Stop - Don't Buy a Universal Audio Apollo

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[@BarryJohns]

If you get contacted telling you that you won something, it's a scam. Lots of people have been getting a notice from Telegram, it's a scam. I had to stop doing give-aways because of this nonsense. Sorry, but nothing I can do about it.

[@CipriPopescu]

Hi Barry! Do you think the new interfaces from UA will come with improved converters?

[@EricRabb]

Np sir

[@ampinghard111]

There really are some piece of shit humans out there.

[@AndrewPflueger]

Thanks for the video Barry. In case anyone is on the fence, I was an Apollo x8p user for the last 4 years. Loved the machine. But...with the new Mac computers out there, I realized what Barry has been saying for several months now (see his previous videos on how many tracks it takes to crash one of the new M1 chips) that DSP is beginning to show its age. So, I put it up for sale at Christmas time, sold it, and grabbed the RME Baby Face Pro. Most of that decision was based on the need to have a more portable unit (I work at multiple studios and to take the whole rack unit around was a pain). I'm blown away by the RME. I've never really considered myself an audiophile. Most of the KZbin videos that go back and forth between how great a plugin sounds, don't really sound that different to my ears. But with this unit, I can tell a major difference in the clarity of the audio. Feels like night and day. The RME is perfect for portability too. I actually have a lot of projects I've tracked and mixed in LUNA (which I really love) so wanted to stay in the UAD world too. Got a Twin Quad first to try and meet the portability need, but it felt so bulky compared to the RME and the sound quality was just not the same. Just like some of the other users here, I saw the deal with the free Townsend mic, so actually got a heavily discounted Apollo x6 with a free Townsend also so that I keep some of my LUNA functionality. At the end of the day, I'm having to move away from LUNA for new projects, but having an M1 macbook pro paired with the RME, I have had 0 issues. Even with my x8p, I'd "run out of resources" with a heavy mix. So far, I've not had any issues with the new setup. Thanks for the videos to encourage me to take the jump Barry.

[@Subjective_JoshNelson]

Andrew, I'm now in your use case camp. after seeing Barry's vid on DSP. I just looked up the Baby face and it's similarly priced to an Apollo Twin X DUO. (I have a Mac Studio M1 Max). The only downside I see to not buy a pre or post NAMM Apollo, is I can't use the Console software to track in my LX mic signals. What's the fix for that - anyone? Thanks so much. Lost in gear acquisition land, and I can even make a track yet, lol (trying to future proof).

[@AndrewPflueger]

@@Subjective_JoshNelson I am able to record my Sphere through my Baby Face. I use the native plugin from Townsend (the original maker of the mic) and it will work in any DAW. So, I put it on the channel strip as a regular plugin and it works great. Honestly I feel like it sounds better this way. I can hear a more pronounced difference in the mic models. The mic doesn't HAVE to run through Console. Of course any of the Putnam or OceanWay collections are UAD only and they will not work this way. Good thing is, the Townsend was free (or at least was when I got it). RME uses a console like program called TotalMix. I was scared of it because I had read how complicated it was. For me, it was easy to set up (at least to get an initial recording done). The hard stuff comes when you start exploring the vast capabilities the program offers you. The functionality of it is unbelievable. I can't wait to dive into that more (probably after Barry does the tutorial video he promised us on it 😀). Honestly, the only think I've missed is LUNA. I really loved tracking and mixing in that. My first two studios were analogue, and I just feel more comfortable with that "process". LUNA gave me that feel, and I got a ton of complements on my mixes in that versus any of the other DAWs I've tried. Hopefully they will come out with a non apollo required version (yeah right 😀)

[@BennyVibes]

I just bought the X8 2 weeks ago as the deal was it came with a free Townsend L22. The free mic is what did it for me. I went from an Apollo twin (single core) that I had for 6 years so I'm totally happy with the upgrade. Im a noob in the studio and this channel has helped me out soooo much. thank you

[@snoopywalker1881]

Isnt that the fact that UA is offering a Free Townsend mL22 w an X8 more proof a big product announcement is coming?

[@willieelliott352]

Whats up Benny man I thinking of get an x6 or x8 I would love to know where you got tyour deal, that Mic is over a grand itself, would appreciate it

[@BennyVibes]

@@snoopywalker1881 they purchased Townsend 18 months ago and they’re trying to get rid of those mics so their new mics are the only ones available. Also yes, you can assume that which I also did.

[@BennyVibes]

@@willieelliott352 it’s all about budget. What can you afford without regretting the purchase. Also what do you need? I went with x8 because I had the cash. I didn’t need that much but I also have plans in the next few years to grow my studio so it was a good choice. The x8p is also a great machine (2 more preamps).

[@willieelliott352]

Benny thanks so much for the reply Ihave a Digi 03 With a X mod, it sounds great, I was just thinking of when I do switch over because it's A Firewire Interface and I want to up grade to a Thunderbolt, I Have the Octo, was just thinking of get the x6 or x8, especially when you said the Mic deal,have a great day, thanks again

[@contemplativecomposer5983]

I have only been watching your videos for a few days now, but I appreciate your candid and educated responses to this field Barry. I also appreciate how you are passionate about helping out those in at all levels with the questions and challenges they face in the Pro Audio world. I am hobbyist myself in London who works a career in the IT Security. And lately I have been asking myself the same questions, why do I buy this and that etc. Finding your channel has been a breath of fresh air, now I know I need to focus on 'needed' tools and also just building experience in using what I have and learning purposes for different tools too (compressors, eq, reverb, advanced mixing processes etc.) So thanks for the humility and the heart to share all this with people

[@chrismarcyy]

in my opinion, at this point Apple should buy Universal Audio, and put a M2 Max inside their Apollo line up. Now that would be a Monster.

