How to connect two thunderbolt devices to Macbook Air?
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
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
Comments
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.