Which Apollo Should I Buy?

Today we're asking ourselves which ‪@UniversalAudio‬ Apollo product you should buy. Universal Audio makes a LOT of different pieces of hardware and we talk about each one from the Apollo Solo line to the Apollo Twin series and then finally talk about the Apollo X rack series of interfaces including the Apollo X6, Apollo X8, Apollo X8P, and Apollo X16.
If you're interested in reading more about a specific Universal Audio Apollo Audio Interface you can read more and even purchase one using the links below:
Universal Audio Apollo Models In This Video. Click to buy from Sweetwater below and get a free Thunderbolt cable on Thunderbolt Apollo models!:
Universal Audio Apollo Solo USB - bit.ly/ApolloSoloUSBC
Universal Audio Apollo Solo TB3 - bit.ly/ApolloSoloThunderolt3
Universal Audio Apollo Twin USB - bit.ly/ApolloTwinUSBDuo
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MK2 - bit.ly/ApolloTwinMKIIDuo
Universal Audio Apollo TwinX Duo - bit.ly/ApolloTwinXDuoTBInterface
Universal Audio Apollo TwinX Quad - bit.ly/ApolloTwinXQuadInterface
Universal Audio Apollo X4 - bit.ly/ApolloX4Interface
Universal Audio Apollo X6 - bit.ly/ApolloX6Interface
Universal Audio Apollo X8 - bit.ly/ApolloX8Interface
Universal Audio Apollo X8P - bit.ly/ApolloX8PInterface
Universal Audio Apollo X16 - bit.ly/ApolloX16Interface
Gear I Use To Create Videos:
Video/Computer Related 🎥
Black Magic Pocket Cinema 4K - amzn.to/3cFxSvI
Apple Final Cut Pro - bit.ly/AppleFinalCut
Apple Macbook Pro - bit.ly/AppleMacBookPro16
Glyph Atom 2TB SSD USB-C Hard Drive - bit.ly/GlyphAtomPro2TBSSD
Audio Related 🎧
Rode NTG4 Shotgun Microphone - bit.ly/RodeNTG4plusShotgunMic
Universal Audio Apollo X8P - bit.ly/ApolloX8PInterface
Kali Audio LP6 Monitors - bit.ly/KaliLP6V2Monitors
iZotope RX - bit.ly/RX8Standard
iZotope Neutron - bit.ly/Neutron3Standard
Shure QLXD Wireless - bit.ly/QLXDWirelessLavalier
DPA 6061 Core Lavalier - bit.ly/DPA6061Lavalier
Video Chapters:
Intro 00:00
Apollo Solo 01:20
Apollo Twin Series 02:41
Apollo X4 06:06
Apollo Rackmount Interfaces 06:53
Apollo X6 07:05
Apollo X8 08:16
Apollo x8P 09:15
Apollo 16 10:24
Apollo Heritage Edition 11:48
Final Wrap-Up 12:58

[@JohnS-ol8dn]

Ryan, are you sure the x8p offers 16 inputs at the same time? I read the manual and it seems like its either you use the combo jacks OR you use the DB25 connector for lines 1-8 (hence the x8). Can you verify? I'm thinking about getting one. Thanks.

[@TheGearCage]

Great question! Yes, you can use 16 channels at the same time, but the analog side is a bit misleading. You can use either the 8 microphone preamps or the DB25 inputs..one or the other for a total of 8, but then you can also use an additional 8-inputs via ADAT optical expansion. Great question.

[@JohnS-ol8dn]

@@TheGearCage Thanks! This video really helped me. Now, I just need will power to wait for a Black Friday sale. I'm so losing this battle...

[@TheGearCage]

@@JohnS-ol8dn Absolutely! Life pro tip, if you reach out to me at Ryan (underscore) Sloan @ Sweetwater.com and mention this video I'll hook you up. ;-)

[@JohnS-ol8dn]

@@TheGearCage done.

[@apostolicway2604]

@@TheGearCage this message will self district in 3 2 1

[@gregjeanfreau8027]

This really helped me to understand the differences and it seems that since I am not working with a physical console with xlr's, the x8p makes the most sense. Thanks!

[@richardbailey511]

My friend you have my vote for the technology explainer of the year award! What a fantastic job breaking all of this gear down so people can make an informed financial decision about what to invest in. Bravo. Love your content

[@TheGearCage]

Thanks so much for taking the time to write and watch! I really appreciate that and I’m glad it was helpful for you!

[@iamantoniofernandez]

Very helpful to lay this all out. THANK YOU

[@lanettedestiny]

This is great information, I love how you explained each interface. Thank you so much for this video.

