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Average Price: $1,350

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$150

$501+

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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
Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Apollo High-Resolution Interface with Realtime UAD Processing Overview

Video thumbnail for Apollo High-Resolution Interface with Realtime UAD Processing Overview by Universal Audio

Apollo High-Resolution Interface with Realtime UAD Processing Overview

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for Sweetwater Minute - Vol. 134, Universal Audio Apollo Audio Interface In-depth by Sweetwater

Sweetwater Minute - Vol. 134, Universal Audio Apollo Audio Interface In-depth

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio Apollo by B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Universal Audio Apollo

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Video thumbnail for RME fireface 400 vs Universal Audio UAD apollo QUAD by Гитарист Илья Драгунов

RME fireface 400 vs Universal Audio UAD apollo QUAD

Гитарист Илья Драгунов

Гитарист Илья Драгунов

Video thumbnail for Apollo FireWire Start Video for Mac by Universal Audio

Apollo FireWire Start Video for Mac

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for Apollo FireWire Start Video for PC by Universal Audio

Apollo FireWire Start Video for PC

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio Apollo Firewire Audio Interface First Look by DV247 Music Store UK TV

Universal Audio Apollo Firewire Audio Interface First Look

DV247 Music Store UK TV

DV247 Music Store UK TV

Reviews

PROS

  • Best RE-201 emulation available

  • Superior DSP processing, even with multiple units daisy-chained

  • High-quality plugins, though pricey

  • Significantly better sound quality than competitors like Apogee Quartet

  • Low CPU usage with minimal latency

  • High-end AD/DA converters and preamps enhance recording quality

  • Console 2 software allows tracking through iconic analog gear emulations

  • Offers a substantial number of I/O options for diverse setups

CONS

  • Plugins you haven't purchased show in DAW, complicating workflow

  • High cost of plugins can add up quickly

  • Lack of sleep mode support can lead to issues with computer integration

  • 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

  • Limited to processing 9-12 UAD plugins, which may restrict workflow compared to interfaces that handle more plugins natively through the computer.

    Source
  • The Apollo silverface model is praised for its sound quality and longevity, suggesting it still holds its own despite newer releases.

    Source
  • The Thunderbolt card is recommended for seamless integration with M1 MacBooks, enhancing stability and usability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Consider the RME Fireface 802 as an alternative, which may offer better plugin processing capabilities and overall performance.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users recommend increasing computer RAM and using a standard sound card for better plugin management instead of relying solely on the Apollo's DSP.

    Source
  • Users report solid performance and reliability with Apollo silver face models equipped with Thunderbolt cards.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Thunderbolt upgrade is considered essential for compatibility with macOS Monterey, providing continued usability without investing in a full new interface.

    Source
  • Some owners experienced increased CPU usage when using a FireWire interface with a Thunderbolt adapter, potentially affecting performance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For home overdubbing with limited preamp needs, the existing DUO model suffices, especially when primarily using only two preamps.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Investing $200 in a Thunderbolt card is viewed as cost-effective compared to purchasing a new Apollo or Twin, particularly for users already satisfied with their current setup.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 10 Reviews and 40 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
deepsignalstudios

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.

olleyollet

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.

analoguejunkie

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.

dystopiansoundscapes

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.

From Gear Setup
kimloganw

Great audio interface with sleep mode issues

Great audio interface, but they should fix so that sleep mode is supported, so that you can put your computer to sleep and then wake it up without the Apollo getting confused.

peter_kontor2

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.

third_key_broken

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

karanyi

Great stuff

Amazing sound card, w killer plugins - average headphone outputs.

D

The brains of my studio, can't live without it...

blakenelson

My favorite piece.

My favorite piece on my rack.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Arun Bali uses Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire

Arun Bali

Guitarist

Saves the Day

...
Verified via Photo

Arun's UAD Apollo can be seen under the power conditioner in this picture of his studio rack.

See how SuperStar O uses Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire

SuperStar O

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you see SuperStar O with the Apollo Audio Interface at 3:49.

See how Daddy's Groove uses Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire

Daddy's Groove

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video of Daddy's Groove in the studio, "The Track: Daddy's Groove on creating Where I Belong", at 1:10:09 you can get a good look at the Universal Audio Apollo interface that they use.

See how Joe Rogan uses Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire

Joe Rogan

Podcasters & Streamers

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Joe Rogan, the Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire audio interface is clearly visible in the control panel, as described in the caption: "The control panel seat where young @jamievernon makes the magic happen."

See how Gregori Klosman uses Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire

Gregori Klosman

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Gregori Klosman's audio interface is the Universal Audio Apollo, as detailed in an article about his studio gear setup. He says, "This is my brand-new soundcard. To be honest, I've never really used the plugins in it - sometimes the Cambridge EQ, but most of the time I just use it for the nice converters."

Original source here.

See how StoneBridge uses Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire

StoneBridge

Music Producer

...
Verified via Studio

In the third video the "Universal Audio Apollo" can be seen at 0:27.

See how Jason van Wyk uses Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire

Jason van Wyk

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

Photo posted on his Facebook from his studio of a UA Apollo Quad.

See how Aiden Jude uses Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire

Aiden Jude

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

Aiden Jude uses the Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire in his studio, as shown in an Instagram post where he discusses working on new music with his team.

See how Ziv Tamari uses Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire

Ziv Tamari

Guitarist

Ziv Tamari (Solo)

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "Coldplay - Square One (Cover by Ziv Tamari)," Ziv Tamari is shown using the Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire in his studio setup.

See how AJ Michalka uses Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire

AJ Michalka

Guitarist

78violet

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, the Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire is visible.

See how Jerome Harmon uses Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire

Jerome Harmon

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Ask

In the Ask.Audio article titled "Grammy Winner, Jerome Harmon, on Producing Beyonce's Drunk in Love," Jerome Harmon is mentioned using the Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire audio interface, listed under the "Music Gear Mentioned" section.

See how Meiko uses Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire

Meiko

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

This item can be seen at the provided link.

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

Show yours
dystopiansoundscapes

dystopiansoundscapes

Gear IQ 237

ryan_kay

ryan_kay

Gear IQ 59

wanya7

wanya7

Gear IQ 1824

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