🎯 IN BRIEF
- Universal Audio Apollo combines analog emulations (Neve, API, SSL), Unison preamps and DSP for real-time UAD plug-ins.
- the range includes 9 models, from the portable Apollo Solo (1 DSP core) to the x16D with Dante network (6 cores).
- compact desktop or professional 1U rack formats, with 1 to 8 Unison preamps to suit your recording needs.
- a detailed comparison chart helps you identify the ideal interface for your studio configuration.
Universal Audio is renowned for the quality of its Audio interfaces, providing high-end audio processing. Their flagship interfaces are the Apollo, which provide the very best in terms of converters, analog emulation (Neve, API, Manley, SSL…) via Unison preamps, and DSP technology for real-time processing of UAD plug-ins.
The Apollo range now offers a variety of models to suit a wide range of configurations. To find the one that suits you best, you’ve come to the right place!
Apollo Solo USB or Thunderbolt
The first in the series, ideal for solo home studio setups, for musicians on the move, content creators and podcasters.
- Type: Desktop
- DSP: 1 core (Solo Core)
- Inputs/Outputs: 2 mic/line inputs (combo Jack/XLR), 1 instrument input (Hi-Z), 2 line outputs, 1 set of headphones
- Unison preamps: 1
- Formats: USB-C (Windows PC) or Thunderbolt 3 (PC or Mac)
Simple, light and efficient, this is the ideal interface for enjoying UAD quality without the hassle. It comes in a USB version for Windows PCs, and a Thunderbolt 3 version for Macs (or equipped PCs).
Apollo Twin X GEN 2 (Duet or Quad)
For more plug-in-demanding home studios, with two or four cores for greater performance and fluidity.
- Type : Desktop
- DSP: 2 or 4 cores (DUO / QUAD)
- Inputs/Outputs: 2 combo inputs (MIC/line), 1 Hi-Z input, 4 line outputs, 1 headphone, 1 ADAT port
- Unison preamps: 2
- Formats: Thunderbolt 3
The Apollo Twin X has become a home studio reference. It’s perfect for recording vocals, guitar, synth or even drums, and comes in two models: DUET or QUAD, depending on whether you want to opt for 2 or 4 cores for using UAD plug-ins.
Apollo x4
With its multiple inputs, the Apollo X4 is ideal for multi-instrumentalist producers and small bands.
- Type : Desktop
- DSP : 4 cores
- Inputs/Outputs: 4 combo inputs, 2 Hi-Z, 6 line outputs, 2 headphone outputs, ADAT
- Unison preamps: 4
- Format: Thunderbolt 3
A compact, ultra-versatile desktop interface, perfect if you’re recording several instruments or Singers at once. The X4 is undoubtedly the best-performing Apollo desktop interface.
Apollo x6
The first of the Series in rack format, the Apollo x6 loads a HEXA Core DSP (6 cores) and 8 inputs in total: 2 mic/line, and 6 line.
- Type : 1U rack
- DSP : 6 cores (HEXA Core)
- Inputs/Outputs: 2 mic/line inputs, 6 line inputs, 8 line outputs, ADAT, 2 Headphones
- Unison preamps: 2
- Format: Thunderbolt 3
An excellent rack interface for studios using external hardware (preamps, effects…) or wishing to mix in 5.1 surround. Its 6 line inputs make the Apollo x6 a superb solution for keyboardists who will be able to plug in 3 synths in stereo.
Apollo x8
The x8 is aimed at producers, sound engineers, composers and artists who use several external devices and record a multitude of sources simultaneously. Primarily, it offers an alternative with more inputs and outputs than the x6.
- Type: 1U rack
- DSP: 6 cores
- Inputs/outputs: 4 mic/line inputs, 8 line inputs, 10 outputs, ADAT, S/PDIF
- Unison x8 preamps: 4
- Format: Thunderbolt 3
The Apollo x8 is designed for multitrack projects, with great studio flexibility, whether recording, mixing or working on audio post-production.
Apollo x8p
The x8p is an alternative to the x8 with more microphone inputs and Unison preamps, ideal for bands (with drums, for example) or orchestral ensembles.
- Type : 1U rack
- DSP: 6 cores
- Inputs/outputs: 8 mic/line inputs, 10 outputs, ADAT, S/PDIF
- Unison preamps: 8
- Format: Thunderbolt 3
Its 8 built-in Unison preamps make the x8p ideal for simultaneously recording multiple microphones without the need for external preamps. This makes it ideal for studios with intensive tracking, or for users who regularly need to connect multiple microphones.
Apollo x16
For integrated studios with large outboard racks
- Type : 1U rack
- DSP: 6 cores
- I/O: 16 analog inputs/outputs on DB25
- Unison preamps: none
The x16 is designed for studios equipped with external preamps, analog summers or high-end converters.
Apollo x16D – With integrated Dante
For broadcast, live or network studios
- Type : 1U rack
- DSP : 6 cores
- I/O: 16×16 analog Dante, Word Clock, ADAT
The x16D model features Dante network integration, ideal for interconnected studios, live installations or video post-prod.
Apollo interface comparison chart
| Format | DSP | I/O Total | Unison | Ideal for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo Solo | Portable | 1 core | 2×4 | 1 | Mobile musicians, podcasts |
| Twin X Duet | Desktop | 2 cores | 10×6 | 2 | Home studio simple |
| Twin X Quad | Desktop | 4 cores | 10×6 | 2 | Advanced home studio |
| Apollo x4 | Desktop | 4 cores | 12×18 | 4 | Small pro studios |
| Apollo x6 | 1U rack | 6 cores | 16×22 | 2 | Hybrid studios |
| Apollo x8 | 1U rack | 6 cores | 18×24 | 4 | Multi-track studios |
| Apollo x8p | 1U rack | 6 cores | 18×24 | 8 | Bands, Orchestras, Drums |
| Apollo x16 | 1U rack | 6 cores | 18×20 | 0 | Studios with outboard |
| Apollo x16D | 1U rack | 6 cores | 18×20 Dante | 0 | Dante network, broadcast |