Thank you all for watching. I hope that this video helps some of you out. I've been using the Universal Audio Apollo 8 Quad for year but this new Universal Audio Twin X has surprised me to the max. It's definitely a permanent tool in my creative work flow now. If you are interested in the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X. Check it out here: ►► Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Quad ➡ amzn.to/2ZR6Gqr ► Universal Audio Apollo 8 Quad ➡ amzn.to/2CHF4uX
@@ColdSteppinKeys do you know how long ago I had the silver Twin lol I went to the Symphony desktop but wanted more IO so picked up the X6 I still like the Symphony.
I got the first generation Apollo Twin in 2014 and then in 2020 got the Twin X, six years total of working with the Twin. Almost two months ago, a friend of mine told me about RME. After a bit of research, I ditched my Twin X and got the RME UCX II. I can tell you from experience that the RME UCX II is leaps and bounds better than the Apollo Twin. 1. The clocking is better. 2. The preamps are cleaner and better. I get 72 dB of clean preamp gain opposed to the 65 dB of gain that's colored from the Apollo Twin 3. Better converters which means better conversion. Converters on the Apollo Twin are sub-par. 4. The soundscape is clearer and wider. I hear things in my mixes that I didn't hear with the Apollo Twin. 5. More inputs and outputs. RME UXC II: 20-in/20-out. Apollo Twin X: 10-in/6-out. 6. You can't bypass the preamps on the Apollo Twin X when using an external mic preamp. The signal still passes through the Apollo Twin preamps, which still add a little bit of color to the sound/signal coming from the external preamp. I found this out about six months ago. This means I wasn't getting the full advantage of my Neve Shelford Channel. After switching to the UCX II, problem solved. With plugins from Plugin Alliance and now some from UAD Spark (13 native plugins), the ones I was using anyway before I sold the Twin, I don't need the Twin anymore to run those plugins. Plus I can add a UAD Satellite to run more UAD Plugins if I wanted to. The only thing the Twin X has over the RME UXC II is the ability to track with Unison Preamps, which really doesn't matter if you track with hardware gear. For the price point, I get more bang for my buck with the RME UCX II.
That's so awesome. I can imagine the excitement. The Duo is still the same unit and quality. It's just the DSP is 2 vs 4 core processing. Thank you and I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on your new Apollo Twin X Duo!
I recent got the DUO and it'll work for about 3-4 plugins before it starts to get a little choppy. I recommend getting a UAD Satellite! It'll give you an additional 8 cores!
I'm thinking about adding a twin x to add more inputs. I have an Apollo 8 but I have max'd out all my inputs with external gear. I need at least 2 more pairs open for situational stuff, plus it would be nice to have a real monitor switcher. The software is cool, but sometimes just having that knob to touch is needed.
Yesssss! I'm in the same boat which is why I decided to upgrade to the desktop knob style Apollo Twin X vs another racked apollo. Let me know what you think when you get the twin x! It was exactly what I needed.
Thanks for clarifying the adapter issue that was my only setback for purchasing this piece of equipment! because I operate on PC and that was my concern if the latency would be off! Thanks Archie! 100!
You are welcome and thanks for commenting. Have you thought about getting the PC based Apollo with The USB connection? I’ve heard amazing things about it.
@@archiebeatz Oh! no I didn't I was unaware that even existed I guess that's due to me not doing my proper research (always typed in thunderbolt) and just associated the Apollo with Mac because that's the setups I've seen 90% of the time online and in real life. I will look into that as well! Thanks again! You the man Archie!
@@archiebeatz went down to guitar center they didn't have it in stock so I ordered it but was able to get the 4TB glyph external last one....lol I needed it, for the mobile setup. I can't wait to try the Apollo Duo out. Thanks again!
I see a lot people have these apollo, there most be more to them than just sounding good. Cause a lot of stuff sounds good. I could probably spend 500.00 or lest on a Audio interface and get good sound. On a basic mike. So what's the deal, why the big price, what else does it do. I heard they can run your DAW outside of your computer. So you could have like a basic computer laptop, and take the CPU strain off your computer or laptop. That's what I would be interested in knowing about.
