At the 2015 NAMM Show, Universal Audio introduced Apollo Expanded – an update that they call ‘the biggest evolution for the award-winning Apollo interface since its introduction in 2012’.

Apollo Expanded provides Mac users “mix and match” operation between Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo audio interfaces, as well as new plug-in types and Console 2.0, which features over 25 new user-requested features.

Now, users of Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin, Apollo DUO, Apollo QUAD, and Apollo 16 audio interfaces can harness up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices — adding I/O and DSP as their studio grows.

Apollo Expanded also lets Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo users enjoy:

• Simple Thunderbolt cable cascading between units
• New Flex Driver allowing users to configure Core Audio I/O — name, save, and share presets for different hardware setups and DAWs
• Star clocking over Thunderbolt, distributing high-quality clock to all Apollos
• The ability to add an Apollo Twin for desktop monitor control as well as additional DSP and connectivity

In addition, Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo users can now let their work flow with Console 2.0 — a wholesale re-imaging of Apollo’s original Console software. Benefits include:

• New high-resolution / Retina-compatible 64-bit software interface for Apollo Thunderbolt systems
• Channel Strip presets let you see your signal chain in one window — save and recall your favorite UAD plug-ins
• Monitoring improvements including ALT Monitors, Control Room, and CUE/HP management
• Over 25 user-requested features, including:
  • Plug-in categories and individual Show/Hide
  • Drag & Drop plug-ins for quick assignment
  • New plug-in preset auditioning
  • Per-channel Rec/Mon effects switches
  • Multi-level Undo and Redo
  • Dynamically resizable, independent windows
  • Show/Hide channel strips, devices, and more

Finally, the release of Apollo Expanded coincides with a range of new plug-ins focused on realtime processing features. They include:

• Sound Machine Wood Works
  • Allows your acoustic guitar’s piezo pickup to sound like a miked acoustic guitar.
  • Re-voice the source guitar’s resonance and acoustic properties in real time or at mixdown
• Distortion Essentials Bundle
  • This trio of classic stompboxes features UA’s groundbreaking Unison™ technology, giving you the true tone, feel, and response of the original hardware when you plug in to an Apollo Twin, DUO, or QUAD. The Bundle includes:
  • Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808
  • Raw Distortion (based on a vintage Pro Co Rat)
  • Bermuda Triangle (based on a vintage Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi)
• Antares Auto-Tune Live
  • Realtime pitch correction and manipulation with iconic Auto-Tune effect
  • Supports incoming MIDI notes and scales
  • Incredibly low latency for instant response, onstage or in the studio
• Friedman Amplifiers Plug-In Collection
  • Features two of Friedman’s coveted high-powered boutique amplifiers — the DS40 and BE100
  • Bundle includes the Brainworx bx_tuner

Apollo Expanded is shipping March 2015 and is free to Apollo owners. See the UA site for more info.