Thank you so much for your kind words and support! 😊 FINALLY someone noticed that I never ask people to subscribe until I’ve provided value first. I truly appreciate it.
Reasonable advice. The commitment to the UA ecosystem is for professionals. Beginners can achieve similar results with lower cost audio interfaces $130 - $300 and great plugins for $30 - $40 each. I own an Apollo x4 quad in the studio and and EVO 4 in my mobile rig. The EVO is low cost and excellent quality. Of course, the Apollo x4 is better, but only necessary for professionals and commercial studios in the business full time.
I definitely agree! Their Volt series is great as well and I have made reviews on Audient interfaces and the UAD plugins which are a great alternative as well.
Does the Evo really have same audio quality?, what do you mean with professional, if someone wants to seriously produce music without many instruments or accesories, but with a good sound quality result of the natural voice, guitar sound for example, is the apollo better in that case aswell?
@@scarsfromdasouth at the time, I based my opinion on technical data from Julian Krause, where the EVO 4 had better dynamic range and lower noise than an Apollo. The AD/DA conversion uses newer chips, while Apollo relies on an older (albeit proven) chip set. Now, technical data may not be the end all. The sound of the EVO is more accurate, whereas the Apollo has a more smooth sound. I like them both.
the audient id 22 pre amp on board is by and large superior to UAD'S Apollo pre. Owned both simultaneously. The Audient has a better top end response, transients, fuller lows and clearer, balanced mids. I'd get a used ID 22, for like 200 300, then build an audio production specific cpu for the price of a twin or a solo. Because then, you need a satellite to use enough plugins to mix. Buy their plugins too. There goes another 600 to 800 CAD. I built an 12700k cpu with 32 gb of ddr 4 3600 ram for 900 Canadian tax in. Needless to say, I don't need DSP anymore, by a long mile. DSP won't save you when your CPU is too slow to load more than 20 tracks without going bonkers. That 800 on a used uad satellite or pcie is better spent on a outboard comp and pre or eq, microphone, wtv else...an art pro vla2 can be had for 250 to 300 cad, a kt 76, 300. An ISA pre 425 to 450 cad. The Apollo alone isn't enough getting into the UAD ecosystem. We didn't talk about buying extra plugins yet.....the best sounding ones are 50 to 100 CAD each...you'll need a few of those...I'd suggest people get an Audient, save up for a CPU upgrade if needed. If not, buy inexpensive hardware, it performs better. Even a audient pre into an art pro vla 2 will sound better than a uad rig.
This was such a detailed review yet so simplistic & straight to the point & covered everything a first time buyer would want to know. A professional yet easy to understand well put together video!🙃 really nice work for a Apollo twin interface review!:)
Hey Shehzio, thank you so much for your kind words! I truly appreciate it and comments like this are what keeps me going here on RU-vid. I hope other people will also get value from my content. Thank you for your support!
Given the current state of computer hardware architecture, there are very few reasons to buy these UAD boxes, if the application is basic home studio. An above mid tier Apple with M architecture can easily replace the need for DSP cores. Same applies for Intel or AMD architecture. Then one can buy more affordable, but just as great sounding, plugins from Waves or similar companies. Sound wise UAD is amazing.
@@Leo-jt3tc thanks for leaving such insightful comment. I agree! For most* people starting out, I would recommend other $200-$300 interfaces and suggest buying the plugins individually or signing up for the Spark subscription. However, for UAD fans that don’t like subscriptions and value the ability to record with the plugins in real time with zero latency then it’s a great investment. If you’re reading this comment and are looking for more affordable interfaces, here are some of my top recommendations: Audient iD14 MKII: Best $300 Interface? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Y6XKhwhOeTo.html Lewitt Connect 2: The Ultimate Budget Interface? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-P6047oimgtE.html CONNECT 6: A Game-Changing Interface! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sG5_qyZfMaw.html
Great video! I realized that I bought the heritage edition that says usb 3 for windows on the box. Do I need to buy a different one, or will this be compatible with Mac?
@@drewonthekit I am not sure because the one I have is the Twin X which is via thunderbolt. Reach out to universal audios customer support to find out: www.uaudio.com/contact.html
Hey great video👍🏾. i already have UAD console installed on my Mac as I am currently using an Apollo Twin mk1. I have just ordered the Apollo Twin x, but just want to know can i just plug in my new apollo twin and will console and immediately recognise it? I know I need to register device in my UA account in order to claim plugins, but it’s just the software part that has me confused as I am not a new user and wondered if I omit the software download as I already have it. Hope that makes sense. Thanks
Thank you so much! I believe the software should recognize the new interface. However, I know for a fact you need to register your Apollo in order to get access to the plugins. Here is the direct guide from Universal Audio’s website: help.uaudio.com/hc/en-us/articles/210537406-Apollo-Twin-Installation-Registration-Authorization
I was waiting for your input on the duo core versus the quad core? How much of a different can the processing power be? max amount of plugins for both?
