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Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with UAD DSP

BH #UNAPX4HE • MFR #APX4-HE
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Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with UAD DSP
Key Features
  • Musicians, Producers & Project Studios
  • AC Powered, Mac/Windows
  • 4 Mic/Line Preamps, 2 Hi-Z Inputs
  • 2 Headphone and 6 Line Outputs
Poised to be the center of a project studio or highly flexible mobile rig, the Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition desktop 12x18 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface combines the sound, feel, and flow of analog studio recording with powerful QUAD Core real-time UAD processing and a robust bundle of 34 stellar UAD plug-ins.
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Universal Audio x4 Overview

Poised to be the center of a project studio or highly flexible mobile rig, the Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition desktop 12x18 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface combines the sound, feel, and flow of analog studio recording with powerful QUAD Core real-time UAD processing and a robust bundle of 34 stellar UAD plug-ins.

Furnished with elite-class 24-bit / 192 kHz conversion akin to the popular Apollo X rackmount interfaces, the Apollo x4 gives musicians, producers, songwriters, and audio engineers the appreciable value of crystal-clear, high-resolution recording and mixing with low distortion (-117 dB) and immense dynamic range (127 dB).

The interface features four XLR-1/4" mic/line combo inputs and two 1/4" Hi-Z inputs, all with Unison integration for precise UAD emulations of classic analog preamps. Impart vintage character of your choosing on microphone and instrument recordings while bypassing the unpredictable nature of old equipment.

Thanks to the switchable low-cut filter, pad, polarity inversion, 48V phantom power, and stereo linking on each analog input, you can efficiently optimize your incoming signals with straightforward buttons on the Apollo x4's face. In addition to the four primary analog inputs, you can record up to eight more channels by connecting external preamps with ADAT or S/PDIF optical outputs to the TOSLINK optical input port on the Apollo x4. An optical output is also featured on the Apollo x4, allowing it to route up to eight channels from your DAW to a digital mixer, headphone distribution system, or external D/A converter.

The built-in QUAD Core processing allows you to monitor and record audio using classic analog emulations with near-zero latency and no burden on your computer's CPU. The plug-in bundle included with the Heritage Edition empowers you with 34 top-notch plug-ins ranging from vintage compressor and EQ collections to virtual guitar/bass amps, time-based processors, and tape emulation. The included Console application provides control and recall of all interface and UAD plug-in settings including channel-strip presets, drag-and-drop functionality, and dynamically resizable windows.

Mac and Windows drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, and more. The interface also integrates seamlessly with LUNA, Universal Audio's free Mac-based, single-window recording system with unlimited track counts and full Audio Units plug-in support.

The Apollo x4 offers a comprehensive monitor section with talkback functionality and dedicated front-panel controls for Alt Speakers, Dim, and Mono functions, as well as input and output metering capabilities. In addition to the dedicated stereo monitor feed and two front-panel headphone outputs (great for handling multiple cue mixes), four 1/4" line outputs are available for connection to a second set of monitors and outboard processors.

At any point, you can increase the power and capability of the Apollo x4 through integration of qualified Universal Audio hardware. Up to four Apollo interfaces and six total UAD-2 devices can be combined, allowing Thunderbolt users the ability to expand their I/O and DSP without abandoning the Apollo x4. The Thunderbolt 3 port is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 via a qualified adapter (available separately).

