderbolt 2 adapter, and then a thunderbolt 2 to firewire adapter, and then a firewire 800 to 400 cable to make it work...but thats like a lot of adapters to bank on before shelling out the money for a new laptop :)

Thoughts? Yes, I realize ditching the 828 would be an option but I'd rather not have to replace it.
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mikehalloran
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Re: MOTU 828 Original and Thunderbolt 3

Post by mikehalloran »

Thunderbolt contains just enough of the FW spec that most MOTU FireWire devices will work. USB-C is supposed to be backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 2/1. Bus power doesn't work due to the low power available but that's not an issue with any of the 828 units.

All MOTU FW devices are FW400 but the later ones have FW800 ports to eliminate the extra adapter—they're still FW400.

According to Apple, you will need a USB-C to TB2 adapter and a FW800 to FW400 cable for the most reliable connection. I've not met a 400-800 adapter that didn't unplug easily so I don't like them even though I have a couple.

I don't know that the 1st gen 828 will work but I see no reason why it shouldn't. If you had to upgrade to an 828 Hybrid or 828x, you'd be down to one cable, either a USB-C to USB 2 or USB-C to Thunderbolt.
Last edited by mikehalloran on Mon Jun 26, 2017 8:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
DP 11.31; 828mkII FW, micro lite, M4, MTP/AV USB Firmware 2.0.1
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daniel.sneed
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Re: MOTU 828 Original and Thunderbolt 3

Post by daniel.sneed »

I still use my old reliable 828 original, with my 2015 MBP for some location trackings.
A FW 800 to 400 cable and a FW800 to TB adaptor at that's it.
Never a single glitch.
dAn Shakin' all over! :unicorn:
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kemccarthy1
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Re: MOTU 828 Original and Thunderbolt 3

Post by kemccarthy1 »

Has anyone heard if MOTU has plans to upgrade the 828 to output directly with Thunderbolt 3? I have the same issue as the OP in that I have a 828mk3 with FW 400 which in order to use a Mac with TB3 will have to go through a cadre of adapters to work. As long as I can get this to work I will but I'm loathe to purchase a 828x only to see an upgrade to TB3 come out in a couple of months.
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mikehalloran
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Re: MOTU 828 Original and Thunderbolt 3

Post by mikehalloran »

kemccarthy1 wrote:Has anyone heard if MOTU has plans to upgrade the 828 to output directly with Thunderbolt 3? I have the same issue as the OP in that I have a 828mk3 with FW 400 which in order to use a Mac with TB3 will have to go through a cadre of adapters to work. As long as I can get this to work I will but I'm loathe to purchase a 828x only to see an upgrade to TB3 come out in a couple of months.
If that is going to happen, it will be announced sometime around Winter NAMM. Then we will all know. Not holding my breath.
DP 11.31; 828mkII FW, micro lite, M4, MTP/AV USB Firmware 2.0.1
2023 Mac Studio M2 8TB, 192GB RAM, OS Sonoma 14.4, USB4 8TB external, M-Audio AIR 192|14, Mackie ProFxv3 6/10/12; 2012 MBPs Catalina, Mojave
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ggm1960
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Re: MOTU 828 Original and Thunderbolt 3

Post by ggm1960 »

I can report that connecting an 828x to a 2017 MBP with Thunderbolt 3 using an Apple adapter definitely does not work and has left me in a rather desperate situation.
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Phil O
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Re: MOTU 828 Original and Thunderbolt 3

Post by Phil O »

I can run my original 828 on my 2013 MacPro using a TB 2 to FW 800 adapter and a FW 800 to FW 400 cable. I did, however, have to install this: MOTU Audio Installer 1.6 (83634).pkg. This works in Mohave and Catalina. I haven't tried this with TB 3 and adapters or with Big Sur.

Your friendly neighborhood Phil
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