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Average Price: $435

Standard/Professional

$150

$501+

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High-end

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Description

The Universal Audio Apollo Twin is a powerhouse in the world of audio interfaces, designed to elevate your recording experience with unmatched clarity and versatility. Perfectly suited for both budding home studio enthusiasts and seasoned professionals, this compact yet formidable device brings studio-quality sound to your desktop. At its heart lies the UAD-2 DUO Core processing, a feature that allows you to run Universal Audio’s extensive library of UAD Powered Plug-Ins with ease, offering real-time analog emulation that captures the essence of classic gear.

The Apollo Twin’s Unison technology sets it apart, enabling you to recreate the tonal characteristics of legendary preamps with remarkable accuracy. This feature breathes life into your recordings, providing a warmth and depth that’s hard to match. With its seamless Thunderbolt connection, you’re guaranteed ultra-fast data transfer and low latency, ensuring that your workflow remains smooth and efficient.

Housed in a sleek and durable desktop design, the Apollo Twin is as intuitive as it is powerful. The interface integrates effortlessly with both Mac and Windows systems, offering a comprehensive suite of analog effects and plug-ins that cover all your creative needs. Whether you’re tracking vocals, guitars, or any other instrument, the Apollo Twin promises pristine audio fidelity and professional-grade results.

Key Features:

  • UAD-2 DUO Core processing for real-time plug-in performance
  • Unison technology for authentic preamp emulation
  • 2x6 Thunderbolt audio interface with super-fast connectivity
  • High-resolution audio conversion for superior sound quality
  • Compact desktop design with intuitive controls
  • Seamless compatibility with Mac and Windows platforms

Product specs

Brand Universal Audio
Model Apollo Twin DUO Thunderbolt Audio Interface
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth 24-bit
Bus-Powered No
Compatibility Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity Thunderbolt
Digital Input Format ADAT/Optical
Electronics Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs 2
Number of Analog Outputs 4
Number of Channels 14
Number of Digital Inputs 8
Number of Digital Outputs 0
Number of Headphone Outputs 1
Number of MIDI Inputs 0
Number of MIDI Outputs 0
Number of Mic Preamps 2
Sample Rate 192 khz
Simultaneous I/O 10 x 6

FAQs

What connectivity options does the Universal Audio Apollo Twin offer?

The Universal Audio Apollo Twin connects to your computer via Thunderbolt and features two analog inputs, four analog outputs, and an ADAT/Optical digital input for expanded I/O capabilities.

Is the Universal Audio Apollo Twin compatible with both macOS and Windows?

Yes, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin is compatible with both macOS and Windows operating systems, allowing seamless integration with various DAWs.

Can I use the Universal Audio Apollo Twin for real-time recording with plugins?

Yes, the Apollo Twin features onboard UAD DSP processing, enabling real-time recording and monitoring with UAD plugins with near-zero latency.

Does the Universal Audio Apollo Twin require an external power source?

Yes, the Apollo Twin is not bus-powered and requires an external power source for operation.

How many mic preamps are included in the Universal Audio Apollo Twin?

The Apollo Twin includes two high-quality mic preamps, providing excellent sound quality for recording vocals and instruments.

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

UAD-2 Apollo Twin Getting Started Video

Video thumbnail for UAD-2 Apollo Twin Getting Started Video by Universal Audio

UAD-2 Apollo Twin Getting Started Video

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for Introducing Apollo Twin by Universal Audio by Universal Audio

Introducing Apollo Twin by Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio Apollo Twin Audio Interface | Review, Setup, & Test by Audio University

Universal Audio Apollo Twin Audio Interface | Review, Setup, & Test

Audio University

Audio University

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs UA Apollo Twin | Sound Quality Test & Comparison by Audio University

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs UA Apollo Twin | Sound Quality Test & Comparison

Audio University

Audio University

Video thumbnail for Unboxing & Testing UA Apollo Twin Duo USB for Windows | Musician Review by Kelli

Unboxing & Testing UA Apollo Twin Duo USB for Windows | Musician Review

Kelli

Kelli

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 APOLLO TWIN REVIEW: Is It Still Worth The Money In 2024? by Home Studio Academy

APOLLO TWIN REVIEW: Is It Still Worth The Money In 2024?

Home Studio Academy

Home Studio Academy

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio Apollo Twin USB with Realtime UAD Processing by Guitar Center

Universal Audio Apollo Twin USB with Realtime UAD Processing

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

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

Apollo High-Resolution Interface with Realtime UAD Processing Commercial

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for 2014 Winter NAMM Show - Universal Audio Apollo Twin High-Resolution Interface with UAD Processing by Musician's Friend

2014 Winter NAMM Show - Universal Audio Apollo Twin High-Resolution Interface with UAD Processing

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Reviews

PROS

  • Solid build quality feels premium

  • DSP feature enhances plugin performance, reducing CPU load

  • Comes with high-quality UAD plugins; critical for productions

  • Exceptional AD/DA converters for superior sound quality

  • Preamps offer best-in-class audio clarity for home studios

  • Integration with Luna DAW offers seamless recording experience

  • Unison preamp technology delivers warm, deep, and fat synth sounds

  • Easy setup and operation, enhancing workflow efficiency

  • Enables studio-quality recording and mixing with minimal gear

  • Portable despite requiring external power supply

CONS

  • Requires external power supply, affecting portability

  • Learning curve for channel strip plugins can be steep

  • Dependency on hardware for plugin use may inconvenience some users

  • Single-core version limits DSP plugin usage

  • Plugins, though exceptional, come at a high cost

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Users highlight the Apollo Twin's "big silky smooth knob" and ease of switching inputs/outputs as standout features for daily use.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Apollo Twin allows for monitoring with plugins at near-zero latency, which some users find crucial for live tracking.

