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.

[@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....

[@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

[@kevinstiller6553]

So, uh, how's that reputation of yours?

[@BarryJohns]

All thing considered, I’m about 85% on all of them. That said UA did not even have a booth this year, so let’s be a little patient. But yes the exact timing is wrong, but I still believe strongly a new one is very close. But like I made clear, I very well could be wrong.

[@thegus84]

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

[@worshiphub7]

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

[@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. 🤣🤣🤣

[@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!

[@samprock]

Click bait. Apollo is great. Expensive, rumors fueled. Luna was coming out for months. No need to take advantage in the matter.

[@kidreek]

Anybody selling an Apollo 8x or 16x for 600$ call me directly lmao I’ll buy all the hardware 😂

[@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......

[@TouchwoodTV]

Sorry Barry No new Apollos (Yet)

[@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.

[@I_AM369]

get to the point sooner. you go off on way too many tangents. had to exit before end of video

[@BarryJohns]

Well, this is called studio talk, and is very well not the channel for you. As I am never going to be the guy that spoonfeeds people who just wanna be told what to do rather than deeply understand all the complexities behind making these decisions. This is what decades of experience has taught me.

[@I_AM369]

@@BarryJohns no, it’s more like I’d rather not watch somebody blab on and on. You just did it again.

[@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

[@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

[@lovelymusicnow4404]

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

[@marsrivers]

Yes

[@mxynx]

Me looking at my x8 I just bought last week 😅

[@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

[@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.

[@joshsmith7033]

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

[@TheBp77]

How's that new Universal Audio Interface?

[@jetlag_beats]

Too late. I love it.

[@pyratellamarecordingstudio1062]

Uad interfaces are way overrated. If you listen to just the converters and preamps not counting any plugins they are mid grade consumer stuff. Not bad at all, but far from high end. I’d take an audient over a uad. Presonus 2626 sounds just as good. They’ve been banking on their name for years. Their plugins are good but their dsp is so outdated it’s just a ripoff at this point. And let me tell you the black lion revolution blows every Apollo away, the clarity, depth, three dimensionalaty and musicality is on another level.

[@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. 🤣

[@tman4445]

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

[@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

[@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...

[@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.

[@psysword]

UA was and is a MoneyGrab. Never fell for them Sharc processors . Invested in the German brain worx instead.

[@jerdonsbabbler3515]

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

[@michieldpiano]

I had bought a Twin X USB Heritage Apollo because I own a DLX sphere... what a disaster! It crashes all the time, console doesn't want to show up, UAD plugins give error in Nuendo, I got blips, etc... My power scheme is Steinberg optimized, my system should be powerful enough: i9, 64 gig ram, USB 3.1 ports, etc... Then there is the enormous list of plugins that "I still need to buy"... so searching the plugins I own (from the included promo) takes a lot of time. Besides that I get flooded with promotion emails. I am sending my Apollo back! It is overpriced (doesn't even have optical out??) and Universal Audio acts like they are kings. The customer support it the worst I ever experienced... RME Fireface UCX II, here I come!

[@Zarboofficial]

UA' robot customer delay support is unacceptable 😮. Saying they'll get back to you in up to 78hrs is unacceptable 😢. A callback is not acceptable either. A human answering the phone is the only acceptable customer support. Stop trying to conform us as they tried with covid

[@abrahamsg8318]

How About UAD Satelite , Anyone ??

[@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.

[@martinvanbriemen]

Thanks for nothing… I think UA is very happy with you.

[@BarryJohns]

I think so too!

[@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 🙏

[@johansugarev]

lol, seems like he was wrong.

[@BarryJohns]

Yep

[@peacefulwarrior9000]

UA makes great stuff that sounds great, you are overthinking this. they make a lot of money , except it. I really dont get the point here

[@BarryJohns]

I don’t know Gary it’s not for me to say, but it’s pretty clear from all the other comments, that most people are understanding exactly what it is I’m trying to say.

[@bdotvisualz7461]

alot of companies makes great stuff that sound great.... -_-

[@deejaylucolivier5955]

Bought a bundle of plug-ins from UAD. Garbage to have it work with that Ilock whatever useless software. Support is unexistant and trying to reach in person is a waste. And no refund with them. They will sit uninstall.

[@MrTupeloFlash]

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.

[@j.t2548]

No thank you, never again Antelope nor Apollo. Not worth it even if it was 50% cheaper with the joke of a software and marketing nonsense. Audient FTW.

[@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 ....

[@musiccreation1198]

4/6/23 : word on the street I'm hearing, UA's new interfaces are not ready for NAMM. RME & Audient will gain a lot of new users imo.

[@martinaddison4880]

There was NO major Apollo announcement at Winter NAMM by Universal Audio.

