Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Review!
In the past of sound recording and technology, Universal Audio has its roots buried deep. Along with some hugely influential and still-desirable products under the Urei and Teletronix brands, the company has been around for more than 70 years (with a 14-year break from 1985 to 1999). During that time, it has come up with some of the most important and sought-after innovations, such as the layout of modern mixing consoles, per-channel EQ, and send busses.
The Apollo line of audio interfaces has been one of the brand’s biggest triumphs. These devices are famous because they have high-quality analog circuitry, great converter technology, and smooth DSP support. The Apollo Twin X is the newest addition to this line – a Thunderbolt-3 audio interface that packs all of UA’s best features into a small, portable, and cheap desktop unit.
With that, let’s dive more about its characteristics.
Pros And Cons
Connectivity
Since Twin X’s display is so small, it makes sense that it can’t connect to many things. Power for the two input channels comes from a pair of XLR/jack hybrid jacks on the back of the unit. The front input for instruments is more important than the input for channel one in the back. You can connect two of UA’s well-known Unison preamps to this input. These give you the clear, high-quality output you need for a good recording, but what makes Unison truly unique is that you can load in models of classic channel strips, processors, and guitar and bass amplifiers. You can really hear the difference between these models and real analog mixing consoles and other gear because they change the way the preamp’s analog circuitry works and use modeling methods in the digital world.
Input
One optical digital input connector, which can work in either S/PDIF or ADAT mode, is located next to the audio inputs. Some optical digital I/O functions depend on the sample rate being used. For example, the S/PDIF input can only be used if the interface is running at or below 96kHz. The ADAT input, on the other hand, has eight inputs at up to 48kHz, four at 88.2kHz or 96kHz, and only two when running at 176.4kHz or 192kHz.
Output
Additionally, Twin X has a main pair of outputs for monitors and a second pair of outputs that can power a second set of monitors or be used as extra output channels from your DAW. Additionally, the front of the unit has a headphone output. This has its own bus within the Twin X’s mixer and can send a different mix to the main and/or secondary outputs.
Sound Quality
A high-quality audio system, the Apollo Twin X from Universal Audio sounds fantastic. It’s hardly shocking, considering the Apollos’ longstanding reputation for producing exceptional sound. However, compared to its predecessors, the Twin X’s interface is vastly superior thanks to its enhanced AD/DA conversion. The device has an exceptionally flat sound path and a dynamic range of 127 dB.
The Apollo Twin X can record at a maximum of 192 kHz, but there is a catch. The interface has a maximum of two inputs at 192 kHz for recording. That figure falls to 96 kHz when S/PDIF is used. The value returns to 48 kHz when you make use of the eight ADAT ports.
This is obvious to anyone familiar with optical digital I/O. But first things first: familiarize yourself with it.
Software
Once you buy the Apollo Twin X, you’ll get access to a huge software package with 14 UAD apps that can all work together.
There are many great UAD-powered plugins in this big pack, including the UA 610-B, the Marshall Plexi Classic, several Precision Mix Rack Collection plugins, and a lot more.
Processor
Sometimes, your computer isn’t fast enough or powerful enough to run all the plug-ins you need for recording. UA’s powerful DUO Core engine comes in handy for this. You can use this processor to track in real-time with Neve, Manley, or API channel strips, or you can use a lot of UAD plug-ins while mixing in your DAW. An 1176 or Fairchild 670 can be used to boost drums, an LA-2A can be used to add musical limiting to a voice, and the tube warmth of a Pultec EQ can be added to guitars—all in real-time. It’s almost the same as having the real gear.
Where To Buy?
Buy here
Design and Build
Several hardware controls are located on the top and front of the Apollo Twin X, which is both visually appealing and functional. You can adjust the input gain and volume using the big dial in the center, which is also a data entry tool. Additionally, clip warnings are included on the onboard gain displays.
In addition to six centrally located and clearly labeled buttons, the Apollo Twin X has separate toggles for the preamps and monitors, as well as numerous other controls, such as talkback.
It may appear up to this point that we are outlining a high-end, compact audio interface, one with slightly more features and a more polished appearance. In contrast to the plethora of tiny audio interfaces available for less than $300, we are not. The Apollo Twin X is an enormous improvement.
Conclusion
Since James and Bill Jr., the sons of the company’s founder Bill Putnam, brought it back to life in 1999, UA has focused on the growing market for products that make computer-based sound recording better.
With this in mind, the UA Apollo Twin X is a real winner when it comes to home recording. It gives digital musicians an analog workflow. This desktop-sized powerhouse has all the features that will make your life easier as a producer or engineer. It has the legendary high-quality Unison preamps that UA is known for.
Why You Should Read Reviews Before Buying
While finding a seamless set of recording equipment can be a bit of a headache, you need to explore your options rather than settling down on the first thing that you see. As smart buyers, we know how important it is to do research on a product and think about its pros and cons before we buy it. With that, it’s great that the internet gives us access to so much information that we can learn everything we need to know about a piece of equipment before we decide to buy it. So, there should be no excuses on your part as a smart buyer.