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Description

Apollo is one of the world's most popular professional audio interfaces - delivering the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording to music creators everywhere. This 18 x 24 FireWire/ Thunderbolt-ready* interface combines class-leading sound quality with Realtime UAD Processing. So you can track audio through UAD analog emulation plug-ins - from Neve, Studer, Manley, Lexicon and more - in real time, with a sleek, elegant workflow on both Mac and Windows 7.

With smart features including four ultra-transparent mic preamps, eight line inputs/ouputs, dual headphone outs, and front panel instrument inputs, Apollo has all the right tools, all in the right place.

Class-Leading 24-bit/192 kHz Sound Quality

Designed to play a central role in a modern Mac- or Windows 7-based studio, Apollo incorporates an uncompromising approach to audio quality. Building upon decades of UA hardware heritage, it offers extremely high-resolution sound, with the lowest THD and highest dynamic range in its class. Apollo's four premium mic preamps, top-end converters - and UA's meticulous attention to circuit design - translate into greater accuracy and depth in your recordings, from tracking and overdubbing, to mixing and mastering. In fact, its sound quality is on par with dedicated converters costing thousands more.

Realtime QUAD Core UAD Plug-In Processing for Tracking, Mixing, and Mastering

While Apollo's "natural" sound is exceedingly open and transparent, it can quickly deliver a wide range of classic analog tones and color via its Realtime UAD Processing. With QUAD Core processing onboard, Apollo's onboard DSP Acceleration allows for recording through UAD Powered Plug-Ins - with as low as sub-2ms latency - so that producers can quickly monitor, audition, and "print" audio using classic analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more.** Better still, Apollo's Realtime UAD Processing is also available during mixing and mastering, so that music producers can use UAD plug-ins (VST, RTAS, AU) throughout the creative process.

Thunderbolt Connectivity for Macs

Apollo offers compatibility with Intel's new high-bandwidth Thunderbolt technology on Macs. Available via a user-installable dual-port Thunderbolt Option Card, Thunderbolt provides greater UAD plug-in instances, improved performance at high sample rates, and reduced UAD plug-in latency in the DAW versus Apollo's standard FireWire connection.

Because Thunderbolt offers many times the bandwidth of FireWire, it allows music producers to connect numerous devices in series with the Apollo interface - including hard drives, processors, and additional computer monitors - all with fast, flawless performance. Thunderbolt also makes it easy to expand UAD plug-in processing power via a Thunderbolt-to-PCIe chassis and UAD-2 DSP Accelerator card(s).

Deeper Integration with Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase and MoreApollo's Core Audio and ASIO drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, and more. The included Console application and companion Console Recall plug-in (VST/AU/RTAS) provide control and recall of all interface and Realtime UAD plug-in settings within your DAW sessions, even months and years later. A new "PT Mode" allows easier insertion of external hardware in Pro Tools, and a new Virtual I/O feature allows Realtime UAD Processing of DAW tracks and virtual instruments.

Hardware Design and Workflow

One key feature of Apollo isn't really a "feature" at all. It's the numerous design details that give you a fast, natural workflow - and better results. There are physical front-panel controls for all the most commonly used features, including Preamp and Monitor level knobs, channel selection, mic pad and low cut, phantom power, and dual headphone outs with independent level control. Smart Hi-Z inputs on the front panel detect when you've connected your guitar or bass, and automatically enable hardware and software monitoring.

Sonically, Apollo's Mic inputs and Monitor outputs are digitally controlled analog, so you don't lose audio resolution when you adjust gain. High-resolution/high-contrast metering, derived from UA's legendary 2192 interface, is designed to be viewable at nearly any angle. Finally, standalone operation means that you can use Apollo's audio connections, and last-used DSP mixer settings, even without a computer connected.

  • Requires Windows 7 64-bit edition operating system and a qualified PCIe-to-FireWire adaptor. Thunderbolt option is Mac-only.** All trademarks are recognized as property of their respective owners. Individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins sold separately.
American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Universal Audio Apollo Quad Thunderbolt Audio Interface - UA Apollo Quad

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio Apollo Quad Thunderbolt Audio Interface - UA Apollo Quad by American Musical Supply

Universal Audio Apollo Quad Thunderbolt Audio Interface - UA Apollo Quad

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio Apollo QUAD - Thunderbolt.

