Watch Before You Buy an Audio Interface!

Learn to Mix like a PRO: www.fairairmusic.com/MixingTe...
Here's the Apollo x6 that I use ➔ imp.i114863.net/2rOBXA
I'm talking about the Universal Audio Apollo X6 and why I think you should consider having one too. I believe that the Apollo interfaces are the best in the industry because they are designed for both beginner and professional. I also discuss why I chose an Apollo X6 to build my home studio around so that you can have a better understanding of what these interfaces can do before making a decision on which audio interface to buy.
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MY PRODUCTS
🔑 Mixing Templates: www.fairairmusic.com/MixingTe...
🔬 Mix/Master Critiques :www.fairairmusic.com/MixMaste...
🏆 The Modern Mix - VOCALS mixing course: www.fairairmusic.com/TheModer...
🏛 The Modern Mix - MASTERCLASS: www.fairairmusic.com/masterclass
MY FAVORITE GEAR
🎛️ UA Apollo x6 Interface: imp.i114863.net/kjyg5n
🛰️ UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 Quad Core: imp.i114863.net/zaAgAe
🔊 Focal Monitors: imp.i114863.net/YgXDXm
🎚️ SSL UF8 DAW Controller: imp.i114863.net/qnQDQj
🗜️ ART Pro-VLA II 2-channel Opto Tube Leveling Amplifier: sweetwater.sjv.io/Vmmk4k
MY FAVORITE PLUGINS
R Vox: waves.alzt.net/9WN5o3
API 2500: waves.alzt.net/DVY09o
Abbey Road Plates: waves.alzt.net/Zd29Wk
Waves Tune Real-Time: waves.alzt.net/EKz30e
CLA-76 Compressor: waves.alzt.net/5ggdjD
Magma BB Tubes: waves.alzt.net/rQQKqQ
MY SOCIAL LINKS
🌎 Website: www.fairairmusic.com
🎧 My Podcast, Beyond the Row: (Apple) podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... (Spotify) open.spotify.com/show/34JUduM...
📷 Instagram: / emily_bowie
🐦 Twitter: / fairairmusic
WHO AM I
I’m Emily, an audio engineer, home studio educator, and content creator for music creatives. I run my own music business (Fair Air Music) that includes: Mixing/Mastering Services, Online Digital Products/Courses, a Podcast, and Educational KZbin Tutorials. I also write weekly newsletters for those wanting to gain knowledge and insight into the music industry.
#MixingTemplateSystem​ #FairAirMusic​ #EmilyBowie
⌚️ Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:38 - Universal Audio Apollo Xs
1:10 - Which Apollo is Right for You
1:52 - My Brand New Mixing Course
2:17 - The Apollo X6
4:15 - Music Production with the Apollo
4:35 - Apollo Twin X
5:00 - LUNA
5:58 - Recommendations
7:10 - Final Thoughts

[@_B_E_A_D_G_C]

Excellent video! I love the detail of information that you gave us. After 2 defective Apogee Symphony Desktops in a row. I just ordered the Apollo x6. Super excited !

[@pradeepplaypiano]

Apollo x6 is amazing. Definitely recommend it. I Own Apollo x6, Apollo twin X and quad satellite and all of them are chained to each other.

[@richardnoel643]

I have the same set up as you and it’s so beautiful and clean in mixes

[@garyshepherd9226]

I have an Audient iD14 which is excellent and great value for money - but the Apollo line certainly appeals. Thanks for this.

[@bassinblue]

This video gave me the last push of confidence to get the Apollo interface. I know people complain about the ecosystem of UAD, but they are top notch quality. Great video!

[@profeticamuzic7383]

Just ordered mine Thank you amazing video. God Bless

[@barbierash2137]

just bought after your review! solid investment thanks Emily!

[@emily_bowie]

Congrats! Yes, a wonderful investment!!

[@chriswilson2407]

Thanks Emily. I now own the x6.

[@nilseinarvinjor]

I bought the Apollo x6, couldn’t be happier! My previous interfaces : Antelope studio Orion and Discrete 4, They served me well for some years, but I had a lot of trouble with them also, none of them are working right now, thats why I went for the Apollo x6, works amazingly steady,just as the previous moonlandings…..✌️🌙

[@emily_bowie]

That’s so exciting, Nils! Congratulations! I’m going on 4 years with mine and have no plans to ever switch!

