Connection Notes - Universal Audio Apollo x4 Hardware Manual

Connection Notes

Thunderbolt 3
• Apollo x4 must be connected via a Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included) to a
computer that has an available Thunderbolt 3 port.*
• Apollo x4 cannot be bus powered via Thunderbolt 3. The included external power
supply must be used.
*Note: With Mac computers only, Apollo x4 can be connected to Thunderbolt 1
and Thunderbolt 2 computer ports via the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2
adapter. Visit help.uaudio.com
About Thunderbolt 3 Ports and Cables
Important: Although Thunderbolt 3 always uses USB-C connectors, not all USB-C
ports are Thunderbolt 3 ports. Similarly, not all USB-C cables are Thunderbolt 3
cables. Always connect Apollo x4 to a Thunderbolt 3 port with a Thunderbolt 3
cable.
USB-C is not Thunderbolt 3
Thunderbolt 3 uses USB-C connections to transfer data and power. However, USB-C is
simply a connector type; it doesn't determine the type of data used by the connector. For
example, USB-C connections can be used for Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1, and other data
protocols, so USB-C connections are not always interchangeable.
Does your USB-C connector support Thunderbolt 3?
To determine if a USB-C port or cable connector supports Thunderbolt 3, look
for the Thunderbolt icon. The Thunderbolt icon on a USB-C port or cable
means the connector supports Thunderbolt 3. Alternately, confirm Thunderbolt
3 compatibility with the device and/or cable manufacturer.
Thunderbolt icon on USB-C cable (left) and USB-C port (right)
Apollo Expanded
• When more I/O and/or DSP is needed, up to four Apollo interfaces and six
UAD devices total can be cascaded together via Thunderbolt in a multiple-unit
configuration. For complete details about multi-unit cascading, refer to the Apollo
Thunderbolt Software Manual.
Note: A maximum of one UA desktop audio interface (Arrow, Apollo Twin,
Apollo Twin MkII, Apollo Twin X, or Apollo x4) can be combined within a single
Thunderbolt system.
Apollo x4 Hardware Manual
for details.
14 Quick Start