Applies to: all current products
USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3/4 both use a 'Type-C' connector, however, they are different protocols despite the fact that the ports themselves are identical.
USB 3.1 - supports USB devices only
Thunderbolt 3/4 - supports USB, FireWire and Thunderbolt devices via adapters
It's important to check which protocol your computer's ports support before purchasing peripherals (such as an audio interface) to ensure compatibility. For example, the 2016 Apple 'MacBook Pro' models each feature Thunderbolt 3 ports as the only method of device connectivity. Conversely, the 2015 Apple 'MacBook' features USB 3.1 as the only method of device connectivity, though the ports appear to be identical.
In general, it's best to assume that any 'Type C' ports on any computer are USB 3.1 only unless the Thunderbolt logo appears next to them () or this is stated by the manufacturer. Below is a summary of Focusrite product compatibility with each port type:
USB 3.1 ports
Scarlett Range (1st and 2nd generation):
- Adapter: Apple USB-C to USB-A adapter (or USB-C to USB-B cable)
- Compatible: YES
Scarlett 3rd Gen:
- Adapter: Apple USB-C to USB-A adapter (or USB-C to USB-C cable)
- Compatible: YES
Saffire 6 USB (USB 1.1 and 2.0 variants)
- Adapter: Apple USB-C to USB-A adapter (or USB-C to USB-B cable)
- Compatible: YES
Forte
- Adapter: Apple USB-C to USB adapter (or USB-C to USB-B cable)
- Compatible: YES
Clarett USB
- Compatible: YES
- Use the supplied USB-C to USB-C cable
Clarett+
- Compatible: YES
- Use the supplied USB-C to USB-C cable
Clarett Thunderbolt, Saffire Range, Red Range
- Compatible: NO
Thunderbolt 3/4 ports
Scarlett Range (1st and 2nd Generation)
- Adapter: Apple USB-C to USB-A adapter (or USB-C to USB-B cable)
- Compatible: YES
Scarlett 3rd Gen:
- Adapter: Apple USB-C to USB-A adapter (or USB-C to USB-C cable)
- Compatible: YES
Saffire 6 USB (USB 1.1 and 2.0 variants)
- Adapter: Apple USB-C to USB-A adapter (or USB-C to USB-B cable)
- Compatible: YES
Forte
- Adapter: Apple USB-C to USB-A adapter (or USB-C to USB-B cable)
- Compatible: YES
Clarett USB
- Compatible: YES
- Use the supplied USB-C to USB-C cable
Clarett+
- Compatible: YES
- Use the supplied USB-C to USB-C cable
Clarett Thunderbolt
- Adapter: Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter with Thunderbolt cable (this has the same connector but is different to a 'Mini DisplayPort' cable. Always check for the Thunderbolt logo)
- Compatible: YES - please read this article regarding Thunderbolt 3 support on Windows
Saffire Range
- Adapters: Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter (FireWire 800-400 cable)
- Compatible: YES - please read this article regarding the end of development support for the Saffire range
Red 4Pre/8Pre/16Line
- Adapter: Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter with Thunderbolt cable (this has the same connector but is functionally different to a 'Mini DisplayPort' cable. Always check for the Thunderbolt logo)
- Compatible: YES
If you are in any doubt if your computer has USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt 3/4 ports, please contact your computer's manufacturer. If you need any more information regarding Focusrite product compatibility, please Contact Technical Support