Pricing and availability

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Reverb
5.0 (2)
$298.90 New
$146.99 Used
Thomann
4.9 (47)
$244.00 $239.00 $5.00 · All time low

Average Price: $296

Standard/Professional

$150

$501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Universal Audio Thunderbolt option card". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your studio’s potential with the Universal Audio Thunderbolt option card, a powerhouse addition to your Apollo rack interface. Whether you're capturing the subtleties of a solo performance or layering complex arrangements, this card ensures your workflow remains seamless and lag-free. Designed for both MacOS and Windows users, it offers unparalleled flexibility and compatibility, supporting operating systems from macOS Sierra to Big Sur, as well as Windows 10 with the Fall Creators Update.

The standout feature of this expansion card is its dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, which provide a jaw-dropping data transfer speed of up to 40 Gbps. This means faster, more efficient file transfers and an end to bottlenecks in your recording process. With 15W bus power available for all downstream Thunderbolt 3 peripherals, your studio setup can expand without the need for additional power sources. This is particularly beneficial for musicians and producers who require multiple devices running simultaneously.

Crafted with the needs of professional studios in mind, the Universal Audio Thunderbolt option card not only enhances connectivity but also future-proofs your setup, ensuring you're ready for technological advancements in audio production. With this card, you're not just optimizing your current setup; you're investing in the future of your studio.

Key Features:

  • Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
  • 15W bus power for downstream peripherals
  • Up to 40 Gbps data transfer speed
  • Compatibility with macOS 10.12 Sierra through 11 Big Sur and Windows 10 (64-bit Edition) with Fall Creators Update

Product specs

Available since July 2018

FAQs

What does the Universal Audio Thunderbolt option card do for Apollo interfaces?

The Universal Audio Thunderbolt option card upgrades Apollo DUO and QUAD interfaces to Thunderbolt connectivity, enhancing UAD plug-in instances, performance at higher sample rates, and reducing latency compared to FireWire connections.

Can the Thunderbolt option card be used with Windows systems?

The Thunderbolt option card is primarily designed for Thunderbolt-equipped Macs. Compatibility with Windows systems may require additional considerations, such as ensuring the system supports Thunderbolt 3.

Is installation of the Universal Audio Thunderbolt option card user-friendly?

Yes, the card is designed for easy user installation, with tools and instructions included for a straightforward setup process.

Does the Thunderbolt option card provide power for additional devices?

Yes, the card features two Thunderbolt ports that supply bus power, allowing for convenient daisy-chaining of peripherals.

Can I still use the FireWire ports on my Apollo interface with the Thunderbolt card installed?

Yes, the card allows Apollo's built-in FireWire ports to be repurposed as a FireWire 800 hub over Thunderbolt, maintaining their functionality.

Geargazm

Geargazm

Universal Audio Apollo: Thunderbolt Card Installation & Overview

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio Apollo: Thunderbolt Card Installation & Overview by Geargazm

Universal Audio Apollo: Thunderbolt Card Installation & Overview

Geargazm

Geargazm

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2018 latest releases from UA, incl Thunderbolt 3 option card by sonicstate

NAMM 2018 latest releases from UA, incl Thunderbolt 3 option card

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for Instalación de tarjeta Universal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card by Aural Mind Audio

Instalación de tarjeta Universal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card

Aural Mind Audio

Aural Mind Audio

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio Thunderbolt option card.

Software and compatibility

  • Thunderbolt 3 cards work with Apollo silverface Firewire DUO, despite UA's compatibility list suggesting otherwise.

    Source
  • The Dell Latitude 7400 manual indicates a "USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 2 port (Thunderbolt)," creating potential compatibility for Thunderbolt connections.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner uses a TB3 card with multiple Mac models, including 15" and 16" MacBook Pros, iMac Pro, and Mac Pros (6,1 and 7,1), with no stability issues.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Apollo Firewire interface specifically requires TB1 or TB2 option cards for compatibility, according to UA's official guidelines.

    Source

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