Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,350
High-end/Boutique
$150
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Introducing the Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire, the world's most sought-after professional audio interface that delivers the essence of analog sound to music creators globally. Perfect for studios running Mac Pro towers and Windows 7 machines, this audio interface boasts an 18 x 24 FireWire 800 setup. It's an amazing blend of UA's 50-year heritage analog design and gold-standard Apollo A/D and D/A conversion, offering impeccable audio resolution.
The Apollo Quad Firewire sets itself apart with its Realtime UAD-2 Processing and Unison technology, enabling you to record with near-zero latency through the full range of UAD plug-ins from Neve, Studer, Manley, Lexicon, and more. This includes fresh mic preamp emulations from Neve, API, and Universal Audio. The Apollo Quad Firewire, with its elegant workflow and world-class audio quality, is the ideal interface for music producers seeking the classic analog sound.
Key Features:
- World standard in professional A/D and D/A conversion for music production
- Onboard UAD-2 QUAD Core DSP for Realtime UAD Processing - record through plug-ins from Neve, Lexicon, Studer, Marshall, Ampex, and more
- 4 Unison-enabled mic preamps for tracking through preamp emulations from Neve, API, and Universal Audio
- 18 x 24 FireWire audio interface for Mac and Windows 7
- Capability to cascade two Apollos for 16 analog I/O and 12 digital I/O
- Includes "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" UAD plug-in bundle with 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, Raw Distortion, Softube Amp Rooms, legacy LA-2A, 1176, and Fairchild compressors, Pultec EQs, and more
- Upgradeable to Thunderbolt via Thunderbolt 2 Option Card (Mac only)
- Superior UA analog design, components, and build quality
Videos
Universal Audio
Apollo High-Resolution Interface with Realtime UAD Processing Overview
Apollo High-Resolution Interface with Realtime UAD Processing Overview
Universal Audio
Sweetwater Minute - Vol. 134, Universal Audio Apollo Audio Interface In-depth
Sweetwater
Universal Audio Apollo
B&H Photo Video Pro Audio
RME fireface 400 vs Universal Audio UAD apollo QUAD
Гитарист Илья Драгунов
Apollo FireWire Start Video for Mac
Universal Audio
Apollo FireWire Start Video for PC
Universal Audio
Universal Audio Apollo Firewire Audio Interface First Look
DV247 Music Store UK TV
Reviews
PROS
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Best RE-201 emulation available
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Superior DSP processing, even with multiple units daisy-chained
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High-quality plugins, though pricey
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Significantly better sound quality than competitors like Apogee Quartet
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Low CPU usage with minimal latency
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High-end AD/DA converters and preamps enhance recording quality
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Console 2 software allows tracking through iconic analog gear emulations
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Offers a substantial number of I/O options for diverse setups
CONS
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Plugins you haven't purchased show in DAW, complicating workflow
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High cost of plugins can add up quickly
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Lack of sleep mode support can lead to issues with computer integration
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Average quality of headphone outputs compared to other features
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire.
Features and functionality
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Limited to processing 9-12 UAD plugins, which may restrict workflow compared to interfaces that handle more plugins natively through the computer.
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The Apollo silverface model is praised for its sound quality and longevity, suggesting it still holds its own despite newer releases.
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The Thunderbolt card is recommended for seamless integration with M1 MacBooks, enhancing stability and usability.
Source
Comparisons
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Consider the RME Fireface 802 as an alternative, which may offer better plugin processing capabilities and overall performance.
Source
User experience
Software and compatibility
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The Thunderbolt upgrade is considered essential for compatibility with macOS Monterey, providing continued usability without investing in a full new interface.
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Some owners experienced increased CPU usage when using a FireWire interface with a Thunderbolt adapter, potentially affecting performance.
Source
Use cases and applications
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For home overdubbing with limited preamp needs, the existing DUO model suffices, especially when primarily using only two preamps.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 10 Reviews and 40 Ratings
Great emulations
I needed more than two i/o and the best RE-201 emulation so this buy was a no-brainer. The only thing I absolutely hate is that there is no easy way to unlist in your DAW the plugins you have not yet purchased. It is a real pain when you have to memorize what you bought when you are trying to get work done. Is it to make me spend literally $1000s more to buy all the pugins? I don't know. So far I have spent about $500 on plugins on top of the $2000 I paid for the hardware. It reminds you you need to spend time and get your money's worth because one day support will be gone and the unit will be obsolete.
278
I don't think I will ever look for a different interface company. UA has my full trust.
Universal Audio is an incredible company. I love the DSP processing on my Apollo Quads (I have two daisy chained together via thunderbolt) and the plug-ins are amazing. I wish I had more UAD plug-ins but most of them are out of my budget. I treat myself to a UAD plugin here and there as a gift to self.
I love Universal Audio and I don't think I will ever look for a different interface company. UA has my full trust.
2201
Best interface I have ever owned
Before this I was using an Apogee Quartet. It was a great interface, but it doesn't compare to the Apollo. Amazing sound quality, by far the best plug ins on the market and so many I/O options. If you're thinking about it, do yourself a favor and get it.
Quality interface with lots of plug-in options.
Great quality interface with 2 HP sends and Console 2 software allows me to track everything through a Studer A800 tape or API/Neve's on the way in to PT or Ableton. Choose your plug-ins wisely as this can be an expensive rabbithole to go down.
148
UAD is the best
No cpu usage, low latency, world class analog gear emulation plugins, what else do you need.? I Started using only few now i can't live without them and I've expanded to octo card. Start with Apollo twin to get you started.
124
the best home studio sound card affordable
tranparent/awesome sound, high-end AD/DA converters and preamps, 8 line-in's. best price for a sound card, high end chips and preamps and QUAD DSP for home use
Artist usage
Add artist
Mick Guzauski talks about using the Apollo working on Daft Punk's "Random Access Memories" by saying, "I got that just before going to Los Angeles to work on the Daft Punk album because I had some projects that still needed recalls. I brought the Apollo with all of my UAD plug-ins, my laptop, and all of my files, so if there was anything I needed to tweak, I was ready."
Zedd uses a UAD firewire, stated in a twitter reply post to hardwell.
can be seen in this post from March 17, 2022
The audio interface Tommy Trash uses is the Universal Audio Apollo 18x24, which can be seen in a photo he posted of his studio setup.
In a Facebook post from February 1, 2022, Tycho is shown using the Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire audio interface.
Mac Miller used the Universal Audio Apollo in Rhythm Roulette to make a beat for Mass Appeal.
Suga used this audio interface in his older studio setup.
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"UAD Apollo nomore HD Hardware"
"There are four Universal Audio Apollos - presumably for multichannel audio outputs and effects/mix processing."
In page 4 of this article Noah states that he uses the Apollo sound card, and that 70% of the plugins he uses are Universal Audio
Album Usage
The Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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