[@eyesonly4451]

I just upgraded out of a Twin Mk-II Solo into a Twin X Quad and couldn't be happier. I was also able to pickup a cheap (US$590) Octo PCIe card off eBay and put it in an existing Sonnet Echo III chassis. The Echo III is an external, 3 slot, Thunderbolt-3 PCIe chassis for Mac. The Octo card works great in it and LUNA recognized it right away. It's functionally the same as an Apollo Satellite but with extra expansion slots.

[@kris_gorski]

Great video :)

[@skndalok5626]

Good video :) Adding a x6 to my Twin tomorrow

[@emily_bowie]

Nice!! I still love mine!

[@artg7909]

Great video. What do you think about the volt line?

[@blaccteezy]

I sold my Gen 1 Twin thinking it wasn’t compatible w my M2 Mac (moving too fast) and grabbed a Volt 1. Man I swear after hearing my old Apollo on my friend setup (sold him all my old Mac laptop and accessories)… I wanted to cry lol. I’m now the owner of a Twin Duo MkII and I’m happy as ever. I’d rather have a rack mount but just having my uad stuff back is amazing. I track through an Avalon 737 on channel 1 so I don’t use anything on it but my podcast mic is on 2 using unison. The sound difference between an Apollo and anything else is night and day.

[@mauriciomiranda220]

Thanks you 💗

[@glennmcmullen5192]

Great video! I love the UA stuff but I just sold my Apollo 8 because I just didn't have time to use it. Given these 3rd generation apollos are now 3 years old I am thinking of holding off a bit in replacing the 2nd generation model I sold to see if a new line comes out as I won't have much time until probably 6-9 months from now to do much recording so might wait it out and see but the x6 is def my current top pick.

[@dspoet1]

No new Apollo Interfaces 9 months later

[@austinmoore8350]

just got the apollo x6, time to explore

[@emily_bowie]

Nice, Austin! Let me know how it goes!!

[@D.Rothchild]

I got the BLA Mod on my apollo twin duo years back .sounds great. Id be curious what the comparison would be to the X6 or any-other stock converter. Sound quality goes from a 3 to a 6 on the twin duo after the mod . where as the X6 sound quality starts at a 5 and goes as high as a 9 after the mod. So my apollo twin hypothetically is better sonically after the mod than the X6 is stock.

[@Yourweakminds]

Presonus Faderport 16, and others, is now (Nov 2021) available for Luna v1.2 and higher. cheers

[@thaexception3406]

Free Townsend L22 with any rack mount purchase until 10/31/2022 - preordered mine because out of stock, but i will still get the deal

[@deandresmith5761]

Please show me how you got your pre amp set up with your interface.. I grabbed both

[@theguitarclubonline]

Hey Emily, really enjoyed your video. Currently I’m using a Gen 1 Apollo Twin and whilst it’s been a great interface the integration with outboard gear is shocking so I need a new interface with dedicated I/O. Have you noticed signal degradation with the line outs? Cheers, Chris from London. : )

[@emily_bowie]

Hey, Chris! Thanks for commenting. I can say that I have not had any issues with any signal loss or clarity issues. The convertors sound so clear to me. A thousands times better than any other interface that I've ever had. I really don't use any hardwear gear anymore. Very rarely a compressor, but no issues there either.

[@bayareafactorbaby8913]

I love your videos , i have a question is the apollo x6 rack have a same quality in vocals as the apollo twin x or the x4 cause i really want the apollo twin x Cause it sounds so nice and rich but todays the last day for a free L22 with the purchase of a apollo rack , cant wait too hear from you happy Halloween

[@anthonystahl]

I have my eye on the X6. Coming from the original Twin Duo. Hope they do the free satellite deal again

[@emily_bowie]

I absolutely love my X6! I think I got it around the holiday season, that might be why it had the satellite with it.

[@asiergonzalez5260]

Nice! How big sessions can handle the x6?

[@buddyalbert5808]

Love the Ardent T-Shirt. Memphis 😁

[@emily_bowie]

Yesss!

[@MarcoPolux]

Hey Emily! great video. I am all about Apollo, comming from a very happy Apollo Twin X user. Now, if you want Dolby Atmos.... you´ll need the X16, right now. Do you think it will be possible, with software update maybe, to use my Apollo Twin X main 2 monitor outputs plus the 2 ALT, along with the X6 2 main outputs plus the 6... to have a total of 12 Outputs.... for a combined total of 12 outputs. . . . that could power up a 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos. . . . Is this just a wistful dream? or do you see it feasible? (darn! to get also an X16 for my small home studio, just to have Dolby Atmos.... that´s overkill)

[@thePunkRockMix]

came here for apollo. stayed for the way you said nashville tennessee 🤩

[@JabbadubProductions]

You have tubes in ART PRO VLA II, remember about temperature. it is best to leave 1u of free space above device that has a lamp inside

[@JabbadubProductions]

and great video of course :)

[@garyclement2888]

What plugins do you suggest for sound beds to promos, television commercials and samples?

