The Routing Matrix on the MOTU is super flexible, but it takes a little thought to understand. Admittedly, factoring in the adaptor, I only saved about $60 though. Three-Meter TB2 (compatible with TB1) cables are available from Cable Matters for $53 on Amazon I needed that extra meter to reach from my machine closet to my gear rack and I didn't have to wait for or dish out the cash for Apple's new Three-Meter TB4 cable. In my case, the fact the 828ES is TB1 is actually an advantage. Note it uses TB1 Protocol and the TB Jack is TB1/2, so you need the Apple TB Adaptor to connect to a Mac Studio.

Works via USB (that's how I connected it to my last computer, a 5,1 Mac Pro) or Thunderbolt. Plenty of IO and the analog outputs can be configured up to 7.1 + a Stereo Pair. I guess my question is in the title of the thread - what's currently the best new professional audio interface for Mac Studio build, given my needs?!! I'd have to run Cubase under Rosetta 2, but still think it would be a performance upgrade. I'm not looking to go Apple Silicon native with everything yet - I have a few software essentials that are not there yet yet with supporting the new chips - but would like to eventually of course. The interface doesn't have to be a Thunderbolt interface, but I think it would offer the best bandwidth/performance. would anyone agree that these are good fit for the Mac Studio? The little bit of research I've done suggests that it might be ok. I was thinking of the UA Apollo 圆 or x8's which are Thunderbolt 3. I need at least two decent mic pre's, 1x ADAT and preferably audio out on a D-Sub much like the Ensemble. I'm a Mac Pro2013/Cubase11/Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt person who is looking to buy a new USB-C/Thunderbolt audio Interface that would be compatable (and fairly sustainable) when used on a new Mac Studio sequencer machine.

Best interface for macbook