[@chevaliermusic]

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

[@vanislesam]

I wouldn't buy a UA device period. After their software issues with MAC left unfixed for my 4 years of ownership of my twin mk2 and their support not giving a crap about my issues and blaming apple and their OS and told me to buy the new Apple silicon macs to fix my issues, I would never touch UA with a 10 foot pole. UA customer service is garbage. Go with RME instead.

[@Rhythmattica]

Native DSP Steinberg in the mid 90's spruiked Native........ Comparable then ? no... but back then they said it will be in the not to distant future.,... And at that VST Launch in Sydney, Held in a Conference room at World Square, Every Digidesign TDM user laughed at what was the "Absurd" So... At the time? Yes... But, Here we are. DSP has no reason except for recording with low latency... Its no longer a somewhat Recording , Playback , mixing issue.... Not Anymore. As for Mixing desks? Like Digico ? Now that is where it's warranted... People, don't cross the streams....

[@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.

[@bassiclogic]

I look for a few things in an audio interface. Latency, converter, Inputs, outputs and cost! That Apollo does not sound $1500 better than the $700 PreSonus Quantum 2626!

[@bamtastic4297]

Recorded several albums on my Apollos and Luna ….. you are talking absolute rubbish

[@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.

[@iamyila]

If you owned a TC powercore you would never of bought at UAD device. They were always doorstops, also the company were always about rinsing people for money.

[@KeithMarvK]

I'm not selling my apollo. I like the plugins I've purchased from Universal Audio. I don't need or want SPARK. It's all paid for. I'm even moving to another Audio interface. I'll keeping my apollo to run the ua plugins I have chosen to purchase. And that's that.

[@emyhR]

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

[@TigerKoehn]

Looks like the prediction is wrong now a year later .

[@chucknkd]

Then the layoffs today….

[@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?

[@ShaighJosephson]

I won't buy anything where I have to register to use it and then transfer registration to sell it... Screw that control BS...

[@MaRkoMadafaka]

picked up a duet x about a year ago and it was the worst purchase I`ve made for my studio. It was unreasonably expensive compared to alternatives, I barely ever use the dsp plugins because I can only use like four of them at the same time, which really doesn't help anything, it is an absolute cluster*ck to get it to work with anything else than a daw and the gain is so sensitive It just causes more headaches than any other interface I`ve owned.

[@appleton101]

Just got a message/email that I won a PC from Barry! Is this a scam?

[@BarryJohns]

Scam

[@decayingcorpse-xv]

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

[@JesusbeltranOfficial]

It’s going to look like the apogee symphony 🤭

[@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

[@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

[@descargamusicalny]

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

[@MrDavemiley]

Do you think they are going to also make a better OXBOX ?

[@nunoandradebluesdrive]

this marketing philosophy of getting clients trapped on their ecosystem is completely sickening already. This happened too many times from lots of companies.

[@holo_chin]

this is true if you're feeling "trapped". Does a specific workflow work for you specifically? Don't change it! Unless FOMO hits of course...

[@derekec]

Not watching this through at this point but guessing I'm going to agree. I'd resisted UA for years then invested heavily based on so many friends recommending it. Being so invested I continue to buy in given it still saves me over a ton of expensive messy hardware. But they need to be boycotted. They strongly favor Apple and cutthroat business practice toward the average consumer. They need a shakeup.

[@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.

[@jimmyrigs]

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

[@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...

[@JakkoTB]

Even though you make some good points, a general "don't buy Universal Audio" advice makes you look anti and one-sided. I bought an apollo just a year ago, and would buy it again today. No comparable hardware that I know of lets me DJ with high quality EQing and compression applied to each channel individually, without latency. The way a singer or performer can track with effects, allowing him/her to be more immersed or make slight changes to the performance, can benefit intention and quality of a recording in a way that's hard to quantify. Should they have innovated and should every sharc processor already be 4 times as fast now? Yes. But in despite of this, there's still really nothing like an Apollo at this point.

[@BarryJohns]

Hum, I thought I said wait for the next interface because I think it will be compelling. I even said if they do what I’m predicting, then I might get one. So how could that possibly be one sided. Confused. It feels like you didn’t watch the video on its entirety. Also, as much as I hate Avid, the Carbon is a superior interface and has the best workflow of the two. The “only” reason to buy an Apollo now or when it came out is to track with UAD plugins. Which historically was ion fact compelling. Today other plugin manufacturers have caught up for the most part. Outside that, there are much better interfaces in its price range.

[@JakkoTB]

@@BarryJohns I must have misunderstood then. You talk about everyone possibly wanting to sell their Apollos soon, based on that instructional video regarding transfering ownership. Then you talk about Apollo's possibly flooding the market and their prices tanking. It seems a bit early and a bit negative when it comes to speculation. I am not a fan of everything UA, but been watching your channel for a while and you do sound a little disappointed when it comes to UA. Is it just the lack of innovation/lack of DSP horsepower increase that bothers you or do you have some negative experience with them?

