Universal Audio We Need To Talk About Windows 

I use both macOS and Windows, went with RME. Flawless base, in my experience, for both systems. I really love TotalMix, seamless workflow between systems.

i'm more scared to waste time than money. as droolworthy as UA hardware is, i have to avoid all of it for this very reason - an inconsistent windows experience. thank you barry! 🤘

You just saved me from a world of problems. I have a PC and was planning to go buy one tomorrow from Guitar Center. They just missed out on a sale from a WINDOWS customer.

I have been using UAD on widows for about 2 years. Have had one brick up on me and had to replace it, had a few updates that my apollo didn't agree with too well. So I'll admit, definitely inconsistent at best. Thanks for standing up for us Barry!

Thank you so much for this video! Being a UA Windows user, there's nothing left to say, you just nailed it! I wish, UA would hear those messages (and care), so we would at least get a good explanation for their Windows software still being at that poor level that simply doesn't suit a company like UA.

I think it’s super cool that you are a Mac user and you’re still trying to bring this discussion to the forefront in hopes of universal audio seeing it. And for a long time I was always want to do try their plug-ins and ironically, now that they’re on the windows and you don’t need any hardware, I just don’t care and for the most part I’ve decided to stick with softube and slate for my main mixing plug-ins and RME for my interface but nonetheless some of these companies got to get there crap in order

God bless you Barry! You’re truly a unicorn and a god send for numerous people. I have made countless better informed decisions on hardware/software purchases based on the information I’ve learned from you and many other RU-vidrs of the like. Thank you for all you do 🙏🏾

I am lucky, I have not had any issues with UAD and Windows. I am open to hearing about what others are experiencing.

You are freaking me out... I run UAD in my PC and have never had a glitch. My PC was built by Sweetwater and is a stand alone Audio PC only. Hope my luck holds up

Barry so glad to see you tackle this subject looking out for the thousands of Windows users that are having issues with their Universal Audio interfaces. This is why when I was changing from Firewire to Thunderbolt 3 I had my PC built by " THE PROTOOLS PC " because of the nightmares I was reading about UA and their interfaces. My system runs great and I am one of the lucky ones using a Apollox8 and thunderbolt 3.. Luna will never be available for PC and that shows just where UA is today .They build the best plugins on the Market and I have been with them since UAD-1 . I can remember a customer service rep spending over an hour getting me going and now your lucky to hear back in a email for a week . I haven't had issues in years but again I been blessed. The same issues have been going on 10 plus years now so if I was a PC user I would find out the specs and parts of people who are not having issues before putting up your hard earned money ... Drew from UA seems to be the only one that try's to help but you can tell his hands are tied. Maybe really look into the new Macs .. I used them up until 99 so I love them both . Thanks again sir !!!!!

I'm a Windows user. Been doing this for a long time. Had interfaces from Presonus, MAudio, Focusrite etc etc. I'm currently using a RME Babyface Pro FS. It is a beast. Drivers are rock solid. Very low latency and sound quality is fantastic.

i almost bought a UA interface for windows. so glad I didn't for many reasons. Price being one. the issues you mentioned being another. And with modern processors, the dsp is not needed all that much, if at all. I owned an Antelope for about a month,. thunderbolt. It was problematic, In all fairness, Antelope's support was very good. But it just got to a point where when I wanted to sit down and record music some little issue would flare up. I got tired of it and returned the unit. Saved myself a couple grand. replaced it with 2 quantum 2626 thunderbolt interfaces. which have been rock solid on windows. thanks for telling it like it is Barry

I was excited to get an Antelope interface, never worked with my PC. Then on to UA, had constant problems, no answers and finally ditched the Razor Blade computer for an Alienware I7. Most of the problems went away and I have been using Thunderbolt. I totally agree with what you say Barry!

I 100% agree with you. I use both Antelope and UA interfaces and moved to Mac 4+ years ago because I didn’t want the Windows implementation headache. I would like the option to use both.

You were able to speak any language but you decided to speak with the language of facts and truth!

