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Average Price: $353
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$150
$501+
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Description
Elevate your recording sessions with the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII SOLO, a powerhouse of studio-quality sound packed into a compact interface. This gem features Unison Burr-Brown PGA2500 preamps and a robust SHARC processor, blending impeccable audio fidelity with the warmth of classic analog gear. With its redesigned AD/DA converters and Thunderbolt connectivity, experience near-zero latency and pristine sound quality that brings your music to life. Whether you're laying down tracks or mixing, the Apollo Twin MKII SOLO offers a suite of onboard effects and plugins to add that professional studio sheen right from your desk.
Key Features:
- Two Unison Burr-Brown PGA2500 preamps for high-quality audio capture
- SHARC processor for running UAD plug-ins without taxing your computer's CPU
- Redesigned AD/DA converters for improved sound quality and clarity
- Thunderbolt connectivity for ultra-low latency performance
- Onboard effects and plugins emulate classic analog studio gear
- Near-zero latency for real-time recording and monitoring
Product specs
| Brand | Universal Audio |
| Model | Apollo Twin SOLO MKII Thunderbolt Audio Interface |
| Finish | Dark Grey |
| Year | 2010s |
| 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
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What are the main connectivity options for the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII SOLO?
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The Apollo Twin MKII SOLO connects to your computer via Thunderbolt, offering high-speed data transfer and low latency. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS systems.
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Can the Apollo Twin MKII SOLO be used without a computer?
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While the Apollo Twin MKII SOLO requires a computer for full functionality, it can operate as a digital mixer with limited capabilities without a Thunderbolt connection.
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How many inputs and outputs does the Apollo Twin MKII SOLO have?
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The Apollo Twin MKII SOLO features 2 analog inputs, 4 analog outputs, 8 digital inputs via ADAT/Optical, and 1 headphone output, allowing for versatile connectivity in your studio setup.
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Is the Apollo Twin MKII SOLO compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Tools?
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Yes, the Apollo Twin MKII SOLO is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live and Pro Tools, providing seamless integration for recording and mixing.
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What sample rate does the Apollo Twin MKII SOLO support?
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The Apollo Twin MKII SOLO supports a high-resolution sample rate of up to 192 kHz, ensuring professional-quality audio recording and playback.
Videos
B&H Photo Video Pro Audio
Hands-On Review: Universal Audio | Apollo Twin Mk II
Reviews
PROS
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Pristine sound quality, ideal for independent artists and bedroom producers
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Solid, heavy, and well-built design
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Seamless integration with audio X rack family for expanded preamps
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Offers great remote monitor and phone control capabilities
CONS
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Intermittent whooshing sound issue reported
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Customer support from UA not helpful
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Buggy performance, including random volume drops and white noise bursts
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Cumbersome process to hide unwanted pre-loaded plug-ins; reappears with updates
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Some units sold may not be fully tested, leading to operational issues
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII SOLO.
Features and functionality
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The Solo model has one DSP processor, limiting the number of UAD plugins you can run compared to the Duo, which has two.
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The Neve 1073 plugin can consume nearly an entire SHARC chip on the Apollo Solo, highlighting the DSP limitations for more extensive plugin chains.
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The Apollo Twin offers ADAT input, which provides flexibility for expanding input options in the future, unlike the Solo.
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The Hi-Z input on the front deactivates input one, preventing simultaneous use of both inputs for guitar and mic.
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Use cases and applications
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Users who prioritize using the Sphere L22 mic and DI'd guitars find the Solo sufficient for running the UA-610b mic pre and Marshall Plexi emulations.
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The Solo is sufficient for tracking stereo sources or small setups but can be restrictive for more complex multi-input recording sessions.
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Software and compatibility
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The UAD plugins require UAD hardware to run, as they are processed on the interface's DSP instead of the computer's CPU.
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The Apollo Solo struggles with running a plugin chain including 1176LN, API Vision, Neve 1073, and Oxide Tape Recorder, often maxing out the single DSP core.
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UAD plugins can run latency-free, as they include real-time impedance modeling for mic preamps.
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User experience
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Some users report dissatisfaction with the console software and button limitations on the unit despite its impressive sound quality.
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The Apollo X6 is praised for running cooler compared to desktop units due to its larger area for heat dissipation, enhancing reliability in longer sessions.
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Owners often print effects during tracking to manage DSP limits, allowing for more extensive plugin use during mixing.
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Value and pricing
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Owners tend to recommend saving for the Duo if planning to use multiple UAD plugins, as the Solo's single DSP core can quickly hit its limit.
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Purchasing a larger Apollo model initially, like the X6 or X8, is preferred by some users to avoid incremental upgrades and to benefit from Hexa DSP cores.
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Comparisons
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An Audient iD 14 mkII is considered to offer comparable sound quality to the Apollo Twin but without the DSP capabilities, making it a cost-effective alternative for some users.
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The RME Babyface and Apogee Duet are noted for better preamps and converters in the same price range, though they lack UAD's DSP capabilities.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistGenre 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 MKII SOLO, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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