Universal Audio Announces New Gen 2 Apollo X Interfaces

Audio engineers, producers, and musicians have long celebrated Universal Audio’s venerable Apollo X line of audio interfaces, and now they have another reason to cheer—introducing the all-new Apollo X Gen 2.

Practically every configuration in the Apollo X line has gotten a refresh. Along with a new look and feel (compliments of an updated industrial design), each model now has improved D/A converters, monitor outputs, and headphone outputs for improved critical listening. This also provides even lower THD than before and increased digital noise reduction.

A useful new function for those that use mixers and other line-level signals with their Apollo interfaces is the preamp bypass, only available on desktop units. This function provides a mastering-grade line-input-to-A/D-converter connection that side steps the preamp, allowing you to use your external preamps to their full potential without running signals through a second preamplification stage. Along with mixer outputs, this is ideal for plugging keyboards, synths, drum machines, and passive instruments directly into your Apollo for improved audio quality and gain staging.

The new Bass Management software built into the UAD Console software unlocks full-range stereo and surround monitoring. The speaker utilities panel provides trim, mute, and solo per speaker output. You can now manage satellite crossovers at 80, 100, or 120 Hz in 12 or 24 dB per octave Linkwitz-Riley configurations. You also get subwoofer/LFE options, with an optional +10 dB boost for film alignment, as well as 80, 100, 120, or 150 Hz LPF (or 12 or 24 dB per octave Linkwitz-Riley).

Exploring the UAD Console further, you now get access to Apollo Room Correction technology. Import Sonarworks SoundID Reference profiles and apply room correction with studio-grade UA filters and time alignment for stereo and multi-channel speaker arrays (or headphone outputs), all in real time via Apollo DSP. Room correction runs on a single SHARC DSP core, utilizing UA’s low-latency EQ algorithms with over 20 precision filters and up to 100ms of loudspeaker time alignment to vastly improve your monitoring accuracy.

These features come into play significantly when mixing in surround and immersive audio formats. Apollo X interfaces offer an all-in-one monitoring hub for mixing all formats, from stereo to 9.1.6. You can easily create up to 16-channel immersive audio mixes in Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, Sony 360 Reality Audio, and more. With the Apollo Twin X and x4 models, you can use the interface as a remote desktop monitor controller when combined with an Apollo rackmount interface, for optimal ergonomics. And with new ALT monitoring, available only on rackmounted units, you can quickly switch to an alternative stereo channel when working in surround.

Each preamp-equipped model (excluding the flagship x16) now also has a brand-new feature called assistive Auto-Gain. This technology lets you set input gain across multiple channels in seconds without fear of clipping. Available on all mic, line, and Hi-Z preamp inputs, Auto-Gain works by setting gain for recording during an automatic “training time” listening window, after which the Apollo interface will learn the optimal gain levels and set them accordingly without the need for manual input.

Now let’s talk about bundles. Universal Audio is presenting three new bundles for inclusion with their interfaces: Essentials+, Studio+, and Ultimate+. The Essentials+ bundle is included with all core models (such as the Twin X Duo, Twin X Quad, x4, x6, x8, and x8p) and offers over 20 UAD plug-ins and instruments, as well as Auto-Tune Realtime Access.

The Studio+ bundle comes with over 50 UAD plug-ins and instruments. It includes Auto-Tune Realtime X Advanced. The Studio+ bundle is available as an upgrade for the Apollo Twin X Quad and Duo; and the Apollo x4, x6, x8, and x8p.

Exclusive to their flagship model, the Ultimate+ bundle is available as an optional upgrade for the x16 and x16D and includes a whopping 100+ UAD plug-ins and instruments, as well as Auto-Tune Realtime X Advanced.

For more information about the new Apollo X Gen 2 interfaces, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.