To be honest I never tested the duo core so I can only speak about the quad core which is what I use. My chain is the: 610B pream, 1176, LA2A, Pultec EQ, the included UAD reverb (for vocals). Sometimes I can also plug an electric guitar on the other channel and run a UAD Fender Amp. Never had any issues and the DSP never ran out.
This a a really helpful video. I just purchased a klipsch subwoofer and while it sounds great, it doesn’t control the sub volume. How can I fix this in order for the knob to control both the monitors (1) and (2) and the (3) (4) where the sub is hooked into.
Glad you found the video helpful 😊 That is strange. However, since I don’t have a subwoofer and only use the first two monitor inputs, I can’t say for certain. I would encourage to contact universal audio support to see if they can walk you through and get it working.
from here almost 2024, what do you recommend for a +10 year use investment?, it's about simplying life with a portable interface, will a new Apollo come? thanks in advance
For me, the Apollo was great investment and I’ve had it for many years now without ever needing to upgrade. The main reasons I bought it was because of the included UAD plugins which you’ll own for life (I don’t like subscriptions), the ability to run those plugins with ZERO LATENCY and without relying on my computer’s processing power. But of course, those are the features I care about most. If you don’t care for those features and don’t use Universal Audio Plugins, I would get either an Audient (id14 or id24) which have great sounding preamps and other features, or the Universal Audio Volt 276 which comes with the 610b style preamp and an 1176 compressor built in. Here are my reviews of the Audient id24: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-NUrSIKZwsmI.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xDhUGV7271k.html Hope it helps! 😊
@@scarsfromdasouth there is no way to I’m pretty sure you can’t connect your Apollo to your iPhone because it has a thunderbolt connection. However, it is compatible with most recording softwares: Logic Pro, garage band, protools, reaper, etc…
I wonder if it has to look so gross. Like everyone, I've been offered this with a load of stuff about impedance matching for different guitar amps. Very clever but....so much dollars for an interface that seems to be all about plug ins? Then the cost of those on top? And is going to take up desk space looking like something out of Doctor Who? Does it sing too? I bought something else for about a fifth of the price for my home studio. That's got its own silliness with an "Air!" button gimmick that you always leave on but it works well, doesn't give a hoot about anyone's plug ins and doesn't seem to want to be always in my face as a "Controller of the ENTIRE UNIVERSE!" type presentation. But...that's just me.
Yes you can use it with pretty much any DAW (including garage band). I believe you will be able to hear the difference if using the included UAD plugins such as the 610B preamp, 1176 compressor, LA2A compressor and Pultec eq. However, the biggest benefit of the Apollo isn’t just the plugins. It’s the ability to run the plugins within itself without having to rely on your computer’s processing power which means you can use the plugins and hear them in real time with zero latency.
I have the Apollo and it’s great but I don’t think it’s worth 1000 dollars. I understand that it has tons of dsp plugins, but it’s not magical or anything. Although I do like the pultec eqs. But what bothers me about the interface is the converters. They aren’t very good. There is better out there for a lower price If you obsess over recording quality there is better options out there for cheaper
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! The plugins and the ability to run them with zero latency from the Apollo itself, without straining my computer has made my workflow easier so to me it has been worth it 😊
The Apollo will be a major upgrade from the Scarlett solo. The features, preamps, included UAD plugins and the ability to record with zero latency without relying on computer’s processing power are game changes in my opinion.
I did just that and I sounds so much better. Although if you're not tech-savvy I don't recommend it. I have some weird problem every time I fire it up. Sometimes it's me being dumb, sometimes buggy. So annoying.
Hi!I am about to buy the Apollo twin X quad, and I wonder if in this price there is other interface with better sound..Do you believe that the Apollo twin X quad is the best choice for pro sound on 2024, or I better choose another audio interface in this budget?