I am so glad that you were addressing this problem. I was running Windows 11 using AMD and on Windows 22H2 the windows drivers failed. I called tech support numerous times and got the runaround. I even wrote a letter to Bill asking him if he could please fix his drivers and receive no response. I finally got disgusted and bought a Mac Studio. I don't think I should have had to move to McIntosh in order to get my universal audio equipment to work properly. Universal audio doesn't give a damn about Windows. Air tech support actually even told me to go get a Mac. I have a large investment in an Apollo 8 and an Apollo 8 XP. To be honest I wish I would have bought a different converter. It's a shame that they just don't care about windows and as you have said many times there DSP is outdated. Of course I still use them since they were so expensive but considering I have invested thousands in their hardware and their plugins It's pitiful that they just can't update their Windows drivers. So glad you made this video because you are right on.

I was able to get my Apollo X to work on my two Windows computers, but it required a lot of research and setup initially because it was causing distorted sounds. Even now, I still experience occasional issues. It's definitely not very "friendly" with Windows WDM. I haven't come across any other audio interfaces that have these many problems when working on Windows. Neumann recently released their MT48, and according to many users, it operates flawlessly and offers better converters and preamps. I've been contemplating selling my Apollo because of these challenges. Universal Audio needed a little more competence, maybe they will start to react now.

My two RME HDSP9652 PCI cards were bought used in 2005. They STILL work flawlessly in Windows 10 every day.

Thank you once again for your informative and educational input. I hope that our comments help inspire you as much as you inspire your audience.

Finally someone says that thanks Barry we need this! I went to buy Apollo twin... But the drivers

Still waiting UAD Luna for windows

YOU JUST SAVED ME A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY!!!

Gearsluts 💪🏽💯 I was on there since 2009

They've been promising to fix so people can use mic in other apps than asio DAW's for over 5 years now, but they're not doing it.. U can't use mic input from UA Apollo X8 or 8 (for example) with any other windows app than a DAW. No skype, discord, chrome or anything. Will do a lot of crackles/weird distortion, like it's different kHz settings in windows wdm/their code. Why ain't they just fixing it :s P.S Thank you for an awesome youtube channel! Much love from Sweden :)

Please another one man, give em all the ear full!

Thanks for your videos !! Regards from Argentina!!

Bravo Barry! Was trying to buy a new creation station and apollo 16, my sweetwater rep wouldnt sell it to me due to this issue

UA permanently lost me as a customer long ago, I’m RME all the way! Regardless, thank you so much for this video, absolutely amazing!

Learn a lot from you Barry, great content

Six years after buying my Apollo x6, still needing a voicemeeter!

Brand new 2020 Dell XPS 15 4K laptop was bought in tandem with an X6 my first Universal Audio product. We had the most competent people try to figure out the problem. Chuck Levins couldn’t fix it. Guitar Center people couldn’t fix it lol experts in my area couldn’t fix itand it came down to a problem with Boot Camp and the 4K screen combination that recognize the X6. that led me going back to Mac for the first time in 10 years first with a 2020 I-9 now with an M1 max, and the fact that Apple stores all the VST in a set spot is reason enough alone to stay in that ecosystem, your absolutely right about the holier than thou windows attitude. This is been a long time coming because it’s a total crapshoot buying a brand new fully specked out computer and it not working with a Universal Audio product.

Hit the nail on the head 💯%

Preach Barry! #TheAudioPaster

The opposite was the Case 10 years ago: In Cinema4d on Mac many Plugins made problems, dont worked together and some caused the whole Computer to crash. This happended, because Apple dont have give the whole SDK to Plugin-Developers. This was one reason why i have switch to Windows 8.1 10 Years ago...

Luna for windows is trying to become a combination of Harrison's Mixbus GUI with Apple's Logic Pro features and functions. But still I prefer Logic Pro for Music Production & Audio Pre-production and Mixbus for Audio Post-production. I do use UAD plugins during Audio Production that I have purchased. But I am not using Luna because it lacks many features that Logic Pro and Mixbus have and the ease of working with it (not user friendly as compared to Logic Pro and Mixbus). I tried Luna to produce my music but it need to include more features and functions to attract more Windows users.