[@BarryJohns]

​@@damoufle7398 Well its very, very clear you did not watch the video, had you, you would not have come to that conclusion. Oh, if you were to actually watch my videos you'd know from day one I could care less about view, or money, none of it. I speak the real deal to real people and overwhelmingly the vast majority of them appreciate it. In two years, I have only had less than 10 smart remarks like yours. Very adult of you!

[@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.

[@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.

[@HOBBITSODYSSEY]

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

[@fabfab4453]

So anything new 6 month later ?

[@Kshitijj]

They just released a new usb (windows only) audio interface....would be interesting to get a review!

[@ДжонСнежный]

That's nothing new, RME is still king

[@simpledeveloper-c8f]

UAD still has a decent ADC/DAC, best plugins, few cards (the same as before) are better and RME is not one of them

[@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

[@vadimmartynyuk]

looks like you were wrong this time

[@BarryJohns]

Could be, but UA did not even have a floor display at NAMM, so let’s be a little more patient.

[@vadimmartynyuk]

@@BarryJohns I heard there is chip shortage for UA interfaces due to a fire in a chip storage facility. Idk how true that is. But maybe that’s what caused the delay of releasing a new interfaces range ?

[@Check-it-out]

So… Where it comes down to is; I have shelled out huge amounts of money for their plug-ins and hardware and now, on top of that, they want me to get a subscription to be able to keep using them ??? Screw them.

[@Skrenja]

Even as an Apollo owner I have nothing but utter contempt for Universal Audio. While the Apollo works decently well on my M2 Mac (even if the drivers/connectivity are slightly finicky) the Apollo I bought was advertised as being "Windows compatible" which it most certainly is NOT. Mic inputs are only compatible within applications that use ASIO and not WDM within Windows. (WDM being pretty much any Application that isn't a DAW.) I found this to be disingenuous at best and outright false advertising at worst. This isn't even mentioning how bad UA's support on the matter was and how they'd try to gaslight me about it, pretend it wasn't a widely known issue or drag the problem out for as long as they could. Also, don't get me started on how overpriced/outdated their pricing for DSPs is. UA makes good products (when they work) but their pricing and support is absolutely aggregious.

[@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.

[@kingdan6776]

I think they are like apple. Too much proprietary stuff but it makes sense in a cracked software climate. But the more they succeed, the more they will have competition and innovations in the plugin hardware mixtures of gear.

[@iRevolVeR21]

Bahhh I'm still gonna rock my apollo till it breaks or I need more io.

[@azcoyote007]

What’s the latest on this??

[@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.

[@DuroSamples]

Another hyped up interface that sounds very sterile like the others until you process the heck out of the recorded audio with their DSP. It is a joke. Their DSP cards and plugins are overpriced, and their native plugins are still overpriced with over the top GUI. Maybe that's why... too much time on glorious graphics!$$$ I've been on this since 1994, so I dont get fooled easily. Lots of well-made DAW have extremely good plugins already. Luna is a joke. Sorry On Cubase since 94 and Nuendo since 2000. I've seen them all, used them all, and Im still using the pioneer. Steinberg's DAWs.

[@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!

[@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!

[@OmarkoulisOfficialRap]

Oh!! Come on all you guys .. compairing scarlet 2!2 with appolo .. sayin ita not the appolo souper interface .. god daim!! Its the best in 500$ miles away.. why you do that . For little views;

[@reddeadryan78]

do me a favier

[@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

[@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.

[@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 😀)

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@BILLYMORGAN1971]

Well nothing nothing nothing then they release a new apollo and have their complete plugin bundle 86% off. Anyone purchase all those plugin full price? I tried the native and it didn't work with what I was using. For some people it will work fine and they will instead of killing you in one purchase I mean blow you'll die a 1000 subscriptions I mean cuts every month. Obviously they see more money in renting than in selling. What are the apollos for then? The alternative is latency. Those $100 interfaces cost that much because they're basically the radio shack equivalent. Some people will find out the hard way and go and purchase an apollo.

[@craigjoe8691]

Perfect, I need a used Apollo Solo

[@NatureofCircuitry]

There are at least 10 apollo's for sale on market place within 40 miles of me. I have been in the market for a bit looking for something that meets my specs. The Apollo twin x is the only thing I have found for like 800 bucks. Been looking at Antelope as well. What I want. I want no latency using a shiton of plug-ins with shiton of tracks simple not rocket science. I used focusrite but its usb, Apollo is thunderbolt 3 and that is lightning fast. Most stuff I have found is usb which is garbage.