The Apollo Twin is my personal favorite interface for the following reasons: 1. It comes with incredible sounding plugins made by Universal Audio which sound near identical to the hardware. 2. You’ll own the plugins for life (no subscriptions). 3. It can run all of those plugins within itself, without relying on your computer, in real time with ZERO LATENCY. 4. The console app software is great. HOWEVER* if you don’t care about those features and you would rather sign up for the Spark Subscription service to get some of the plugins (without being able to run them in real time with zero latency) then I think it’s overkill and i would recommend the Audient id24. Here is my in depth comparison of both so you can decide for yourself: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xDhUGV7271k.html Hope it helps! 😊
Unfortunately, I can’t afford another Apollo at this time. But from what I know, the X4 has pretty much double the ins and outs: (4 xlr inputs, 2 instrument inputs, 2 headphone outputs, etc).
@@homestudioacademy Thanks I’m really new to all this so I truly appreciate the help. So then if I’ve already got the twin x quad and all I really was concerned about was adding extra monitors and a digital clock, I don’t necessarily need to upgrade from the twin x quad to the x4 right?
@@Shclfrd the Apollo twin can connect up to 2 sets of monitors so if that’s all you need, I don’t see the need to. Unless you’re planning to record 4 mics or instruments at once, the twin should be more than enough to handle your projects.
Here is a quick chart comparing both models: www.bedroomproducergear.com/post/apollo-twin-vs-solo If you are comparing the Apollo Solo Mkii vs Apollo Twin mkii edition then the only difference is the number or processing cores, inputs and outputs. If you’re comparing the Apollo Solo vs Apollo Twin X, then the X has newly designed converters. Here is another article about it: producelikeapro.com/blog/apollo-twin-x-vs-mkii/amp/ Hope it helps!
@@Igor_Shvets77 I don’t recommend the Apollo Twin for PC users because from most reviews and comments I’ve seen, it doesn’t work well with that operating system.
Hey Luis Hernandez, thanks for leaving a comment! If you want to expand the number of channels I would go for an EVO SP8: amzn.to/42kWdkx , this way you'll have 10 channels in total to play with. I like that it has an SMART GAIN feature which sets all the levels for you ensuring the signal won't ever clip.
@@LuisHernandez-dy1rq yes it should be fine. According to the Apollo’s user manual “(21) Optical Input This is a TOSLINK input for connection to other gear with an optical ADAT or S/PDIF output.”
Hey Jason315NY, those are the Kali Audio LP6s amzn.to/3OSqMso Here is my review of them: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-moVFcASi1yM.html
No, it’s not just the plugins (even though they sound great). It’s the ability to run those plugins in real time with zero latency and without relying on computer’s processing power.
I’m not 100% sure because my headphones are not high impedance. I would reach out to Universal Audio Customer Support to confirm: www.uaudio.com/contact.html
Unfortunately, this is a pretty old video and at the time I wasn’t doing all of the post processing I do now and as you can see, even the microphone was place behind the camera causing a tone of reverb. I’m happy to say that now, the production and audio quality of my videos has improved as shown here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fr9bigR7aMQ.html Thanks for the input though!
Here is the compatibility chart based on Universal Audio’s official website: help.uaudio.com/hc/en-us/articles/360035403791-Apollo-Twin-X-and-Apollo-x4-System-Requirements
Hey VIDS! Unfortunately no, the Console App software used for the Apollo only allows you to choose between UAD monitoring or UAD recording but no loop back feature. For that you have to change the audio settings on your computer to do screen shares etc.. if the audio loop back is your most desired feature, you should check out the Audient ID24: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-NUrSIKZwsmI.html
@@homestudioacademy I will buy the Audient i24 soon - I was just curious about SUCH an expensive as hell piece of equipment. Thanks for your work and the money you invested just to show us the cool things.
@@VIDSInsight thank you so much for your support! I’ve owned my Apollo for over 6 years now and I love the zero latency feature and plugins that come with it so to me it was worth it. Hopefully, this video will help others as well making their own purchasing decision whether this is the right interface for them or not. By the way, I truly appreciate you acknowledging and understanding how much time and financial investment goes into making RU-vid videos, so thank you!
I've done loopback before. So yes you can do it. I don't remember how I did it but I needed a beat from RU-vid and that was my way of getting it. You can set up the console to direct audio in a way that when you open your DAW and set the output the same.....it records whatever's playing from your computer's audio.
@@homestudioacademy correction. I believe it’s a Sweetwater-specific thing. They sent me a separate TB cable for free. So, it does not appear as though UA includes the cable.
If you have a chance to try it, check if the USB version works with your Windows laptop. According to the specs only Intel is supported, but I can confirm that my laptop with AMD processor and USB3 ports works flawlessly.
Hey Khan Farhan, thank you for leaving a comment! To my knowledge I don’t think it does. But I’m not 100% sure. I would send a quick message to Universal Audio’s customer contact page and they should respond pretty quickly.
