2015 Musikmesse, Frankfurt: This morning, Universal Audio introduced their new line of Apollo audio interfaces for Mac Thunderbolt users.
The new interfaces boast ‘next-generation’ A/D and D/A conversion, new monitoring functions, Thunderbolt cascading of up to four interfaces, and Realtime UAD Processing — all housed within a sleek, black aluminum package.
Here’s the official video intro:
The new Apollo audio interfaces share these features:
- Next-generation Apollo A/D and D/A conversion “improves upon the original gold-standard” Apollos
- Onboard UAD-2 DSP allows Realtime UAD Processing — record through plug-ins from Lexicon, Studer, Manley, Ampex, UA, and more at near zero latency*
- Unison-enabled mic preamps and Hi-Z inputs (Apollo 8p and Apollo 8) for tracking through “classic” preamp emulations from Neve, API, and Universal Audio
- Thunderbolt 2 audio interfaces (Mac only) allow cascading up to 4 Apollo interfaces and 6 UAD devices total over Thunderbolt
- Includes “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle with 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, Softube Amp Room, legacy LA-2A, 1176, and Fairchild compressors, Pultec EQs, and more
The Apollo 8 interface (shipping now, US $1,999 with UAD-2 DUO Processing; or US $2,499 with UAD-2 QUAD Processing) features four Unison-enabled mic preamps and Hi-Z inputs for tracking through classic preamp emulations from Neve, API, and Universal Audio. Also included are new front panel monitoring functions such as Alt Speakers, Dim, and Mono.
Shipping in the second quarter 2015, Apollo 8p (US $2,999 with UAD-2 QUAD Processing) features eight Unison-enabled mic preamps, allowing recordists to track larger projects through classic preamp emulations from Neve, API, and Universal Audio. Apollo 8p also includes new front panel monitoring functions such as Alt Speakers, Dim, and Mono.
The Apollo 16 interface (expected to ship second quarter, 2015, US $2,999 with UAD-2 QUAD Processing) features 16×16 analog I/O via DB-25 connectors, dedicated XLR monitor outs, and stereo AES/EBU digital I/O — billed as being “ideal for producers and engineers needing Realtime UAD Processing and world-class A/D and D/A conversion” for their recording consoles and outboard preamps.
Finally, Universal Audio is releasing the new Apollo FireWire (US $1,999 with QUAD Processing, expected to ship second quarter, 2015). This audio interface continues to offer Windows and legacy FireWire Macs Apollo’s “gold-standard” A/D and D/A conversion, Realtime UAD processing, and 4 Unison-enabled mic preamps for tracking through preamp emulations from Neve, API, and Universal Audio.
Additional information and product specifications for the Apollo audio interface series available on the Universal Audio website.
