Due to variables like speed, active vs. passive, length, brand, and more, finding the right Thunderbolt 3 cable for your application can be confusing. But don't worry - finding a cable that will be compatible with your Live Rack is easy once you know what you're looking for. See the frequently asked questions below for help finding the right Thunderbolt 3 cable for your UAD-2 Live Rack. 

Are all USB-C cables compatible with UAD-2 Live Rack?

No. UAD-2 Live Rack is a Thunderbolt 3 device and requires a Thunderbolt 3 cable. Not all USB-C cables support Thunderbolt 3 - some can only be used for power, or for other data protocols such as USB 3 / USB 3.1. You will need a USB-C cable that specifically supports Thunderbolt 3 for compatibility with UAD-2 Live Rack.

I see Thunderbolt 3 cables with different ratings like "20 Gbps" and "40 Gbps." Are these compatible with UAD-2 Live Rack?

Yes. These numbers refer to the data transfer rate of the cable. Thunderbolt 3 cables come in two speeds - 20 Gbps and 40 Gbps. UAD-2 Live Rack is compatible with both varieties. Note that 40 Gbps cables are typically more expensive than 20 Gbps cables, and there are no differences in performance when using Live Rack with a higher speed cable.

Is UAD-2 Live Rack compatible with active and passive Thunderbolt 3 cables?

Yes. Active and passive Thunderbolt 3 cables can be used with UAD-2 Live Rack. Note that active cables are typically more expensive than passive cables, and there are no differences in performance when using UAD-2 Live Rack with an active cable over a passive cable. 

What length of cable should I use with UAD-2 Live Rack?

UAD-2 Live Rack is compatible with any length Thunderbolt 3 cable as long as the cable is certified by Intel as Thunderbolt 3 compliant. In general, shorter is better when it comes to data cables so we recommend using the shortest length that will suit your particular setup. 

Do I need a particular brand of Thunderbolt 3 cable?

No. UAD-2 Live Rack is compatible with any brand of Thunderbolt 3 cable, as long as the cable is certified by Intel to support Thunderbolt 3. We've tested UAD-2 Live Rack with active and passive Thunderbolt 3 cables in multiple lengths from Belkin, StarTech, and CableMatters.