[@MrTupeloFlash]

Great idea, & change Luna Daw to a more ‘Luna Pro’….

[@talenwaver]

Apple has recruited one of Universal Audio's top executives, leading to excitable talk about the impact that this could have on Logic Pro in 2023. Dave Tremblay has been appointed Senior Manager of Apple's Audio Systems division. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4Xcq6V3qap-arc

[@electronicbox6990]

Yes, and prohibit the cards to be used on Windows.

[@Rsonixtunes]

As long as Apple avoids any subscription service I’m good w that lol

[@ILoveTelecasters]

Holy shit that would be crazy

[@JohannesLabusch]

The Apollo is giving me Adobe vibes at this point. I am locked into a deal that seems very hard to get out of, without saying goodbye to a whole lot of money, energy and time I've spent. After the large amount of money I've invested in an x4, and all the plugins I've amassed, I would love to start over with a non-DSP based solution. But I feel like it's too late already to get a reasonable percentage of that money back. When I'm honest with myself, the I/O on the Apollo is not great, and I only have an emotional attachment to a maximum of 3 or 4 UA plugins. But, honestly, I'm a little tired of this constant change, and this setup is what I'll use for the foreseeable future. In every aspect of tech (cameras, computers, audio stuff), I long for the old days where an investment wasn't considered obsolete a few short years after making it.

[@ChaceBonanno]

It’s not obsolete. There’s just always new technologies and options for you. I totally agree though how UA has got us sucked into their ecosystem and invested too far to back out.

[@tonywarrior]

Mac Vibes, I would say....

[@xpowerchord12088]

Did you get money back from your work with the device? Once you get a certain return on investment you can just move on and sell it. I know engineers on frozen systems from 2012 that put out incredible albums.

[@Tren.hegellian]

Aren’t the majority of UAD2 plugins also native? You can still use your plugins without the interface now

[@xpowerchord12088]

@@Tren.hegellian Probably only 30% of them are uad2

[@wynton765]

I couldn't remember the name of your channel so I just typed in Universal Audio sucks and you were the first search result. 🤣🤣🤣

[@johntomanio3374]

I can't imagine UA, or anybody, coming out with an interface that will cause me to abandon my Apollos. They give me everything I could possibly hope for -- including easy I/O for mixing with outboard gear!

[@BarryJohns]

I think the biggest advice I can give anybody, if the gear you’re using does what you needed it to do, and you should not consider upgrading to anything else until it can no longer do what you needed to do.

[@sawssman965]

Seems like the tascam model 12 seems like it covers way more. I know it's not an audio interface alone but it seems like that and much more. Am I wrong?

[@pocket1684]

True, Adeles, Last single "Hello" was recorded in the box using the Apollo twin 2and generation. It was mixed in the box, mastered outside.The original DIGI 002 costed 1200.00. The d/a coverters were not near as good a U/A or even focusrite mid level pres. The Killers 1st album that got them on the radio was recorded on a digi 001, even worse D to A Converters, poor sounding mic pres. Great art will supersede any equipment.

[@alexanderstuartpetty485]

@@BarryJohns Why are you always so bitter about UA? Its absurd. They make amazing products. Period. You have definitely fallen far in my estimation with 1. these ridiculously biased misinformation videos that you publish about UA and 2. your need to pretend like you are the Nostrodamus of audio, which nobody wants or needs. Hang it up, its just sad.

[@BarryJohns]

@@alexanderstuartpetty485 Didn't watch this video or any of the others, you are judging by a thumbnail. This video is actually supportive of UA. Go figure......

[@ericmontgomery5241]

Cool thing about this is that if a person does not have a lot of money, the aging technology is getting better. May be a good idea to compare new price points and features of hardware with used. You might find that used Apollo gear could be better than new low-end gear, particularly if you have a less powerful computer and no funds to update.

[@KeyJayHD]

As much as I loved my plug-in set brought by my UAD-2 Quad PCIe, I honestly feel burned at the same time since UA refused to support it properly on systems with Ryzen processors. So upon upgrading my system, immediately half of my kit suddenly became unusable! It was at that point I realized that I couldn't rely on UA (or any one proprietary platform) anymore since none of their stuff was native (thank God for Plug-in Alliance). Honestly I should have diversified sooner. The practice in redoing my kit gives my plugin choice more focus. I'm actually in the process of removing bloat plug-ins and sorting everything that makes things useful and meaningful to me. That said, still, it's still a nice knife in the stomach whenever I think I no longer have access to $1400 worth of plug-ins. I hope that UA in the future does add native access to their legacy packages/plug-ins, but until that happens, I'm staying away. ... Also HEY from a guy also rocking with RME!

