Universal Audio has introduced Apollo, a high-resolution computer audio interface that delivers the sound and feel of analog recording.
Apollo is a FireWire 800/Thunderbolt-ready interface combines genuine UA analog design with class-leading sound quality and onboard realtime UAD plug-in processing.
Designed to play a central role in a modern Mac- or PC-based studio, Apollo builds upon decades of UA’s analog hardware heritage. It offers extremely high-resolution sonics, with the lowest THD and highest dynamic range in its class.
Apollo’s premium mic preamps, top-end converters — and UA’s meticulous attention to circuit design — translate into greater accuracy and depth in recordings, from tracking and overdubbing, to mixing and mastering.
While Apollo’s “natural” sound is exceedingly open and transparent, it can quickly deliver a wide range of classic analog tones and color via its realtime UAD processing. Available with either DUO Core or QUAD Core processing onboard, this onboard DSP Acceleration allows for recording and mixing through UAD powered plug-Ins — with as low as sub-2ms latency — so that users can quickly monitor, audition, and “print” audio using classic analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more.
Apollo offers compatibility with Intel’s new Thunderbolt technology, as found on the newest iMacs, MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, and next-generation PCs.
Available via a user-installable dual-port Thunderbolt I/O Option Card (sold separately), Thunderbolt provides lower latency, reduced audio buffer size, improved performance, and greater UAD plug-in instances versus FireWire.
And because Thunderbolt offers many times the bandwith of FireWire, it allows music producers to connect numerous devices in series with the Apollo interface — including hard drives, processors, and additional computer monitors — all with fast, flawless performance.
Apollo’s Core Audio and ASIO drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live, and more.
Beyond this basic compatibility, Apollo’s included Console application and companion Console Recall plug-in (VST/AU/RTAS) provide control and recall of all interface and UAD plug-in settings within individual DAW session.
One key feature of Apollo isn’t really a “feature” at all. It’s the numerous design details that provide a fast, natural workflow. There are physical front-panel controls for all the most commonly used features, including preamp and monitor level knobs, channel selection, mic pad and low cut, phantom power, and even dual headphone outs with independent level control.
Smart Hi-Z inputs on the front panel detect when you’ve connected your guitar or bass, and automatically enable hardware and software monitoring.
Sonically, Apollo’s mic inputs and monitor outputs are digitally controlled analog, so you don’t lose audio resolution when you adjust gain. High-resolution/high-contrast metering, derived from UA’s legendary 2192 interface, is designed to be viewable at nearly any angle.
Finally, standalone operation means that you can use Apollo’s audio connections, and last-used DSP mixer settings, even without a computer connected.
Key features:
—18 x 24 FireWire/Thunderbolt-ready audio interface for Mac and PC
—Realtime UAD Processing for low-latency (sub-2ms) tracking and mixing w/ UAD Powered Plug-Ins
—Premium mic preamps, top-end converters, and uncompromising analog design
—Front-panel controls for all commonly used features
—Full recall of interface and UAD plug-in settings within DAW sessions via Console Recall plug-in (VST/RTAS/AU)
—8 analog inputs: 4 digitally controlled analog mic preamps; 8 balanced line inputs; 2 front-panel JFET DIs
—14 analog outputs: 8 balanced line outs; 2 digitally-controlled analog monitor outs; 2 dedicated stereo headphone outs
—10 channels of digital I/O: 8 channels of ADAT; 2 channels S/PDIF; Wordclock I/O
—Dual FireWire 800 ports (standard)
—Thunderbolt I/O Option Card for connectivity to new Macs and PCs (card sold separately)
—Available in DUO Core and QUAD Core processor models
—Includes “Analog Classics” plug-ins: LA-2A Classic Audio Leveler, 1176LN Limiting Amplifier, and Pultec EQP-1A Program Equalizer
