Apollo and Satellite Data Cable Guide

Learn what type of cables you will need for connecting Apollo or Satellite to your computer.

• Apollo X Rack TB3 (x6, x8, x8p, x16 Gen1 and Gen2)
• Apollo Rack TB2 (8, 8p, 16 MkII)
• Apollo Desktop TB3 (x4, Twin X Gen1 and Gen2)
• Apollo Desktop TB2 (Twin Silver, Twin MkII)
• Apollo Twin X USB
• Apollo Twin USB
• Apollo Solo TB3
• Apollo Solo USB
• Satellite TB3
• Satellite TB2
• Satellite USB

 Notes: 

• Please ensure your computer meets the UA System Requirements of your UA device.
• Use cables that are 6.6ft (2m) in length or shorter for best performance and connection stability.
• Connect directly into the host computer when possible. Connecting through devices such as docks or hubs may negatively affect performance and stability.
• Avoid cheaper generic brand cables as they may lack proper certifications or quality standards required for UA devices. Use cables from reputable manufacturers such as:
  
  • Apple
  • Cable Matters
  • Plugable
  • Startech
• Thunderbolt 2 cables are the same as Thunderbolt 1 cables, Apple calls these 'Thunderbolt Cable'. Check that the specification in the listing defines Thunderbolt 2 support to confirm it is the correct cable.
• Thunderbolt 2 devices are not compatible with Windows systems that have Thunderbolt 4, including with adapters.  Rack-mount Apollos can be upgraded to support Thunderbolt 4 on Windows with a Thunderbolt 3 option card.
• If you have more than one Thunderbolt Apollo, verify they are daisy-chained from a single Thunderbolt port of your computer.
  
  Apollos share clocking over Thunderbolt, so it is critical they are connected in this manner. It is required that every Apollo Thunderbolt device is daisy-chained from a single Thunderbolt port. Please refer to the following example diagram:
  
  
  Note: Multiple Apollos must be daisy chained together. Thunderbolt Satellites are not required to be daisy-chained with Apollos, but can occupy an Apollo Thunderbolt chain. The position of Satellites in the chain is not critical.
  
  

Apollo X Rack Gen1 and Gen2 (Thunderbolt 3)

Apollo x6, Apollo x8, Apollo x8p, Apollo x16

Apollo Rack (Thunderbolt 2)

Apollo 8, Apollo 8p, Apollo 16 MkII

Apollo X Desktop Gen1 and Gen2 (Thunderbolt 3)

Apollo Twin X, Apollo x4

Apollo Desktop (Thunderbolt 2)

Apollo Twin (Silver), Apollo Twin MkII

Apollo Twin X USB

Apollo Twin USB

Apollo Solo (Thunderbolt 3)

Apollo Solo USB

Satellite (Thunderbolt 3)

Satellite (Thunderbolt 2)

Satellite USB