Technology moves fast. It seems like just yesterday that we were plugging a FireWire cable into a Power Mac G4 and enjoying incredible speeds up to 400 Mbps. While that level of performance was impressive in 2005, today’s Thunderbolt 3–equipped audio interfaces deliver speeds up to 40 Gbps. These high-speed interfaces not only enable you to track without any perceptible latency, but they also include modern AD/DA conversion, built-in DSP, and other cutting-edge features that we could barely even dream of just a few years ago. So, if you’re rocking an ancient audio interface, then it’s definitely time for an upgrade. Sweetwater stocks a variety of sub-$1,000 models that are guaranteed to elevate home and modest project studios, under-$2,000 models that will completely transform smaller pro-level studios, and over-$2,000 models that are tailor-made for large-scale production facilities. There are a lot of Thunderbolt audio interfaces out there, and wading through them is quite an endeavor. But don’t worry, Sweetwater is here to eliminate your option anxiety. So, kick back; give this guide a read; and, before you know it, you’ll be experiencing state-of-the-art Thunderbolt performance!
Best Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces Under $1,000
Universal Audio Apollo Solo
For your first foray into the world of Thunderbolt audio interfaces, you can’t go wrong with the Universal Audio Apollo Solo. Even though it enters well below the $1,000 mark, this excellent desktop interface is packed with many of the same cutting-edge features as UA’s higher-priced offerings. The Solo boasts next-gen AD/DA and two Unison mic preamps, and it includes the Realtime Analog Classics bundle, which enables you to track and mix using some of the most authentic-sounding analog-modeled plug-ins in the industry. And, thanks to Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, you can do it all with near-zero latency (a Thunderbolt 3–equipped computer is required; the Apollo Solo won’t work with earlier versions of Thunderbolt). You also get compatibility with UA’s LUNA software, giving you a tightly integrated recording, editing, and mixing environment — no third-party DAW required.
MOTU 828x
MOTU’s 828 series has been around for about two decades now, and these audio interfaces have played a prominent role in the evolution of countless home studios. Throughout the years, the 828 has gone through a number of iterations with varying types of connectivity, including FireWire and USB. Now, courtesy of the MOTU 828x, 828 aficionados can benefit from a blazing-fast Thunderbolt connection. These interfaces have always offered tremendous bang for the buck, boasting two transparent mic preamps, ample analog and digital I/O, MIDI I/O, and word clock I/O. Later versions, including the 828x, also include a built-in digital mixer with onboard effects. Fantastic-sounding AD/DA, standalone mixer operation, and legacy USB 2.0 connectivity round out the 828x’s impressive feature set. And everything fits ergonomically in a single-rackspace unit!
PreSonus Quantum
If you have the need for speed, then the PreSonus Quantum was dubbed “the fastest Thunderbolt interface on the planet” by Sound on Sound magazine upon the interface’s release. When we ran the Quantum through its paces here at Sweetwater, we had to admit — it definitely squeezes the maximum possible speed out of the Thunderbolt 2 format. The Quantum houses an impressive level of I/O for a 1U rackmount unit, including eight software-recallable XMAX preamps, two instrument inputs, and two sets of ADAT I/O for adding even more channels. Plus, you can cascade up to four of these interfaces to give you up to 96 channels. A console-style center section with talkback and monitor controls, as well as a comprehensive software package, tops off the Quantum’s many benefits. If you want tons of high-speed, near-zero-latency I/O without a lot of unnecessary frills, then this is the perfect Thunderbolt interface for you.
Best Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces Under $2,000
Apogee Element 88
Walk into a room full of pro audio enthusiasts, ask about high-end AD/DA converters, and the name Apogee will invariably come up. The Apogee Element 88 not only includes Apogee’s famed conversion and state-of-the-art clocking but also eight of their studio-quality Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture preamps, digital I/O for expandability, and wireless control via your iOS device. Add to that ultra-low-latency round-trip performance via Thunderbolt, and you’ll quickly see why the Element 88 makes a great gateway into the project-studio big leagues. It also makes an outstanding, value-priced I/O expander for Apogee’s Ensemble — the company’s top-of-the-line, all-in-one Thunderbolt interface, which is also worth checking out. To top it off, the Element 88 boasts DualPath DSP-Native technology, enabling you to run the Apogee FX Rack (sold separately) either as native plug-ins in your DAW or on the Element 88’s own hardware DSP. This lets you monitor with effects while experiencing near-zero latency. The Element 88 requires a Thunderbolt-equipped Mac computer — Windows is not supported.
Slate Digital VRS8/VMS ML-1 Bundle
If you want to fast-track into world-class studio sound, then look no further than the Slate Digital VRS8/VMS ML-1 bundle. This bundle includes both the VRS8 Thunderbolt audio interface plus the VMS ML-1 modeling microphone. The VRS8 is loaded with leading-edge AKM AD/DA, eight super-transparent VMS-ONE preamps, built-in monitor switching, and two powerful headphone amplifiers. The VMS ML-1 is an ultra-linear, neutral-sounding large-diaphragm mic. The interface and the mic are impressive in and of themselves, but the real magic starts when you fire up Slate Digital’s VMS hardware-emulation software. Thanks to this revolutionary system, your humble Mac-based studio will be armed to the teeth with a massive virtual locker of classic mics and preamps. You can track through these class-leading emulations with near-zero latency for a real-world analog experience, or you can wait and tweak your tone during mixing for the ultimate in sonic flexibility. For an amazing-sounding, cost-effective way to achieve pro-level recordings, you’d be hard-pressed to top the VRS8/VMS ML-1 bundle.