Software and compatibility

  • Gigabyte Z490 Vision D's built-in Thunderbolt 3 may require BIOS updates and settings adjustments for compatibility with the Apollo QUAD.

    Source
  • Using a GC Titan Ridge 2.0 PCIe THB3 card with a FORCE_PWR GPIO mod can be an attempted workaround for Thunderbolt connectivity issues.

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  • Successful operation of Apollo QUAD on MacBook Pro models, even with Thunderbolt adapters, suggests hardware-specific compatibility challenges with certain motherboards.

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  • macOS may increase CPU usage slightly when using Thunderbolt-to-FireWire adapters, affecting performance.

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  • macOS users should disable sleep mode to prevent kernel panics when using Apollo interfaces, though this issue was reportedly fixed recently.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Thunderbolt cards recommended for M1 MacBook users to enhance compatibility with Apollo interfaces.

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  • Black Lion Audio Mods are recommended for enhancing the Apollo’s internal components, improving converter and preamp quality significantly.

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Features and functionality

  • Using two silver face Apollos with Thunderbolt cards ensures stable performance.

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  • The console software allows for easy daisy-chaining of multiple interfaces via Thunderbolt, enhancing flexibility in larger studio setups.

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Comparisons

  • The RME Babyface Pro FS is praised for superior sound quality and low-latency performance compared to the Apollo Twin, particularly if Unison technology isn't needed.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Apollo interface excels in scenarios requiring real-time monitoring of effects with near-zero latency, an advantage for vocalists and guitarists needing immediate feedback.

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User experience

  • Owners report a significant improvement in mix clarity with the Apollo, particularly when stacking multiple tracks, reducing the buildup of "muddy" frequencies.

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Build quality

  • Users highlight the Apollo's large, smooth control knob as a standout feature, enhancing the user experience when switching inputs and outputs.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
vismundcygnus

Wonderful interface for home studio

Super powerful audio interface. bought it to replace my Mbox Pro 3. The plugins are incredible. I've used all of the classic vintage hardware before, and the UAD versions are just as good. The mic pres have plenty of gain and are very clean. I like all of the I/O options. I've used it a ton for recording bands and mixing.

kazmir

UAD Apollo Quad

My first audio interface. I am liking it so far and its one of the best. It has a lot of inputs and outputs and is a monster.

Q

This is my A/D-D/A converter for my HD I/O & I also use this for mixing & routing...

Artist usage

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See how Richard Devine uses Universal Audio Apollo QUAD - Thunderbolt

Richard Devine

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

(@3:25) "everything is basically running from my Apollo Quad"

See how OVERWERK uses Universal Audio Apollo QUAD - Thunderbolt

OVERWERK

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

For I/O, I use the Universal Audio Apollo with Thunderbolt. I looked into a lot of interfaces, and the Apollo had everything I needed. It has a healthy amount of inputs, multiple outputs for monitors, great audio quality and extremely low latency because of the Thunderbolt connection. Another bonus are the UAD powered plugins that come built in, but I barely use them.

See how Roul and Doors uses Universal Audio Apollo QUAD - Thunderbolt

Roul and Doors

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Facebook

"Something special has entered our studio.. UAD APOLLO QUAD audio interface! What a beast..."

See how Stuart Price uses Universal Audio Apollo QUAD - Thunderbolt

Stuart Price

Music Producer

The Killers

...
Verified via Uaudio

Could you describe your current setup?

"Yes, it’s the new Mac Pro with an Apollo QUAD connected via Thunderbolt. I was using a UAD OCTO PCIe card in a Sonnet chassis as well which worked great too. I used that in tandem with a Neve Melbourn 12 channel board."

See how Lisciel Franco uses Universal Audio Apollo QUAD - Thunderbolt

Lisciel Franco

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Lisciel Franco showcases the Universal Audio Apollo QUAD - Thunderbolt audio interface, mentioning its performance while testing.

See how Andy Schichter uses Universal Audio Apollo QUAD - Thunderbolt

Andy Schichter

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

He purchased an Apollo for OSW Studio.

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 - Thunderbolt, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Apple MacBook Pro (General)
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1
Tiptop Audio z2040
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1

Community setups

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heberthsouza

heberthsouza

Gear IQ 239

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