• Registered: 2025-10-01
  • Posts: 7

Topic: M4 Max or M3 Ultra & UFX+

I'm debating about getting a Mac studio M4 max or M3 ultra. I have RME UFX+ interface.

I've read about the problems with mac and USB 3 drivers. Would the UFX+ work with adapter through thunderbolt? Or are the USB problems already fixed. I'm not going to rely on kernel extensions since those are to be discontinued

Looking for user experience of someone with either machine paired with UFX+.

  • From: Haimhausen
  • Registered: 2012-04-02
  • Posts: 435

Re: M4 Max or M3 Ultra & UFX+

The problems are not on every mac. And the problems decrease lately, due to updates on the MacOS. But indeed you can use Thunderbolt as well with the Apple Thunderbolt 2 to TB 3 adapter. Thunderbolt is not affected.

There are also two Thunderbolt drivers, kernel and Driverkit.

Regards,
Audio AG Support

Audio AG Support's Website

3 Reply by frank.acklin (edited by frank.acklin 2025-10-01 10:00:35)

  • Registered: 2011-07-21
  • Posts: 78

Re: M4 Max or M3 Ultra & UFX+

I‘m using the UFX+ on a Mac Studio M4 Max and it works flawlessly over USB and TB. I‘m still on macOS 15.7 but briefly tried macOS 26 which also works. Rolled back because I hate the design choices.

Happy Fireface UFX+, Octamic XTC and M-32 Pro user.
http://www.stoersender-studio.ch
  • Registered: 2025-10-01
  • Posts: 7

Re: M4 Max or M3 Ultra & UFX+

frank.acklin wrote:

I‘m using the UFX+ on a Mac Studio M4 Max and it works flawlessly over USB and TB. I‘m still on macOS 15.7 but briefly tried macOS 26 which also works. Rolled back because I hate the design choices.

Good to know thanks! If I take the mac route I'll most likely be stuck with tahoe.

I've been windows guy forever, but my current computer is outdated and I can't update to win11

Zero experience on macs ever, but mac studios seem like genuinely great machines and i want something that always works and has no driver problems.

  • Registered: 2025-10-01
  • Posts: 7

Re: M4 Max or M3 Ultra & UFX+

Audio AG Support wrote:

The problems are not on every mac. And the problems decrease lately, due to updates on the MacOS. But indeed you can use Thunderbolt as well with the Apple Thunderbolt 2 to TB 3 adapter. Thunderbolt is not affected.

There are also two Thunderbolt drivers, kernel and Driverkit.

Nice! Thanks for the answer.

I'll probably use the TB adapter setup then if I end up buying the mac studio. And the driver kit driver