[@catarinomedina9557]

apollo is cool I have it as a back up to the burl mothership.........just incase ..I only got it for the plugins

[@toddstudio79]

Hey Emily! Well...another comment of me raving about you...but...here we go! I bought and Apollo Twin for the Mac Station in my studio, in large part because of watching some of your videos, and WOW! What an addition! I'm using mine in a bit of a different way, that I'd like to tell you about. As I said, the Twin is on my Secondary rig, and one of the ways I'm using it, is as an "Amp", or "PreAmp" for the main rig. For example, when recording a guitarist, I plug them into the Twin, and use the Amp Models to get their guitar sound, without taxing the main recording system AT ALL. This can also be done for vocals. There are actually MANY benefits, this is just one that I doubt many people have thought of using it for. I'd love to get your input on other ways to use it that maybe I haven't thought of. As always...GREAT WORK my friend!

[@emily_bowie]

Hey Todd! That’s awesome! And a nice way of using your Apollo! Thanks so much for sharing and for all the support over the years now! I can’t wait to see what else you come up with!

[@toddstudio79]

@@emily_bowie the studio remodel is almost done! Big studio power, in a home studio space!😉

[@andreymusic007]

Hi, Emily) What about RME 802?)

[@zzzzzz-du9et]

can we bypass preamp in twin x

[@LosFicosMusic]

Can I cascade an Apollo X8 and an apollo 8 (Silver face)?

[@jacksp8de]

Great video! I know this is old but I just recently got the Twin X duo and I only use plugins to track vocals. I don't mix with them since I have Plugin Alliance which is basically the same quality and I have a m1 pro Mac so don't really need the DSP. The type of Apollo really doesn't make that much of a difference in mixing if you get one with the updated converters like the Twin X and you're not using UAD plugins to mix

[@SVETOyt]

for mixing you can also use uad spark plugin native for free ...

[@jacksp8de]

@@SVETOyt They only have a few spark plugins though and it’s a subscription

[@SVETOyt]

@@jacksp8de for my music niche it's almost enough...

[@jacksp8de]

@@SVETOyt I would probably subscribe if they made my favorite plugins available with spark

[@JohnSk82]

Great video Emily.I'm thinking of purchasing Apollo x4 Heritage as I travel frequently and my SSL+2 can't really do the job in the convertion / translate my orchestral template and mixing stuff.I have an RME FF800 at the studio so I do understand the difference those interfaces have on the Stereo image when compared with the cheaper ones. So the million dollar question is :Does the Apollo x4 heritage has the ''same stereo image'' with x6 rack ?If anybody knows and tested those I'd appreciate a solid answer :).Many thanks xx (also the VLA on the rack is top notch for the money ;) )

[@JohnSk82]

Sadly not ftm but the Apollo Solo I got from a friend really has ''something'' when it comes to printing@@JenniferMcNutt-rb3wc

[@jennifermcnuttmusic6353]

I bought the 6x! What would you say would be another piece of hardware or two that would pair well with the x6? If applicable and you are remote, traveling, what do you use?

[@projectb3117]

How many monosynths can you connect at the same time?

[@khlymore]

what about the x4 vs x6?

[@nucentury08]

X6 was Perfect!! for me as I don’t do vocals!! I have the X6 Heritage edition, 2.699$ Worth every penny the Only difference with the X6 &X8P is in the name the amount of microphone preamps or unison preamps you get other than that everything is identical you can bypass the preamps on the X6 unlike the Twin series you have all the I/O of the Apollo X8P 😎 Running my Warm Pultec EQPA And TC System 6000 via my X6 Via Patchbay.

[@emily_bowie]

Love it!!

[@keyrunchhetr]

How to connect with PC

[@keyrunchhetr]

How to connect with PC please make video 📸

[@Prodoozer]

I have an x8 and two UAD TB3 satellites. Waiting for Luna to be ported to the Windows platform.

[@harpoleon6806]

Tb3 will be the next issue

[@curtishustace]

I do voice over. I’m torn between the Apollo x4 and the x6. I was going to use the UAD L22 mic with it. Just not sure which way to go. Sigh!