[@MikeLozanoGuitar]

Congrats for the high quality content of this chanel. Loving it right now

[@itstonyholiday]

This was a great overview of the UAD audio interface line. Thank you!!

[@TheGearCage]

Thanks for watching!

[@bttorre1494]

Bro! You went straight to the point on everything and very well organized vid. Extremely helpful because I was so undecided. Thanks a lot!

[@TheGearCage]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I appreciate that!

[@ZAYAZOfficial]

Thanks for the excellent vid! This is the best vid out there comparing all of these units, exactly what I was looking for. Subbed man!

[@flowmaka]

Great info my friend. This was very helpful.

[@gottaknojaronamo6158]

perfect video and breakdown on the products...much easier to choose now

[@TheGearCage]

Thanks for watching!

[@AyeNate__]

Thank you for such an indepth and easy to understand explanation💯

[@TheGearCage]

Yeah, thanks for watching!

[@EvrenTheRapper]

Great overview. Thanks!

[@leroybrown5922]

Bro this was the exact video I was looking for thanks man ima sub right quick

[@adriatic123]

Very good review, thanks

[@tony-be3ty]

Great review !

[@DesignsbyBlanc]

Nice and clear. Thanks for the explainer.

[@TheGearCage]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching!

[@samirchiakh]

Thanks for the excellent prestation

[@nucentury08]

The X6 Rack was Perfect for me I’m in the Box but have the Digital IO If needed 6 DSP Core.😎

[@rjcbh23]

This is an excellent explanation, thanks!

[@TheGearCage]

Glad it helped and thanks for watching!

[@FlwrFvce]

great content and great quality! Keep it up!

[@TheGearCage]

Thanks for watching Brandon. Happy New Year!

[@tytansoundlab]

Ok Ryan💪🏾 I’ll be looking into a x16

[@jameshollingsworth6891]

Just bought a new drum kit and wanted to get mic's etc to start recording. Looks like I have a lot to learn on the recording end...

[@MM4F]

Just sold our x16’s and x8p’s, no ambition for Atmos at the moment from UA + the limitation on UA plugins in console.. Other than that, great units! Good video.

[@samuelwinslow8550]

I was under the impression the apollo twin x had the flagship converters in them. Seriously considering selling it and getting a focusrite liquid channel and a cheap interface with a digital input like spdif or adat. I know from experience of the liquid channel its incredible and so close to the originals and in some instances sounds better than the hardware. Since purchasing my apollo twin x I've had nothing but issues of it disconnecting randomly. Gave up with luna as session closed when ever it felt like it. Another interface I'm looking at is the apogee symphony desktop.

[@marlonbrown5763]

Beyond helpful

[@PlagueRat-]

Fantastic!!

[@davegreeley]

Very technical info.

[@Larphony]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@gertzpalma]

THANKS!

[@teflondaprince]

What about the twin mk2 quad vs the twin X.. Is it worth the upgrade?

[@Luna25174]

This interface can work using an input for a chain of three processors, and in turn you can use its outputs to make analog inserts to the daw? if you can withstand all these prosecutions?

[@OskayNejat]

Well, i wonder, i have apollo 8 mk2 quad and if i buy apollo x4, will it be an upgrade for me ? Which one has better ad/da connectors ? İs there any differences about sound quality while recording vocals ? Do i need to buy x4 ? Or apollo 8mk2 quad is still better ?

[@1eidji652]

If i need to connect 4 synthesizer which apollo do you advice me ? ( and some pedals lol )

[@shaunblack3142]

Thumbs up to Gear Cage. I upgraded from my Focusrite 2i4 audio interface to an Apollo Twin MK11 Universal Audio interface to track vocals in my daw Pro Tools 12. But for some reason I'M not getting clean quality recording people say they are getting with an Apollo...I know its just some rookie mistakes I'M making...wondering if you do one on one consulting just to get me up and running with the basics on how to record vocals on console. Thanks

[@TheGearCage]

Hey Shaun! I'm happy to help out as much as I can. Shoot me a message @ [e-mail].

[@amanisun8293]

Did y’all resolve the issue ?? 👀👀

[@l.mrteera]

Thank you

[@joonajks]

Would the Apollo interface with its plugins work great in da Vinci resolve for video editing?

[@blissfulhumanoid9536]

How many total plugins come with the current Apollo Twin X Duo interface? And, will this plugin bundle include any of the following plugins? Avalon, Voice of God, Lexicon reverb, and the Distressor by any chance? Thanks!

[@Mr_A_Mia]

Thanks Man!

[@TheGearCage]

Anytime, Happy New Year!

