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 UAD-2 Thunderbolt 3 equipped devices 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 the following models:

Arrow

Apollo Solo

Apollo Twin X

Apollo X rack

UAD-2 Live Rack

UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3

Are all USB-C cables compatible with UAD-2 Thunderbolt 3 equipped devices?

No. Thunderbolt 3 devices require 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 our Thunderbolt 3 equipped devices.

For details, see this article.  

I see Thunderbolt 3 cables with different ratings like "20 Gbps" and "40 Gbps." Are these compatible with with my hardware?

Yes. These numbers refer to the data transfer rate of the cable. Thunderbolt 3 cables come in two speeds - 20 Gbps and 40 Gbps. Our Thunderbolt 3 hardware 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 a UAD-2 device with a higher speed cable.

Are UAD-2 Thunderbolt 3 equipped devices compatible with active and passive Thunderbolt 3 cables?

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

What length of cable should I use with my device?

UAD-2 Thunderbolt 3 equipped hardware 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 Thunderbolt 3 equipped hardware 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 our hardware with active and passive Thunderbolt 3 cables in multiple lengths from Belkin, StarTech, and CableMatters.