Universal Audio Apollo x4
UA’s Apollo X interfaces are top sellers for a reason — these feature-laden Thunderbolt audio interfaces are incredible! The Universal Audio Apollo x4 packs the sound quality and processing that the Apollo X series is renowned for into a sleek desktop audio interface. The Apollo x4 is ideal for smaller project studios, as it strips away a few of the high-end features found on more expensive models, such as 5.1 surround monitoring and +24dBu operation, while maintaining the high-level performance of its more expensive brethren with elite-class AD/DA, four Unison preamps, and ultra-high-speed Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. A QUAD Core processor provides ample juice for UA’s unrivaled hardware emulations, enabling you to track and mix through convincing models of tried-and-true studio classics, such as the included Realtime Analog Classics Plus bundle. You also get LUNA compatibility, so you can record, edit, mix, and a whole lot more without firing up third-party software. The Apollo x4 is a great way for smaller, semi-pro studios to compete with the big studios.
Best Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces over $2,000
Focusrite Red 8Line
The Focusrite Red 8Line is a great place to start when discussing higher-end Thunderbolt interfaces. This red-hued rackmount unit is a truly professional-level piece of gear that’s tailor-made for high-end production facilities. Not only does it operate as a speedy Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for your DAW, but you can also use it as a front end for your Pro Tools | HD rig or as an I/O device on a Dante network. Its AD/DA is second to none, while its two Red Evolution preamps deliver a pristine sound that can be bolstered by Focusrite’s famous Air effect, which injects your recordings with the transformer-fueled character of the company’s famed ISA preamps. This box offers plenty of analog and digital I/O, including dedicated monitoring outputs for your speakers and headphones. The Red 8Line comes with a robust suite of plug-ins, including models of Focusrite’s coveted Red-range equalizer and compressor hardware, plus access to the Focusrite Pro Plug-in Collective. The Red 8Line makes a great hub for any high-level production space.
RME Fireface UFX+
If you need truckloads of I/O and demand first-rate sound, then RME’s flagship audio interface — the Fireface UFX+ — deserves serious consideration. The latest in a long line of RME Fireface interfaces, this MADI-equipped unit is outfitted to tackle up to 94 channels of I/O. It boasts low-latency Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.0 connectivity along with premium AD/DA and optimized analog circuitry for pristine, crystal-clear audio. The Fireface UFX+ also includes four reference-grade preamps, and it lets you record up to 76 simultaneous channels straight to a USB drive via its DURec port. You also get RME’s acclaimed TotalMix FX software mixer, which facilitates unlimited routing of the interface’s inputs and outputs while arming you with latency-free monitor mixes with DSP-accelerated effects, peak and RMS metering, and remote control using your iOS device. The Fireface UFX+ also includes a high-quality plug-in bundle to jump-start your creativity.
Universal Audio Apollo x8p
Like we stated earlier, Universal Audio Apollo X audio interfaces are among our best sellers. The Universal Audio Apollo x8p is one of the most feature-rich models in the series, sporting elite-class AD/DA and Dual Crystal clocking for unparalleled sound plus a muscular 6-core HEXA Core processor for running UAD Powered Plug-ins (the Realtime Analog Classics bundle is included). You also get eight Unison preamps, so you can track through the Apollo x8p’s spot-on modeled hardware. It’s the next best thing to owning thousands of dollars’ worth of high-end analog studio gear! The Apollo x8p exhibits indiscernible levels of latency, as you’d expect from a hyper-fast Thunderbolt 3 connection, plus it includes a cache of essential pro features, including native 7.1 surround monitoring support, selectable +24dBu operation, built-in talkback, and more. LUNA software compatibility rounds out the Apollo x8p’s robust features.
Lynx Aurora (n) 24-TB3
Lynx conversion is revered within the industry, and the Lynx Aurora (n) 24-TB3‘s AD/DA exemplifies this. Armed with Lynx’s Hilo converter technology and cutting-edge FPGA processing, this audio interface delivers amazing transparency with negligible levels of noise and distortion. A preinstalled LT-TB3 option couples this amazing sound quality with super-low-latency Thunderbolt 3 performance. The Aurora (n) 24-TB3 has what it takes to be at the helm of your studio with 24 channels of configurable analog I/O, 1-in/3-out word clock I/O, a built-in 32-channel digital mixer, and two audiophile-grade headphone outputs. You also get an LSlot expansion for optional USB, Dante, and Pro Tools | HD connectivity plus 32-channel recording and playback to a microSD card. If you’re looking for a pro-grade front end for your studio, then the Aurora (n) 24-TB3 definitely fits the bill.
Avid Pro Tools | HD Native Thunderbolt + HD Omni
Avid’s Pro Tools | HD systems are renowned for their low latency, high channel counts, pristine audio quality, and integration with their industry-standard DAW, Pro Tools | Ultimate. The Avid Pro Tools | HD Native Thunderbolt + HD Omni bundle gives you that same level of performance but enables you to eschew the large, PCIe-equipped computer these systems typically require for a compact, desktop-friendly setup. Compatible with most modern Thunderbolt-equipped computers, this rig includes an HD Omni audio interface with two superb-sounding digitally controlled preamps plus additional analog and digital I/O, an integrated monitoring section, and Avid’s impressive Curv analog soft-knee limiting technology. This bundle also includes the latest version of Pro Tools | Ultimate software. If you want to downsize your HD rig, then HD Native is definitely the way to go.
Get Your Thunderbolt Audio Interface from Sweetwater!
At Sweetwater, we’re confident that you’ll be blown away by the speed infusion you’ll get from upgrading to a Thunderbolt interface, especially if you’ve been living in FireWire 400 or USB 2.0 land. And, with such excellent bang-for-your-buck options available, making the switch is practically a no-brainer! If you have any questions about Thunderbolt audio interfaces, then give your Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700. They’re always eager to help!