[@Skrenja]

UA's customer support is some of the worst I've ever experienced. It's like they train their support staff to gaslight customers. 🤣

[@mannymaciel8622]

I think diversification is completely overlooked and an underrated comment . Spot on

[@jdigital1]

This is a huge stretch, but a control surface version of the Apollo with full control of console and LUNA, 16 unison enabled preamps, great A/D D/A converters, automation (motorized faders) and parameters, and also a ton of SHARC processors for even more DSP along with the ability to use UAD plugins without LUNA or DSP would definitely be game changing. Still I'm happy with my Apollo X8P and Octo-Satilite and probably wouldn't sell it even if I did jump on any new Apollo, especially if they continue to work together in the same ecosystem as they do now.

[@prodbydonat6595]

that would be insane, but would most defo come at a huge price

[@denzellee6580]

This dude should’ve nvr made this video

[@christophernoia5197]

I got an x8p about 2 years ago. It was a much needed upgrade at the time and did transform my recordings by tracking through their dsp powered plugins. Super curious about the new interfaces coming out, though it'll be a long time before I get something new as I bought the Apollo for the long haul. I'll upgrade my computer long before that.

[@OneManRightHere]

I was getting ready to fight with the title of your video lol. But I agree with all of what you say. I did just pull the trigger on a an Apollo x8p Heritage interface and can't wait to dig in to it. I got some extra plugs like the Capitol Mastering compressor, tape delay, Lexicon 224 reverb, rotary speaker and a couple of others. My last interface was the Tascam US1800, so you can just imagine a whole new world that opens up to me with this new interface. I've read great things about the Behringer ADA8200, which would give you an extra 8 mic inputs that can be routed out via ADAT light pipe to the x8p. The converters are great and the unit is $229 street price. Not a bad investment for a modest home studio. Thanks for this video. We're about the same age and have seen a ton of change in the DAW interface recording world.

[@MorbidManoeuvres]

I had one and can purely back you here , I had to swap it to a SSL 2+ Works like I need it to 🙏

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

just switched to a X4 and V8 Apollo setup. Mainly got it for tracking and overall workflow. Both were purchased used and the transfer was simple and fast. this setup should last me a very long time.

[@pocket1684]

Your set up is fine.

[@dougyfresh2054]

I use Metric Halo 2882 and LIO 8. I have had the 2882 for 20 years. The company has had some upgrades and both units sound amazing / amazing features / amazing quality / great support. I would love you to do a review on Metric Halo. Very underrated.

[@manfredstives7815]

yes but no dante card

[@Kaleidoscope_808]

Agree! I own the first GEN, at the time external DSP was the path to take. Now, if UAD doesn't upgrade the internal processors to be above current processor then they will be forced to move to all native.

[@tihomir7]

Why? Buy a Sattellite if you need more dsp. Or find a better interface with better dsp's (if you can). I have 26 dsp's and use a lot of hungry uad plugins. Never had lack of processing power...

[@thegus84]

It's been 19 month since this video, and UA haven't released anything. So, should I buy an Apollo today?

[@sportswav6938]

haha i guess his reputation sucks

[@Hardik_P]

They released next gen APOLLO Series in Oct 2024

[@GodlyWork-p3q]

​@@Hardik_Pdefinitely did I'm just starting out which one would you recommend

[@trevsonic]

RME really is the GOAT. They were among the first to have updated driver for the RME 800 with the M1max. That interface is like 16+ years old, and it’s still GREAT.

[@kaysha]

Using an Apollo twin with a Mac Studio M1 Max. I wonder if I can replace all my DSP chains with the M1. A new ARM apollo I'd buy in a heartbeat. Still waiting to upgarde my whole setup

[@jonkthompson]

1st, we appreciate you sir! I couldn't agree more, UA interface's have been on sale for at least 6 months now, which means they are wanting to get rid of overstock.

[@soloridertv]

I've had my Apollo for almost 8 years now and was thinking of getting a new Apollo to add I/O to my system. Now that they will probably release new versions, I am waiting to see what the new ones are and whether they can be linked to my current Apollo. I would be disappointed if UA didn't update their hardware periodically.

[@peterpalmieri1289]

I’ve gotten rid of most of my outboard gear. Recently added a 2nd X8P that came with the Sphere L22. I love the versatility of the unison Pres. Bang for the buck $3300 pull out the $1500 for the included L22 and I added 8 mic Pres for under $250 each. I understand tech always move forward but I’m super happy having 20 unison mic Pres, enough DSP to run a 1073 and Fairchild on every channel or an API and 1176 for tracking. UADX allows me spreed out my mix across the Apollos and M1 Mac mini. Using Luna. I’m very happy where I am and if UA puts something out that completely blows away my current system. That would be great for everyone as I really don’t have any technical reasons I can’t make a great album.

[@ducngo3077]

I was late on the x8 l22 sale :( i am very new and only learned about the l22 about 2 weeks ago. I quickly got myself an l22 because I know when theyre sold out, only the new ones are available

[@thaexception3406]

@@ducngo3077 Welcome!

[@gurtz1144]

You are right. This stuff changing so fast. And there are so many cheaper options on the market. I just purchased the Apolo X4, in a bundle with a Sphere LX microphone. Then they added tons of plugins also. So I’m waiting to see if what you say happens- but it would be nice to see new hardware Apollos at a cheaper price.

