Thunderbolt v.s USB 2 (or 3) in audio interfaces

Here's where to talk about preamps, cables, microphones, monitors, etc.

Moderator: James Steele

Forum rules
Here's where to talk about preamps, cables, microphones, monitors, etc.
Post Reply
Tomas E
Posts: 606
Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2005 10:01 pm
Primary DAW OS: Windows
Location: Sweden

Thunderbolt v.s USB 2 (or 3) in audio interfaces

Post by Tomas E »

Since the Thunderbolt technology hasn't been as widespread as one could expect by now, I'm wondering: Do we really need Thunderbolt for signal transmission between audio interface and computer? Isn't USB 2 fast enough, given that MOTUs latest creation http://www.motu.com/products/avb/ultralite-avb/ "only" ships with USB 2?
EMRR
Posts: 1079
Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2006 11:17 am
Primary DAW OS: MacOS
Contact:

Re: Thunderbolt v.s USB 2 (or 3) in audio interfaces

Post by EMRR »

usb2 won't handle many channels; check the AVB specs.
Doug Williams
Electromagnetic Radiation Recorders
The Martha Bassett Show broadcast mixer
Tape Op issue 73

DP 11.31
Studio M1 Max OS12.7.3
MOTU 16A and Monitor 8
M1 Pro MBP for remotes and editing
Tomas E
Posts: 606
Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2005 10:01 pm
Primary DAW OS: Windows
Location: Sweden

Re: Thunderbolt v.s USB 2 (or 3) in audio interfaces

Post by Tomas E »

EMRR wrote:usb2 won't handle many channels; check the AVB specs.
This is what I found on the very same page as the UltraLite AVB. Hundreds of audio channels seems to be good enough for anyone.
Build a network with multiple interfaces, computers, and AVB switches using standard network cabling, with ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (100 meters point to point). Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network.
EMRR
Posts: 1079
Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2006 11:17 am
Primary DAW OS: MacOS
Contact:

Re: Thunderbolt v.s USB 2 (or 3) in audio interfaces

Post by EMRR »

AVB and TB do hundreds. What you didn't find is that usb2 is limited to 24i/o at lower rates, I think less at higher. Check the gearslutz thread, long read. And the other threads here.
Doug Williams
Electromagnetic Radiation Recorders
The Martha Bassett Show broadcast mixer
Tape Op issue 73

DP 11.31
Studio M1 Max OS12.7.3
MOTU 16A and Monitor 8
M1 Pro MBP for remotes and editing
Post Reply