Heritage Edition
The Heritage Edition features the same Apollo x4 interface found in the standard edition but with more plug-ins. The standard Apollo x4 includes the Realtime Analog Classics Plus bundle (16 plug-ins), and the Heritage Edition adds 18 more plug-ins for a total of 34 revered UA-powered plug-ins.
The Power of Apollo
  • Track, overdub, and mix with high-resolution AD/DA conversion and DSP-powered plug-ins
  • QUAD Core UAD processing for tracking through models of vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, mic preamps, and guitar amps, with near-zero latency and no burden on your computer’s CPU
  • Unison technology nails the tone of sought-after tube and solid-state mic pres including their input impedance, gain-stage sweet spots, and the component-level circuit behaviors of the original hardware
  • High-speed Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for Mac and Windows computers (Thunderbolt cable available separately)
  • Convenient desktop form factor with reliable AC powering (external power supply included)
  • Free, industry-leading phone/online technical support from knowledgeable audio engineers
I/O for the Studio
  • 12x18 audio interface with four Unison-enabled microphone preamps (via XLR-1/4" combo mic/line inputs), providing emulations of classic analog preamps with near-zero latency
  • Two front-panel, Unison-enabled 1/4" Hi-Z inputs for direct connection of guitars, basses, or keyboards
  • Stereo 1/4" monitor output and two independent 1/4" headphone outputs, each with adjustable level
  • Four additional 1/4" line-level outputs, may be used for alternate monitor outputs or analog outboard processors
  • Add up to eight extra input channels via one TOSLINK optical ADAT port (may alternatively be used for stereo S/PDIF)
  • TOSLINK optical output supports ADAT or S/PDIF format for sending up to eight channels from your DAW to a digital mixer, headphone distribution system, or external D/A converter
Pro-Level Workflow
  • Built-in monitor controller with monitor remote functions and mono, mute, dim, and alt monitor controls
  • Integrated talkback and cues for easy communication and slate functionality
  • Comprehensive front-panel metering and fast, intuitive controls, no menu-diving required
Expandable I/O and DSP
  • Cascade up to four Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo interfaces and six UAD-2 Thunderbolt devices for expanded I/O and DSP
  • Expand your studio with an Apollo X rackmount unit (available separately), so you can use your Apollo x4 as a desktop monitor controller with additional I/O and DSP power
  • Backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 via a qualified adapter (available separately)
34 Powered Plug-Ins
Includes Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle plus 18 additional plug-ins to complete the compressor, EQ, and preamp collections and provide tape emulation and another reverb (plug-ins support VST, RTAS, Audio Units, and AAX 64-bit for compatibility with all major DAWs):

  • UA 610-A Tube Preamp and EQ (Vintage)
  • UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ (Modern)
  • Marshall Plexi Classic Guitar Amp
  • Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
  • UA 1176LN Limiting Amplifier (Legacy)
  • UA 1176SE Limiting Amplifier (Legacy)
  • UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection (1176LN Rev E, 1176 Rev A, and 1176AE 40th Anniversary Edition)
  • Pultec EQP-1A EQ (Legacy)
  • Pultec MEQ-5 EQ (Legacy)
  • Pultec Passive EQ Collection (EQP-1A, MEQ-5, and HLF-3C)
  • Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier (Legacy)
  • Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection (LA-2A Silver, LA-2A Gray, and LA-2)
  • Teletronix LA-3A Audio Leveler
  • Helios Type 69 Preamp and EQ Collection (Helios Type 69 and Helios Type 69 Legacy)
  • V76 Preamplifier
  • Raw Distortion
  • Fairchild 670 Compressor (Legacy)
  • Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection (Fairchild 660 and Fairchild 670)
  • Precision Enhancer Hz
  • Precision Channel Strip (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
  • Precision Reflection Engine (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
  • Precision Delay Mod (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
  • Precision Delay Mod L (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
  • Pure Plate Reverb
  • RealVerb Pro Custom Room Modeler
  • UA Oxide Tape Recorder
Get Legendary UA Sound Natively with UAD Spark
  • Apollo Heritage Editions include plug-ins featured in UAD Spark, UA's subscription plug-in collection that runs natively on Mac—no UA hardware required
  • With UAD Spark, you can expand your plug-in processing power, balancing your DSP load between Apollo and your computer's onboard processing
  • Receive the 1176 Classic Limiter Collection, Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection, and Pure Plate Reverb
  • Current owners of any plug-ins available in UAD Spark will receive the UAD Spark versions free
Integration with LUNA Recording System for Mac
  • Works with all major DAWs including Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and more
  • Apollo x4 becomes a fully integrated recording system with LUNA, a powerful free recording application for Mac from Universal Audio
  • Bolstered by Accelerated Realtime Monitoring, LUNA lets you track and mix using an intuitive single-window workflow with unlimited track counts, full Audio Units plug-in support, and access to a suite of exclusive LUNA Instruments and Extensions such as Studer multitrack tape and Neve Summing

