# UAD Satellite Thunderbolt with KVM Switching ## Product Overview **[UAD Satellite Thunderbolt (Octo)](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SatelliteTBO--universal-audio-uad-2-satellite-thunderbolt-octo-custom-dsp-accelerator)** - **Original connection:** Thunderbolt 2 - **DSP cores:** 8 SHARC processors (Octo) or 4 SHARC processors (Quad) - **Purpose:** Offload UAD plugin processing from host computer - **Current use:** Studio B (Thunderbolt 2 version) **Thunderbolt 2 → Thunderbolt 3/4 adapter required:** - [Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1293724-REG/apple_mmel2am_a_thunderbolt_3_usb_c_to.html) (~$50) - Bidirectional (works for connecting TB2 devices to TB3/4 computers) ## Mac vs Windows Compatibility ### macOS Support (Excellent) **All modern Macs work:** - ✅ M1/M2/M3 Apple Silicon Macs (via Rosetta 2 for UAD software) - ✅ Intel Macs (2016+) with Thunderbolt 3/4 - ✅ Stable UAD driver support (macOS 12 Monterey through 14 Sonoma+) **Connection:** ``` Mac Thunderbolt 3/4 port → Apple TB3→TB2 adapter → UAD Satellite TB2 ``` **Driver installation:** - Download UAD Software from Universal Audio website - Installer handles drivers automatically - UAD plugins appear in DAW after authorization **Apple Silicon notes:** - UAD Console runs under Rosetta 2 (Intel emulation) - Minimal performance impact - All plugins work identically to Intel Macs ### Windows Support (Limited but Functional) **Windows Thunderbolt compatibility:** - ⚠️ **Thunderbolt support varies wildly** between Windows PCs - ✅ **Works on:** Dell XPS, HP ZBook, Lenovo ThinkPad P-series with Intel Thunderbolt controllers - ❌ **Problematic on:** Custom-built PCs with add-in Thunderbolt cards, older laptops (pre-2018) **Key requirement: Intel Thunderbolt controller** - Windows PCs need **Intel-certified Thunderbolt 3/4 controller** (not generic USB-C) - Check manufacturer specs: "Thunderbolt 3 certified" or "Intel Thunderbolt controller" - Generic USB-C does NOT support Thunderbolt devices **Driver installation (Windows):** 1. Install Intel Thunderbolt drivers from PC manufacturer (Dell, HP, etc.) 2. Install UAD Software from Universal Audio 3. Reboot after both installations 4. Authorize UAD plugins **Common Windows issues:** - **Thunderbolt not recognized:** Update Intel Thunderbolt drivers from PC manufacturer - **UAD Satellite disconnects randomly:** Disable USB power management in Device Manager - **Plugins don't appear in DAW:** Run UAD software as Administrator during first launch **Bottom line for Studio B/C/D:** - If students bring **Macs** → UAD Satellite will work reliably - If students bring **Windows laptops** → 50/50 chance (depends on laptop's Thunderbolt implementation) - **Plan for Windows students:** Have backup workflow (use host CPU for plugins, or limit to Mac-only sessions) ## KVM Switching Scenario: Studio B ### Current Studio B Setup (Hypothetical) **Your Mac:** - UAD Satellite connected via Thunderbolt (for your sessions) - Audio interface (e.g., Apollo Solo) connected via Thunderbolt **Student brings their laptop:** - Connects to KVM switch for monitors + keyboard/mouse - Wants to use UAD Satellite for plugin processing ### Proposed KVM Hub: CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub **[CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1676742-REG/caldigit_500934_thunderbolt_4_element_hub.html)** (~$180) **What it does:** - **4 Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports** (connect up to 4 TB devices) - **3 USB-A ports** (for keyboard, mouse, etc.) - **1 Thunderbolt 4 upstream port** (connects to computer) - **Daisy-chainable** (up to 5 devices in Thunderbolt chain) - **Power delivery:** 60W to connected laptop **Key limitation: THIS IS NOT A KVM SWITCH** - CalDigit Element Hub is a **Thunderbolt hub**, not a KVM - It **expands** one computer's Thunderbolt ports (4 downstream from 1 upstream) - It does **NOT switch** Thunderbolt devices between two computers ### The Harsh Reality: Thunderbolt Cannot Be KVM-Switched **Why you can't switch UAD Satellite between computers like video/keyboard/mouse:** **Thunderbolt carries PCIe data:** - UAD Satellite uses Thunderbolt for PCIe DSP communication (not just data transfer) - When you switch Thunderbolt, devices