Name: Universal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card for Apollo Rackmount
Brand: Universal Audio
SKU: TBOC-3
Price: 299.0 USD
Availability: InStock

{"id":7800843894835,"title":"Universal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card for Apollo Rackmount","handle":"thunderbolt-3-option-card-mac-win","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUniversal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card\u003c\/strong\u003e is a \u003cstrong\u003euser-installable Thunderbolt 3 card for Apollo rackmount models\u003c\/strong\u003e, converting Apollo and Apollo 16 FireWire units to Thunderbolt 3. It provides two Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy-chaining, supplies bus power to downstream peripherals, and enables compatibility with UA's free LUNA Recording System.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeps a FireWire Apollo working on a modern machine.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"vmi-benefit-bar\"\u003eFree shipping · Free local pickup in Miami · Financing at checkout\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFireWire disappeared from computers years before Apollo units stopped being useful. This card is the bridge, replacing the connection on a rackmount Apollo so it runs on current hardware rather than being retired alongside the port it shipped with.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe change is not only about connectivity. Thunderbolt uses PCIe audio drivers rather than the FireWire stack, which UA describes as faster and more stable in practice. It also unlocks LUNA, UA's free recording system, which requires Thunderbolt.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwo Thunderbolt 3 ports allow Apollos and other peripherals to be daisy-chained, and the card supplies bus power to downstream Thunderbolt 3 devices. Installation is user-performed, with the tool and instructions included in the box.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable class=\"vmi-spec-table\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUser-installable Thunderbolt 3 option card\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAll Apollo rackmount models\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConverts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApollo and Apollo 16 FireWire models to Thunderbolt 3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePorts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 Thunderbolt 3, daisy-chainable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBus power\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupplied to downstream Thunderbolt 3 peripherals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnables\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLUNA Recording System compatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstallation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUser installable, tool and instructions included\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThunderbolt 3 cable sold separately\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhich Apollos Does This Card Fit?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll Apollo rackmount models. Universal Audio specifically lists it as enabling Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for Apollo and Apollo 16 FireWire models. Call 844-687-4208 with your exact model and we will confirm before you order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho Is This For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnyone with a rackmount FireWire Apollo and a computer that no longer has a FireWire port, and anyone who wants LUNA, which requires Thunderbolt. It is a way to keep working hardware in service rather than replacing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eIs It Difficult to Install?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUniversal Audio designed it for user installation and includes the tool and the instructions in the box. It is a card swap rather than a service operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Is Thunderbolt Better Than FireWire Here?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThunderbolt uses PCIe audio drivers rather than the FireWire stack, which UA describes as faster and more reliable. It also allows daisy-chaining of Apollos and peripherals across the two ports, and it supplies bus power downstream.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConnections\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable class=\"vmi-spec-table\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePorts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 x Thunderbolt 3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBus power\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTo downstream Thunderbolt 3 peripherals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSold separately\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Universal Audio?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUniversal Audio was founded in 1958 by M.T. \"Bill\" Putnam, the engineer who built the first recording console with integrated equalization and effects sends, and who designed the 1176 and the 610. The company was revived in 1999 by his sons and now does two things: it still hand-builds analog hardware in California, and it licenses and models the classics from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, Lexicon, Studer, Ampex and others rather than emulating them without authorization.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs this a genuine Universal Audio product?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. Victory is a veteran owned dealer in Miami and units ship new in original packaging with full manufacturer support, including software registration rights.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs this covered by warranty?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. This unit carries the full Universal Audio manufacturer warranty, registered to you as the original purchaser. Call 844-687-4208 for the current term.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWill this fit my Apollo?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt fits Apollo rackmount models, including Apollo and Apollo 16 FireWire units. Call 844-687-4208 with your model and serial and we will confirm before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs a Thunderbolt cable included?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo, the cable is sold separately. Call 844-687-4208 to add one.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDo I need this for LUNA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLUNA requires a Thunderbolt connection, so a FireWire Apollo needs this card to run it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy From Victory Musical Instruments?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVictory Musical Instruments is a pro audio and musical instrument dealer in Miami, Florida. We support churches, schools, studios and working musicians across South Florida and ship nationwide. Every unit is new in the original factory packaging with full manufacturer support. Call 844-687-4208 to check lead time, request a quote, or arrange local pickup.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-03-20T14:57:03-04:00","created_at":"2026-03-20T14:57:03-04:00","vendor":"Universal Audio","type":"Interface Option Card","tags":["Accessory","Apollo","Audio Interface","Authorized Dealer","Authorized Retailer","cat:pro-audio-io-cards","cat:recording-studio","dropship","Expansion","Mac","Miami","Mixing","Music Production","Option Card","Pro Audio","Producer","Recording","Recording Studio","Studio","supplier:Universal Audio","TB3 Card","Thunderbolt","Thunderbolt 3","UA","UAD","UAD Plug-Ins","Universal Audio","Upgrade","Veteran Owned","Windows"],"price":29900,"price_min":29900,"price_max":29900,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":37400,"compare_at_price_min":37400,"compare_at_price_max":37400,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":44131390226483,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"TBOC-3","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Universal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card for Apollo Rackmount","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":29900,"weight":907,"compare_at_price":37400,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"819937002458","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.victorymusical.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/thunderbolt_3_option_card_gallery_1.png?v=1774033025"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.victorymusical.