[@C5ICK]

Great video. Will an Audient asp880 connect to the x8? Or is there another way to do this with an x8?

[@TheGearCage]

Yeah! Right into the ADAT input on the back.

[@saltypancreas5866]

The Apollo twin USB Has lower, has older converters Damn I wish they had an Apollo twin x duo for pc (without thunderbolt ) just good ol dub 3

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

Can the Apollo x6 - x8p be used as ADAT Slave to process input from other interfaces (like RME babyface pro fs for example)? I want Apollo as slave to utilize RME TotalmixFX routing

[@gitarman666]

I have the twin x and just got a x6 I have cascaded them via TB3 Can I use all 4 preamps? Also can I add 8 more inputs with something like the Audient or the Behringer 8200 to expand the x6 the same way as the twin

[@projectb3117]

Possible to record a monosynth (Moog Sub37) and a stereosynth (machinedrum) without rewiring all the time on the UAD Apollo Twin X?

[@ansonstiles]

You think they’ll ever do away with Heritage only? It’s been nearly a year now…I’m holding out until 2022 for x8p hopefully get a new bundle at that point and perhaps a break on plugins I don’t need

[@TheGearCage]

Yeah, I think they will but I think it’s going to be a while. Maybe into 2023 potentially?

[@dscryptprodbysounknox1296]

Between the Apollo twin x and the Apogee desktop symphony which is a better interface

[@nucentury08]

Just added a Apollo X6 Heritage with Apogee Symphony Desktop 🚀🚀😎

[@TheGearCage]

Congrats! I hope you enjoy it.

[@soulsparkmusic]

Thanks for the info ! Could you please leave a link for the Rack you're using here ?

[@TheGearCage]

No problem, it's a Gator G-Tour model. Here's a link to it: bit.ly/GTour16U

[@soulsparkmusic]

@@TheGearCage you're amazing ! big love !

[@alexandrostsanis651]

Hello! I have a scarlett 18i20 and I am thinking of an apollo to use for piano, guitars, violin and cello. Would be good to keep scarlett for drums and buy an apollo x4 for these instruments instead of trying to sell my scarlett and buy an apollo x8? Many thanks in advance!

[@saxa_frank1917]

Well it’s probably better to sell your scarlet and buy the x8 in my personal opinion

[@patovega]

it seems like the HiZ inputs defeat the Pre 1 and 2 on board, Am i correct? or is there a way to have the HiZ to replace the line level inputs (not likely)? It is a bummer that the apollos are configured like this, my apogee ensemble can use the front Hiz inputs at the same time as the 8 preamps on board, plus you can work at 44.1/48 and use the second pair of adat to have 16 digital ADAT i/o on top of the preamps and HiZ inputs. It is a tough sell for me, im thinking on going into the apollo Ecosystem but this i/o thing is not doing it for me, im thinking i will hhave to get an X8 and an X4 and use my existing Apogee and Focusrite preamps as my main 16 and use the on board apollo preamps/Hiz as "special" channels or something

[@Pianitara]

Will these UAD Apollo TB3 works with with newly launch amd Motherboard like the asus proart b550 or gigabyte vision D-P ,etc with thunderbolt connectivity? No one has come up with a setup that pairs a thunderbolt audio interface with a Ryzen PC that has thunderbolt connectivity. Thank you.

[@kvnx9781]

it does work, you can also add a thunderboltex pcie card on ryzen and it’ll give you thunderbolt connectivity if your motherboard has a thunderbolt header.

[@Pianitara]

@@kvnx9781 Thank you for your feedback.

[@TzoHill]

For Vocals Only, Neve 1073 or Apollo 8x?

[@MountainViewStudio]

Hi Ryan, thank you so much for this great vid. I'd kindly ask, if you have a min, to tell your opinion. Im looking for a nice interface (but not super expensive 3-4k one) to upgrade my home studio. Im getting also some analog gear, and mainly it's for mixing purposes. Im totally fine with just a 2 preamp inputs for recordings (and I do have a couple of Neve preamps for this reason). I'll probably get the Neve AMS 8816 summing mixer which has 16 channels so Im looking for something compatible (many I/o) plus good converters. I asked UAD and I was told that the only interface to support the 8816 Neve mixer is the x16 Apollo. But I see that some other models have at least 16 channels...so im not sure. Could possibly the guy at UAD be wrong? Also, if you have an alt option from a different brand please let me know. I appreciate it so much and thank you!

