Thunderbolt on macos just works plugin a tb device and off you go. Thunderbolt is the latest technology for connecting external devices to your pc, and is replacing firewire 94 as the standard connection for audio recording interfaces and pro video devices. Thunderbolt 3 defines a superset of capabilities that run on usbc connectors and cables. Since he profire 610 does not have windows 10 support it is sort of pointless. What is the difference between a thunderbolt 3 vs usbc cable.
Hey guys, ive searched the sub but have had trouble finding a simple comparison of these 4 docks in one place, and lenovos dock finder does not make it easy to compare models. These cable types and adapters are common and readily available at your local electronics store. This year at ces, we heard quite a bit about products coming out using usb 3. Techspirited tries to conclude which of the two is a better interface. Nov 05, 2015 trying to choose between thunderbolt and usb 3. At laptop mag, we test tons of peripherals, which is why were experts on the best usb typec hubs. Additionally, the thunderbolt connection type is, in general, significantly faster than both usb 2. Developed by intel and announced in june 2015, thunderbolt 3 has all of the advantages of 3. Thunderbolt is the brand name of a hardware interface developed by intel in collaboration with. Adk offers a wide selection of the best performing usb 3. Thunderbolt audio interfaces american musical supply. This makes sense given that the standard was designed by intel and apple.
Its clarett range of interfaces come equipped with the latest in thunderbolt. Data sheet hp thunderbolt dock g2 with audio module. Thunderbolt audio interfaces created in 2011 by intel and apple, thunderbolt is a serial connector that has replaced firewire in many mac computers, and in many studio applications. Difference between thunderbolt 2 and thunderbolt 3. The thunderbolt audio interfaces we recommend here are primarily for apple computers. Afterall, we all want a lowlatency audio interface. On the other hand, the latest universal standard, usb 3. A firewire audio interface connects with a firewire 400 or 800 connection and is comparable to usb 2. While thunderbolt is compatible with apples mini displayport meaning you can host a mini displayportcompliant lcd via a thunderbolt port, a thunderbolt storage device. Performance will vary depending on the specific hardware and software used.
So weve harnessed its power with the thunderbolt 3 dock to provide the highest speed and most connection options. Does anyone know of any good thunderbolt 3 compatible audio interfaces that will play nice with the new mbps. Hard drives, card readers, monitors, even laptop thunderbolt is becoming more and more common in pcs, while the usb promoter group plans to update usb 3 in order for it. Hard drives, card readers, monitors, even laptop docking stations. Usbc is a connector, not a protocol in its own right. Thunderbolt 1 and 2 use the same connector as the mini displayport, whereas thunderbolt 3 uses the usb typec connector. Whats the difference between usbc and thunderbolt 3. What thunderbolt 3 and usbc mean to musicians and engineers. The connection can also be produced to only work at usb 3. To be precise, lets sort out the terminology first. For general computer use the higher bandwidth of usb 3. Thunderbolt, on the other hand, is the latest in peripheral connectivity that transfers audio, video, power, and data over one cable in two directions.
By the way, no law says a usbc connector has to run usb 3. Thunderbolt 3 is really fast, transmitting at a whopping max transfer rate of 40gbps. The actual speed that the data travels at is still the same speed its just that theres more room for data to be sent. Thunderbolt is becoming more and more common in pcs, while the usb promoter group plans to update usb 3 in order for it to reach 10gbs, virtually eliminating the sp. Your desktop or laptop computer has a wide variety of ports and connection types, but what are they all for and how do they differ. Similarly, most usb 1 and 2 devices function quite happily when connected to a usb 3 port. Thunderbolt 3 usbc cables due to variables like speed, active vs. While usb c is electrically compatible with older usb protocols 2. Thunderbolt, the inputoutput interface found predominantly on apple desktops and laptop computers, promises unbelievable data and power transfer speed. A usb audio interface is an excellent choice for mobile recording as the interface draws its power from the computer via the usb cable. If youre choosing a new audio interface or a new computer, what are the pros and cons of the many different connection protocols that are on offer. Unless you need to record and playback more than 32 channels of audio io at once then there is no need for usb 3. Owc thunderbolt 3 dock for windows and mac 14 ports. All usbc cables will work as thunderbolt 3 cables as long as they are good quality cables.
You can use both connection types of both platforms. Scotts valley, ca january 25th, 2018 universal audio, a leading manufacturer of professional audio recording hardware and software, is pleased to announce the thunderbolt 3 option card for apollo rackmount interfaces. So if you are a windows person, check out our small and growing list of windowscompatible thunderbolt audio interfaces at the bottom of this guide. The apollo twin solo made by universal audio is the best thunderbolt audio interface for most people. So in the biggest advancement since its inception, thunderbolt 3 brings thunderbolt to usbc at 40gbps, fulfilling its promise, creating one compact port that does it all. Unpacking and plugging in a thunderbolt dock with external displays, ethernet, audio etc. The types and versions have evolved over the years like that of thunderbolt. Universal audio announces thunderbolt 3 option card for. Aug 17, 2018 its worth saying that the thunderbolt vs usb 3 divide does not boil down to a pc vs mac bunfight. Syntech usb c to usb adapter 2 pack, thunderbolt 3 to usb 3.
Mar 07, 2017 thunderbolt 3 is really fast, transmitting at a whopping max transfer rate of 40gbps. Thunderbolt 3 ports support thunderbolt 3 and usb 3. Usb typec becomes truly universal as intel aligns the latest thunderbolt standard with usb s new reversible port. For anyone reading this who remains unconvinced about the future of computer audio and the role that different connection types will play in it, there are some great news for you. So when i thing of upgrading my stuff to thunderbolt or usb 3. I dont often need to record more than eight channels at a time. Before we get to what thunderbolt 3 can do compared to usb 3. My setup is multiple microphones out of my booth to a behringer mixer. So it shouldnt come as a surprise that one of the most common questions we hear from customers is regarding the difference between usbc and thunderbolt tm 3.
