How to connect two thunderbolt devices to Macbook Air?

nick_harambee

I have been using an Apple thunderbolt to VGA adapter to connect my digital projector to a Macbook Air. Now I need to also connect a pro audio firewire mixer, which has a firewire 400 cable. If I didn't have to connect the projector as well, I presume that the way to go would be to use an Apple thunderbolt to Firewire 800 adapter with an 800 to 400 adapter on the end, but as I have two devices I am rather stumped.

I know that thunderbolt/mini display is for daisy chaining, so there isn't such a thing as a thunderbolt hub, except that I could maybe use the Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock (expensive as it is, it may be a cheaper option than others). I have read mixed reviews of this device, but it looks like it could essentially work - one thunderbolt cable to connect the Macbook to the dock, then use the Firewire 800 port on the dock with an 800-400 adapter for the mixer and the second thunderbolt port on the dock for the projector with the VGA adapter. I am wondering if there are any other possible solutions though, other than buying a Macbook Pro!

Thanks,

Nick

marvin

You can hook up the projector over USB using this:

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-USB-VGA-Adapter-USB2VGAPRO2/dp/B009L14FHI/

It might not support hardware accelerated content though (OpenGL). To support the firewire device, you'd use a Thunderbolt to FW800 adaptor:

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Thunderbolt-to-FireWire-Adapter/dp/B008RXYOKY

and FW800 to 400 cable:

http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-F017-006-Firewire-Hi-speed/dp/B000AAZQLI

Check if it's a bus-powered firewire device because some people have said the TB adaptor doesn't power their devices.