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Computer Audio > Audio Interfaces > FireWire Audio Interfaces > Universal Audio Apollo DUO

Universal Audio Apollo DUO

Item ID: ApolloDuo

18 x 24 FW800 Audio Interface with Built-in UAD-2 Duo DSP for UAD-2 Powered Plug-ins and Included Analog Classics Bundle Included - Mac

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From Our Research Team:

Audio Interface with Built-in UAD Plug-in Processing!







Combining a world-class analog front end, cutting-edge conversion quality, and the unparalleled power of UAD-2 Duo plug-in processing built-in, the Universal Audio Apollo Duo firewire audio interface represents a new approach to recording. Over 10 years of research and development have gone into making the Apollo Duo, and it's poised to change the way you operate in your recording studio. Apollo Duo gives you built-in UAD-2 Duo DSP to let you track, mix, and master with acclaimed UAD-2 powered plug-ins - with near-zero latency! UAD-2 powered plug-ins serve up incredibly realistic emulations of classic studio processors, so you can get the sound of iconic analog equipment on your tracks with the convenience of plug-ins. And with Apollo Duo, you have all the DSP power you need to run an array of these top-notch plug-ins with ultra-low latency while your host computer runs your DAW.

Universal Audio's Apollo Duo is also the world's first Thunderbolt-ready audio interface, with an expansion port that allows you to install an optional Thunderbolt expansion card. Thunderbolt offers a much larger bandwidth and faster transfer rates than USB or Firewire, meaning you'll be able to record more tracks at higher resolutions with lower latencies than you could before - even when using all 18 inputs and 24 outputs. Factor in universal DAW compatibility for Mac (PC compatibility is scheduled for Summer 2012), and the ability to connect a UAD-2 Satellite to power even more UAD-2 DSP plug-ins, and you'll see that the Universal Audio Apollo Duo firewire audio interface sets a seriously powerful foundation for your recording studio.

Universal Audio Apollo Duo Firewire Audio Interface at a Glance:
  • Built-in UAD-2 Duo DSP for running UAD-2 powered plug-ins
  • Premium analog signal path
  • A powerful foundation for any recording, mixing, or mastering studio
  • UAD-2 Analog Classics plug-in bundle included
  • Thunderbolt-ready for enhanced future performance

Built-in UAD-2 Duo DSP for running UAD-2 powered plug-ins
The really big deal with Universal Audio's Apollo Duo is the built-in UAD-2 DSP that lets you run UAD-2 powered plug-ins without the need for a separate processor card to be installed in your computer. UAD-2 powered plug-ins have earned a worldwide reputation for being some of the best-sounding, most accurate reproductions of classic analog studio gear. While the plug-ins sound amazing, previously it's been impossible to record through them without long latency times. With UAD-2 DSP power built right in, you can track, mix, and master with UAD-2 powered plug-ins with near-zero (below 2ms) latency. This type of performance was previously only available on expensive and complicated DSP-based recording systems - Apollo Duo makes this pro-level performance accessible to home and project studios too!

Premium analog signal path
Apollo Duo began with Universal Audio's vision of the perfect marriage of analog equipment and digital recording technologies. You'll capture rich, vibrant audio from the four built-in microphone preamps, and two JFET instrument inputs let you capture sweet direct instrument recordings too. With a total of 18 inputs and 24 outputs, the Apollo Duo has the connectivity you need in a professional environment. And because UA focused on creating a pristine analog signal path, you won't have to buy racks full of analog preamps just to get a great recorded sound.

A powerful foundation for any recording, mixing, or mastering studio
Universal Audio's Apollo Duo is a significant advancement for any pro-audio application, whether you track, mix, or master in your studio. UAD-2 powered plug-ins have been acclaimed for their analog-like sound and vibe, and Apollo Duo is the only way to track with these plug-ins with ultra-low latency. You can reproduce the signal chains of the world's most famous recordings, without spending tens of thousands on analog hardware from 40 years ago. When you're tracking, that means you can capture a better recording right from the beginning, and your artists will love the high-quality sound of their monitor mix. During mixing, UAD-2 powered plug-ins give you all the tools you need to produce world-class mixes without compromise. And for mastering, UAD-2 DSP technology gives you access to more emulations of history's greatest mastering processors than any other platform does.

UAD-2 Analog Classics plug-in bundle included
Right out of the box, you'll have access to the UA Analog Classics bundle of UAD-2 DSP powered-plugins. You'll be amazed by the Analog Classics collection's spot-on plug-in versions of the venerable LA-2A audio leveler, 1176LN/SE limiting amps, and Pultec's EQP-1A program EQ. You also get the outstanding RealVerb Pro room modeler and CS-1 channel strip plug-ins. Of course you have the power to run any UAD-2 powered plug-in, with a huge selection of EQs, delays, reverbs, compressors, harmonic enhancers, and all other manner of studio processors. And if you ever hit the limit of the Apollo Duo's ample processing power, you can add a UAD-2 Satellite (sold separately) for even more plug-in DSP power.

