Universal Audio's Apollo audio interface range is an industry standard for top audio engineers – they’ve contributed to Grammy-winning records from Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, The Rolling Stones and Post Malone, just to name a few. They’re now found in front of house setups for major live tours with Iron Maiden, Shakira and Backstreet Boys thanks to Dante networking integration. Racks of Apollo interfaces are used in famous recording spaces like AIR Studios in London. Careers have been built thanks to the Apollo and you too can benefit from their sound quality whether you’re just getting started with a serious home studio or kitting out a professional recording studio.
What are Universal Audio Apollo interfaces?
New features in Apollo 2nd generation
Improved AD/DA conversion
More accurate critical listening and recording thanks to lower distortion and higher dynamic range.
Sonarworks Monitor Correction
Runs SoundID Reference room and headphone correction directly on Apollo's DSP, so it doesn't use your computer's CPU.
Assistive auto gain
Automatically sets healthy recording levels on inputs so you'll recording will never clip, plus support for Unison preamps.
Subwoofer Bass Management
Built-in crossover and bass management for stereo and surround monitoring. More control over the low-end.
Plug-in Scenes
Save and instantly recall Console plugin chains, useful for live performance or quickly changing recording setups.
Enhanced surround monitoring
New modes to switch between stereo and immersive monitoring setups.
Apollo Twin X Duo and Quad Gen 2
The smallest of the Apollo audio interfaces is the Twin X Duo, a premium desktop unit for solo artists, producers and small projects only running two microphones at most simultaneously. It’s light and compact for you to record as you travel, while still giving you insanely good UA dynamic range and low distortion of the larger interfaces, as well as the choice of classic real-time preamp emulations and a super handy auto-gain levelling introduced in this 2nd generation.
The Twin X also costs the least in the range, so it’ll be the best choice working on a budget. You have the choice of Duo or Quad core DSP – the latter is ideal when running lots of plug-ins across multiple recording tracks for maximum processing efficiency.
Key features
• 2 Unison mic/line preamps
• Duo or Quad Core DSP options
• Stereo monitor outputs plus two line outs
• ADAT expansion for adding up to 8 extra inputs
• Desktop form factor
Best suited to:
• Home studios
• Vocal recording
• Music production
• Producers on the move
Apollo X4 Gen 2 interface
As we move through the range, you’ll find each interface getting progressively larger and equipped with more connectivity options. The Apollo X4 takes every great 2nd gen feature from the Twin X and doubles the I/Os to four analogue Unison preamps, two Hi-Z instrument inputs for guitars and basses, two headphone outs and four non-monitor-dedicated outputs. That makes the X4 an excellent choice for engineers and producers working alongside musicians, but who want to keep things compact rather than step up to a rack unit.
Although not any more powerful than a Twin X Quad with four DSP chips and still utilising 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion, all the extra connectivity allows you to record more audio sources at a time (drum overheads, stereo instruments, small bands etc.), incorporate more analogue gear like effects pedals and units, synths and samplers and add extra reference speakers to your setup.
Key features
• 4 Unison mic/line preamps
• QUAD Core UAD DSP
• Additional line I/O compared to Twin
• ADAT expansion
• Desktop workflow
Best suited to:
• Serious home studios
• Multi-instrumentalists
• Producers recording several sources simultaneously
Apollo X6 Gen 2 interface
The Apollo X6 is your entry into the rackmount range. This will slot right into any standardised 1U 19-inch studio rack case. Although the X6 has just the two preamps, it’s because this unit is for growing commercial studios and factors in using more analogue gear with six dedicated line inputs and six outputs. You’re already likely to have external preamps, so the X6 lets you hook up to more units like compressors, reverbs and whatever else you have in your studio. The six DSP chips give you even more real-time plug-in power for significant session work.
The larger Apollo interfaces might be overkill for some studios with rack gear already, and you can always use the X6 as a stepping stone before taking the leap into the upper echelons of the Apollo range without the more significant outlay.
Key features
• 2 Unison preamps
• Expanded analogue I/O
• HEXA Core UAD DSP
• Rackmount format
• Greater connectivity than desktop models
Best suited to:
• Growing commercial studios
• Hybrid analogue/digital workflows
• Users with external mic preamps
Apollo X8 Gen 2 interface
The Apollo X8 is the interface sweet spot for a lot of professional studios. It’s got four Unison preamps – double the X6 and enough for most recording sessions – and the same powerful Hexa Core DSP. That will cover any drums, bands and musical ensembles, especially when paired with an extra external preamp unit. This is the best fit too if you’ve got a lot of external equipment. A versatile all-rounder!
Key features
• 4 Unison mic preamps
• HEXA Core DSP
• Increased analogue I/O
• ADAT expansion
• Rackmount design
Best suited to:
• Commercial recording studios
• Band recording
• Professional producers
• Engineers needing versatility
Apollo X8p Gen 2 interface
If you’re building a pro recording studio from scratch or looking to cut down on rack units then the X8p is perfect to slot right into your free space. Off the bat it’s got eight preamps, which is the max amount among all Apollo interfaces. That’s plenty for full drum kits and ensembles without the need for additional preamps – it’s worth remembering that you’re getting the benefit of Unison real-time plug-ins from every preamp, unlike if you relied on external preamps.
