Hi. I have my TBT3-UDV connected via thunderbolt cable to my host M1 MBP. I’d like to use the second thunderbolt port to connect to a thunderbolt audio interface, but it is not recognizing this device. The device is a Thunderbolt 2 device that is connected via Thunderbolt 2 cable and a Thunderbolt 2->3 adapter. This method works fine to connect directly to the computer, but is not detected when going though the TBT3-UDV.
Hi David,
Thank you for contacting Plugable! I’m sorry your Thunderbolt audio interface isn’t working as expected when connecting it to TBT3-UDV through a Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapter, and I’ll be happy to assist.
Thanks for also confirming the audio interface works as expected when connecting it directly to your Mac through the Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapter.
Can you please provide the brand and model number of the Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapter you’re using? Alternatively, could you share a link to it online?
The reason I ask is because some of these Thunderbolt adapters are active and can work in most scenarios, but some are passive may require a direct connection to the Mac to detect that this adapter is in use, and internally change the signal from Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 so it’s usable by Thunderbolt 2 peripherals.
If the adapter is passive, it’s possible that the presence of the TBT3-UDV between the MacBook and the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter would interfere with the adapter working correctly.
Another great step to take is to test if the second Thunderbolt 3 port on the dock is working as expected with other Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C peripherals. This should help determine if this could possibly be caused by a faulty port on the dock. Are you able to try a test like this?
My apologies for the frustration, and thank you for giving us the chance to help.
Sam
Plugable Technologies