HighAndDry
So thunderbolt 2, as in this unit, (which doesn't work on the windows platform)http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Apollo8QBk is not supported
for windows? At least not for any audio interfaces. I guess I am a bit confused
on this whole thunderbolt thing. I have been waiting for focustrite to issue windows drivers
but that looks like it will never happen. LOL Are the MOTU drivers only for Thunderbolt 3?
Also; are usb 3 and Thunderbolt 3 one and the same?
It certainly can be confusing...
I'll try to clarify
The original Apollo can run connected to a PC via Firewire or Thunderbolt-2.
When connected via Thunderbolt-2, the Apollo is using Firewire protocol over Thunderbolt.
No different than connecting the unit via a Firewire controller
Correct, the Apollo 8 (linked to above) does not have drivers for Windows... and thus can't be used on a Windows machine.
Microsoft just officially added "PCIe via Thunderbolt" support under Win10.
This yields performance similar to using a PCIe audio interface.
Microsoft decided to skip ahead to Thunderbolt-3.
You have to be running one of the absolute latest Z170x or X99p motherboards that offer Thunderbolt-3 via USB-C port... and you have to be running Win10.
Microsoft claims "PCIe via Thunderbolt" support should be backward compatible With Thunderbolt-2 and Thunderbolt-1... but they don't guarantee it.
With a USB-C to Thunderbolt adapter (connected to one of the mentioned motherboards), your Thunderbolt-2 audio interface should work (if the audio interface manufacturer has released the proper drivers).
Right now, MOTU is the only company to officially announce Windows Thunderbolt (PCIe via Thunderbolt) support.
USB-C gets confusing.
USB-C was designed to be universal (can be used for Thunderbolt-3, USB-3.1, or USB-3)
Hope that helps!