Well, I didn't know about the Antelope audio issues for windows! I was going to spring for a Edge Go or splurge for the Apollo x8 HE from Sweetwater, since it has the Sphere LX bundled in right now. You saved me $1400-$3200. Now watching you other video that the Apollo might become a legacy product. Thanks for both vids.

It is a great shame. Approximately 10, 12, may be even 15 years ago I purchased a Universal Audio DSP Interface Card. For PC windows. Absolute Disaster. Now, fast forward, up to date. They still selling PC Windows interfaces with Problematic Drivers? WOW. This is not good in these modern times. Barry. You spoke it has it is. Excellent and constructively put together video, Man.

Central Florida💪🏽💯🌴

Barry this is the first video i have looked at and you are a classic ....very good balanced views ..i will be looking at more ...keep up the good work Barry ...i just subscribed ...greetings from Trinidad

100% on point I use UAD on windows and it works well However I built my own PC’s. If that were not the case, I am sure it would be A different experience

I’m grateful to UAD- I owe a LOT to them. If it wasnt for their complete and total lack of desire to get Windows working, I wouldn’t have gotten into RME! A far superior product in every way, in terms of drivers, conversion quality, and flexibility

I still ❤ windows thank you Great work

One word for WIndows users-RME

I bought my RME UFX III and I love it. Once I got somewhat the idea on how TotalMix works. I think it actually is way better than UA. RME has its own DSP. I got reverb, delay and compression. No problem. I watched one video about how they can run regular plugins from any company. I think its called live mix. Not sure I saw a live stream from RME long ago and was trying to understand it. I guess I should look it up again since I understand TotalMix somewhat better.

well said

My one big bugbear with UAD is 3 months after they bought out LUNA I asked them when they were bringing out the windows version and their reply was "we hear ya". Well they might have heard it but they completely ignored it, it's now 3 years later and they STILL havn't brought it out, they just don't care about their windows users, even though Ive spent 10's of thousands with them.

Preach!

Couldn't agree more!!!!

I don't have any UA products for this reason. I found that Slate's emulators do the job incredibly well, but I'd LOVE to have an LA-2A in addition to an FG-2A, but the issues aren't worth it. Thanks for being awesome, Barry and thank you for all Icontinue to learn from you. Its truly help me grow.

i didn't see this video till 9 months later what a bummer lol. im just curious they had the nuts to reach out ? i was riding the UA and windows wagon forking out thousands to finally say screw it and went my way to RME and i just cant believe how good the drivers are . latency doesn't exist what is latency? just to sum up i use ozone 11 for mastering needs and they introduce huge amount on master channel well at least i thought they do till i loaded with RME in charge now all that used to be 400+ms on good day went down to below 20ms every day and that's why they lost many like me.

Well said Barry.

Thanks Barry. I was thinking of going Apollo with usb but I’ll wait to see if UA take up your offer.

I was thinking of getting a UA Apollo X8 or X8P, but I've heard numerous issues with UA and drivers for Windows 11 and AMD. Since AMD is top performer on the PC side and AMD 9950X is coming out in August 2024, which I plan to upgrade my AMD 7950X and AMD 5950X, then it seems I will not buying UA. FYI, I'm a software engineer with 37+ years in the professional side and I can assure you there is NO issue with USB-C specification and Windows drivers ... like anything we program today, drivers will take into account various chipsets and work around known issues, just part of software engineering. I've had USB-C driver issues with other hardware like Native Instruments, and KORG are putting 64bit executables in Program Files(x86) which is 32bit path so we end up with a "Generic USB MIDI" driver ... if you add more KORG devices you get multiple "Generic USB MIDI" so I have no idea which KORG I'm selecting in my DAW because I have multiple listing of "Generic USB MIDI". I don't know why these hardware companies that charge $3000-$6000 for hardware don't spend the money for competent software engineers.