disconnect and reconnect (like unplugging/replugging) - UAD plugins unload from DAW, authorization resets, processing stops **No consumer Thunderbolt KVM exists:** - True Thunderbolt KVMs cost $5,000+ (enterprise IT management) - Even those cause device reinitialization (5-10 second disconnect/reconnect) - Not suitable for real-time audio work **What happens if you manually switch UAD Satellite:** 1. Unplug Thunderbolt cable from Mac → UAD Satellite disconnects 2. Plug into Student laptop → UAD Satellite reconnects (10 seconds initialization) 3. Student's DAW sees UAD plugins 4. After session: Unplug from Student → Student's session loses plugins 5. Plug back into Mac → Your DAW sees UAD Satellite again (10 seconds initialization) **Problems with manual switching:** - 10-second wait every switch - Your Mac loses UAD access during student session - Student's session can't be reopened without UAD Satellite connected - Risk of cable damage from constant plugging/unplugging ## Realistic Studio B Workflow Options ### Option 1: Dedicated UAD Satellite per Computer (Best Solution) **Setup:** ``` Your Mac → [Your UAD Satellite TB2 + TB3→TB2 adapter] → Your Thunderbolt port Student Laptop → [Spare UAD Satellite TB3 + CalDigit Hub] → Student's Thunderbolt port ``` **Cost:** ~$1,300 for [UAD Satellite Thunderbolt 3 Octo](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SatelliteOCt3--universal-audio-uad-2-satellite-thunderbolt-3-octo-custom-dsp-accelerator) **How it works:** - Your UAD Satellite stays connected to your Mac (never switches) - Student plugs their laptop into CalDigit Hub → Spare UAD Satellite available - Both computers can access UAD plugins simultaneously - No switching delays, no cable swapping **UAD plugin licensing:** - UAD plugins are **iLok-based** (not tied to hardware) - **You can authorize plugins on multiple Satellites** with one iLok account - Student needs their own UAD plugin licenses (or use your iLok account during session) - **Important:** UAD Console software requires online authorization check (student needs internet connection) **Pros:** - ✅ No switching complexity - ✅ Both computers always have access - ✅ Student can work independently **Cons:** - ❌ Expensive ($1,300 for spare Satellite) - ❌ Student needs their own UAD plugin licenses (or borrow yours via iLok) ### Option 2: Manual Cable Swapping (Free, but Tedious) **Setup:** - Keep UAD Satellite unplugged until student session - When student arrives: Unplug Thunderbolt from your Mac, plug into student laptop - Wait 10 seconds for UAD Satellite to initialize - Open UAD Console on student's laptop, authorize plugins (requires internet + iLok) - After session: Unplug from student, plug back into your Mac **Pros:** - ✅ Free (no additional hardware) - ✅ Works with any student laptop (Mac or Windows with Thunderbolt) **Cons:** - ❌ 10-second wait every switch - ❌ Your Mac loses UAD access during student session - ❌ Student's session requires UAD Satellite to reopen later - ❌ Constant cable plugging/unplugging (wear on connectors) ### Option 3: CalDigit Hub for Thunderbolt Daisy Chain (Your Mac Only) **Setup:** ``` Your Mac Thunderbolt port → [CalDigit Element Hub] ├→ UAD Satellite TB2 (via TB3→TB2 adapter) ├→ Audio interface (e.g., Apollo Solo) ├→ Storage drives └→ (spare Thunderbolt port for other devices) ``` **What this does:** - Expands your Mac's single Thunderbolt port into 4 Thunderbolt ports - All devices (UAD Satellite, Apollo Solo, storage) connect through hub - **Does NOT switch devices to student laptop** **For student:** - Student connects to separate KVM switch (video + keyboard/mouse only) - Student brings their own audio interface OR uses a spare interface - Student does NOT have access to UAD Satellite (it stays on your Mac) **Pros:** - ✅ Simplifies your Mac's Thunderbolt connections - ✅ No switching complexity - ✅ Cheap ($180) **Cons:** - ❌ Student can't use UAD plugins (no UAD Satellite access) - ❌ Requires student to bring their own interface or use a spare ### Option 4: Native Plugins Only (No UAD Satellite for Students) **Setup:** - Your Mac keeps UAD Satellite (never shared) - Student uses native CPU plugins (FabFilter, Waves, etc.) - Student brings their own audio interface **Pros:** - ✅ No Thunderbolt