[@emily_bowie]

Hey, Curtis! Thanks so much watching and sharing your thoughts. I cannot speak for the L22, but if I’m being honest, I think there are better choices for voice over work. Even the “standards” SM7b or RE20. I’m not big on mic modeling but a lot of folks like them. Ultimately that decision is up to you and what you are happy with. As far as the Apollos… I was choosing between those two as well. I went the X6 bc of the crystal clocking. I didn’t need more than 2 mic inputs also. It really comes down to your needs and budget. Both are extremely well made products that produce amazing results.

[@curtishustace]

@@emily_bowie thx for the info! I have a Neumann TLM103, so the L22 would be in addition to that maybe giving me a closer sound to the U87 ai ai etc without spending $3600. I actually decided to go with the Apollo Twin X QUAD instead of the x6, partially for budget concerns. I want to get a new Mac at some point and the saved $’s will goto that. since the L22 takes both XLR inputs i will just plug in whichever mic I want to use at the time. I don’t need a lot of processing power for voice over and if I do need it down the line I will just add to the UA family since they all work together. Pretty neat eco system! Thx again for the video and your expert advice and opinion!

[@billymack4258]

Great info!!! Do you know how to connect Burl B2 Bomber ADC to Apollo 6x for tracking? I'm using using a Neumann 103 into bae 1072 preamp MacBook pro m1 Cubase 12 Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks .😎

[@harpoleon6806]

Google

[@gitarman666]

Twin x now but I wish to bypass the interface for outboard gear is the x6 the least expensive option in UA rack interface? Just can’t bypass them using the twins

[@emily_bowie]

Hey Todd. Yes, this is the least expensive rack interface. Thanks for watching!

[@danroebuck85]

I have the VSR8 from slate I should’ve gotten the x6 😫

[@emily_bowie]

I have been there myself, friend. I’ve bought a lot of things bc someone was sponsored to say I should. Instead of researching a product on my own, I would listen to them. Now I know better. I would utilize those products as much as I could and then sold them to get what I feel is right for me. Hopefully if the vsr8 is not what you’re wanting you can sell it and then get something that suits you better.

[@ajaesterling]

yes!!!!!!!!!

[@TheBlackJewelz]

I have a Focusrite Solo + an AKG C414 XLII...always thought this would be sufficient to get a pro sound, with good mixing & mastering obviously (which I do myself)... Have heard the rave about Apollos... I've been wondering if getting an Apollo Solo would actually make that much of a difference on sound quality in the end result?... I know you don't use the Solo but just wondering if you have any thoughts on that-whether it would really make so much difference in achieving a pro sound, especially with the cost in mind...

[@TheBlackJewelz]

I suppose I should mention I live in a van. So any interface requiring DC power isn't applicable to me.

[@harpoleon6806]

It would be way better but ud be wasting money its more so if u can afford uad ecosystem if not ud want an antelope audio interface but their software is 5050

[@matthewsweet5232]

I considered the Apollo stuff a while back but ended up going with an Audient iD44. I'm a Windows guy through and through and if UAD ever releases Luna for PC, I may consider it again should the iD44 no longer meet my needs.

[@emily_bowie]

So, I also got an iD44 and really didn’t like it. It also started making all this extra static and then would cut out a lot. Audient replaced it after a ton of hassle. They didn’t act like I knew what I was talking about and were a bit condescending. But even with the replacement, I just didn’t like what it did for $700. So I sold it. I’m glad it works for you! Everything is different for folks. Yeah, I do think the Apollo’s are best suited for Mac. I‘ve never seen anyone from UA do any demonstrations from a PC, so that’s probably something to consider. It’s all about the conversation for me. I don’t think I’ll ever need a stand alone converter with the X Apollos.

[@crossroadsheavener7599]

The UAD plugins, alone are worth the consideration for a UA interface. They,re at the top of the rock. It,s only a matter of time before Luna, is PC compatible.

[@matthewsweet5232]

@@emily_bowie Wow. That's a terrible experience! I haven't had any issues, but I'm a sample of one. I do like the conversations and the important part is to make the decision and then get back to work. There can be a lot of time wasted on questioning decisions after the fact. Whenever the iD44 no longer suits my needs (like my old Focusrite before it), I'll grab something else relevant at that time.

[@outofthinair1]

@@emily_bowie I'm with you on the Audient products, dependability was always an issue for me. Firmware updates were a problem right out of the box. I sold mine as well . I did like the sound Burr Brown converters, but the other issues made for at times a frustrating experience.

