When Universal Audio announced the release of the Apollo X recording interface series, audio creators around the world wondered what would be next for the Apollo Twin. The brand has just unveiled the next generation of its award-winning desktop interfaces, the Apollo Twin X (DUO and QUAD) and Apollo x4 and they are in stock at Vintage King Audio.

The Apollo Twin X is a 10 x 6 desktop interface, which features two Unison mic preamps and one Hi-Z instrument input. This upgraded version of the Apollo Twin features the same stunning conversion as the Apollo X rackmount series. Universal Audio is offering the Apollo Twin X with DUO ($899) and QUAD ($1399) realtime UAD plug-in processing and both versions of the interface now feature Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.

With the release of the Apollo x4 ($1799), Universal Audio is offering up its biggest, boldest desktop interface to date. The 12 x 18 audio interface features four Unison-enabled mic pres, two Hi-Z instrument inputs, and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. The Apollo x4 also uses the same converters as the Apollo X rackmount series and has expanded outputs with four line outputs.

So far we've only covered the new features for both interfaces. The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X and Apollo x4 still offer a talkback mic and dedicated monitor functionality. Both interfaces can be combined with other Thunderbolt Apollos and UAD-2 devices to expand the I/O and processing power of your recording and mixing rig.

It wouldn't be a Universal Audio release if we didn't talk about their fantastic plug-in emulations. Both the Apollo Twin X and Apollo x4 come with Universal Audio's Realtime Analog Classics package of plug-ins. This bundle features masterclass emulations from Universal Audio, Pultec, Ampeg, Marshall, and more.

In our new video series, we're using the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X and Apollo x4 audio interfaces for a unique recording and mixing session. Watch all three videos below to see the sessions and learn more about both interfaces.

Recording A Live Band With The Universal Audio Apollo x4

Instead of heading into a traditional studio, we decided to track the first portion of our video series in the Vintage King Audio Tech Shop. Engineer Bryan Reilly utilized the Universal Audio Apollo x4 to record a three-piece band featuring vocalist/guitarist Olivia Millerschin, bassist Takashi Iio, and keyboardist Bob Mervak.

Complete List of Microphones and plug-ins used for tracking live band with the Universal Audio Apollo x4 audio interface:

Vocals: Peluso P-414 with Universal Audio Manley VoxBox* in Unison Mode
Acoustic Guitar: Royer R-121 with Universal Audio 610-B in Unison Mode followed by Teletronix LA-2A
Bass: Direct into Apollo X4 with Universal Audio Neve 1073* in Unison Mode followed by the Universal Audio 176-A
Piano: Direct into Apollo X4 with Universal Audio Neve 1073 in Unison Mode


Recording Drums With The Universal Audio Apollo x4

After recording the live band, Bryan moved onto tracking his drums for Olivia's song. The Universal Apollo x4's four Unison mic pres makes recording drums easier than ever before. Even in an untreated space like the Vintage King Audio Tech Shop, the ability to use more microphones and UAD plug-ins makes it possible to turn any room into an outstanding live room for drums.

Complete List of Microphones and plug-ins for tracking drums with the Universal Audio Apollo x4 audio interface:

Kick Drum: Shure Beta 91 with Universal Audio Neve 1073* in Unison Mode
Snare Drum: Shure SM57-LC with Universal Audio API Vision Channel Strip* in Unison Mode
Overhead: Coles 4038 with Universal Audio V76 Preamplifier* in Unison Mode
Room Mic: Peluso 414 with a Universal Audio 610-B* in Unison Mode followed by Universal Audio Empirical Labs El8 Distressor*


Mixing A Track With The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X and Apollo x8p

Recording with the Apollo x4 is now complete! In our third video, we head back to Bryan's home studio for a mixing session with the new Apollo Twin X and Apollo x8p rackmount interface. Watch as Bryan uses the Apollo Twin X as a monitor controller and adds additional processing power to his rig.

Complete List of Plug-ins Used For Mixing With The Apollo Twin X and Apollo x8p:

Vocals: Universal Audio Precision De-Esser*, SSL 4000 E Channel Strip Collection*, Teletronix LA-2A
Piano: SSL 4000 E Channel Strip Collection*, Ocean Way Studios*, Korg SDD-3000*, Dytronics Trio-Stereo Chorus*
Acoustic Guitar: SSL 4000 E Channel Strip Collection*, Universal Audio LA-3A*, EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverberator*
Kick Drum: SSL 4000 E Channel Strip Collection*, Pultec EQP-1A
Snare Drum: API 550A*, EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverberator*
Overhead: SSL 4000 E Channel Strip Collection*
Room Mic: SSL 4000 E Channel Strip Collection*
Bass: Little Labs Voice Of Good Bass Resonance*
Mix Bus: Chandler Limited Curve Bender*, Brainword BX_Digital V3 EQ Collection*

Many of the plug-ins used in our three-part video series are included with your purchase of the Apollo Twin X and Apollo x4 interfaces. If a plug-in isn't included, we've denoted it with a * marking. When you purchase either interface, you can also buy custom bundles with any Universal Audio plug-ins and save big on your overall cost.

Josh ColbyIf you're interested in purchasing the new Universal Audio Apollo Twin X or Apollo x4, the desktop interfaces are already in stock at Vintage King Audio. Contact one of our Audio Consultants via email or by phone at 866.644.0160 to get yours today.