switching complexity - ✅ Works with any student laptop (Mac/Windows/Linux) - ✅ No UAD licensing issues **Cons:** - ❌ Student doesn't get UAD plugin experience - ❌ Requires student to use different plugins than you ## Studio C/D Scenario: Apollo Solo with KVM **[Universal Audio Apollo Solo](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ApolloSoloTB--universal-audio-apollo-solo-thunderbolt-3-audio-interface)** (~$600) - **Connection:** Thunderbolt 3 - **Built-in DSP:** SHARC processor for UAD plugins (fewer cores than Satellite) - **Audio interface + DSP accelerator** in one unit ### Same Thunderbolt Switching Problem **Apollo Solo cannot be KVM-switched between computers** for the same reasons as UAD Satellite: - Thunderbolt carries PCIe audio + DSP data - Switching = disconnect/reconnect (10 seconds, loses audio engine) - No consumer Thunderbolt KVM exists ### Realistic Studio C/D Workflow **Option 1: Dedicated Apollo Solo per computer** ``` Your Mac → [Your Apollo Solo] → Your Thunderbolt port Student Laptop → [Spare Apollo Solo] → Student's Thunderbolt port ``` **Cost:** ~$600 per spare Apollo Solo **Option 2: Student uses separate audio interface** ``` Your Mac → [Your Apollo Solo] (stays connected) Student Laptop → [CalDigit TS4 dock] → [Student's Scarlett/Focusrite via USB] ``` **Student uses:** - Their own audio interface (USB, no Thunderbolt needed) - Native CPU plugins (no UAD DSP) - KVM switch for video + keyboard/mouse only ## CalDigit Element Hub: What It Actually Does **NOT a KVM switch:** - Does NOT switch Thunderbolt devices between two computers - Does NOT have multiple "upstream" inputs (one for each computer) **What it IS:** - **Thunderbolt port multiplier** for one computer - Expands 1 Thunderbolt port → 4 Thunderbolt ports - Useful for connecting multiple Thunderbolt devices to single laptop **Example use case (CORRECT usage):** ``` Student Laptop (1 Thunderbolt port) → [CalDigit Element Hub] ├→ External SSD ├→ Thunderbolt display ├→ Audio interface (if it were shareable, which it isn't for audio work) └→ (spare port) ``` **Example use case (YOUR situation):** ``` Your Mac (2 Thunderbolt ports) → Port 1: [CalDigit Element Hub] ├→ UAD Satellite TB2 (via adapter) ├→ Storage drives └→ (spare ports) → Port 2: [Apollo Solo directly connected] ``` This keeps your Thunderbolt devices organized but **does not enable switching to student laptops**. ## Recommended Solution: Complete Studio B Setup ### For Video/Keyboard/Mouse: TESmart KVM **[TESmart HKS403-P23](https://www.tesmart.com/products/hks403-p23)** (~$470) - Switches monitors, keyboard, mouse between computers - **Does NOT switch Thunderbolt devices** ### For Audio: Separate Interfaces per Computer **Your Mac:** - Apollo Solo (Thunderbolt 3) - UAD Satellite TB2 (via TB3→TB2 adapter) → Connected through CalDigit Element Hub - Both stay connected to your Mac permanently **Student setup option A (if student needs UAD):** - Spare UAD Satellite TB3 (~$1,300) - Student plugs Thunderbolt cable into spare Satellite during session - Student needs UAD plugin licenses (borrow via iLok or use their own) **Student setup option B (budget-friendly):** - Student brings their own USB audio interface (Scarlett, Focusrite, etc.) - Student uses native CPU plugins (no UAD DSP) - Connects via USB (no Thunderbolt needed) ### Complete Studio B Shopping List (Option A: Spare UAD Satellite) | Component | Purpose | Price | |-----------|---------|-------| | [TESmart HKS403-P23](https://www.tesmart.com/products/hks403-p23) | KVM switch (video/keyboard/mouse) | ~$470 | | [CalDigit Element Hub](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1676742-REG/caldigit_500934_thunderbolt_4_element_hub.html) | Thunderbolt port multiplier (your Mac) | ~$180 | | [UAD Satellite TB3 Octo](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SatelliteOCt3--universal-audio-uad-2-satellite-thunderbolt-3-octo-custom-dsp-accelerator) | Spare UAD Satellite for students | ~$1,300 | | [Apple TB3→TB2 Adapter](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1293724-REG/apple_mmel2am_a_thunderbolt_3_usb_c_to.html) | Connect your existing TB2 Satellite to modern Macs | ~$50 | | [CalDigit TS4 Dock](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1681553-REG/caldigit_ts4_18_port_thunderbolt.html) | Single-cable