Thunderbolt-ready for enhanced future performance
Digital audio technology is continually advancing, so Universal Audio built the Apollo Duo with future performance in mind. The Thunderbolt expansion port will allow you to add Thunderbolt connectivity (via an optional card) to your Apollo Duo. Based on PCIe technology, Thunderbolt will offer a much-higher bandwidth connection than USB or Firewire, and with lower latency too. While Apollo Duo already sports incredible sub-2ms latency with its Firewire 800 connection, as the technology standards for digital audio advance Apollo Duo will be equipped to handle future transmission requirements with ease.

Universal Audio Apollo Duo Firewire Audio Interface Features:
  • A new paradigm in audio interfaces that combines built-in UAD-2 Duo plug-in processing, Universal Audio analog signal path, and impeccable conversion quality
  • Bridges the gap between analog richness and digital precision, as well as the gap between hardware sound quality and plug-in convenience
  • 18 x 24 interface provides enough I/O for professional applications
  • Thunderbolt-ready for future-proof performance
  • Compatible with virtually any Mac DAW, with PC compatibility scheduled for Summer 2012
  • Plug-in configuration is saved with your DAW session, for easy recall of session settings from any workstation
  • DSP processing power can be expanded by connecting a UAD-2 Satellite (sold separately)

Universal Audio's Apollo Duo firewire audio interface is one giant leap for recording technology!

Apollo DUO Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Computer Connection Type Firewire 800 (Thunderbolt option)
Form Factor Rackmount
Simultaneous I/O 18 x 24
A/D Resolution 24-bit/192kHz
Built In DSP/FX Yes (UAD-2 Duo DSP)
Number of Audio Inputs 14
Audio Input Types 4 x XLR, 8 x TRS, 2 x TS
Number of Audio Outputs 10
Audio Output Types 10 x TRS
Number of Digital Inputs 10
Digital Input Types 8 x ADAT, 2 x S/PDIF (Coax)
Number of Digital Outputs 10
Digital Output Types 8 x ADAT, 2 x S/PDIF (Coax)
Number of Mic Preamps 4
Phantom Power Yes
MIDI I/O No MIDI I/O
Clock I/O 1 x Word Clock
Bus Powered No
Rack Units 1U
Notes UAD-2 Duo DSP built-in for UAD-2 powered plug-ins
Manufacturer Part Number 82-40335

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Reviews

based on 6 reviews

Is fantastic

by Felux from Puerto Rico
May 20, 2012
Music Background: Musician, and stufio owner
I have record acoustic guitar before and i try to find that special sound that i always wanted from a acoustic guitar I have to say is perfect and I love it I am very happy with the product

Amazing upgrade!

by Anuj from Roanoke, VA
April 20, 2012
Music Background: Hobbyist
In the world of buy nice or buy twice, this product really is outstanding. I also upgraded from an Apogee Duet. I am using a set of KM 184s and Royer R101s and the sound is amazing. The ability to alt... read more [+]er the sound with a plugin prior to recording does not disappoint - zero latency, pristine sound. I haven't even scratched the surface with this one. For a home recording, this one is it - for a while ! close [-]

Just AMAZING!

by Kyle from Ketchikan, AK USA
March 31, 2012
Music Background: Producer, Songwriter
When I was researching the Apollo I knew it was going to be a fantastic product but I had no idea it was going to sound THIS GOOD! I upgraded from the Apogee Duet (Which I think is a pristine product ... read more [+]already). I figured the interface quality would be comparable between the two and the real difference in the Apollo would be in the integration of its plugins. I was blown away by the difference! It's remarkable. It's an expensive investment, true, but its really the right kind of investment for anyone looking to take the effort out of getting the right kind of sound and focus more on your creativity! close [-]

I am in love!

by Julian Herzfeld from Philadelphia, PA
March 29, 2012
Music Background: Engineer/Producer
I expected a great product from UA -- I've owned a UAD2 Quad for a year -- and the Apollo didn't disappoint. A/D's, D/A's and mic preps are spectacular and the addition of 2 UA DSP slots is great to h... read more [+]ave. I am looking forward to Thunderbolt card upgrade this summer. Additionally, there have been rumors, which make sense, that UA will be writing mic pre-amp modeling software for the Apollo. UAD's plug-ins don't disappoint. Great sound, well constructed and an overall phenominal buy! close [-]

Cool product

by Chris from Savannah
May 22, 2012
Music Background: Engineer/musician
Love (almost) everything about this unit. It's fast, sounds great, the UAD plugins sound great when you track with them. The A/D conversion is great too, sold a Rosetta 800 to get this and haven't loo... read more [+]ked back. The pre's are decent, the only thing I wish UA explored more was more extensive output routing. I know I can do my routing in the DAW, but it would be nice to do everything in the console application. But I've worked around that and I am happy with my Apollo. close [-]
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See Also: FireWire Interfaces , Universal Audio , Universal Audio FireWire Audio Interfaces

Universal Audio Apollo DUO

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