Universal Audio have announced a complete redesign of their award-winning range of Apollo desktop and rackmount audio interfaces. Comprising seven new models, the Apollo X Gen 2 series features the best converter specs of any Apollo to date, and introduces a whole host of new features and functions.
What’s New?
Alongside the new high-end 24-bit / 192kHz converters, each of the updated interfaces benefit from some powerful new features including:
- Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks: Apollo X users can now import Sonarworks SoundID correction profiles directly to Apollo DSP to precisely calibrate their monitors, headphones and room in real time for consistent mixes and masters. Available Q4 2024 for Apollo X Gen 1 and Gen 2.
- Assistive Auto-Gain: Fast, one-click level setting across all input channels, including Unison mic preamp emulations from API, Neve and SSL.
- Subwoofer Bass Management: Add a subwoofer for full-range stereo and surround monitoring with per-speaker trim, mute, solo and crossover controls.
- Alt Monitoring for Surround Modes: New modes for alternate monitoring allow immersive users to easily switch between immersive and stereo monitoring setups.
- Plug-In Scenes: Perfect for using Apollo onstage, Apollo users can instantly change plug-in settings across multiple UAD Console channels manually or via MIDI.
*Requires Apollo Monitor Correction Add-On and SoundID Reference licenses, available directly from Sonarworks.
The Gen 2 models offer an updated and improved version of the entire Apollo line-up, all of which retain their original I/O counts while benefitting from the enhanced feature set. The recently released Dante-equipped x16D remains the same, but still forms part of the current series. All of the features that have made the Apollos such a popular choice remain, including their innovative Unison preamps, onboard DSP and integrated monitor control functionality. As for connectivity with the host computer, all of the new interfaces utilise Thunderbolt, although the Twin X USB and Solo USB remain a part of the current Apollo range.
All of the new interfaces also come with Anatares Auto-Tune as standard, and can be purchased alongside Essentials+ Edition or Studio+ Edition UAD plug-in bundles. The Apollo x16 and x16D are available in either Essentials+ or Ultimate+ Editions.
UAD Plug-in Releases
Topline Vocal Suite aims to provide an all-in-one solution for vocal processing.
As well as the new interfaces, Universal Audio have also announced some additions and changes to their plug-in collection. The latest member of the UAD family, Topline Vocal Suite, combines modern pitch-correction with a range of the company’s renowned modelled preamps, EQs and compressors, as well as a selection of reverb, tape delay and modulation effects.
UA's Dream '65, Ruby '63 and Lion '68 pedals are now available in plug-in form.Native plug-in versions of three UAFX pedals have been introduced, too, with users now able to access the sounds of the Dream '65, Ruby '63 and Lion '68 inside of their DAW. The plug-ins rely on the same algorithms used in their hardware counterparts, and run natively on Mac and Windows systems with no UAD hardware required. Finally, native versions of the existing SSL 4000 E Channel Strip and G Bus Compressor plug-ins are now available.
Pricing & Availability
The Apollo X Gen 2 range are available now. with pricing as follows:
Essentials+ Editions
- Apollo Twin X DUO Gen 2: $1199
- Apollo Twin X QUAD Gen 2: $1499
- Apollo x4 Gen 2: $1999
- Apollo x6 Gen 2: $2499
- Apollo x8 Gen 2: $2899
- Apollo x8p Gen 2: $3499
- Apollo x16 Gen 2: $3999
- Apollo x16D Gen 2 Dante: $2999
Studio+ Editions
- Apollo Twin X DUO Gen 2: $1499
- Apollo Twin X QUAD Gen 2: $1799
- Apollo x4 Gen 2: $2299
- Apollo x6 Gen 2: $2799
- Apollo x8 Gen 2: $3199
- Apollo x8p Gen 2: $3799
Ultimate+ Editions
- Apollo x16 Gen 2: $4999
- Apollo x16D Gen 2 Dante: $3999
Topline Vocal Suite and the new Guitar Amp Plug-Ins are also available now, with the former priced at $399 and the latter costing $299 each.