[@PattraxUnderProductionCo]

Thanks man, I’m going to wait to buy anything at this point. When I grabbed the Antelope Audio Discrete 4, no more than 31 days later they came out with the synergy core processing. They would not let me exchange or upgrade at all. I even had series issues with connectivity to my computer. It left a mark with me where I vouched to never buy another Antelope Audio interface again. But either way, almost 4 years later, I’m on the look again. Uggggggg

[@bobchambers1455]

I love your honest appraisals and great information! I've had a lot of issues with my antelope D 4 synergy core. I've had to download drivers many times. Sometimes the headphones work, most the time not. I can't just sit down and record...there's usually always some issue or update or something that gets in the way and I wind up spending all my allotted time fixing the problem getting ready to record, rather than actually recording! And I spent 1100 bucks on it. I had a much, much easier time recording and got way more done when I used a Yamaha 8 track digital/analog unit!

[@kevinlentz7604]

❤Hi Barry it’s taken me 50 years to get here,UAD AND APOLLO GIVE ME THE QUALITY I LOVE

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

I am an RME user and it was the best decision I have made studio wise. I like UAD for outboard analog gear, but their desktop approach is antiquated and a walled garden hence I never got into their ecosystem. With other plugin companies out in the game, if that is your flavor, it is no reason to invest that kind of money for virtually the same outcome. Since I use a hybrid setup plugins do not matter that much to me.

[@chandeleerjet5637]

I went from the big studio Neve and studio console to a 8 channel Apollo and couldn't be happier. Scaled way down and make better music. It's an old Apollo 8p but the best piece of musical gear I've ever purchased for the fact it helps me make better music.

[@pocket1684]

Thats awesome, I know many producers that work w major to bigger indy artists that have recorded full bands to just using the twin w electronics etc. or or they have an 8 channel or even a 16 and an 8....I say to each his or her own. Pro Tools gets a lot of flack, I get much of it, however, its what I've been on for 23 years, sometimes I use logic, ableton, but I personally love pro tools and its the reason I've been able to make a living..

[@IAmChrisR]

I think we're looking at 1) new ARM-based Apollo's, and 2) a new Ox Box (apparently rumors of a pedal version). I think there are a few clues as to why the new Apollo's will be ARM-based, namely, Apple silicon support already existing for the UADx plugins and also the UAFX pedals running on ARM-processors. That also means that the UAFX may eventually get ported to this new UAD-ARM/UADx platform. I also fully expect the ability to toggle the UADx plugins between the DSP and native On-Demand.

[@mikejames293]

So glad I went with the Babyface Pro FS! Its absolutely amazing. Zero latency

[@Gmoney720SKATE]

*has latency

[@therealsondu5371]

Not exactly sure what more we we can expect from the current crop of DAWS and interfaces...if there's something you can't do in this day and age it's most likely user error. At this point people should focus on upgrading their singing, rapping, songwriting, instrumentation or production skills...which all seem to take a dive whenever the next "essential" DAW feature or plugin fixes your mistakes with one click and eliminates the need/opportunity to learn how, and more importantly, why and when to do something.

[@dulla8469]

i never bought an apollo but i dreamed of buying one, i have an audient id4 just to work remotely but now im building a studio with a friend and i was gonna buy the latest apollo if i had the money so thank you, ill wait and see what happens this year

[@thisbridgehascables]

UAD is running a massive sale right now on all hardware products.. until March 31st.. which might also be a sign of things to come. I’m thinking that the old interfaces might still be compatible with whatever they’re planning.. if they allow connectivity to the older interfaces from the next generation.. people would be fine. Also they could just make an option of using DSP or RAM. Because i got like 64G of RAM on my Mac UAD setup.. if apollo could properly access that additional memory i’m game.

[@kingjojo15]

Same setup as me i have a new max 2 macbook pro w 64gb of ram. Its way more than enough

[@ChaceBonanno]

The alternative to DSP is more like CPU than RAM. Having a lot of memory isn’t gonna make your computer process the plugins any faster. The CPU processes the audio. We have no clue what UA’s gonna do though. I think whatchu meant to say was that they should give you the option to run their plugins either DSP or native. They just started rolling out the native versions of their plugins. But a setting or switch to change between native and DSP would make more sense imo.

[@MrRootMusic]

I have Apollo Twin Thunderbolt and I love it. The sound with my EVE SC305 monitors and Adam Sub8 is amazing, and at this point I don't need anything else. There are UAD plugins I cannot work without, and there are plugins that I basically lost money and don't use them. I don't like the subscription model but, I am very curious what UAD will come up with next.

[@yanukadeneth99]

I'm very new here, but I just wanted to say I hope you have a podcast. I could really keep your video playing and work in the background without any distractions. Your voice is just amazing for podcasts!

[@lovelymusicnow4404]

Is UAD still better than Modern Waves products? What do you think about the Waves Abbey Roads Mastering Plugin?

[@marsrivers]

Yes

[@TheBp77]

How's that new Universal Audio Interface?

