Universal Audio Apollo Twin X QUAD Thunderbolt 3 Desktop Audio Interface

The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X QUAD is a high-end, professional desktop audio interface that represents a significant leap forward in quality and power for home and project studios. It is a full-featured recording system that combines top-tier AD/DA conversion, elite-class mic preamps, and powerful onboard DSP processing to deliver a workflow that closely mirrors a professional analog studio.

Key Features and Highlights:

• Elite-Class AD/DA Conversion: The Apollo Twin X uses the same A/D and D/A converters found in Universal Audio’s flagship rackmount Apollo X interfaces. This provides a massive dynamic range of up to 127 dB, ensuring that your recordings are captured and monitored with pristine clarity and incredible detail, without any coloration.
• Unison Mic Preamps: Like all Apollo interfaces, the Twin X QUAD features two of UA’s Unison preamps. This technology is a true game-changer. It’s a hardware-software integration that physically reconfigures the preamp’s impedance, gain stage, and other circuit behaviors to precisely match the sound of classic analog preamps from brands like Neve, API, and Manley. This allows you to “track through” authentic-sounding vintage hardware emulations with near-zero latency.
• QUAD Core DSP Processing: The “QUAD” in the name signifies that this interface is equipped with four dedicated SHARC DSP processors. This is a huge amount of processing power for a desktop interface. It allows you to run a very large number of UAD plugins in real-time during both tracking and mixing, without putting any strain on your computer’s CPU. This is essential for professional workflows that require many instances of high-quality plugins like EQs, compressors, and reverbs.
• Extensive I/O: The Twin X QUAD offers a 10-in/6-out configuration, including:
  • 2 x Unison-enabled XLR/TRS combo inputs
  • 1 x Front-panel Hi-Z instrument input
  • 4 x Balanced line outputs for connecting to studio monitors and outboard gear
  • 1 x ADAT/S/PDIF optical input for adding up to 8 more channels
  • 1 x Dedicated headphone output
• Thunderbolt 3 Connectivity: The Apollo Twin X uses the high-speed Thunderbolt 3 protocol for a reliable, low-latency connection to both Mac and Windows computers. Unlike the USB versions, the Thunderbolt model has more processing power and lower latency, making it the choice for professional setups.
• Built-in Talkback Mic and Monitor Controls: The interface includes an integrated talkback microphone for communicating with artists in the recording booth, as well as dedicated front-panel controls for monitor level, mute, dim, and alternate speaker switching, making it a fully-featured monitor controller.
• Bundled Software: The Apollo Twin X QUAD comes with a valuable software suite. The standard “Realtime Analog Classics” bundle includes essential plugins like the UA 610-B Tube Preamp, Pultec EQs, and LA-2A and 1176 compressors. The “Heritage Edition” adds a curated suite of five additional premium UAD plugins. The interface also integrates seamlessly with Universal Audio’s free LUNA Recording System for Mac.