Lets go windows and trying to get UAD bullcrap to work on it baby! ❤

I have apollos on my Mac rig and a Volt on my windows PC. Both work great

Thank you thank you thank you for your honesty. Some of the best videos on youtube

Other audio interface manufactures such as Presonus have had the same issues dealing with TB and windows. Barry said it at the beginning PCs are almost an open source system while Mac's are more or less a closed system. Even if an audio manufacturer relates more specific requirements in regards to a PC there still can be interface/audio issues especially dealing with TB devices. There are a lot of variables between a PC build and the Win OS ver/build and its updates. Would agree with Barry that manufactures should give very specific requirements on PC builds and the corresponding OS. They should also provide more truthful correspondence to their customers on the issues they themselves know about. Well that has not been my experience for the last 30 years. Don't think it is going to change. Would also agree with Barry in that RME has consistently produced the best Windows drivers on the market and has so for very very many years. Of course you are paying a premium for this when buying their products.

THIS!!!! THIS!!!! THIS!!!! Barry you are the ONLY one bold enough to call these hypocrites out sir!! I am STILL using my Apollo silver face via FireWire for this reason! The FireWire card drivers are BETER than the UA usb drivers!

man I brought the zen tour when it 1st came out i still have problems from time to but nothing like when i 1st got it

I am not an impulse buyer. I have wanted an Apollo Interface for the longest time and as a Window's user I haven't done so specifically for the reason you've stated. I research everything before I buy it and as much as I want UAD DSP Interface, I just don't see me doing it. I'm also a subscriber to Spark, I love their plugins and would love an Interface that works the way I want it too by saving me some space on my PC.

He's right. It's a Hit or Miss on Windows. I use both MACs and Windows. It can be a headache when installing on Windows!! That's what brought me to this video. No problems with Mac, but a lot of challenges installing on Windows. But when its installed it's magic. I have 2 Apollo Twins, Silver DUO (TB2) and Twin X, (TB3/4) QUAD. Just some driver issues!!!

I just added a thunderbolt3 to my gaming rig I build a few years back to do music, pain in my ass, all the confusion thunderbolt support. didn't need it until now since I want to use Apollo Twin X quad with my Windows10 with Reaper. another headache is that can't isn't made so I had to track down a refurbish card which I did that came with all the cables. Here are my specs if you're wondering: Aorus x570 Master board with Thunderbolt header, Ryzen 3900x, 16GB Ram G Skill Trident 3600mhz, Aorus Gigabyte M.2 2TB Radeon RX 5700 XT Red Devil back in 2019 then added Titan Ridge 2.0 Gigabyte thunderbolt in 2023 to make it all work. It does work with Reaper but to what extent I don't know as now, I finally get working last night so time will tell thus why I am watching this video for more knowledge.

The issue is that not all PCs are the same, too many variables. its litterally impossible to be truly 100% PC compatible.

I decided to pass on the Apollo this I just built a Windows computer and I hate more than anything technical issues in a creative environment. I am using an SSL2 interface flawlessly. DSP is not as necessary as I track using an outboard Joe Meek VC1Q channel strip and can offer DAW based feel good EFX during tracking for singers..... Thanks for the heads up as I've been investigating new interfaces for awhile because I'm going to move my SSL 2 to the notebook and I'm looking for a one for the studio.... Maybe I'll just stick with SSL

I can appreciate everything Barry has said and am aware of the problems that some people are having. I can tell you with a doubt as a prior owner of a UA Arrow and now a Solo both being Thunderbolt. If you purchase a HP computer that has an intel i7 Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port you will not have any issues with compatability.

I agree Barry. I sold my twin a few months backs. I use mac and PC. I'd rather have an interface that I can use on any system.

The fact is that software companies can be ABSOLUTELY SURE what the components are in the mac computers they are building drivers for. You literally state this. This is simply not the case for windows, everyone in PC world is doing random builds for "better performance" to the detriment of their own community. Why should they chase their tails knowing it's going to result in a "i have a *insert overly complicated build here*" problem most of the time, when they can spend their focus where they know they can get consistent results and feedback from a community of people using the EXACT same components?

I bought this crap a few weeks ago, theb bought the thunderbolt card and here i am still looking for fixes 🥴pls let this be a dream god damn it

It's sooo weird man. My first gaming P.C was so inconsistent with my apollo and would crash anytime I turned it off. Also had issues with crackling at higher buffer sizes. I got a newer gaming P.C and I have zero issues. I don't get it

I confirm. Just got an apollo twin mk2 and couldn't run make it work on Dell xps 15 9510. There are even no errors, it just doesn't see the device.

