UA Apollo X Gen 2 Series : The Ultimate Interfaces for Professional Audio in 2024

Next-Gen Audio Performance for Every Studio

The Universal Audio Apollo X Gen 2 Series takes professional audio interfaces to a new level, offering improved performance, enhanced connectivity, and new features that build on the legacy of the Apollo line. Whether you’re a home studio producer or running a professional setup, the Gen 2 Apollo models, including the Apollo x6, Apollo x8, Apollo x8p, Apollo Twin X, Apollo x16, and Apollo x4, provide cutting-edge sound quality and unparalleled flexibility for all recording needs.

Build Quality and Design

The Apollo X Gen 2 series maintains the sleek, rugged design the Apollo line is known for. Each unit is housed in a durable metal chassis, perfect for professional studios and portable setups. The modern interface design, intuitive front panel controls, and a clear LED display make for a smooth, user-friendly experience.

Audio Quality

The series comes equipped with upgraded A/D and D/A converters, ensuring exceptional sound quality with up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. With Dynamic Range improvements across the board (up to 133 dB on some models), expect unparalleled clarity, depth, and warmth, perfect for critical listening and high-end production.

Preamps

Universal Audio’s renowned Unison™ technology has been enhanced for the Apollo Gen 2 interfaces, allowing precise emulation of iconic analog preamps like the Neve 1073, API, and SSL. The Apollo x8p model, in particular, is notable for its eight Unison-enabled mic preamps, offering superior tracking and sound-shaping capabilities.

Compatibility

Fully compatible with macOS and Windows, these interfaces come with Thunderbolt 3 for blazing-fast connectivity and low-latency operation. Whether using Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live, the Apollo Gen 2 series integrates seamlessly into any DAW workflow.

Latency Performance

These models feature Real-Time UAD Processing, enabling near-zero-latency monitoring with the built-in UAD-2 Hexa Core or Quad Core processors. This allows you to record with professional-grade plugins in real-time, delivering studio-quality effects and processing with zero strain on your CPU.

Bundled Software

Every Apollo Gen 2 interface includes the Realtime Analog Classics Plus bundle, featuring iconic UAD plugins like the Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN, Pultec EQP-1A, and Marshall Plexi Classic Amp, providing you with essential mixing tools straight out of the box.

Portability and Size

The Apollo Twin X and Apollo x4 models are perfect for portable setups, featuring a compact design while maintaining the same high-end sound quality. For larger studios, the Apollo x8 and Apollo x16 provide more I/O options in a rack-mount format, ideal for multi-channel recording.

Additional Features

The Gen 2 series adds improved HEX DSP capabilities, allowing more UAD plugin instances for complex mixes. Additionally, monitoring enhancements such as the Talkback feature (available on models like the Apollo x8p) provide more versatility for session recording. The Apollo x16 caters to professional studios with extensive digital routing options, featuring 16 line-level inputs and outputs.

Input and Output Options

• Apollo Twin X: 2 mic/line inputs, 4 analog outs
• Apollo x6: 6 analog ins, 6 outs, 2 preamps
• Apollo x8: 8 ins, 8 outs, 4 preamps
• Apollo x8p: 8 mic/line ins, 8 outs, 8 Unison preamps
• Apollo x16: 16 ins, 16 outs, no preamps
• Apollo x4: 4 mic/line ins, 6 outs

Price and Value for Money

The Universal Audio Apollo Gen 2 series continues to offer incredible value for professionals who require high-end audio interfaces. Though these models are premium-priced, their audio quality, durability, and real-time processing capabilities make them a worthwhile investment for serious producers and engineers.

Pros:

• Superior AD/DA conversion and Unison preamps
• Near-zero latency with real-time UAD plugin processing
• Thunderbolt 3 compatibility
• Expandable via multiple Apollo interfaces (up to 4 units)

Cons:

• Premium pricing may be prohibitive for beginners
• Thunderbolt 3 connectivity requires compatible systems

Conclusion

The Universal Audio Apollo X Gen 2 series solidifies its position as an industry leader in professional audio interfaces, offering unparalleled audio fidelity, low-latency performance, and flexibility for various recording environments. With significant improvements in sound quality and processing power, the Gen 2 series is a must-have for producers and engineers looking for studio-grade performance.