Thunderbolt 3 Now Standard on Symphony MkII — Starting November 11

Beginning November 11, all new Apogee Symphony I/O MkII units will ship with Thunderbolt 3 as the default connection — no adapter required.

This change makes it easier than ever to connect your Symphony MkII to modern Macs; especially if you’ve been navigating Thunderbolt 2 adapters, cable availability problems, or studio layouts requiring longer cable runs.

Buying From A Dealer

To ensure your system has Thunderbolt 3, check the SKU. Symphony configurations with Thunderbolt 3 feature the term ‘TB3’ in their part number.

Why the Shift From Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3?

While Symphony MKII was designed with Thunderbolt 2 and even TB2 bandwidth exceeds the data needs of 64 tracks running 24 bit 192kHz audio, in the last year cables have become more difficult to source. If you’ve been holding off on upgrading your interface because of TB2 compatibility questions, November 11 is your green light.

With this new update, Thunderbolt 3 is now the default — just plug into your Mac and go.

No change in performance. No new drivers.
Just easier studio life, especially if you rely on long cable runs or want a more streamlined setup.

What’s New (and What Isn’t)

Let’s be clear: This is a connection update, not a sound or speed upgrade.

What’s new:

• Built-in Thunderbolt 3 port on all new Symphony MkII units
• No need for adapters when connecting to Thunderbolt 3,4 and 5 on modern Macs
• Easier to source TB3 and optical thunderbolt cables for longer runs

What’s staying the same:

• Same elite Apogee conversion and low-latency performance
• Same drivers, software, and workflow
• Same modular I/O configuration flexibility

Cable Specifics

One of the most common questions when it comes to upgrading Symphony MkII’s connection is:
“What kind of Thunderbolt cable should I use?”
And:
“Can I use a Thunderbolt 5 cable with a Thunderbolt 3 device?”

Here’s what you need to know:

TL;DR: Yes, Thunderbolt 5 cables work — they just operate at TB3 speeds

Thunderbolt 3, 4, and 5 all use the same USB-C-style connector.
That means:
✅ You can plug a Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 5 cable into your Symphony MkII with Thunderbolt 3
✅ It will work just fine — at Thunderbolt 3 speed (40Gbps)
⚠️ You don’t get any speed benefit — the interface runs the same latency and channel count regardless.

What’s the Difference Between TB3, TB4, and TB5 Cables?

Feature	Thunderbolt 3	Thunderbolt 4	Thunderbolt 5
Max Data Rate	40 Gbps	40 Gbps	80 Gbps (up to 120 burst)
Max Cable Length (passive)	0.8m (for full speed)	2m	2m+ (active/optical)
Connector Type	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
Backward Compatible?	N/A	Yes (w/ TB3)	Yes (w/ TB3 & TB4)
Optical Options	Limited	Available	Available (in development)

Which Cable Should You Use With Symphony MkII?

• For short runs (under 2m): A certified Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 cable is perfect
• For long studio runs (10m+): Use an optical Thunderbolt 3 or 4 cable — they’re reliable, studio-proven, and widely available
• Have a TB5 cable lying around? Go ahead and use it — it’ll throttle to TB3 speed without issue

Just make sure the cable is:

• Certified for Thunderbolt use (not just “USB-C” — they’re not interchangeable)
• From a reputable brand (like Corning, OWC, Belkin or CalDigit)

USB-C ≠ Thunderbolt

While Thunderbolt and USB-C use the same physical connector, they are not the same thing.

• Latency and Drivers are different between the two. Thunderbolt having much lower latency, as low as 1.3ms roundtrip on Symphony MKII
• USB-C-only cables DO NOT work for Thunderbolt audio interfaces.
• Always look for the Thunderbolt icon (⚡) and version on the cable or packaging

Thinking About Upgrading Your Current Symphony MkII?

Want to change your MKII from TB2 to TB3? It’s important to know that existing TB2 configurations continue to work and can be successfully connected to modern Macs. However for those who wish to go without adapters or configure their interfaces further from their computer, there can be good reason to upgrade, but there are some details to consider. 

Can I Perform the Upgrade Myself?

Technically, yes. But realistically, this upgrade is only recommended for highly experienced users. Here’s why:

To install a Thunderbolt 3 card:

• You must remove both the top panel and rear panel of the unit
• This means unmounting and disconnecting parts and cabling for the power connector, fan, and word clock module
• The rear panel needs to be replaced with a different one to fit the new TB3 module
• Reassembly requires precise fitment — including “flexing” parts into alignment
• One wrong step can leave your interface partially reassembled or inoperable

If this sounds even slightly daunting, we recommend not attempting it yourself.
A misstep can result in accidental downtime — and potentially needing to send your unit in for service. Our support team is here to help, reach out if you need help sending in for an install.

Best Path for Most Users?

• If your current setup is stable and working: no action is needed
• If you need Thunderbolt 3:
  • Consider purchasing a new Symphony MkII after Nov 11
  • Or contact Apogee Support to ask about factory upgrade options

We’re here to help you find the right path.

FAQ

Does Thunderbolt 3 improve audio performance?
No — latency, driver behavior, and sound quality are unchanged. This update is about simpler connections, cable availability and longer cable options.

Can I use optical Thunderbolt 3 cables with the new Symphony MkII?
Yes. Optical TB3 cables (up to 50m) are fully supported — ideal for large studio builds.

Can I upgrade my current Symphony MkII to Thunderbolt 3 myself?
Only if you’re comfortable removing components, reassembling the chassis, and aligning parts precisely. Otherwise, contact Apogee Support to explore safe options.

What happens if I try to upgrade and get stuck?
We recommend stopping immediately and contacting Apogee. Continuing could damage your unit or void warranty coverage.

A Friendlier Future

This isn’t a revolution, it’s a refinement.
But if Thunderbolt 2’s limitations have been quietly annoying, or holding you up from taking advantage of the best converters money can buy, this shift brings welcome relief.