    Source
  • The Apollo Solo and Twin share identical internal components, ensuring consistent sound quality; differences lie in processing power and connectivity options.

    Source
  • The Apollo Solo allows external preamps to be used by connecting to the jack of the combo inputs, bypassing the built-in pres.

    Source

Comparisons

  • RME Babyface Pro is often praised for low-latency performance and sound quality, especially if Unison technology isn't a priority.

    Source
  • Apollo Twin offers additional line outs and ADAT connectivity for expanding input options, making it more suitable for recording real drums with multiple microphones.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Some users report macOS kernel panic issues when Apollo interfaces wake from sleep, suggesting sleep mode should be disabled.

    Source
  • Apollo interfaces have been noted to cause issues when plugged into USB-C on Windows systems due to lack of native Thunderbolt support.

    Source
  • The Solo can handle Neve preamp, auto-tune, and plate reverb plugins simultaneously, but requires careful DSP management due to its single DSP chip.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners switching from Scarlett Solo to Apollo Twin notice significant improvements in sound clarity and ease of mixing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Solo is effective for single-track recording setups and remains part of workflows even after upgrading to larger interfaces.

    Source
  • The Solo's headphone amp performs well with Audio Technica M50x headphones, providing ample volume for monitoring.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Consideration should be given to additional costs for necessary DSP plugins, as they can add several hundred dollars to the overall investment in the Apollo Solo.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Universal Audio Apollo Twin Audio Interface | Review, Setup, & Test – Audio University

audiouniversityonline.com

The Universal Audio Apollo Twin stands out with its superb onboard DSP for near-zero latency, making it a game-changer for recording vocals and instruments. It offers a robust build, high-quality preamps, and access to top-notch UA plugins. While the price is steep and the lack of a Thunderbolt cable is a letdown, its pro-level performance justifies the investment for serious musicians. Overall, it's a powerhouse in a compact package.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 24 Reviews and 122 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
thorborg

Good plugins

Device is pretty to look at and feels like a solid brick of quality through and through. The thing i enjoy the most about it is actually the DSP part. The plugins sound way better than those i have tried from other companies emulating hardware. As goes for the GUI. One thing i discovered is that its very beneficial to create a separate folder in your DAW with the Universal Audio Plugins that you have actually purchased. Because even the demo versions of the plugins you have not purchased of their entire library will show up in your list over AUs/VSTs if you do not seperate them from each other. This might just be me, but i found it to be very distracting while getting to know what everything does when i first bought it.

Clumsy external power supply is another minus on an otherwise very portable device. I bought it for its quality but i keep it for the plugins which i have come to make a cornerstone of my productions. If it were not for them i would probably go for an interface with more I/O and/or firewire/usb/thunderbolt power supply.

When reading this, one thing should be remembered: the outboard equipment i use is mainly digital, i do not use a lot of microphones so chances are i am not the typical target group for the Apollo Twin.

ayman_ibrahim

Definition of Pro Home

great build, great features, best physical preamps of the whole "home studio recording bunch", UAD plugins are heaven sent, the ones bundled are above average, but the ones you buy are unique and one of kind, they are expensive though, but the ease of using this and recording, mixing is unprecedented.

Never buy the single core though, either this or the quad, as some of the best plugins are heavy on the DSP, and sometimes you will only be able to use two only at a time, which in most cases will be pre-amp and amp model, but combined with a good DAW, you can add whatever you need in there, and share the load between your PC CPU and the Apollo DSP, which works on so many levels, to give studio quality recording and absolutely stunning tones (marshal blues breaker 1962 is the best digital emulation of a tube amp i have heard. period)

doubleshotmaestro

I wish 3.5 Stars were an option...

It does everything I need, and more which is great, but I just don't love it. It seems slightly over-hyped. The UAD plugins are amazing and all, however, I hate being tethered down to a piece of hardware to use my plugins when I travel. It sounds really good, and has awesome conversion, and Preamps, but I feel like It's just not the interface for me when all is said and done.

susan_rowe

It's a great interface but tricky for newcomers

Had since 2014 but just really started using it because of their new Luna DAW (which they say isn't a DAW) I'm a songwriter and the console and Logic Pro was just a little too tricky for me to ever get a good sound but with Luna it rocks.

A

Great product with zero latency!

