The Apollo DUO Core from Universal Audio is an 18 x 24 FireWire-/Thunderbolt-ready computer audio interface that delivers the sound, feel and flow of analog recording. The interface combines high-resolution analog design with onboard UAD Processing, allowing music producers and performers to track audio through a range of classic UAD analog emulation plug-ins in real-time.
Designed to perform a central role in a modern Mac- or Window-based studio, the unit delivers 24-bit/192kHz resolution which ultimately translates into high-resolution analog audio, with low THD and high dynamic range. The interface features four premium microphone preamps with switchable phantom power, 20dB pad, polarity inversion, and stereo link.
While the converters are open and transparent, the unit can quickly deliver a wide range of classic analog tones and color via its built-in UAD Processing. The onboard DUO Core processing provides up to a sub-2 millisecond latency that allows for quickly monitoring, auditioning, and "printing" audio using classic analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more.
Apollo's Core Audio and ASIO drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live, and more. The included Console application and companion Console Recall plug-in provide control and recall of all interface and UAD plug-in settings within the individual DAW sessions, for exact recall months or even years later.
Lower latency, reduced audio buffer size, improved performance, and greater UAD plug-in instances versus FireWire are all available via the included dual-port Thunderbolt 2 I/O Option Card. And because Thunderbolt offers many times the bandwidth of FireWire, it allows for connecting numerous devices in series with the Apollo interface, including hard drives, processors, and additional computer monitors.
Audio Interface
- 18-input, 24-output FireWire-/Thunderbolt-ready audio interface with high-end converters for Mac and PC computers (OS X 10.6 and 10.7 - Windows 7 support coming summer 2012)
- Eight analog inputs feature four digitally controlled analog microphone preamps, eight balanced line inputs and two front-panel JFET DIs
- The smart Hi-Z inputs detect when a guitar or bass is connected and automatically enable hardware and software monitoring
- Fourteen analog outputs consist of eight balanced line outputs, two digitally-controlled analog monitor outputs and two dedicated stereo headphone outputs
- Eight-channels of ADAT and two-channels of coaxial S/PDIF
- Wordclock I/O
- Dual FireWire 800 ports
- Thunderbolt I/O option card for connectivity to compatible Mac and PC computers (card sold separately)
- Front-panel controls for all commonly used features
- High-resolution/high-contrast metering derived from UA's 2192 interface is designed to be viewable at nearly any angle
- Standalone operation allows for using the audio connections and last-used DSP mixer settings without a computer connected
Microphone Preamps
- Four high-resolution, ultra-transparent, digitally-controlled analog microphone preamps
- Switchable low cut filter, 48V phantom power, 20dB pad, polarity inversion and stereo link
- Front panel and software control of all preamp parameters
Monitoring
- Stereo monitor outputs (independent of eight line outputs)
- Digitally controlled analog monitor outputs maintains highest fidelity
- Front panel control of monitor levels and muting
- Two stereo headphone outputs with independent mix buses
- Independent front panel analog volume controls for headphone outputs
- Front panel pre-fader metering of monitor bus levels
- S/PDIF outputs can be set to mirror the monitor outputs
- No loss of audio resolution when adjusting the gain of the digitally-controlled analog microphone inputs and monitor outputs
Processing
- DUO Core processor with two SHARC chips
- Real-time UAD processing for low-latency (sub-2mS) tracking and mixing with UAD Powered plug-ins
- Full recall of interface and UAD plug-in settings within DAW sessions via Console Recall plug-in (Audio Units, RTAS and VST)
- "Analog Classics" bundle includes LA-2A Classic Audio Leveler, 1176LN Limiting Amplifier, and Pultec EQP-1A Program Equalizer plug-ins
- Can be combined with other UAD-2 devices for increased mixing DSP
- Complete UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins library is available online 24/7
Software
- Console application enables real-time UAD Powered plug-ins processing
- DSP mixer for real-time monitoring and tracking
- Remote control of all Apollo features and functionality
- Console Recall plug-in saves Apollo configurations inside DAW sessions for easy recall
- Enables control of all front panel parameters from within the DAW
- Audio Units, RTAS and VST plug-in formats
- UAD Meter and Control Panel application configures global UAD-2 and Powered plug-ins settings and monitors system usage