Sorry to take up space with something that i assumed i could figure out, but the more i go into everything, the more im still unsure. Usb 4 integreert thunderbolt en krijgt doorvoersnelheid van 40gbit. Usb types include usb typea, usb typeb, and now usb typec usbc. The adapter connects between the thunderbolt 3 port on the computer and the thunderbolt equipped universal audio product. Do you know which is the better option and which is most. Its worth saying that the thunderbolt vs usb 3 divide does not boil down to a pc vs mac bunfight.
With an adaptor, many can connect to a thunderbolt port too. With a single usb typec hub, you can add usb typea. Im about to buy a new audio interface and was wondering whether to opt for usb 2, usb 3 or firewire, or whether i should splash out on something thunderbolt compatible. To tell the difference, thunderbolt 3 ports, cables, and gear are typically labeled with an arrowshaped like a lightning bolt.
All three standards are much, much faster than usb 2. Thunderbolt 3 has a top data transfer speed of 40gbps as long as the cable is 0. Kanex ktu20 thunderbolt to gigabit ethernet plus usb 3. Cnet editor dong ngo explains usb c and thunderbolt 3 and the significance of these peripheral standards. The card is compatible with intels new thunderbolt 3 technology on the latest mac and windows computers. Our beginners guides should have the answers youre looking for. If your using an iosenabled device, it will connect to the audio interface using usb. Audio signal, via displayport protocol or usbbased external audio cards. Jun 22, 2017 thunderbolt 3 and usb c are becoming more common, and some people might be wondering exactly what, if any, is the difference. Wenn ihr computer statt thunderbolt 3 uber usbc verfugt, schauen sie doch in. Thunderbolt 3 and usb c are becoming more common, and some people might be wondering exactly what, if any, is the difference. Is it better to buy an audio interface that connects to my computer by usb, firewire, thunderbolt or pcie. What is the difference between a thunderbolt 3 vs usbc.
Apple developed audiovisual digital interface mini displayport in 2008. Usb c hub adapter for macbook pro, thunderbolt 3 adapter,10in1 usb c dongle with gigabit ethernet, usb c to hdmi vga adapter,100w power delivery, 3 usb 3. This will be the new king of external devices for the foreseeable future, not only offering high performance but a whole slew of new features like more power and external gpu support. For warranty information about this product, please click here. But dont worry finding a cable that will be compatible with your arrow is. The improved format uses a smaller connector and provides enhances data handling. Thats not the case with thunderbolt, which is extremely rare even on the macintosh platform, where its been supported. Thunderbolt 3 the usbc that does it all thunderbolt. At the theoretical maximum usb 2 bandwidth, youd be able to record just over 40 tracks of 24bit, 96khz audio, while halving the sample rate to 48khz would give you 80 tracks.
The difference between usbc and thunderbolt 3 thunderbolt. For example, my current windows laptop has connectors for ethernet, hdmi, vga, audio in, audio out, three usb ports, and an expresscard slot. Usbc connectors can support a variety of protocols, including thunderbolt 3, displayport 1. Usb c is a connector, not a protocol in its own right. How to choose the best audio interface for your home studio duration. Throughput thunderbolt 2 allows for a throughput of 20 gigabits per second, while the original thunderbolt port can deliver up to a maximum of 10 gbps. Jul 24, 2017 usb versions refer to their capabilities such as speed power and cable compatibility. Usb c connectors can support a variety of protocols, including thunderbolt 3, displayport 1. Usb and thunderbolt are not exactly merging, but they are becoming partly compatible, and better than ever. Or maybe i should consider a thunderbolt interface. Difference between thunderbolt and hdmi difference between. What is the difference between usbc and thunderbolt 3.
Thunderbolt devices in the same domain can synchronize within 8 nanoseconds of each other, which is far better than other interconnection technologies. Leading the way with thunderbolt are focusrite, who offer a specialised range of thunderbolt powered interfaces. But which is better, and which will be the most popular. For one, it features an even higher bandwidth capability than usb 3. Usb typec, or usbc, is a specification for connectors and cables. Apollo thunderbolt windows compatibility universal audio. Thunderbolt 3 supports usb, firewire and thunderbolt devices via adapters. Staying at 24bit48khz, consider a more realistic realworld usb 2 bandwidth of 240mbps a slightly conservative figure.
Computer ports with thunderbolt 3 provide 40gbps thunderbolt double the speed of the previous generation, usb 3. Usb c to hdmi adapter, usb c hub to dual hdmi, 4 in 1 thunderbolt 3 to hdmi with 2 hdmi ports 4k, usb 3. Usb typ c bringt neue funktionen, aber auch verwirrung. In such cases, a full 4lane thunderbolt 3 port becomes essential. After not being able to get a resident audio t4 thunderbolt 2 work with a macbook pro thunderbolt 3 possibly due to ras drivers not compatible with safari macos, i went with a tascam us 4x4 usb ab for now which as mentioned in the responses should be plenty for audio recording. The docks main thunderbolt 3 port provides up to 85w of power to your notebook computer, while the secondary thunderbolt 3 port provides thunderbolt device chaining, usb 3. The following thunderbolt 3 to thunderbolt adapters have been tested for compatibility with thunderbolt equipped apollo audio interfaces and uad2 satellite thunderbolt.