Universal Audio x4 Specs

Key Specs
Channels of I/O
Analog:
4 Inputs / 10 Outputs at 192 kHz
Digital:
8 Inputs / 8 Outputs at 48 kHz
4 Inputs / 4 Outputs at 96 kHz
2 Inputs / 2 Outputs at 192 kHz
Maximum Sampling Rate
192 kHz / 24-Bit
Number of Microphone Inputs
4
Analog Audio I/O
4x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line Input
2x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Hi-Z Input
4x 1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Line Output
2x 1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Monitor Output
2x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
Digital Audio I/O
1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Input (S/MUX4 Support)
1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Output (S/MUX4 Support)
Host Connection
1x USB-C
OS Compatibility
macOS 10.12
macOS 10.13
macOS 10.14
macOS 10.15
Windows 10 (64-Bit Only)
Power Requirements
AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
Channels of I/O
Analog:
4 Inputs / 10 Outputs at 192 kHz
Digital:
8 Inputs / 8 Outputs at 48 kHz
4 Inputs / 4 Outputs at 96 kHz
2 Inputs / 2 Outputs at 192 kHz
Built-In DSP
Yes
Maximum Sampling Rate
192 kHz / 24-Bit
Number of Microphone Inputs
4
Built-In Microphone
No
Input Level Adjustment
1x Knob
Signal Processing
Pad
-20 dB (Switchable per Channel)
Gain/Trim Range
Mic/Line/Hi-Z Inputs:
+10 dB to +65 dB
High-Pass Filter
75 Hz
Solo/Mute
Mute per Master
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O
4x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line Input
2x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Hi-Z Input
4x 1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Line Output
2x 1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Monitor Output
2x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
Phantom Power
48 V, Selectable On/Off (Selectable on Individual Inputs)
Digital Audio I/O
1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Input (S/MUX4 Support)
1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Output (S/MUX4 Support)
Host Connection
1x USB-C
Host Connection Protocol
Thunderbolt 3
USB (Non-Host)
No
Sync I/O
No
Network I/O
No
MIDI I/O
No
Expansion Slots
No
Wireless
No
Performance
Frequency Response
Mic, Line, Hi-Z Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.05 dB
Line Outputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.05 dB
Headphone, Monitor Outputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.1 dB
Maximum Input Level
Mic Inputs:
25.6 dBu (with Pad)
Hi-Z Inputs:
12.2 dBu (Min Gain)
Line Inputs:
20.2 dBu (Min Gain)
Maximum Output Level
Line/Monitor Outputs:
20.2 dBu
Headphone Output Power
96 mW into 300 Ohms (Max)
Impedance
Mic Inputs:
5.5 Kilohms
Line Inputs:
5 Kilohms
Line Outputs:
100 Ohms
Hi-Z Inputs:
1 Megohm
Monitor Outputs:
100 Ohms
Dynamic Range
Mic Inputs:
123 dBA
Hi-Z Inputs:
122 dBA
Line Inputs:
122 dBA
Line Outputs:
127 dBA
Monitor Outputs:
127 dBA
Headphone Outputs:
124 dBA
THD+N
Mic Inputs:
-115 dB (1 kHz, at -1 dBFS)
Hi-Z Inputs:
-108 dB (1 kHz, at -1 dBFS)
Line Inputs:
-114 dB (1 kHz, at -1 dBFS)
Line Outputs:
-117 dB (1 kHz, at -1 dBFS)
Monitor Outputs:
-116 dB
Headphone Outputs:
-98 dB (1 kHz, at -1 dBFS)
Digital Audio
Sample Rates
Up to 192 kHz (AD/DA Conversion)
Bit Depths
24-Bit (AD/DA Conversion)
Latency
1.1 ms at 96 kHz (Input to Output)
Sync Sources
ADAT, Internal, S/PDIF
Audio Storage & Playback
Media/Memory Card Slot
No
Compatibility
OS Compatibility
macOS 10.12 to 10.15 / Windows 10 or Later
OS Compatibility
macOS 10.12
macOS 10.13
macOS 10.14
macOS 10.15
Windows 10 (64-Bit Only)
Processor Requirement
Intel Core i7
Storage Requirements
6 GB
Mobile App Compatible
No
Mobile Device Compatibility
No
Required Hardware
Available Thunderbolt 3 Port
Thunderbolt 3 Cable (Not Included)
Power
Power Requirements
AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
AC Input Power
100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
AC/DC Power Adapter
12 VDC, Center-Positive (Included)
Power Consumption
19 W (Maximum)
Physical
Operating Conditions
32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C 
Dimensions
9.17 x 6.17 x 2.6" / 23.29 x 15.67 x 6.6 cm (Including Controls and Protrusions)
Weight
3.2 lb / 1.5 kg (without Accessories)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.69 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
10.75 x 8.25 x 5.2"