connection for student laptops | ~$400 | | **Total** | | **~$2,400** | ### Complete Studio B Shopping List (Option B: Budget-Friendly) | Component | Purpose | Price | |-----------|---------|-------| | [TESmart HKS403-P23](https://www.tesmart.com/products/hks403-p23) | KVM switch (video/keyboard/mouse) | ~$470 | | [CalDigit Element Hub](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1676742-REG/caldigit_500934_thunderbolt_4_element_hub.html) | Thunderbolt port multiplier (your Mac) | ~$180 | | [Apple TB3→TB2 Adapter](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1293724-REG/apple_mmel2am_a_thunderbolt_3_usb_c_to.html) | Connect your existing TB2 Satellite | ~$50 | | Spare USB audio interface | For students (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, etc.) | ~$180 | | **Total** | | **~$880** | **Option B workflow:** - Student doesn't get UAD plugins (uses native CPU plugins instead) - Much cheaper ($880 vs $2,400) - Student still gets professional recording experience - Your UAD Satellite + Apollo Solo stay on your Mac (never shared) ## Studios B/C/D: Single Display Changes Everything ### Critical Insight: You Don't Need a KVM Switch **Your observation is correct!** Studios B, C, and D have **single display setups**, which completely changes the hardware requirements. **With single display:** - ❌ Don't need TESmart KVM ($470 saved per studio) - ✅ Just need **Thunderbolt port multiplier** (CalDigit Element Hub, $180) - ✅ One cable swap = all peripherals rerouted **Current USB Hub Grey approach:** ``` Student Laptop USB-C → [USB Hub Grey] ├→ Ethernet (internet) ├→ Keyboard/Mouse ├→ Lynx Aurora (Studio B) or PreSonus (Studios C/D) ├→ iLok ├→ Softube Console └→ HDMI to single monitor ``` **Proposed CalDigit Element Hub approach (SAME workflow, better hardware):** ``` Student Laptop Thunderbolt → [CalDigit Element Hub] ├→ Ethernet (via USB-A adapter) ├→ Keyboard/Mouse (USB-A ports) ├→ Audio interface (Thunderbolt) ├→ iLok (USB-A) ├→ Softube Console (USB) └→ HDMI to single monitor (via adapter) ``` **What you're missing: NOTHING!** Your approach is **correct** for single-display studios: - ✅ One cable swap switches everything (monitor, keyboard, mouse, audio interface) - ✅ CalDigit Element Hub is exactly the right tool (port multiplier) - ✅ No need for expensive KVM switch ($470 saved per studio) - ✅ Thunderbolt devices still face disconnect/reconnect (10 seconds), but acceptable for single cable convenience ### Per-Studio Hardware (Revised for Single Display) **Studio B:** - **CalDigit Element Hub** ($180) instead of USB Hub Grey - Connects: Lynx Aurora (Thunderbolt), keyboard/mouse (USB-A), iLok, Softube Console, HDMI adapter - Student swap: Unplug Thunderbolt cable from your Mac → Plug into student laptop - 10-second wait for Lynx Aurora to reinitialize (acceptable trade-off) **Studios C/D:** - **CalDigit Element Hub** ($180 each) instead of USB Second Best Hub - Connects: Apollo Solo (Thunderbolt), keyboard/mouse (USB-A), iLok, Softube Console, HDMI adapter - Student swap: Unplug Thunderbolt cable from your Mac → Plug into student laptop - 10-second wait for Apollo Solo to reinitialize (acceptable trade-off) ### Cost Comparison: Single Display vs Multi-Display **Studio A (3 displays):** - Needs TESmart KVM ($470) for independent monitor routing - Needs CalDigit Element Hub ($180) for Thunderbolt organization - Cannot swap Thunderbolt audio easily (keep separate per computer) - **Total: ~$650+ for proper KVM setup** **Studios B/C/D (1 display):** - Only need CalDigit Element Hub ($180) for port multiplier - One cable swap = everything switches - 10-second reinitialize acceptable for single cable convenience - **Total: $180 per studio** **Savings for Studios B/C/D:** $470 per studio × 3 = **$1,410 saved** ### What About UAD Satellite in Studio B? **Your UAD Satellite TB2 can connect through CalDigit Element Hub:** ``` Student Laptop Thunderbolt → [CalDigit Element Hub] ├→ UAD Satellite TB2 (via TB3→TB2 adapter) ├→ Lynx Aurora ├→ Keyboard/Mouse └→ HDMI to monitor ``` **Trade-offs:** - ✅ Student gets UAD plugin access - ✅ One cable swap for everything - ❌ 10-second wait for UAD + Lynx to reinitialize - ❌ Your Mac loses UAD access during student