[@TheGearCage]

Hey Jess, thanks for taking the time to watch! I checked out your stuff and it sounds great. It is true that the Apollo X16 is their only box that has 16 dedicated analog outputs. I think the Apollo line is still the best overall interface line on the market so I'd go with one, but let's break it down. You can get an Apollo X8 for instance. That will give you 8 outputs (+2 for main) BUT it also has ADAT optical outputs so if you get a DAC (Digital to analog converter) you can technically extend the amount of outputs. There is a slight problem with this though in that the receiver (we'll say a Behringer ADA8200) is the device doing the conversion so you lose some of the benefits on the output side that the UA gives you. You would have enough inputs though for your use-case and tracking and mixing technique and songwriting will trump any loss on those 8 channels. Sorry this got long. Take care!

[@MountainViewStudio]

@@TheGearCage Got it. Thx for taking the time, and checking my stuff out! peace

[@pstephens__]

Great video Ryan! Thanks for sharing. The one question that I have is does the Solo have the same preamp as the twin x model?

[@TheGearCage]

Thanks for watching! They are really close, but still slightly different. Most of the sonic difference probably comes from being bus powered vs the X having an external power supply.

[@preythefox]

I'm going from an Scarlett 18i20, I'm trying to find the best replacement for it.

[@TheGearCage]

The closest match would be the Apollo 8 XP.

[@aceaveli4008]

Are there any universal audio desktop interface that can truly bypass they preamp ?

[@v3zMedia]

No, only the rack mount one's can do this.

[@saltypancreas5866]

Would I be fine using it with a microphone

[@joonajks]

Would the universal arrow be a great option for editing dialogue video content? Thanks for your time!

[@TheGearCage]

Yeah, that would be a perfect use case for that hardware!

[@joonajks]

@@TheGearCage thank you sir!

[@PNWGuitar]

I have a small bedroom sedroom studio and want a twin and work on a pc. Which model should I get? I'm very confused 😕

[@TheGearCage]

Hey Mason! You should do a Twin USB. That one is very PC friendly.

[@billesposito2112]

What's the difference between the solo thunderbolt and the heritage solo thunderbolt?

[@TheGearCage]

No difference other than the software package the Heritage bundle comes with which is a pretty good deal!

[@jmac2050]

Define professional

[@TheGearCage]

Of a quality level that allows the user to mix professional/commercial level content/mixes. Effectively, this gear is good enough that if your mixing chops are good enough you can release commercial content.

[@Sjsiisnwbe]

Bro, im really breaking my head about this. I just wanna record vocals and thats it, no instrument. Will a apollo twin mk2 SOLO be able to run enough plugins or do i need to go for the mk2 DUO. Only for vocals!!!????

[@TheGearCage]

I think you could make a vocal track work. It just really depends. If you string together the right eq/compressor/reverb/random effect you may be pushing it, but it’s definitely usable for the most part on a single vocal. BUT, if you can stretch to the duo you may thank yourself later if you do two tracks and want processing or start doing a little mixing.

[@EM-km8em]

What would be the best option for vocals mainly? Using a 2013 macbook pro trying to get the best sound quality possibly. Currently using an apogee duet 2 & u87ai

[@TheGearCage]

I’d say Apollo X series product. You may also want to pair it with a Townsend Labs Sphere mix. That’s a killer vocal combo.

[@EM-km8em]

@@TheGearCage what the difference with the mk2 and x ? Is there a noticeable sound quality in vocal recordings ?

[@TheGearCage]

Yes, that was one of the main differences. Converter is much upgraded in the X line.

[@EM-km8em]

@@TheGearCage does it come with everything i need ready to plug in and record with a macbook pro 2013 or do i have to buy separate parts or cables ?

[@TheGearCage]

You’d just need a Thunderbolt adapter from 3 to 2/1.

[@mahympoverzzz1106]

Is the Apollo twin usb better than rme ucx2 (I'm a windows user btw)

[@TheGearCage]

I think on a PC and the fact that the Twin USB is a bit older makes the RME a better solution right now.

[@billesposito2112]

I'm a professional singer who needs to make professional recordings to upload to the internet. I don't think I would ever have more than 12 tracks . I want the good mic pre along with an 1176 and LA2A I would really like the Distressor also . Not sure if they all come with the same unison products and plug in suites. Which do you think I should get ? I will be running it on a Mac. I use a Neumann TLM 103 and a SM7B . I will be running LUNA and I know that it does not come with stock plug ins but I saw a tutorial that said I can install my other plug ins such as Waves , Fab Filter etc... into LUNA? Thanks great video . This is the only one that compares all the models. Money isn't really an issue.