Universal Audio x4 Reviews

It's a great unit. Maybe no longer the only choice.

By Johannes
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-10-23

From the Universal Audio Website: The latest UAD software is compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11 (64-bit editions), and all Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo and UAD-2 products (Apollo X series, Apollo 8, Apollo 8p, Apollo 16 MkII, Apollo Twin, Apollo Twin MkII, Apollo Solo, Arrow, UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt, and first-generation silver Apollo/Apollo 16 models equipped with a Thunderbolt Option Card). That was an easy google, and I wonder why the other reviewer wasn't able or willing to do the same before pulling the trigger on this purchase ... or on his review. I don't understand people who write reviews in which they reveal not a single fact about the product, and instead just confess to their own lack of research before buying. The Apollo system has come under a lot of pressure, because the better computers get, the less of a need is for UA's system of handling processing in the interface as opposed to the computer's CPU. UA has responded by making more and more of their famous plugins available natively, so you can now run them in your DAW directly. Whether or not an Apollo is still your best choice depends on the power of your computer, and on how much you appreciate the design, easy usability and overall elegance of a unit like this. The price is a powerful argument to consider alternatives, unfortunately.

I love it, but it also drives me nuts sometimes

By Johannes
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-05-31

This thing does what it does really, really well. The question you have to ask yourself, prior to investing in this system, is whether or not you are ready to take your music production entirely online. If you plan to keep at least one foot in the analog world, the idea of virtual-izing EVERyTHING may not appeal to you. Sure, in theory you can still use outboard gear, but what's the point? There are a few things that annoy me about UA and their philosophy. For instance, I had trouble installing the software, due to no fault of my own. I had a brand new computer with a brand new OS, and getting Console, the UA control surface for the Apollo, installed was an ordeal, during which UA's customer support was missing in action. They were simply not ready, and that is not cool. I had to figure it out by myself, and that included running obscure Terminal commands and other non-user-friendly shenanigans, which were really well hidden on their website. I wish they'd invest in flawless customer assistance, and I believe they could save the money to do so if they stopped producing their rather embarrassing funny commercials with hilarious 70s characters. Once everything was up and running, I feel like I experienced a quantum leap in the quality of my recordings. After having compromised earlier with the meek Solo version of this device, I now finally have the necessary DSP power to run multiple EQs, compressors and other emulations while tracking. I'm now getting that sound without any hassle. One last gripe: Console does not respect some very basic Mac App rules, such as the simple and important hide command. You can't get rid of the thing. That seems like a silly, and frankly arrogant oversight, which has been persisting for years, btw. So UA are not the best at listening to their users. It's their way or the highway. I'm dreading the day my expensive plugins are not recognized for some freakish reason, and I am losing years of work because of it. None of my complaints are enough to give the Apollo x4 a lower score than I love it. Just know that I also hate it at times. But hey, maybe that's what love is really all about.

See any errors on this page?

does this come with luna recording?

does this come with luna recording?
Asked by: Edward
Any Mac user with a thunderbolt equipped Apollo can download Luna for free from Universal Audio's website.
Answered by: Daniel
Date published: 2020-09-10
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