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Universal Audio (UA), the industry leader in audio technology and recording tools, has released its new Apollo X | Gen 2 audio interface series for both Mac and Windows-based recording setups. This launch marks a complete redesign of the award-winning Apollo X range, featuring next-generation audio conversion and a suite of advanced tools to deliver an unparalleled recording experience for musicians, engineers, and producers.
The new Apollo X | Gen 2 interfaces include high-resolution 24-bit / 192kHz A/D and D/A conversion with the highest audio quality of any Apollo interface to date. With real-time UAD DSP plug-in processing and Unison™ mic preamp emulations, these interfaces bring the best of analog and digital sound together, making them ideal for any recording studio looking to push the boundaries of audio production.
“We believe that the very best audio tools can ‘disappear’ and feel like they’re simply a part of the creative process,” said Bill Putnam, Founder and CEO of Universal Audio. “The new Apollo X interfaces are about pushing that concept further — bringing the best of analog and digital sounds together in a way that’s both inspiring and seamless, letting your music take center stage.”
Key Features of the Apollo X | Gen 2 Interfaces
The Apollo X | Gen 2 models offer a range of advanced features and capabilities, ensuring users have everything they need for both traditional and immersive audio workflows. Some of the standout features include:
- Monitor Correction Powered by Sonarworks®
Users can now import Sonarworks SoundID correction profiles directly into the Apollo DSP for real-time calibration of their monitors, headphones, and room acoustics. This feature ensures consistent mixes and masters across different environments and is available for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 Apollo X models starting in Q4 2024. - Assistive Auto-Gain
With a single click, users can achieve perfect input levels across all channels, including Unison mic preamp emulations from API, Neve, and SSL. This feature saves time and ensures that every take is captured at the optimal level. - Subwoofer Bass Management
The Gen 2 interfaces now offer integrated bass management, making it easy to add a subwoofer for full-range stereo and surround sound monitoring. This feature includes trim, mute, solo, and crossover controls for precise low-end management. - Alt Monitoring for Surround Modes
New alternate monitoring modes allow users to switch between immersive and stereo monitoring setups effortlessly, making it perfect for multi-speaker configurations. - Plug-In Scenes
Ideal for live performances, this feature lets users change plug-in settings across multiple UAD Console channels manually or via MIDI, providing instant access to different presets and soundscapes.
Superior Audio Conversion and Real-Time Processing
The Apollo X | Gen 2 interfaces are equipped with Universal Audio’s elite-class 24-bit / 192kHz converters, which offer the widest dynamic range and lowest distortion of any Apollo interface. Whether tracking, mixing, or mastering, users can expect unmatched clarity and depth in their recordings.
The new interfaces also feature updated DSP cores (HEXA, QUAD, and DUO), providing more processing power to run UAD plug-ins with zero latency. This ensures that even the most demanding sessions can be handled with ease, allowing users to record and mix through authentic analog emulations of iconic studio gear from Neve, SSL, Manley, and more.
Expanded Plug-In Bundles and Editions
Apollo X | Gen 2 interfaces are available in three different editions: Essentials+, Studio+, and Ultimate+. Each edition offers a unique set of UAD plug-ins, allowing users to choose the collection that best suits their needs.
- Essentials+ Edition includes a curated selection of UAD plug-ins perfect for getting started.
- Studio+ Edition offers a wider range of plug-ins, covering everything from vintage compressors to modern EQs.
- Ultimate+ Edition features the complete UAD catalog, with over 100 plug-ins available for a comprehensive recording experience.
Additionally, Apollo x16 and Apollo x16D models are equipped with Dante® connectivity, providing even more flexibility for routing audio in professional studio environments.
Pricing and Availability
The Apollo X | Gen 2 interfaces are available in a range of models to fit different recording needs and budgets:
| Model | Essentials+ Edition | Studio+ Edition | Ultimate+ Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo Twin X DUO | $1,199 | $1,499 | N/A |
| Apollo Twin X QUAD | $1,499 | $1,799 | N/A |
| Apollo x4 | $1,999 | $2,299 | N/A |
| Apollo x6 | $2,499 | $2,799 | N/A |
| Apollo x8 | $2,899 | $3,199 | N/A |
| Apollo x8p | $3,499 | $3,799 | N/A |
| Apollo x16 | $3,999 | N/A | $4,999 |
| Apollo x16D w/Dante® | $2,999 | N/A | $3,999 |
All models come with Antares Auto-Tune as a standard feature, enabling musicians to achieve polished, pitch-perfect vocals without additional hardware or software.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key differences between the Apollo X | Gen 1 and Gen 2 models?
The Apollo X | Gen 2 models feature next-generation audio conversion, expanded DSP processing power, and new features like Monitor Correction by Sonarworks, Assistive Auto-Gain, and Bass Management. These upgrades provide enhanced performance and flexibility compared to Gen 1 models.
2. What is the benefit of using the new Assistive Auto-Gain feature?
Assistive Auto-Gain helps users set the optimal input level for each channel with a single click, making it easier to capture high-quality recordings without clipping or distortion.
3. Are the new Apollo X | Gen 2 interfaces compatible with my current recording setup?
Yes, the Apollo X | Gen 2 interfaces are compatible with all major DAWs, including Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live, and more. They can also be expanded with additional Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces or selected models using Dante.
4. How do I access Monitor Correction by Sonarworks?
Monitor Correction will be available as an add-on for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 Apollo X interfaces in Q4 2024. Users can import Sonarworks SoundID profiles directly into the UAD Console app to start using this feature.
Conclusion
The new Apollo X | Gen 2 interfaces build on Universal Audio’s legacy of innovation, offering musicians, producers, and engineers a versatile and powerful solution for any recording environment. With enhanced audio conversion, expanded DSP capabilities, and new features like Monitor Correction and Assistive Auto-Gain, the Apollo X | Gen 2 series is designed to elevate every aspect of the recording and mixing process.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
