Universal Audio have announced the launch of the Apollo Twin X USB, bringing all of the features of their popular compact desktop audio interface to Windows users via USB 3. With the exception of the USB connectivity, the Apollo Twin X USB is idential to its Thunderbolt-equipped counterpart, offering 10 inputs along with six outputs and a range of built-in monitor control functions.
Connectivity & Control
A pair of XLR/TRS combo sockets provide a connection for microphone or line-level sources, feeding into the company’s Unison preamps, which allow the interface’s circuitry to pair up with selected UAD-2 plug-ins and emulate a range of classic preamps. A Toslink input allows a further eight inputs to be added using the ADAT protocol (or two via Optical S/PDIF), whilst a Hi-Z input on the front panel offers a direct connection for instruments. Four line-level outputs are provided on quarter-inch TRS sockets, with a dedicated headphone output provided on the front panel.
Preamp and Monitor switches on the top panel allow the Twin’s large rotary control to be assigned to preamp gain for either channel, or the output level of either the main monitor or headphone outputs. A row of function switches then provide access to key features such as input source selection, high-pass filtering, phantom power, pad, polarity and channel linking for stereo recording. Helpfully, they can also be used to provide a range of monitor control functions including talkback, dim, mono and mute, as well as switching the main output signal between two pairs of connected monitors.
The new version of the Apollo Twin X is identical to the existing model, but offers USB 3 connectivity rather than Thunderbolt.
UAD-2 Plug-ins
The interface is also equipped with UAD-2 Duo processing, utilising a pair of onboard DSP chips to host the company’s UAD-2 plug-in processors. In addition to being used within a DAW session as VST or AAX plug-ins, it is also possible to track through the processors with almost no latency, regardless of a DAW’s audio buffer size.
When purchasing an Apollo Twin X USB, users will also gain access to the company’s Heritage Edition plug-in bundle, which contains the company’s Teletronix LA-2A and 1176 compressor collections, 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ Collection, Pultec Passive EQ Collection, Pure Plate Reverb and more.
To find out more about the Apollo Twin X, check out our review of the original Thunderbolt model.
Pricing & Availability
The Apollo Twin X USB is available now, priced at $999.