Thank you for the informative video! For a solo artist that will do music alone and possibly podcasts everyone once in a while, would you recommend the twin, twin x, or mkii? Thank you again!
Always good stuff. I would appreciate it to see if you can take a chance to make a video about film scoring, creating a sound bed for movie or television project using the Apollo Twin X and Apple Logic.
Its def an upgrade. But a RME babyface pro fs would be a bigger upgrade. The apollos are good. But half the price is the plugins and honestly I only liked a few. The RME is much better for their pres and AD conversion is better
Hi Justin! Thank you so much. That's awesome. You won't be disappointed. Yesss! Sounds like a plan. I was thinking of recording the BH2 and U87 on the Apollo Twin X comparison this weekend. Thanks for the comment bro.
Just picked up The Apollo X6 2Weeks ago! Was using the Apogee Symphony Desktop which is still class leading ADDA but it only has 1 monitor quarter inch output IO and 2 XLR ins and Front Fet input” Also FPGA and new Dual path monitoring & Print FX via Desktop software But I’ve been working with Apollo Twin the very first Silver and Twin X I love the Eco system of the DSP” now with my X6 Rack HEXA Core 6 DSP Chips💪🏾 Solid I might purchase one quad satellite! Will see 10 DSP chips would be for just in case.
really nice interfaces, for sure. just wish they worked better across both windows and OSX. thunderbolt 3 still isn't quite there for me yet. babyface pro fs all the way.
@@Onepennyricher if you have one of the high-end enthusiast-level motherboards that support thunderbolt 3 on windows, yes. most windows laptops/desktop computers do not support thunderbolt, however.
why the Quad and not the twin DSP version ?. I am interested in my use of just a home studio to record two musicians playing acoustic and electric guitar to mainly backing tracks. Thanks
Hey Archie Beatz, great video! Looking to upgrade my interface for my mobile setup and your video was a big help. Any idea on the actual performance difference between the quad vs the duo?
Thanks Branko. That's awesome you are getting your mobile setup together. Honestly, there isn't a performance issue between the Quad and Duo other than the DSP processing. You can use more UAD plugins in a session with the Quad due to the 4 processing chips vs the DUO's two. I hope this helps Branko.
@@archiebeatz Thank you, I'll probably go with the Quad. I briefly so your mic shootout and want to check that out again, for a good budget mic for travel. Don't want to take my U87 on flights.
Really? Well this is what this is about. It's all about preference and finding the tools that work best for your creativity and workflow. Thank you so much for stopping by Mel.
Thank you so much for this informative video Archie and love your voice. I sincerely apologise for my long comment. I'm a contemporary+classical music composition student at a university, and I have just started to produce electronic music as a hobby (with the intention of making it a full time job in the long term). I am going to invest in studio monitors for the first time and therefore need to make a decision on what Audio interface to make. I don't want to 'buy cheap buy twice', and therefore want to invest in decent quality equipment to use for several years to come, such as this Universal Audio Apollo Twin. For producers who record a band of musicians (including drum kits) as well as singers and other instrumentalists, would it be best to go for the 'Universal Audio Apollo x4' instead of the 'Apollo Twin X Quad' you have here? I am not genre-specific at this point - I do progressive jazz, alternative rock and a bit of EDM too. Best regards from Tokyo, James.
Hi James! That’s awesome that you are about to invest in your studio. Well since you are recording a band, I would suggest getting an apollo rack unit the second generation and up. I like to have complete control over things like the drum mics and multiple guitar cabinet mics through the console software. If you don’t want to deal with the rack unit then I would say add a nice quality mixer with bus capabilities into your Apollo twin x signal flow. I hope this helps!
A C12 would sound better on your vocal, especially with that R&B flavour. Either way, the U87 is a workhorse and probably the most versatile industry standard. Cool video!
Honestly, The C12 (Telefunken or the vintage AKG C 12) would be ideal for extremely soulful songs with my vocals. I love how it performs specifically with that style but as you stated the U87 is a workhouse and can stretch across with a wide versatile range. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I'm glad you enjoyed my video.
Great Video!! Ugh.. I am still stuck. Not sure, if I should get the UA Apollo Twin X Quad or the new Apogee Symphony Desktop. Will the Apogee limit me more in plugin options? What are your thoughts? I use Logic as a DAW.