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/thunderbolt_3_option_card_gallery_1.png?v=1774033025","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27890303696947,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.273,"height":980,"width":1248,"src":"\/\/www.victorymusical.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/thunderbolt_3_option_card_gallery_1.png?v=1774033025"},"aspect_ratio":1.273,"height":980,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.victorymusical.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/thunderbolt_3_option_card_gallery_1.png?v=1774033025","width":1248}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUniversal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card\u003c\/strong\u003e is a \u003cstrong\u003euser-installable Thunderbolt 3 card for Apollo rackmount models\u003c\/strong\u003e, converting Apollo and Apollo 16 FireWire units to Thunderbolt 3. It provides two Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy-chaining, supplies bus power to downstream peripherals, and enables compatibility with UA's free LUNA Recording System.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeps a FireWire Apollo working on a modern machine.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"vmi-benefit-bar\"\u003eFree shipping · Free local pickup in Miami · Financing at checkout\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFireWire disappeared from computers years before Apollo units stopped being useful. This card is the bridge, replacing the connection on a rackmount Apollo so it runs on current hardware rather than being retired alongside the port it shipped with.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe change is not only about connectivity. Thunderbolt uses PCIe audio drivers rather than the FireWire stack, which UA describes as faster and more stable in practice. It also unlocks LUNA, UA's free recording system, which requires Thunderbolt.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwo Thunderbolt 3 ports allow Apollos and other peripherals to be daisy-chained, and the card supplies bus power to downstream Thunderbolt 3 devices. Installation is user-performed, with the tool and instructions included in the box.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable class=\"vmi-spec-table\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUser-installable Thunderbolt 3 option card\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAll Apollo rackmount models\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConverts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApollo and Apollo 16 FireWire models to Thunderbolt 3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePorts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 Thunderbolt 3, daisy-chainable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBus power\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupplied to downstream Thunderbolt 3 peripherals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnables\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLUNA Recording System compatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstallation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUser installable, tool and instructions included\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThunderbolt 3 cable sold separately\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhich Apollos Does This Card Fit?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll Apollo rackmount models. Universal Audio specifically lists it as enabling Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for Apollo and Apollo 16 FireWire models. Call 844-687-4208 with your exact model and we will confirm before you order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho Is This For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnyone with a rackmount FireWire Apollo and a computer that no longer has a FireWire port, and anyone who wants LUNA, which requires Thunderbolt. It is a way to keep working hardware in service rather than replacing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eIs It Difficult to Install?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUniversal Audio designed it for user installation and includes the tool and the instructions in the box. It is a card swap rather than a service operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Is Thunderbolt Better Than FireWire Here?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThunderbolt uses PCIe audio drivers rather than the FireWire stack, which UA describes as faster and more reliable. It also allows daisy-chaining of Apollos and peripherals across the two ports, and it supplies bus power downstream.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConnections\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable class=\"vmi-spec-table\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePorts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 x Thunderbolt 3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBus power\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTo downstream Thunderbolt 3 peripherals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSold separately\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Universal Audio?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUniversal Audio was founded in 1958 by M.T. \"Bill\" Putnam, the engineer who built the first recording console with integrated equalization and effects sends, and who designed the 1176 and the 610. The company was revived in 1999 by his sons and now does two things: it still hand-builds analog hardware in California, and it licenses and models the classics from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, Lexicon, Studer, Ampex and others rather than emulating them without authorization.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs this a genuine Universal Audio product?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. Victory is a veteran owned dealer in Miami and units ship new in original packaging with full manufacturer support, including software registration rights.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs this covered by warranty?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. This unit carries the full Universal Audio manufacturer warranty, registered to you as the original purchaser. Call 844-687-4208 for the current term.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWill this fit my Apollo?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt fits Apollo rackmount models, including Apollo and Apollo 16 FireWire units. Call 844-687-4208 with your model and serial and we will confirm before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs a Thunderbolt cable included?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo, the cable is sold separately. Call 844-687-4208 to add one.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDo I need this for LUNA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLUNA requires a Thunderbolt connection, so a FireWire Apollo needs this card to run it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy From Victory Musical Instruments?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVictory Musical Instruments is a pro audio and musical instrument dealer in Miami, Florida. We support churches, schools, studios and working musicians across South Florida and ship nationwide. Every unit is new in the original factory packaging with full manufacturer support. Call 844-687-4208 to check lead time, request a quote, or arrange local pickup.\u003c\/p\u003e"}

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Universal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card for Apollo Rackmount

Universal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card for Apollo Rackmount

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At a Glance

Which Apollos Does This Card Fit?

Who Is This For?

Is It Difficult to Install?

Why Is Thunderbolt Better Than FireWire Here?

Connections

Why Universal Audio?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a genuine Universal Audio product?

Is this covered by warranty?

Will this fit my Apollo?

Is a Thunderbolt cable included?

Do I need this for LUNA?

Why Buy From Victory Musical Instruments?

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Type	User-installable Thunderbolt 3 option card
Fits	All Apollo rackmount models
Converts	Apollo and Apollo 16 FireWire models to Thunderbolt 3
Ports	2 Thunderbolt 3, daisy-chainable
Bus power	Supplied to downstream Thunderbolt 3 peripherals
Enables	LUNA Recording System compatibility
Installation	User installable, tool and instructions included
Cable	Thunderbolt 3 cable sold separately

Ports	2 x Thunderbolt 3
Bus power	To downstream Thunderbolt 3 peripherals
Cable	Sold separately