[@Ein-Stuck]

I've been with UAD since 2011, in fact they we hugely responsible for me going in the box and selling most of my analog gear. I hope they upgrade the shark chips. The plugins outside UAD are also amazing and chewing up more and more cpu power. UAD DSP allows me the cpu relief and real time near zero latency tracking. I'm satisfied with how thing are currently. I have no limitations. The only way it could get better is more DSP at a better price.

[@edpsocali]

I need help hooking my apollo twinx back up its saying driver not installed correctly and so I tried to download it and its saying it doesn't appear to be a download file do I need to unistall and reinstall

[@niteboatermusic]

have new M3 Max MacBook Pro, loaded. If the advice now is instead of the aging Apollo's - to let the horsepower of the computer do the real work of DSP thats fine, but what non DSP interface do you recommend? Any comments much appreciated...

[@jerdonsbabbler3515]

I still use a Prism Orpheus. Lovely. Everyone has their own practice and work flow.

[@stephenatgraceland]

Thanks for the heads up! Many of us are so invested in UA that we have a vested interest in their survival and success.

[@sodanomusic]

What mic are you using? Sounds great

[@BarryJohns]

My next video will be how I process my dialog.

[@sodanomusic]

@@BarryJohns 🙃

[@alexreverberi]

I don't know if you are right about your predictions, but I do hope so, but I also have the feeling UA will make it so the older Apollos will be still integrated in this new ecosystem, so people will rush to get the new interface, while keeping the old ones as input and output expansions.

[@chevaliermusic]

@Barry Johns Studio Talk - I didn’t think there would be new Apollos at NAMM and there wasn't.

[@emyhR]

Speaking of AVID what is your thoughts on the new MBOX Studio interface?

[@azcoyote007]

@BarryJohns Well. Here we go. What do you think of V2 hardware?

[@zazoomatt]

Agreed. Sticking with Presonus 1824C USB, Tascam 16 I am good with this to grow. Work with Studio One have my hands Full & Cost effective! Thank YOU Berry Johns I remember whene Behringer had put out a Fireface 1616 FCA with USB or Firewire for $325 to get away from the PCI madness interfaces. Since 2015 they put out Stable USB beginnings today. Everyone will get better !

[@nvstomtz2888]

Barry always has the word. People still think their shitty and underpowered mpc live 2 or mpc x machines are superior than computers, very false. new age macbook pros and razer laptops are far superior than dsp and underpowered hardware. barry is a legend for telling the truth, I have to re watch barrys videos often so I won't make any stupid purchases

[@descargamusicalny]

Is working good for me, no need to upgrade. If it ain't broke????

[@DevoT]

I've been using a Tascam US1800 on a Windows 8 ten year old computer for the last decade. Surprisingly it still works great with very little latency, but I have been looking into a complete upgrade (New computer, new interface) for a while mainly because the tech has improved so much from when I started out and I would like something with a superior AD/DA converter and modern DSP plugin system. I've been hesitant because getting into something new with the ability to record 16 or more tracks at once would cost thousands of dollars. If and when I do get a new setup I want it to allow me to use my collection of outboard preamps and something that will last me for years. I've been looking at the Apollo x8, the older Apollo quad 8, Steinberg AXR4T or a Motu interface. What would you recommend?

[@sawssman965]

Hey what do you think about the model 12?

[@PaulIsbell]

In my opinion, I’m pretty sure they are marking down the Apollo line due to the success of the UAD Volt line. People buy the Volt because of the price and just use the Spark subscription for the essential plugins.

[@virajpande3923]

yup that's exactly what I did kind of impulsively, now I'm reconsidering my decision- not a good long term setup...

[@PaulIsbell]

@@virajpande3923 what specifically isn’t good about it? I think I’ll probably make the purchase of the Diamond bundle on all the native UAD plugs and not have to worry about the subscription.

[@virajpande3923]

​@@PaulIsbell Thing costs 250 ish and the 20/month will eventually add up to the price of something way better, the plugins are great but they're super cpu intensive, apollo lets you use the plugins on the input as well, figure its easier on the cpu

[@astralaudio101]

I’m still a contend Audient user with the occasional remix on a Apogee Element 46 for some variation. The Apogee plug-ins are luckily very nice sounding without DSP.. I’m sticking with that.. 👌

[@joshsmith7033]

Too late. I already did. And it's f****** amazing. I'll never buy anything else other than universal audio interfaces.

[@lonewolf7704]

Wow, am so glad I saw this video. I had put the apollo twin X on my wishlist, this morning when I checked, its now on a 34% promotion. Now it is cheaper than the USB based windows version. I am so glad I could not buy this device last month. Now I will wait and see what happens.

[@mcsweet1966]

I just got a old RME Fireface 800 to add 8 lines in/out to my UAD Apollo X8P . work great so far

[@MavScientific]

I'm already with apollo for years. Got the x8 and x16 for my desktop in the studio and they've been amazing. Thinking of buying an x4 now, more for "on the road" purposes. I travel a lot and it would give me the possibility to use my usual apollo setup in a more portable way with my laptop. But this video kind of gave me some doubts if that's the right way to go, or if it would be better to wait for their new machines. What do you think?

[@PeterWoolstonMusic]

Barry this is a good video and makes sense but you said you "stake your reputation" on a new Apollo for NAMM which has been and gone ... and UA are silent. How about a follow up?