Is it worth it to buy it for windows? I dont work on a MAC and I hear some bad things about the apollo for windows. Can anyone clarify that? Im currently using scarlet solo with a aston spirit mic.
Hey man, I’m a bit confused if this will work on my Dell XPS? It has a thunderbolt 3 port on the laptop which I’m assuming will support the Apollo twin thunderbolt version as opposed to getting the USB? I was under the impression that it had to be Mac for the thunderbolt connection but the XPS seems to have a thunderbolt 3 port too. Thanks man
I got another Apollo twin and upon updating / reinstalling the console app pro tools hid all of my uad plugins and I CANNOT find them.. I’ve searched in the library > in all of the avid / protools folders, but there is not a plugins (used) and plugins (unused) folder anywhere! Any help would be greatly appreciated
Great video. I'm trying to connect my twin x to my macbook pro. It works on Sierra, but I cannot stream using loopback or obs. So I got el capitan, and twin does not work with it. Nor does my Canon m50 work. What os version are you on?
Is this audio interface enough to drive a headphone with 250 Ohms? / How does this audio interface sound when listening to music with headphones compared to a clean dac/amp stack? Can the talk-back be toggle on and off? thanks
Hey! For me it’s enough for 250ohms headphones but for some it’s not. I listening to/monitor things in my headphones about 85dB to protect wear and tear on my ears. A DAC is necessary for some. You just have to try things out and see what works for you. Also, the talkback system is pretty much on/off on the panel of the Apollo twin. I hope this helps.
My understanding is that the Apollo Twin X Quad and similar models which use Thunderbolt 3 are NOT backwards compatible to Thunderbolt 1 or 2 ON A PC. It has to be a Mac for that. So if you use a PC and it has only TB 1 or 2, you can't use an Apollo which requires TB3. True?
Awesome choice! Still trying to figure out how to record 3 tracks at once on the twin.. I can figure out a recording 2 however it doesn't allow me to Route another input for a 3rd. What are your thoughts?
if im tracking vocals using a u87ai going into the avalon 737sp or ad2022 which both have 48v phantom power do i need to enable the 48v phantom power on the apollo twin x? do you have a video on tracking that explain this? also love your videos
Hi Ashen.. Use Phantom power on the unit that the U87 Ai is going into first. Don't engage phantom power on the apollo if you have phantom power on the Avalon. The signal flow should follow ----- U87Ai > Avalon 737 (engage phantom power) > Apollo.... I hope this helps.
I just got this but the usb version for windows. Apollo twin x duo. What’s the difference between using thunderbolt vs. USB? And does it make that much of a difference?
My UAD Apollo 8 Quad and Apollo Twin X fit my workflow and compliment my creative process. Also, the console system control panel is just my cup of tea as far as the perfect blend of analog and digital. Apogee is amazing. Especially the symphony but UAD just work for me. I hope this helps.
I Was gonna go with a Apollo Twin for my setup but my asus z390 H gaming MB doesn't support Thunderbolt so I went with the RME Babyface Pro FS instead which I do not regret at all. RME Babyface Pro FS is the best in my opinion because it has more options like a MIDI port connection, optical in & optical out ports and so forth much more versatility than Apollo in my perspective. I will just invest in a UAD DSP Rack later on in life so I an get those UAD plugins 😉
Dude you made the right choice. The apollo sucks. I had the apollo and the RME babyface pro fs. I only have the rme now. I have a brand new high end pc I just built 4 months ago. The best of thr best. Even has native thunderbolt 3. And the apollo had so many issues. If you have a Mac they are great. But pc they barely work. And the rme sounds way better imo. I'll get a sharc card someday maybe. But honestly wasn't impressed with their plugins
@@patrickrosington1174 thanks for sharing your perspective, opinion and experience. I have no complaints about the RME BFP FS it's plug and play very simple with high quality inputs and outputs all around.
The biggest difference is this the Apollo Twin X Quad has more processing power for UAD DSP driving plugins than the Duo. It has 4 (Quad) sharc cards vs 2 (DUO) sharc cards... You can use more plugins. The X series is also the updated version of the apollo's.. Next generation. I hope this helps.
