Firewire devices on Windows 8 or newer

Problem

With Windows 8, Microsoft dropped the Legacy 1394 bus controller driver (1394a) which was included with Windows 7. Some devices do not operate properly with the new (1394b) driver included in Windows 8 (or later). This applies to audio interfaces, video cameras, etc.

The behavior can be unpredictable and can cause the devices to not operate properly (random disconnection, OS not recognizing the interface, etc.) or performance issues when working with audio applications.

Solution

Please keep in mind that this workaround should only be used if you have experienced the above mentioned issues!

• Option 1: Install the Legacy driver Microsoft has made available:
  http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2970191 (instructions in the KB article)
  
  
• Option 2: Install Thesycon 1394 Stack Bus Controller driver from here: http://www.photometrics.com/support/downloads/software/Thesycon-Installer.zip
  
  
• Once installed, go to Control Panel -> Device Manager, right-click on the 1394 entry and select Properties
  
  
• Then select Update Driver -> Update Driver -> Browse my computer ... -> Let me pick from a list ...
  
  
• Click on the 1394 OHCI (Legacy) driver or T1394 (depending on which one you decided to download)

Please note that the performance is also much better for the majority of users with the above drivers.

In some cases it will be necessary to not have the drivers already installed on the system - so additional trouble-shooting might be necessary (uninstall, roll-back, etc.).

It is system dependent and many user won't experience the issue with the new MS FW controller drivers.