[@Sjsiisnwbe]

Bro, im really breaking my head about this. I just wanna record vocals and thats it, no instrument. Will a apollo twin mk2 SOLO be able to run enough plugins or do i need to go for the mk2 DUO. Only for vocals!!!???? Pls help me so i can finally start recording again. I had the id4 before but that nowhere near the proffesional sound.

[@BFHPET]

so the herritage bundle is only available for short time

[@TheGearCage]

It was really created to help ease the blow of the price increase, but the supply still isn’t great and so many costs have gone up it may be permanent unfortunately.

[@billymack4258]

Can the apollo 6x mic preamps be bypassed? Thanks

[@TheGearCage]

Yea preamps can be bypassed on Apollo rack units.

[@billymack4258]

@@TheGearCage Awesome!! Do you know how to do this? I'm recording lead vocals using external hardware uad la 610 mic preamp into the Apollo 6x . Do I come out of the 610 preamp into any of the 6 line inputs 1-6 or 3-6 inputs and what settings do I set in the UAD console? Thank you very much for your time. macbook pro cubase pro 10.5 La 610 mic preamp hardware audio-technica 4033

[@gordito1723]

@@billymack4258 Great Question. I was wondering the same. Any answer?

[@cleandrum]

Can I record live drums on the x8?

[@TheGearCage]

Sure! Keep in mind you have four preamps on that model, but you have 8 analog inputs so if you have other preamps you can use them.

[@cleandrum]

Ok great I have a warm W12 preamp and a Audent 8 channel preamp !

[@inframundo1919]

I don't understand why this interfaces has only 2 instrument inputs

[@briansrensen8204]

I regret buying my 8 and 8P interfaces now that UA have decided to force a wide range of expensive plug-ins on their customers.

[@maneava]

Thanks for the video but I've got a question for you about the x8p : The x8p manual says "The DB25 line inputs are normalled to the TRS combo jacks. If a DB25 line input is active and a 1/4" cable is plugged into the same channel's combo jack input, the DB25 input is disconnected and the combo jack input is used instead." The manual also says "Important : To use a DB25 line input, the channel's input must be set to LINE and its 1/4" connector (including Hi-Z input) must not be connected." So if I'm reading right, we can't use 16 inputs at the same time but only 8 or correct me if I'm wrong. At the beginning, I wanted to buy the x8p 'cause I thought I could use all the 16 inputs (Combo jack + DB25) at the same time for tracking a full band for example but when I read that, I said to myself that it's way too expensive for an audio interface to only have just 8 inputs usable even if it's UA stuff. Plus, and it's the case for all Apollo products, the manual says that if i use the Hi-Z inputs, the mic or line corresponding must be disconnected that means mic or line unusable as long as I use the Hi-Z inputs... I really don't get it... so frustrating... Anyway... Thanks for your reply.

[@TheGearCage]

Yeah, you can only use 8 analog inputs at a time on it. Otherwise the other inputs come from digital i/o.

[@225maine]

So you need a monitor station with headphone outs right?

[@TheGearCage]

For which one? All of the interfaces with the exception of the Apollo16 have headphone outputs.

[@225maine]

@@TheGearCage yeah I was getting ready to buy the x16 today..till I realized it doesn't have a headphones out..how would one go about doing this? Buying a twin just to have phones?

[@TheGearCage]

You can route outputs to any headphone amp using a few of the 16 analog outputs. Or you could also buy a twin, but it’s not necessary.

[@225maine]

@@TheGearCage thanks bud..I bought the x16 yesterday and the x6 today

[@TheGearCage]

@@225maine Congrats! Enjoy them. They really work well together in tandem.

[@LaireGrudzinski]

The 6x Comes with surround sound software. Not sure that the other x models support that software. I s the 6x designed for mastering.? The information I read the 6 x is the best sounding. I will be calling U/A.. Is anyone using 6x for mastering?

[@aubreygentry1451]

The one you can afford..of course

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Audient interfaces are best.

[@djmschf7513]

"if you can't get a great recording with an Apollo, it's because you're wack" 😂😂😂

[@conrow1157]

Solo, work on demos 😂😂 I produced 100s of songs Master ready vie solo

[@TheGearCage]

Then you did it using very few UA plug-ins. Which is fine, but most people end up running out of DSP on the Solo.

[@conrow1157]

@@TheGearCage ah ok…this should be cleared out, that you talk about dsp when saying “only for demos”…don’t wanna p…you off….it’s a nice video! Thx

[@BrunoMorisetti]

UAD converters are very weak...... just saying

[@TwinParksBX]

With the new M1 macs you don’t need an Apollo anymore.

[@isaimtz-cmcho688]

what? how/why?