session - ❌ Student needs UAD plugin licenses (iLok sharing) **Alternative (if you want to keep UAD for yourself):** ``` Your Mac → [Your UAD Satellite TB2 stays connected directly] Student Laptop → [CalDigit Element Hub without UAD] ├→ Lynx Aurora only ├→ Keyboard/Mouse └→ HDMI to monitor ``` **This way:** - ✅ Your Mac always has UAD access - ✅ Student still gets Lynx Aurora (professional interface) - ✅ Student uses native CPU plugins (no UAD) - ❌ Student doesn't get UAD plugin experience ### Shared Single-Display Approach (All Studios B/C/D) **Per-studio hardware:** - CalDigit Element Hub: $180 - Apple TB3→TB2 adapter (if needed): $50 - **Total: $180-230 per studio** **For 3 studios (B, C, D):** ~$540-690 total (vs $2,490 with KVM approach) ## The Bottom Line ### What Works ✅ **KVM switching for video, keyboard, mouse** (TESmart or similar) - Hardware-based, instant switching - No device reinitialization - Works perfectly ✅ **CalDigit Element Hub for Thunderbolt port expansion** (your Mac) - Organize multiple Thunderbolt devices on your Mac - UAD Satellite + Apollo Solo + Storage all connect through hub - Stays connected to your Mac permanently ✅ **Separate audio interfaces per computer** - Your Mac: Apollo Solo + UAD Satellite (via CalDigit Hub) - Student: Spare Apollo Solo OR spare USB interface - No switching complexity, both computers always have audio access ### What Doesn't Work ❌ **Switching Thunderbolt devices (UAD Satellite, Apollo Solo) between computers** - Thunderbolt is PCIe data, not just video - No consumer KVM exists - Causes device disconnect/reconnect (5-10 seconds) - Loses audio engine, plugin state, authorization ❌ **Using CalDigit Element Hub as a KVM** - It's a Thunderbolt port multiplier for ONE computer - Does NOT switch devices between two computers - Has only 1 "upstream" port (not 2+ for multiple computers) ### Best Recommendation **Studio B/C/D setup:** 1. **KVM switch for displays/keyboard/mouse** (TESmart HKS403-P23, $470 per studio) 2. **CalDigit Element Hub for your Mac** (organize Thunderbolt devices, $180 per studio) 3. **Separate audio interfaces:** - Your Mac: Keep your Apollo Solo + UAD Satellite (connected via Element Hub) - Student: **Spare USB audio interface** (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, $180) - **Skip the spare UAD Satellite/Apollo** (too expensive, $600-1,300 per studio) **Why spare USB interface instead of spare Apollo/Satellite:** - Much cheaper ($180 vs $600-1,300) - Student still learns professional recording workflow - No UAD licensing issues - Works with any student laptop (Mac/Windows/Linux) - You keep UAD plugins for your sessions (not shared) **Total cost per studio:** - TESmart KVM: $470 - CalDigit Element Hub: $180 - Spare Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: $180 - **Total: ~$830 per studio** **For 3 studios (B, C, D):** ~$2,490 total This avoids the Thunderbolt switching problem entirely while keeping costs reasonable. ## Windows Laptop Compatibility Summary **If student brings Windows laptop:** - ✅ **Video/keyboard/mouse via KVM:** Works perfectly (any Windows laptop) - ✅ **USB audio interface:** Works perfectly (class-compliant or Windows drivers) - ⚠️ **UAD Satellite via Thunderbolt:** 50/50 chance (depends on laptop's Thunderbolt controller) - ✅ Works: Dell XPS, HP ZBook, Lenovo ThinkPad P-series (Intel Thunderbolt) - ❌ Problematic: Custom PCs, older laptops (pre-2018), non-Intel Thunderbolt controllers **Bottom line:** Use spare USB audio interface (not spare UAD Satellite) to avoid Windows Thunderbolt compatibility issues. ## Final Workflow Diagram ### Studio B (Recommended Setup) ``` ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ TESmart KVM Switch │ │ (Switches: 3 monitors, keyboard, mouse between computers) │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ↑ HDMI ↑ HDMI │ │ ┌────────┴─────────┐ ┌───────┴──────────┐ │ Your Mac │ │ Student Laptop │ │ │ │ │ │ Thunderbolt → [CalDigit Hub] │ USB-C → [TS4] │ │ ├→ Apollo Solo │ └→ Scarlett 2i2 (USB) │ ├→ UAD Satellite TB2 │ │ └→ Storage drives │ └──────────────────┘ └──────────────────┘ ``` **Key insight:** Thunderbolt devices (Apollo, UAD Satellite) stay on YOUR Mac. Student uses separate USB interface. No Thunderbolt switching = no problems.