@@archiebeatz Yea, My homey said he could only use one plugin in with the Duo. I don't get it but i think someone should touch on that part. For those that only see it from the outside looking in. You know. Thanks by the way.
It's the apple Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapter. It has a Thunderbolt 3 male cable in with a Thunderbolt 2 female at the adapter point. It also works with my Apollo x8p. Here's the link to it amzn.to/2Y9GGoU
Hi! I already have an akg c414. Which mic could I pair it with to record a podcast? I have an apollo twin duo, bae dmp 1073 and the akgc414 mic to record music. I want to to start a podcast and need a mic for a co-host. How would u suggest I connect 2 mics and which ones? I though about getting 2 rode podmics and plugging straight into my apollo interface. But what can I do if I want to use the mic I already have? The at2020? How would u set it up? Thanks for your time and video!!
Can I post a pic here? My apollo came witho thinderbolt port looking a little... idk. Goofy. Looking for a second opinion. Almost looks corroded but the rest of the device looks brand new.
Hey what's up? The Solo is ok but it has 4 times less DSP (power use to power UAD Plugins) than this Apollo Twin X Quad (4 cards).. The Solo only has one sharc processing card for DSP. If you are going to use a lot of Universal Audio plugins, you definitely want to go with the Twin X.. I hope this helps.
Yes, on standard monitors/speakers they are extremely close. When listening through my Adam A7x monitors, there was a HUGE difference. The AT2020 is still not a bad mic. Yesss, no excuses these day, lol.
I can hear a difference on my phone and definitely a big difference on my headphones and speakers. at2020 sounds good tho but the u87 is a different beast
Just to be abundantly clear, the Apollo thunderbolt DOES NOT work reliably with Windows anywhere except within a DAW. DO NOT buy one with the expectation of using its audio for listening to music online, watching videos, playing games, etc. The UAD drivers are terrible, and do not play well with the windows drivers. For using within your DAW though, the Apollo sounds better than any interface I've used.
Hi. Yes, the Neve 1073 is amazing. It's the best 1073 version on the market. It's definitely worth the invest if you are going for that Neve sound and signal hotness. I hope this helps!
@@srahman3446 Wow! I really am excited for you! What are you going into from it? Which ADDA? I used to have an Apollo. I sold it after a while to pay go toward a Prism interface and an sslSix. love them both. the Neve is such a great sounding pre that you can really push hard. I liked the uad so much I bought the real thing and damn!! I will let you experience it. A lot of people do not understand the difference between hardware and software regarding the amount you can push them. If you have software, you are limited to what your converter can handle and the file just breaks up and digitally distorts in the daw. Hardware preamps will allow you to push harder into them to get more pleasant saturation. this is the biggest takeaway. Not having to even turn on my computer to use my gear is nice.
how do you expand the inputs on this apollo twin quad x. just got it and i have 3 synthesizers that i want to connect to this but it only has 2 inputs.
I've heard of some people having issues with trying to use the Avalon 737 along with the Apollo. What preamp would you be using with the Apollo? I was using Saffire pro-40 until I had to upgrade my Mac and found out that focusrite no longer supports the pro40 and I have a tlm Neumann 102 and I'm looking to get a Scarlet interface or a Apollo interface
Thank you Archie. May I please have your advice. TLM 103 OR u87ai with an apollo. Does the mic price difference match the quality difference. Which would you recommend?- TLM 103& apollo is my budget now. I can wait a couple of months to purchase the u87ai.
Me personally, I would get the U87 Ai if it's in the budget. The reason is it's versatility, switchable low-frequency roll-off and switchable polar pattern. This is super convenient when recording on a schedule. The TLM103 sounds amazing and will do tho. The Apollo Twin X has made me alter my entire recording signal flow. Pretty much any mic with decent specs will perform great but of course investing in a better microphone will give you the best results. I hope this helps.
@@InspirationSound I had a 103 and sold it after 6 months and replaced it with a u87ai, best decision I have made. U87ai super flexible and works well with any source. Save your money and get a u87ai. Even if it means buying a cheap used rode nt1 till you are ready!