[@BarryJohns]

Well it looks like my reputation is in shatters, can’t get all of them right🤦‍♂️

[@PeterWoolstonMusic]

it'll probably take more than this to shatter @@BarryJohns! To maybe add to your argument the Apollo x4 is the lowest price it has ever been while the rest of the Apollo's aren't which may suggest that is the targeted replacement they are running out. My interest in Apollo is definitely driven by Unison preamps and not DSP capability. I don't have external preamps and I'm replacing a 10 year old Focusrite Saffire Liquid 56 for my project studio. The 56 has a basic version of Unison with Liquid selectable preamps. That's why the Apollo was of more interest than an alternative audio interface like an Audient where I get a great - but non-variable - preamp. As per one of your videos I need great preamps for vocals and acoustic guitar and I like that Unison provides Neumann and API preamps amongst others. Now I'm unsure as to how to replace my aged Focusrite audio interface ....

[@pat-enz]

Right on man. The UA milking machine has to undergo structural changes. Sharc moves to pedals and I wonder what name they will come up with their new chips. Octopus? Have a great day! Love your stuff!

[@GenilsonOficial]

I believe they should launch an interface that simulates the physical equipment, that would be revolutionary in the world of audio, which would be very similar to the UAD.

[@ChaceBonanno]

Who’s they?

[@Judasz696]

​@@ChaceBonannothe other guy

[@SuperGeorge2112]

Love my X6 Apollo, and the previous Apollo interface I had , built to a high standard and never any issues. 12 albums later still happy with the Apollo. At the end of the day they work they are reliable they have proved that over and over to me, don't see what you are on about !! the software and hardware work well together , what is the issue ??

[@BarryJohns]

By watching the video I’m actually stating a case for folks in your circumstances.

[@marmotenjoyer]

Hello, your audio is always really clear. What microphone and interface do you use to record your speaking portions? Do you do any processing?

[@BarryJohns]

I have a video on my channel regarding how I process my voice for the channel as well as talk about the mic I use. How I Process My Voice for Videos kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6eadpSiq559sNU

[@willieelliott352]

Love your insight Barry, I've been holing out on a computer upgrade as well as Audio Interface which I was thinking of a RME or Apollo, just that RME is firewire an I want to go to Thunderbolt.

[@HOBBITSODYSSEY]

I reallu want to try their Oxide Tape Recorder, but 15.4% cpu power per instance is not acceptable for a native plugin.

[@carlosserrano3985]

I noticed like a month and a half ago, a lot of vendors are giving discounts on UA interfaces, they're giving a lot of plugins with purchase too.

[@hevaldosouza4979]

I'm a user of Apollo and UAD plugins and I love them, the plugins in almost everything are my favorite. I recently purchased the Moog Synth from UAD(OMG…it's Fantastic the best I've ever played out of the box) I have no complaints about UAD and your thoughts are always welcome.But Barry on his previous videos Well…I would never judge or would see you as anti-UAD for what you said your opinion about apollo! I can understand you clearly and yes I agree with your opinion. I think your position is mature and constructive and the courage to bring more than your opinion, your information and great experience. I love my Apollo but I agree with you about converters and costs. in short…thanks Barry for the info and his channel is great! success for your life. Peace to us all.

[@azduelingpianos]

Ya...missing from Barry's critiques are that using UAD plugins to record and low-latency is amazing for home studio / weekend warriors vs Focusrite basic entries...

[@worshiphub7]

So no new products were announced, now what ? :(

[@Preachmusic4u]

Prophet Barry Johns 😅 you always have good future insight and advice that can help us from making a move too soon. Thanks for your videos 💯

[@zmickeylangelo]

Thank's dad, I always knew that you can give me some valueable advice whenever I call to your expirience Totally agree on RME theme. I really felt like I got some deep meaningful advice from senior

[@Subjective_JoshNelson]

Barry, what is your take on the just announced Native bundled plug-in sale promo? Should one jump on it now, due to the heavy discounting going on. Or, will one regret buying, say the Diamond bundle at $699 because post NAMM they will have updated them. (Just looking for your speculative opinion; nothing I would hold you too : ) ) Also, I'm not clear if I buy the Native bundle do I get the DSP versions, too. - at no extra charge?

[@Dracomies]

This is super relevant based on the news 2 days ago that things are going native.

[@SaniBanks]

I think they did the transfer video bc it’s one of their frequently asked questions. They’ve been doing a few of those as of recent.

[@decayingcorpse-xv]

I couldn't even if I wanted to. They're pricey as hell!

[@robemanuel882]

Hi Barry, love your videos. I bought a UA X8P a little over a year ago despite your advice and it works quite wel,l although it was overpriced. The deciding factor for me was that it allows you to track with plugins….Im not tracking with compression or EQ but being able to take advantage of mic pre modules when tracking is a real plus. Having 8 channels of Telefunken V76 or similar is unheard of for me. Am I missing something? Is there a way to do that with RME for example? And, do you know if UAD Console is compatible with Reaper? Thanks for all you do!

[@ShaunBarrett]

UAD works great with REAPER!

[@simpledeveloper-c8f]

RME still have a different focus, decent card, not better than UAD but not worse. For tracking, preamps and UAD plugins in that price range is inevitable, except you have eg. 8x 1073/1084/88RLB/etc outboard pre connected to eg. a Merging card.