[@future_Victoryofficial]

Only 2 unison preamp on x6 lol I just don’t like the twin shape

[@director2bob]

I am a tad confused. You mentioned the Apollo X6 has two instrument preamps and 6 line inputs. I have 4 synths and a drum machine. Would those 5 machines go into the 6 line inputs?

[@harpoleon6806]

😂 yes plus 1 extra

[@fashionlife5348]

Can you bypass completely the Preamps in this interface to connect an external Preamp

[@catojrgensen8912]

Yes you can. All the rack mount Apollos can do this, whereas the Twins cannot. Also worth considering.

[@tipler04]

So I've been browsing UAD for awhile now. I currently am running an Audient Interface through my custom built PC an Studio One. I do have an Apple M1 as well. If I got with UAD I would also have to buy a T-Bolt PCI card. Can you run the x6 with Studio One?

[@harpoleon6806]

I'd run into the max as the best possible option

[@harpoleon6806]

Works with any daw

[@anemonaloco]

Guys i need help plz! I'm still undecided if i'll ever buy the Apollo X6. I just have a question. will the HEXA Core processor work with third-party plugins like Izotope on windows or is it only designed to work with UAD plugins? thanks in advance.

[@cloremancey2653]

DSP from UAD only work on UAD plugins

[@harpoleon6806]

😂😂😂

[@lemmeador7996]

Hey, Emily. What about the x4?

[@emily_bowie]

I thought about the 4X when deciding on an Apollo. But I could never find any conformation that it had the dual crystal clocking like the rack mounts. So, it was off the table for me.

[@lemmeador7996]

@@emily_bowie After some more research, that would appear to be the case, at least, as reported by pro-tools-expert.com. The desktop units are single clock. Only the rack mounts are dual-clocked. What do you use for a controller?

[@vcrmonstermusic]

So you couldn’t mic up a drum set with it?

[@emily_bowie]

Of course you can!

[@TzoHill]

Hey Emily! I'm looking to upgrade my Art Pro MPA II to APOLLO X8. I just use it for Vocals... Is there a difference in sound quality (on paper) with the X8 and X6 ? Just need that professional sound for songs that the Art Pro isn't giving.. Also I see you also have an Art Pro yourself, is the sound quality night and day between that and the APOLLO? thank you :)

[@emily_bowie]

Hey there! Great choice with the Apollo x8. As far as I know, all of the x series rack mount interfaces have the same converters so they would all have the same sound quality. I have the ART VLA II. I used it for tracking scratch vocals and some bus compression. I really don’t use it much these days anymore. At least not for bus compression. I will say I have had a few different interfaces before the Apollo x6 and to compare those is like night and day for sure. I can say with confidence that I will never stray from Apollos when it comes to audio interfaces. They are just the best sounding. IMO of course!

[@TzoHill]

@@emily_bowie Amazing I see what you mean, you're so kind and helpful and I really appreciate your time. Apollo has just got a new buyer! I will get the X6. Thank you so much!

[@emily_bowie]

@@TzoHill that’s wonderful! And very kind of you to say. I know you will love it!

[@catojrgensen8912]

Just to be clear. The Art Pro MPA II is killer! They even did a blind test on Sound On Sound magazine a couple of years back and it consistently beat the competition of Neves and other high end pres on multiple sources. You can find it online. If your tracks dont sound professional it is not the fault of the Art device. It is the source material or maybe you are dialing it in wrong? Or maybe you need to apply some more compression. A lack of compression can make your voice sound really inconsistent and very demo-ish, Try setting the "plate voltage"-button to high, people say it sounds really good on some mics. The Unison mic pres are good - but imho (and a lot of other engineers) the sound is maybe 92% there in terms of competing with their analog counterparts. If I was you - I would hang on to that Art and maybe get the X6 for its line inputs. In that way you can track directly from your Art to the Apollo and still apply real time compression and monitor latency free. Plus you would have two unison pres for quick work and whatnot. This is the setup Im running, and its great. Maybe a twin is enough inputs for you, but I quite quickly ran out of channels doing singer songwriter stuff.

[@TzoHill]

@@catojrgensen8912 Interesting point and has got me thinking now. What I could do is purchase the Apollo x6 anyway and run it through the Art as you've mentioned and if I get what I'm looking for, I will keep it. If there's barely any difference, I will simply return it within the 14 day period.. I'll try as many angles during that time to ensure I make the most out of the test as fairly and efficient as possible. You've made some very valid points that opened my point of view much clearer so I thank you. happy music making!

[@patricksmith4424]

Suspect this is sponsored promotion.

[@emily_bowie]

Hope your day gets better.