Universal Audio announces Apollo X | Gen 2 Audio Interfaces for Mac and Windows

Universal Audio has introduced Apollo X | Gen 2, a complete redesign of the company's range of desktop and rackmount Thunderbolt audio interfaces for macOS‑ and Windows‑based recording studios.

Featuring the next‑generation of 24‑bit / 192kHz A/D and D/A conversion with the highest resolution of any Apollo to date – plus realtime UAD DSP plug‑in processing and Unison mic preamp modeling – the new Apollo X interfaces let users work faster with a host of new features and workflows, including:

• Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks*: Apollo X users can now import Sonarworks SoundID correction profiles directly to Apollo DSP to precisely calibrate their monitors, headphones, and room in realtime for consistent mixes and masters. Available Q4 2024 for Apollo X Gen 1 and Gen 2.
• Assistive Auto‑Gain: Fast, one‑click level setting across all input channels, including Unison mic preamp emulations from API, Neve and SSL.
• Subwoofer Bass Management: Add a subwoofer for full‑range stereo and surround monitoring, featuring trim, mute, solo and crossover controls per speaker.
• Alt Monitoring for Surround Modes: New modes for alternate monitoring allow immersive users to easily switch between immersive and stereo monitoring setups.
• Plug‑In Scenes: Perfect for using Apollo onstage, Apollo users can instantly change plug‑in settings across multiple UAD Console channels manually or via MIDI.

Finally, Apollo X | Gen 2 interfaces come standard with Antares Auto‑Tune and are available with Essentials+ or Studio+ Edition UAD plug‑in bundles.

Apollo x16 and Apollo x16D are available with Ultimate+ Edition.

We believe that the very best audio tools can 'disappear, ' and feel like they are simply a part of the creative process. The new Apollo X interfaces are about pushing that concept further – bringing the best of analog and digital sounds together in a way that's both inspiring and seamless, to let your music take center stage.

Bill Putnam Jr., CEO of Universal Audio

New Apollo X | Gen 2 Features:

• Gen 2 Thunderbolt rackmount and desktop audio interfaces with HEXA, QUAD, Duo Core DSP plug‑in processing.
• Elite‑class Apollo X | Gen 2 converters with 24‑bit / 192 kHz resolution.
• Enhanced D/A for critical monitoring and playback with the widest dynamic range and lowest distortion of any Apollo.
• Unison mic preamps, Hi‑Z instrument inputs, optical Toslink I/O (ADAT or S/PDIF), AES I/O and Dante I/O on select models.
• Updated UAD Console app featuring Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks, * Assistive Auto‑Gain, Subwoofer Bass Management, Plug‑in Scenes, and more.
• Fully‑featured monitor controller with alternate speaker switching and integrated talkback for easy communication with talent.
• ALT monitoring support in all monitor modes (2 x ALT mon for stereo, 1 x ALT mon for immersive).
• Onboard DSP supports over 200 UAD plug-ins via VST, AU, and AAX 64 formats in all major DAWs.
• Includes up to 100+ UAD plug-ins with Essentials+, Studio+ or Ultimate+ Editions.
• Compatible with LUNA, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live, and more.
• Expandable with Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces or select models over Dante.
• Free industry‑leading technical support from knowledgeable audio engineers.

Price: Varies from Sweetwater or Thomann.

*Requires Apollo Monitor Correction Add‑On and SoundID Reference licenses, available from sonarworks.com