New laptop and old MOTU 828

[pacopablo]

Folks,

I have an old MOTU 828 MKIII that is firewire and used it on my old studio computer for years. Unfortunately, my studio computer crashed and now I only have a Windows laptop to work with. This laptop doesn't have Firewire inputs. So, is there any adapter that will allow me to use this 828? I would prefer not to buy a new interface or computer. Thanks in advance.

[mikehalloran]

If your laptop has Thunderbolt, you should be able to make it work. I understand that the Apple adapters might not work in Windows so I have no recommendations to make there.

[CharlzS]

How old is your laptop? If it has an Expresscard slot, then FW express cards are still available and will work. I have a HP ProBook with an Expresscard/34 slot that works with an 828mk2. OTT there are USB to FW adapters available for PC, but apparently they're pretty much just a scam - pretty cheap so maybe worth a try. There are several options available for workstations/desktops, but unfortunately not much for laptops.

[mikehalloran]

FW adapters available for PC, but apparently they're pretty much just a scam - pretty cheap so maybe worth a try

Absolute waste of time.

Thunderbolt supports enough of the FW spec for MOTU interfaces except for bus power, not an issue for any 828.

If the laptop has TB3 or 4, you'll need an adapter from FW800–TB1/2 then another from TB2–3/4. This is in addition to the FW400–800 adapter or a cable.

My 828mkII goes from a FW400–800 cable into an Apple FW–TB adapter into a TB2 dock. From there, it goes through a TB2 cable into the Apple TB2–TB3 adapter into my iMac Pro. Rock solid and runs like a champ. I'm told this doesn't work in Windows, however.

[pacopablo]

My laptop does not have a Express card slot or a Thunderbolt port. It does have a USB-C port, but my understanding is that they aren't interchangeable. So, knowing that... any other ideas?

Thanks again.

[mikehalloran]

My laptop does not have a Express card slot or a Thunderbolt port. It does have a USB-C port, but my understanding is that they aren't interchangeable. So, knowing that... any other ideas?

Thanks again.

You're out of luck.

Time for a new interface. If what you want is a newer version of what you have, the 828x, 828mk3 Hybrid and 828es all support USB 2 and are current. We're enablers around here and, if you post your current needs, we'll be glad to make suggestions.

The old one is still worth a few $$$ on eBay and Reverb— post plenty of pictures including the firmware on booting. If on 24/7 for (number of years), be honest. If used only occasionally like mine, that's a good selling point.