I love the Channel Strip Plug Ins! It was a little hard to learn how to use if your old school IMHO!

roccstar

Bought this after owning an Apogee duet and never looked back

I had a rack mount Rosetta 800 in my studio but when I moved out and downsized to a home rig I made the mistake of buying an Apogee Duet believing the reviewers that state they sound just like all Apogee gear. They don't. The Apollo however DOES sound like UA's more expensive gear. If you don't need multitrack recording (honestly who does nowadays?) don't get a duet. Get this!

R
roem

171

Great D/A

I can't believe the sounds I can get out of this thing for vocals and guitar. I don't even mic my amp anymore when tracking demos. The real time processing sounds incredible.

jimmarchi1

want

itstomven

Great audio interface

Got this interface since begin 2015 and it's truly amazing, the plugins that come with it and the overall performance is perfect. The da/ad converters are unlike any other interface i've tried before! This is one you should try out for sure!!

jimmarchi1

I keep thinking of dropping the money on one of these rather than try to setup my whole homestudio (sold my 70s console anyway) in a house with a toddler running around.... the twin's worth it? I had some experience with the APogee duet in various version and was kinda underwhelmed, but this guy seems better.

itstomven

yeah i'm in a home studio too, a good one but still a home studio. its powerfull, easy to take with you + the fact that its connected via a thunderbolt cable is very nice because its stable and it saves up an extra usb slot which is nice for extra gear since a macbook only has 2 slots (I use a usb hub to use all my gear though)

antibeats

Apollo Twin.

My beats are hard or short then the artists are rappers and singers will hear them after the music studio with a music engineer Dan "DFS" Johnson for recording.

socalhoun

clean

one way to improve your bedroom recordings instantly is to step up your interface, and the apollo twin does just that & comes with a shit ton of dope plugins.

only problem is now i have to do way more takes because it's so clear i can hear even more mistakes.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Mayer uses Universal Audio Apollo Twin

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of John Mayer's songwriting session, his audio interface can be seen to the left of his MacBook, a Universal Audio Apollo Twin. This was posted to his Instagram Dec 2014. Mayer captioned the photo, "Morning songwriting session. Heart on full."

See how Deadmau5 uses Universal Audio Apollo Twin

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:08 you can see Joel using the apollo twin with the razer blade stealth

See how Avicii uses Universal Audio Apollo Twin

Avicii

Music Producer

Jovicii

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see Tim using the Apollo Twin while working on "Hold the Line" at 0:42

See how Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike uses Universal Audio Apollo Twin

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the third episode of ''Being Like Mike'', the items he use can be seen at (2:34), (7:51) and (8:20).

See how FINNEAS uses Universal Audio Apollo Twin

FINNEAS

Singer, Guitarist

The Favors

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video posted by Mix with the Masters, you can the UAD interface in the top right. At the timecode 0:15.

See how marshmello uses Universal Audio Apollo Twin

marshmello

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

Behind the scenes look at the making of Keep it Mello with me and Omar LinX

See how Eric Prydz uses Universal Audio Apollo Twin

Eric Prydz

Music Producer

Eric Prydz & Steve Angello

...
Verified via Twitter

In this Twitter photo, Eric Prydz includes his Universal Audio Apollo Twin.

See how Showtek uses Universal Audio Apollo Twin

Showtek

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

At the right to this image, and next to the MIDI Keyboard Controller, we can clearly see that an Apollo Twin Audio Interface is being used for the Studio Setup of Showtek, as it shows this Twitter image, recently uploaded on 16th January, 2017

See how Shawn Mendes uses Universal Audio Apollo Twin

Shawn Mendes

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Check this out at 0.11 in the video

See how Davie504 uses Universal Audio Apollo Twin

Davie504

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can clearly see that Davie504 using this Audio interface

See how Jared Dines uses Universal Audio Apollo Twin

Jared Dines

Singer, Guitarist

SION

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:52 in this video we can see Jared talking about this one

See how Ola Englund uses Universal Audio Apollo Twin

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube

This item can be seen 9:29 into this video

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 Twin, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Apple MacBook Pro (General)
Apple MacBook Pro (General) Computers & Peripherals
10
Ableton Live
Ableton Live DAW Software
8
Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Pro DAW Software
8
Shure SM7B
Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphones
5
Neumann KH 120 Active Studio Monitor
Neumann KH 120 Active Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
5
Neumann KH 310 A
Neumann KH 310 A Active & Passive Monitors
4
Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools DAW Software
4
Ableton Push 2
Ableton Push 2 MIDI Pad Controllers
3
Yamaha HS8
Yamaha HS8 Active & Passive Monitors
3
Neumann TLM 49
Neumann TLM 49 Condenser Microphones
3

Community setups

Show yours
dave_j

dave_j

Gear IQ 175

nathanetes

nathanetes

Gear IQ 123

elezetamusic

elezetamusic

Gear IQ 114

berry_in_the_box

berry_in_the_box

Gear IQ 107

felixcarcone

felixcarcone

Gear IQ 171

elezetamusic

elezetamusic

Gear IQ 114

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