Universal Audio

HEXA CORE : With HEXA Core processing, you
can run more UAD plugins simultaneously than
previously. The bundled Realtime Analog Classics
Plus collection will get you started
AUDIO : The redesigned audio architecture means
the Apollo X range offers a big sonic improvement
over preceding ranges. These are the best sending
Apollo interfaces to date
FOOTPRINT: You can run up to six Apollos in a
single system, including up to four Apollo interfaces
and two further devices, whether that’s the desktop
Apollo Twin or the Satellite Accelerators
CONSOLE: Once connections are made, Console
lets you drive your system over software. Confi gure
inputs, decide whether to enable Unison preamps,
decide on further plugins and more
power available. But it’s not only the
processing chips which have been
upgraded; this Apollo’s specifi cations
when it comes to audio interfacing
are also pretty box offi ce. Universal
Audio have been back to the drawing
board to upgrade Apollo X’s audio
performance and they’ve done so by
building new audio circuitry. The net
result offers some impressive fi gures,
including dynamic range of 122dB
on the Mic Preamps, 123dB on the
Line Inputs and 128dB on the
Monitor Outputs. Sample rates are
supported up to 192kHz but there are
developments here too, as UA have
adopted what they refer to as
Dual-Crystal Clocking, which provides
dedicated crystals for both 44.1kHz
and 48kHz and their multiples
(88.2kHz/176.4kHz and
86kHz/192kHz respectively), to
reduce jitter.
and where users set whether to use
additional UAD plugins for monitoring
or recording purposes. The Master
section controls Monitor output levels
(including any surround confi guration
preferences now too), while auxiliaries
let you confi gure monitor reverb
effects for performers, for example.
Console automatically upscales its
channel count depending on rig size,
so everything is neatly joined up.
In fact, the Apollo X interfaces
would be highly competitive
interfaces in their price range(s), even
without the call of class-leading
effects hosting. All of the crucial
audio performance numbers have
been signifi cantly enhanced, while
the new processing chips allow for
multichannel recording through
Unison plugins without feeling that
you’ve already cashed in all of the
onboard effects capacity.
Add in new surround sound
provision and Apollo X adds up to a
hugely attractive audio interfacing
package. If you’re attracted by the
UAD concept, there’s never been a
better time to jump onboard with
Apollo, particularly as the x6 offers as
much I/O as many users will need –
at a great price.
FM VERDICT
9.4
The new series is, sonically,
now a match for any rival
interfaces. If you’re tempted
by the UAD ecosystem, this
is highly recommended
To state the obvious, the Apollo X
series will appeal most to those not
only drawn to the high quality of
audio interfacing but also to the UAD
ecosystem. To that end, the Apollo x6
ships with UAD’s Realtime Analog
Classics Plus Bundle, which includes
a host of plugins available both for
tracking purposes and/or at the mix
stage. These include channel strips,
mic pre-emulations, amplifi er clones,
spatial processors and effects pedals
and while some of the biggest names
to be associated with the UAD
platform are absent there’s still a
great collection of processors here.
The software capabilities of the Apollo
universe go further – whether your
system is limited to a single interface
or is maxed out, the Console control
software is ready to respond. Console
is where individual input channels
can be confi gured with Unison pres
THE FULL RANGE, AND A MINOR GRIPE
The other new interfaces in the Apollo X range are the
x8, the x8p and the x16. Broadly speaking, these offer
the same upgrades over their predecessors that the
Apollo x6 provides – ‘HEXA Core’ processing for more
DSP power and improved audio performance. However,
whereas the Apollo x6 offers surround monitoring up to
5.1, the increased output spec of these larger Apollo X
interfaces means that systems up to 7.1 are supported.
Across the entire range, the output volume control has
been switched to a digital design and it’s also worth
noting that while connectivity is still via Thunderbolt
(Thunderbolt 3), the connector is a USB-C type. This
means you’ll need to buy a Thunderbolt cable and an
adaptor. Neither are provided – the only Apollo X failing.
THE ALTERNATIVES
Apogee
Ensemble £1,800
Eight wonderful-
sounding preamps
and up to 30-in,
34-out connectivity.
For some, Apogee’s
sound is unrivalled.
It’s Mac compatible
only, though
apogeedigital.com
RME UFX+ £2,418
94 inputs and 94
outputs, with 12
analogue-ins and
outs, all of the digital
interfacing you can
shake a stick at,
MADI compatibility
and an optional
remote control.
This is RME’s
fl agship model
rme-audio.de
Focusrite Red
4Pre £2,305
Focusrite’s preamps
are, of course,
legendary, but it’s
the Dante
connectivity which is
another major
attraction here
pro.focusrite.com
Reviews | Universal Audio Apollo x6
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