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

[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]

usb2 won't handle many channels; check the AVB specs.

[Tomas E]

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]

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.