Where the X8 is suited to slot in with lots of other preamps, compressors and EQs you already have, the X8p is geared towards being the hub of your recording setup.
Key features
• 8 Unison microphone preamps
• HEXA Core DSP
• Rackmount format
• Extensive analogue I/O
Best suited to:
• Drum recording
• Live tracking
• Professional studios
• Educational facilities
• Podcast studios recording multiple presenters
Apollo X16 Gen 2 interface
The X16 is purely designed for existing pro studios built around external consoles and outboard gear. It’s less of a recording interface and more a monitoring hub with a huge 16 line in/outs but no preamps, guitar inputs or dedicated headphone outs. For example, the X16 would be a great addition to a studio already using a 16-channel console, preamps, bus compressors and multiple EQs and hardware reverbs.
What you do get with the X16 is 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos as opposed to the X8’s 7.1 surround sound. That makes it the better interface to mix and master multi-channel films, TV and video game scores. You also get access to the most comprehensive 100+ plug-in bundle for complete creative control. The addition of Dante networking means the X16 can transmit uncompressed, multi-channel digital audio over Ethernet, removing the need for cluttered cable management.
Key features
• 16 analogue line inputs
• 16 analogue outputs
• No microphone preamps
• HEXA Core DSP
• Extensive monitor control
• Immersive audio support
Best suited to:
• Studios using external consoles and premium outboard
• High-end commercial studios
• Mixing engineers
• Mastering engineers
• Dolby Atmos and immersive production
Apollo interface FAQs
What makes Apollo interfaces’ AD/DA conversion so good?
Apollo units contain professional-grade 24-bit/192 kHz converters. A few top-class interfaces also use these, but it’s the combination with the latest Gen 2 tweaks and excellent analogue electronics surrounding them that gives the Apollo range greater dynamic range and lower distortion.
What that means in practical terms: your recordings sound crisp without being clinical, detailed in the midrange and smooth on top-end frequencies. The conversion of your analogue source to digital data is incredibly accurate and sounds as natural as technologically possible.
Additionally, Apollo’s quality D/A monitor outputs are a huge strength because you’ll be able to make easier placement for instruments and make more reliable EQ decisions.
What are Unison preamps?
Building on the top-of-the-line A/D conversion is the Unison preamp. These let you emulate classic analogue mic preamps from Neve, API, SSL and Avalon, as well as a long list of guitar amps and effects. Where other audio interfaces provide you with software that impact your audio after it has already been recorded, the Unison preamps influence impedance and gain behaviour before the A/D conversion, so it’s like you’re recording into the real-life analogue gear with all their unique tonalities and adaptations to different sound sources – and often mics, amps and effects you can’t buy new today.
What are UAD plug-ins?
Plug-ins let you use different types of preamps, guitar amps, instrument and vocal effects, synths, pianos, strings, brass, woodwinds and everything else you’d want (usually hardware you can’t buy new) to bring your ideas to life in digital form through your DAW, so you never need to cram loads of physical gear into your studio. This opens so many new sonic possibilities.
Universal Audio has one of, if not the most impressive and extensive plug-in library, including legendary creations from Marshall, Ampeg, Pultec, Lexicon, Eventide and more. You’re getting brilliant sounds and super tactile interfaces to select all your settings. These come included when you buy an Apollo interface.
What's the difference between Analog and Analog Pro interface bundles?
You get 35 plug-ins in the standard Analog Classics bundle. These include channel strips & preamps, compressors/limiters, EQ, special processing, delay & modulation, reverb, mastering, synth, and guitar & bass amps and effects.
That number is increased to over 80 plug-ins in the Analog Classics Pro bundle, with the addition of vocals & pitch correction and extensions to UA's DAW called Luna.
What is auto gain?
When you’re setting up a new recording session, you’ll need to plug in your instrument and adjust the gain levels to suit said instrument. This level will change depending on whether you’re recording a guitar, a bass, a synth, vocals and so on. The 2nd gen Apollo auto gain removes the need to manually adjust input levels, which is a fantastic feature if you’re a beginner, if you’re working quickly and with lots of different sound sources, or even if you’re a highly experienced pro because it gives you a baseline to work with and you can tweak from there.
How does processing power affect plug-ins?
To run several plug-ins in real time as you record to get the sounds you want with virtually no latency, Apollo interfaces require a heck of a lot of processing power. Depending on the specific model, Apollos come equipped with one to eight DSP chips to take the heat off your PC’s CPU, which frees it up to handle other processing needs and run more smoothly.
Will Apollo interfaces pair well with my studio monitors and headphones?
Yes! The free UAD Console plug-in and Apollo Monitor Correction, made in collaboration with Sonarworks, controls levels, routing, scenes, and real time effects monitoring to get you perfectly balanced headphone and studio monitor mixes.
Why are Universal Audio interfaces expensive?
There is no denying that Universal Audio Apollo interfaces don’t come cheap. That’s because they utilise premium analogue components, technologically advanced preamps and leading AD/DA conversion. Add to that an extensive library of plug-ins included with each interface, and the price increases. If you’re shopping for an audio interface on a budget, the Volt range gets you all the core features of UA’s brilliant sound conversion and additional quality of life features in a more affordable package.
Are Apollo interfaces compatible with both Mac and Windows?
Yes, Apollo interfaces contain high-speed data transfer Thunderbolt ports for Mac and Windows.