It seems that thunderbolt 3 is pretty stable on more modern Intel processors so maybe they've been given more attention from UAD and when you don't have to use adapters for thunderbolt 2 to 3 and so on, me personally it's been issue free for me and I hope UAD puts equal care into code and software like they do Apple, there are tons of producers who use Windows because of the custom options for hardware. I almost went with RME as they are stability kings no doubt but loved UAD plugins but now that they are going native I def at the moment would chose RME all day long but the Apollo is serving me well so if it ain't broke then yeah keep it right? Barry I've been watching you since you started your channel and you are and awesome positive thorn in all of these vendors sides to convince them to keep innovating and I think I speak for everyone here man we love you and support you full stop! Keep giving them all hell captain!!

I just bought a UA interface and use windows. I was assured by sweetwater that it would work. I will report back. Sweetwater has support for troubleshooting in case that helps anyone

UA Apollo Twin X, bought in 2020. Built a custom PC, Win 10. Connected via TB3 on the motherboard. Powered the UA then the PC. Got the drivers. Kept everything stable, haven't upgraded to Win 11. Fully functional 24 bit/96k, no issues unless I start pushing/quick-changing stuff!

For pro audio work, I'd pick an RME interface in a windows set up as I'm not a fan of Apple's walled garden and their idiosyncracy when it comes to product and software features.

I've used an Apollo Twin mk2 (Thunderbolt) and a QUAD UAD-2 PCIe card with Windows for about 6-7 years. I'd say for the most part, it's been pretty good, other some minor annoyances with the Thunderbolt port not "starting up" and having to reboot sometimes... That said, more recently, I'm starting to experience glitches/pops/clicks even with pretty light CPU load. Granted, this is possibly at least in part because my hardware is aging. But what scares me a bit, is that since, as per UA's recommendations, there was only a limited set of hardware options for Windows users, if I were to upgrade my motherboard/processor, I'd also have to upgrade my Apollo. And there's no guarantee that it'd work flawlessly (or at all) with the new hardware to begin with. To add a little insult to injury, I also have a MacBook Pro now, but if I wanted to buy an extra cable for it, it'd cost me about 80EUR for a 0,5m cable. As such, while I love UA plugins, and very much enjoyed recording with their virtual preamps and compressors with virtually no latency, I've now decided to move away from the Apollo, and go for an RME interface with good ol' USB. Also because their interfaces are class compliant, which is good for someone who dabbles with Linux.

Mt windows works fine, Apollo twin x--->apollo 8--->apollo x6 On my laptop I use a solo every day aswell

Man this is literally what I was saying the other day. I just brought the Apollo solo interface I was under the impression that it also works for windows cpu. It already didn’t come with the usb c cable after spending a little over $500 so I had to go and buy a cable and I also had to buy a usb c to USB adapter. I get all of that stuff and it still does not work on my laptop. I really fell like I wasted my money.

How can I get the sound to come out monitor on Apollo twin x for Windows

Great video, Barry. I guess I’m one of the lucky ones I have a fairly Windows machine and I run my Apollo twin and three satellite units with no issues That said my biggest issue about UAD and windows is it is so limited With the USB options. I would love to be able to get an Apollo 16 and use it with windows, but thunderbolt is not an option on my machine. Is it really impossible to put the technology into USB, or is it just a universal audio has no interest in trying to attract windows users?

The 'big point' is a bit ridiculous to be candid. Asking why a company sells products based on the extremely generalized points is a bit crass. I don't own UAD plugins/hardware/anything, but this issue you're describing is bigger than a company failing to design stable, well-built drivers for Windows. There are many variables that can cause instability on Windows-based systems and WIndows-based drivers - doesn't matter the audio interface company/product (RME-included, regardless of their driver reputation). Windows OS is a moving target, and paired with the fact that every, single PC build is different, it invites possible instability well before a third party product is connected and driver is installed. There is not a one and done fix as you're hoping for. Windows OS and audio interface driver developers - it takes two to tango baby.