[@RSotoBeatz]

what would be the best rival of the apollo twin x? taking in mind quality and price point.

[@BarryJohns]

RME Babyface Pro

[@RSotoBeatz]

@@BarryJohns thanks

[@BojanBojovic]

What exactly do you think they will do? Some hybrid between DSP and native?

[@BarryJohns]

I’m beginning to think I was wrong, it’s a mystery to me. Their best bet would be to design something around ARM processors. Only time will tell.

[@HarmonicMolecues]

Nothing wrong with UAD and their Apollo units, all interfaces have their ups and downs, i for one like using their DSP power to take a load of my computer, plus their plugins are pretty good

[@extramedium3920]

I am digging Luna with the API and Tape extensions. The workflow is really well thought out making it more of a console than a DAW workflow. I am looking at upgrading to the Antelope Orion Studio from my Discrete 8 Synergy core. As far as Antelope goes, when I have had issues, they have been fixed quickly with their support team. I guess I am wondering if there is an appreciable difference between Unison and just a good quality AD interface. Not that I have a budget for the Apollo channel count I would need...

[@tman4445]

NAMM 2023 is here, and UAD isn't in the lineup... you still believe they are gonna release a new Apollo this year?

[@Frettz]

My setup currently is an Audient id14 with an audio technica. for my 3-4 years of production i always thought these were enough although I have Peers that tell me i should upgrade to an Apollo and get a new mic. I know this isn't the topic of the video but what would you guys say would be best to do. get an Apollo or try out a shure microphone?

[@JabaarDugan]

3:48 and i was on Sonar back then because it outperformed them all. Console emulation was crazy good too!

[@Musicofjonesey]

I just wanna write and record music. I’m a one man band aka keyboard player. I just bought a Mac Studio and love Logic Pro X. I have used a mbox m2 mini for over a decade and other than the hissing it gives you if you turn your gain up any, it does everything I need which is…MIDI, usb to computer, mic inputs,…. What would you recommend me get to up grade away from the hissing while keeping everything else? Thanks for all you do!

[@DRUMAWAYEMAN]

This is hilarious. MY Apollo’s JUST started acting funny. Love this

[@jakearvonen]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Barry

[@scottspaulding7965]

I have been a uad customer seance the duo pci card. I run a x8 and x16. I have two octo pci cards. I hope whatever they do is awesome. Can't wait.

[@drewnorth3816]

New Apollo will add comprehensive Dolby Atmos support, probably 2 more sharc cores, maybe small upgrades to the converters and preamps. The biggest thing will be Atmos monitor control and support in Luna. I really wouldn't expect more than that. Aside from Atmos, it isn't going to be much different than current generation.

[@LodvarDude]

I doubt they will use SHARCH-chips this time around. ARM-chips are more available, produce less heat and they already use them in their UADfx pedals. Dolby Atmos will probably be a feature in their plugins at some point. In LUNA, I expect it to be a paid feature. This IS UAD after all. ;)

[@ScantlessBeatz]

Barry I got my first uad product 3yr or so ago i got a apollo twin and have added on plugins also i think i can run max around 10-15 depending on witch ones Im running. The spark plugins are great but if u have no internet your shit out of luck (no cool). Im on the fence where Im headed in the future. I built a offline setup and Now all these companies are making it where u need internet to run there products.

[@hlgrf8876]

Just buy a physical iLok key and all your problems will be fixed

[@ScantlessBeatz]

@@hlgrf8876 you know I didnt even think of that cus i been using a digital ilock that is a good idea. I never owned a phyiscal ilock

[@drvoodoo3073]

@@ScantlessBeatz It’s very trendy to bash the iLok dongle, I personally have zero problems with it. I have a desktop so I’m not moving around with the dongle so no worries that I might lose the dongle. It’s plugged in and stays that way. It’s super convenient when upgrading from one macOS to another or moving to a fresh installation. You don’t have to manually authorize all your plugins, as long as the dongle is plugged in you’re good to go. Sometimes I wish ALL my third party plugins were authorized to my iLok dongle.

[@ScantlessBeatz]

@@drvoodoo3073 Ya I never had a problem with a phyiscal ilok I just did not want to pay for one when I had a digital ilock but did not realize some plugins need internet to verify. I own other plugins on my ilock and i dont need internet for them the Uad spark plugins surprised me when my internet was accidentally unplugged one day and they didn't work. I have a laptop protable set up cus I dj & do remote recording session like people will pay me to go to their house and record them. A laptop,mic,apollo is basically all I need to remotely record and Im not using a $200 mic I have a Neumann mic.

[@ScantlessBeatz]

Know I have more studio gear then that Im just saying a mic laptop and apollo interface is the best option for me cus myself and my clients can hear the processing in real time from autotune,reverb or anything put on the vocal chain. Thats why I got a apollo in the first place cause it gives me basically no latency and I can print in real time what ever is on my vocal chain. Now I do need to get a apollo 8x in the future maybe.

