Universal Audio is unveiling a new, value-priced audio interface that offers an excellent entry point into the Apollo ecosystem. Dubbed the Apollo Solo, there are two interfaces that take their design cues from the company’s Apollo x4, packing a lot of firepower into a convenient desktop form factor. But these interfaces offer a more minimalist approach, making them ideal for small home and project studios. They’re a great way to dip your toes into the world of UAD-powered plug-ins.
Two New Apollo Interfaces
There are two versions of the Apollo Solo. The first is a USB-C version that’s made especially for Windows PC users. Like all Apollos, the new Apollo Solo has a lot going on under the hood, such as next-gen AD/DA converters and Unison mic preamps. The Windows-only version also boasts blazing-fast USB 3.0 connectivity. But those are just icing on the cake! Most of us move into the Apollo ecosystem for UA’s acclaimed DSP-powered plug-ins. And the Apollo Solo doesn’t disappoint on this front, thanks to a SHARC processor and the included Realtime Analog Classics bundle. To top it off, the USB-C version of this interface runs on external power, enabling you to use it without relying on bus power. The second version of the Apollo Solo eschews the USB-C port for ultra-low-latency Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, and it’s compatible with both Mac and PC. This bus-powered version is ideal for mobile recording, on-the-go-mixing, and live performance.
Unison Preamps
The Apollo Solo includes two amazing-sounding preamps that boast the company’s acclaimed Unison technology. This preamp design is overwhelmingly popular here at Sweetwater. And why is that? Simply put, they put studio-staple microphone preamps within your reach. And they’re not mere digital emulations. When you fire up a model, such as an SSL 4000 E Channel, the Unison technology adjusts the preamp circuit itself, shifting its impedance, tweaking its analog gain structure, and more. This enables it to duplicate not only the sound but also the interactive behavior of the original hardware. And, since the Apollo Solo includes Universal Audio’s Realtime Analog Classics plug-in bundle, you’ll already own a top-tier collection of modeled analog gear without buying extra plug-ins.
Streamlined I/O
With the Apollo Solo, you get everything that you need and nothing that you don’t. In addition to the previously mentioned Unison preamps (which also accept line-level sources), this audio interface includes an instrument input for your guitar or bass, two analog outputs for your studio monitors, and a high-quality headphone output. It’s everything you need to track small sessions, mix, or set up a playback system for live sound.
UAD-2 Processing
Like we said before, one of the best parts of entering the Apollo ecosystem is the UAD-powered plug-ins. The Apollo Solo contains one SHARC processor, which is enough to track through its built-in I/O and get a jump on your mix. And, if you need more DSP, you can always add a UAD-2 Satellite to your system. So, why are UAD plug-ins so popular? Simply put, they sound — and perform — like real analog hardware. The depth, color, and character are all there. Plus, thanks to the Apollo Solo’s low-latency design, you can track through them in real time. It’s the next best thing to having a rack full of the best vintage and modern hardware on the planet. Seriously, we could talk about these plug-ins all day long. But you really have to hear them to truly appreciate them. The Realtime Analog Classics bundle that comes with the Apollo Solo gives you a great place to start, and there’s a nearly endless array of others available from UA.
LUNA Compatibility
If you use the Thunderbolt 3-equipped Apollo Solo with a Mac, you can also take advantage of Universal Audio’s free LUNA Recording System (Sorry, PC users — LUNA isn’t compatible with Windows). This software offers a complete production environment for tracking, editing, and mixing. But the application’s main appeal is its ultra-tight hardware/software integration, which enables you to take control of your Apollo’s monitoring and headphone systems, to track and overdub with UAD DSP-accelerated plug-ins in real time, and to benefit from full, software-based control over Apollo’s Unison mic preamps, all in the same software application. LUNA offers optional Neve 80 Series console and Studer A800 multitrack extensions to give your projects a recorded-through-a-console-to-tape sound, and you can mimic fast, analog-style tracking and overdubbing using your Apollo’s onboard DSP. If you want a true-to-life analog recording experience, your Apollo Solo and LUNA will make it happen.
Need More?
The Universal Audio Apollo Solo features a 2-in/4-out configuration and a single SHARC processor. If you need more I/O and/or DSP, then the 10-in/6-out Apollo Twin X DUO or Apollo Twin X QUAD will likely fit your needs. The Twins are the perfect step up from the Apollo Solo, supplying you with extra I/O, more DSP, elite-class AD/DA, talkback, and more. If you have any questions about which Apollo is best for you, give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700. We’ll be happy to help you out.