Yes! So sick of Apple BS and my 3 Apollo racks are just gathering dust since I switched over. Now with USB4 and so many more pc’s that will be able to use TB very frustrating for them not to give support. I understand not wanting to port Luna but not being able to smoothly run an interface is nuts in 2024. I’d gladly pay another $600 for 3 usb3 expansion cards

UAD DSP cards work brilliantly on Windows. For interfaces on Windows it’s got to be RME all day everyday.

Such a good video... JUST went through this last week with my Apollo Twin on Windows 10. Windows had some sort of stealth update and nerfed the drivers. I'm so over UA. Put in a ticket, no response. Tried archived drivers, can't even use the installer package. This is unbelievably frustrating.

Thank you! Nothing but problems with my Arrow. Kinda works in 10 total crash fest in 11. Zero support from UAD. My favorite plugins and love the product but a joke with Windows 11.

I’m not a professional. I’ve used a usb Apollo for like 10 years, beautiful. My only issue is Luna isn’t on windows.

So I have extremely stable and consistent uad on windows experience except for live streams. What I did to remedy this was go out of a separate output into my atem mini extremely iso. It works and completely fixes my weird issue. I did use my switcher every time I do live streams anyway so the workflow just works

UA not even let us, Windows users, route the PC audio through the Console. That for me was hard to believe after I bought my Apollo Twin USB. Not to mention LUNA...

Great video and great cause! Well done and thanks :) It wouldn't hurt for Antelope Audio to step out of their comfort zone a bit and talk to the audience too, although they've recently released stable drivers for Windows 10/11 (I haven't tested them yet). I will follow the outcome with great interest! GOOD LUCK! 🤩

I have a silver face apollo quad...I'm searching for a new laptop....it appears my interface is obsolete...not happy about that...thunderbolt 4 can't be used with thunderbolt 2 and my unit won't accept the thunderbolt 3 card

Amen! Preach/Teach Barry 6-26-23

GREAT VIDEO AND INFORMATION.

RME have German engineers and UNIVERSAL AUDIO has Californian Engineers that’s why RME is Solid same with nuemann

Pro Tools in Windows is a problem too, way less stable than the mac experience and the way that the edit and mix window's work in a terrible way you can't have each window in a different monitor without having to drag a big gray window that has pro tools menus on the top for both monitors and inside that big window you have edit and mix window , if you could make a video about it would be lovely! great video! cheers :D

Thanks for the video, Barry. Great information. I am looking for a small desktop USB Audio Interface (with at least 4 channels / and about $500) that is compatible with both Mac and PC (I use both platforms, Mac the most) and was looking at the UAD interfaces (desktop Apollo / Volt 476P). After watching this video, I went back to the Sweetwater website and did some comparison between the Volt 476p, Solid State Logic SSL 12 USB Audio Interface, MOTU M6 6x4 USB-C Audio Interface, and the Audient iD44 MKii USB Audio Interface. I do have very great experience with Motu, but this one does not have ADAT (maybe this is why it is less expensive compared to the other ones). After doing some further research, I must say that I'm thinking that the SSL 12 may be the best option for me, out from this group of 4. I think that SSL also have the best software (the 360 software). I would appreciate it to hear your opinion about this. Thanks.

Well, I don't use PCs, yet, but I should say UA is not the swiftest company to release drivers, even with a Mac i'ts better to wait a while before doing a major update. In my experience 6 months are the bare minimum😄

MANNNN bought in apollo x4 to find out my thunderbolt is 2.0 and they operate on a 3.0 trying to see if i could switch the thunderbolt card in my computer havent got far lol

The UA driver issue with Windows is a well known and unarguable issue that UA (in tech support calls) has straight up said they do not care and have no plans to fix it. Hardware based plugin solutions are a terrible idea and antiquated to me.

UA dont have the level of programmers vs rme. Back in 2014 I went through hackintosh from the same pc I had issues with uad. Havent really had issues since.

BTW, got a Motu M4 for using Windows 11 because the Arrow is unusable.

Like your attitude towards this, but it seems like they want to be the elite solution out there, but the competition will catch up big time.