NAMM 2014: Universal Audio Apollo Twin desktop interface announced

Image 1 of 4

Universal Audio Apollo Twin

Universal Audio Apollo Twin

Universal Audio Apollo Twin

Universal Audio Apollo Twin

NAMM 2014: Having made waves with its studio-grade Apollo audio interface/DSP box in 2012, Universal Audio is now returning with a more affordable desktop-friendly version, the Apollo Twin.

This is a 2x6 Thunderbolt interface for Mac that delivers 24-bit/192kHz audio performance. The Apollo Twin comes in an aluminium case and gives you convenient front-mounted instrument recording and headphone sockets, with all other connectivity options (including two mic/line inputs, two line outputs and two analogue monitor outputs) round the back.

Thanks to the built-in DSP processing, Apollo Twin enables you to record in real-time (and at close to zero latency) through any UAD powered plug-ins. The Realtime Analog Classics bundle comes in the box, and you can buy more as and when you see fit.

There's also the new Unison technology, which UA claims is built on integration between the mic preamps and the UAD plug-in processing and "unlocks the authentic tone of the most sought-after tube and solid state mic preamps - including their all-important impedance, gain stage 'sweet spots,' and component-level circuit behaviours."

The Apollo Twin is shipping now in two versions, Solo and Duo, which are priced at £729/$699 and £929/$899 respectively.

More details below or on the Universal Audio website.

Universal Audio Apollo Twin press release

Universal Audio, a leading manufacturer of professional audio recording hardware and software, is proud to introduce the Apollo Twin High-Resolution Desktop Interface with Realtime UAD Processing.

This sleek 2x6 Thunderbolt audio interface for Mac combines the same high-quality 24/192 kHz audio conversion of Universal Audio's acclaimed Apollo series with onboard Realtime UAD SOLO or DUO Processing. With its ergonomic desktop design, rugged aluminum construction, and front panel headphone and instrument connections, Apollo Twin allows Mac users to record in real time (at near-zero latency) through the full range of UAD Powered Plug-Ins available in the UA Online Store, including titles from Neve, Studer, Manley, Lexicon, API and more.

Apollo Twin also introduces new Unison™ technology.* Built on an integration between Apollo's mic preamps and its onboard UAD plug-in processing, Unison unlocks the authentic tone of the most sought-after tube and solid state mic preamps — including their all-important impedance, gain stage "sweet spots," and component-level circuit behaviours.

Apollo Twin will ship with Universal Audio's "Realtime Analog Classics" UAD plug-in bundle, featuring legacy editions of the LA-2A Classic Audio Leveler, 1176LN Limiting Amplifier, and Pultec EQP-1A Program Equalizer, plus Softube Amp Room Essentials, the all-new 610-B Tube Preamp plug-in, and more.

Available in both SOLO and DUO models (with either one or two Analog Devices SHARC processors, respectively), Apollo Twin is now shipping worldwide with estimated street prices of $699 (SOLO) and $899 (DUO).

* Unison Technology coming to Apollo and Apollo 16 in early 2014.

Apollo Twin Features

• Desktop 2x6 Thunderbolt audio interface with world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion
• Realtime UAD Processing for tracking through vintage Compressors, EQs, Tape Machines, Mic Preamps, and Guitar Amp plug-ins with near-zero (sub-2ms) latency
• Thunderbolt connection for blazing-fast PCIe speed and rock-solid performance on modern Macs
• New Unison technology offers stunning models of classic tube and transformer-based mic preamps
• 2 premium mic/line preamps; 2 line outputs; front-panel Hi-Z instrument input and headphone
• 2 digitally controlled analog monitor outputs for full resolution at all listening levels
• Up to 8 channels of additional digital input via Optical connection
• Uncompromising analog design, superior components, and premium build quality
• Includes "Realtime Analog Classics" UAD plug-in bundle, featuring Legacy editions of the LA-2A Classic Audio Leveler, 1176LN Limiting Amplifier, and Pultec EQP-1A Program Equalizer, plus Softube Amp Room Essentials, 610-B Tube Preamp, and more
• Runs UAD Powered Plug-Ins via Audio Units, VST, RTAS & AAX 64 in all major DAWs
• Available with either UAD-2 SOLO or UAD-2 DUO DSP processing onboard
• Requires Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or 10.9 Mavericks