[@DanielBaeder]

I really recommend DSPs sound interfaces for live stuff, it works. It helps with live performances and live streaming, other than that, well, there is a few applications….I’m too lazy to explain in details. Cheers

[@dolcof]

*too poor

[@simpledeveloper-c8f]

Well, I understood your viewpoint. But... Apollos have decent DAC/ADC and good preamps (I like only Merging/Neumann preamps better). Their DSPs are relatively old, but as time changed, now we primarily need DSPs for real-time recording, not for free up CPUs, and indeed, the DSPs within Apollos are the cheapest part, so technically, they can put an octo into a twin without going bankrupt (never will happen, but it's possible). Also, with this price range, Apollo has nearly merging quality but an RME price. Technically, I never felt that my productions were hindered by my Apollos. The plugins are not cheap, but probably the best emulations (of course, many alternatives), but these, sometimes, old plugins do what they need to do. And with native versions, you can really scale up how you use them, e.g. dual octo scale or more. They probably don't need to innovate with plugins at such a pace as others because if it emulates, e.g., an SSL, and does it well, it's ready. Otherwise, I didn't see any innovative products except from Bitwig, Newfangled, and Kilohearts in the last couple of years. Bitwig plugins are so good that I use UAD, Newfangled, and Bitwig built-ins for my mix/master setup. OK, I have to skip Apollo, and whats else? RME? Why? It's good, but not better... Merging? Not the same price. Or what? Lavry? Not too many manufacturers are better than UAD. DSPs are just an addition to their value proposition. Apollo is worth the price for the DAC/ADC/preamp only. So I have no problem with your viewpoint, but what's the solution? Don't buy anything? Buy a 2-3-10x more expensive card? Buy a cheap Scarlett? And before some say it, I like UAD but am not a fanboy. For Bitwig, yes; for Kilohearts, yes; for Ableton, maybe. I just appreciate UAD and don't really understand what will change if they come out with a new Apollo? They can't put a magnitude better DAC/ADC, because nobody does. They can put better DSPs, but it's just a small part after they widen their native plugin portfolio. As you mentioned, you started with the old UAD-1 when DSPs were the selling point. Times have changed since then.

[@holo_chin]

facts!

[@Kshitijj]

I agree with you all the way, but they just released a new twin usb 3. Did you get to check it out? Looking forward to your thoughts on it 🙌🏻

[@esmoroglu]

Thanks Barry, very useful information for amateur home studio enthusiasts like me. What I wish is that UAD makes the new one reasonably integrated with the Apollo LUNA environment that I really like and built my first studio on.👏🏻👋🏼

[@MusaRecordings]

It’s easily say save up a bit more for a m1 MacBook with lots of ram 💪 then have a recording project (for low latency) and a mixing project

[@JimCardoza]

I would just be happy with more comprehensive I/O and better conversion

[@MarkVO]

My hope is they'll open up console to allow for native plugins to work with UAD ones. The SHARC DSP core in my Apollo Solo can reduce the overall latency and native plugins might increase that latency, but it's a compromise I think I should have the choice to make to have a comprehensive chain I can just record my voice overs into and keep a bus powered, portable rig.

[@ChaceBonanno]

Yeah every plugin should just have a native/DSP switch or setting. Shouldn’t have 2 separate plugins.

[@tutorial4779]

I hope that the new apollo will be competetive to the merging audio anubis from the specs. So I expect high and great specs.

[@drampadreg1386]

In other words, UA got complacent like many successful companies do. But they need to step it up, even massive companies can have the floor fall out rather suddenly. I would like to see them keep developing hardware too, and I find Antelope Word Clocks much nicer sounding than UA, and their effects are a lot cheaper, in my case they were all free with the older Orion 2017 interface. But I got it with 6 modeling mics (2 solo's and 4 verge) for under 4K so I'm happy. And since they were Aardvark, I have found their word clocks to be about as good as they get. I would b e more interested in the la2a hardware, or their pre amp with tube/solid state blending, they sound fantastic and are worth the money. Good review, thanks!

[@intanettrappin8367]

It’s crazy everyone hated protools was not native and used dsp cards but loved the uad dsp model lol …native is the way to go simple as that

[@derdude8201]

I use studio one and reaper on my five year old pc with a cheap ssl interface and everything just runs super smooth. Never ever had any problems. All the uad native plugins run fine. I was on the fence to buy an Apollo quad or x6 as I plan to get a little bit of analog stuff in the future, but now I may be better looking into other interfaces.. the new uad interfaces you told us all were around the corner are still not available.. so what to go for? RME?

[@DJ-cyberdime]

which audio interface can you recommend me? the Focusrite Clarett+ 8pre or the Apollo X8 I'm mainly concerned with low latency and low noise with good sound.

[@tsoghostly]

I just bought the clarett 8 pre I’m packing it back up today. For mic input I had to turn the gain up almost 90% times get usable signal I thought something was wrong after hours of searching I found multiple people saying this.

[@samadam4774]

@@tsoghostly Which microphone did you use?

[@tsoghostly]

@@samadam4774 I tried it on 2 condenser mics Mojave ma 300 & the avatone bv1 . I ended up with an apogee interface happy with the sound I got now !!

[@tsoghostly]

@@samadam4774 mojave ma 300

[@mrflynn01]

I have owned my Apollo since 2013 and I have used my unit less tan 10 times. I would never get my money back at this point, so I’m keeping it.

[@BarryJohns]

Why so little use?