Hello guys.
 
I'm confused about this topic. Are thunderbolt audio interfaces compatible or not with the USB C connector? If I am understanding correctly, only thunderbolt 3 devices / hardware will be. 
 
So, can any thunderbolt interface be used with an USB C connector or de we have to validate firmware versions and other not so obvious topics?
 
Thanks.
 

USB-C port can carry Thunderbolt-3 or USB-3.1
 
It gets confusing because many motherboards have USB-C port/s... and do NOT have a Thunderbolt-3 controller.
If the motherboard doesn't specifically have a Thunderbolt-3 controller, it doesn't have Thunderbolt.
 
ALL current Thunderbolt audio interfaces are Thunderbolt-2.
Thus, you need a Thunderbolt-3 (USB-C port) to Thunderbolt-2 adapter.
We've used the Apple adapter under many different circumstances (laptops/motherboards with numerous audio interfaces).  It's always worked fine for us... (~$50)
 
 

Thank you, Jim!

thunderbolt 3 red is coming:  
Focusrite PRO at AES 2017..oh is already selling here:https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Red16Line
 

Mac only upon initial release.

wrt usb-c and compatibility, i have a recent sony xperia phone, and a "generic" usb-c cable wouldn't work with it, neither data nor power, and so i had to get a sony-branded one... i don't have any insight as to what or why, but it seems that even "standardised" stuff is getting somewhat hijacked without even having to go apple... bit pissed off with sony tbh, previously devices it was all micro-usb no trubs...

What's so universal about USB?

Odd to hear that about the Sony phone.
 
FWIW, We've never had issues with USB-C ports... whether it was connecting Thunderbolt-3 or USB-3.1.
USB-C cables and adapters have always worked.
ie: Even though Apple doesn't advertise as such, their Thunderbolt-3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt-2 adapter has worked with every PC motherboard that we've tried (including custom laptops).
 
With regards to USB being universal:
You can use USB chargers, cables, extension cables, hubs, etc... with pretty much any USB device.
Some USB devices need more power to allow charging. 
If the hub/etc doesn't supply enough, the device typically just won't charge (otherwise will still function as a USB peripheral).

Jim Roseberry
Odd to hear that about the Sony phone.

yeah we were all surprised! the same generic cable worked with a samsung, but as you mention maybe the sony needs more amps than the generic cable could deal with