How can I connect a LaCie CD/DVD drive with FireWire ports to my MacBook Pro 16"?

How can I connect a LaCie CD/DVD drive with only FireWire ports to my MacBook Pro 16"? So that I can get information off of DVD storage into my Mac?

Posted on Nov 3, 2022 11:10 AM

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Posted on Nov 3, 2022 11:14 AM

You need this:


Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter - Apple


and maybe this:


Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple


The original Thunderbolt to FireWire adapter has a Thunderbolt 2 port. If your MacBook Pro only has Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports then you need to daisy chain it off the second adapter.


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Nov 3, 2022 11:14 AM in response to Harris Irick

You need this:


Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter - Apple


and maybe this:


Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple


The original Thunderbolt to FireWire adapter has a Thunderbolt 2 port. If your MacBook Pro only has Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports then you need to daisy chain it off the second adapter.


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Nov 3, 2022 11:38 AM in response to neuroanatomist

> if you go the SuperDrive route a hub won't work


Clarification: an unpowered hub won't work.


The SuperDrive is powered via USB bus power (it has no external power supply).


Most unpowered hubs provide only the data connection, not the power connection to connected devices (there isn't enough power from the connection to the host system to provide full power to all downstream devices).

Powered USB hubs, though (ones that have their own power supply) typically can (and do) provide bus power to each of the USB ports and should work fine.

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Nov 3, 2022 11:44 AM in response to Camelot

In theory. In practice, most powered hubs provide just the USB-A spec 500 mA of current to each port, and that's not enough for the SuperDrive. For example, when I connect my SuperDrive to a USB-A port on my Brydge/Stone Pro (powered) dock, it does not work. But connected with the adapter directly to a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, it does.

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How can I connect a LaCie CD/DVD drive with FireWire ports to my MacBook Pro 16"?

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