First Listen: Universal Audio Apollo X Gen 2 Audio Interfaces

Universal Audio's Apollo interfaces have been a cornerstone in the recording industry for over a decade. The classic pro audio brand is now introducing Apollo X Gen 2, marking an exciting leap forward in audio interface technology. These new models offer an updated look, upgraded conversion technology, and a host of new features designed to push your audio production to new heights.

One of the standout features of the Apollo X Gen 2 is its sleek new design, previewed with the Apollo x16d earlier this year. The entire Apollo lineup, including the Apollo Twin X DUO | Gen 2, Apollo Twin X QUAD | Gen 2, Apollo x4 | Gen 2, Apollo x6 | Gen 2, Apollo x8 | Gen 2, Apollo x8p | Gen 2, Apollo x16 | Gen 2 has been refreshed with a modern industrial aesthetic that marries style with performance. However, the upgrades go beyond aesthetics. Universal Audio has improved the A/D and D/A conversion across the lineup, delivering enhanced resolution, dynamic range, and reduced harmonic distortion for pristine audio quality.

Among the most exciting updates is the introduction of Apollo Monitor Correction, which integrates Sonarworks SoundID measurements directly into the interface for real-time monitoring correction. This feature offers seamless calibration for stereo, surround, and headphone setups using Apollo’s onboard DSP. The system also includes a new bass management feature for subwoofers. Immersive audio support for formats like Atmos 9.1.6 is available via the x16 and x16d, making the Apollo X Gen 2 ideal for a wide range of professional audio environments.

The Apollo X Gen 2 also introduces Auto-Gain functionality for its legendary Unison preamps. Just set an auto training time listening window before recording, and it will automatically find the perfect setting for your source. You can even set your own desired peak level to perfectly manage your gain staging. This feature is only available with Apollo X Gen 2 interfaces.

In addition to all of these new features, there are three new plug-in bundles available featuring Universal Audio's world-class software:

The Ultimate+ bundle features over 100 plug-ins and can be purchased with the Apollo x16 | Gen 2 and Apollo x16D.

In our new First Listen video, Vintage King is teaming up with Bryan Reilly and Dustin McLaughlin to capture Detroit-based band Kind Beast with the help of two Universal Audio Apollo x8p | Gen 2s and an Apollo x4 | Gen 2. We're using the new Gen 2 interfaces exclusively with Universal Audio microphones and recording in LUNA.

For the tracking portion of the video, our team used plug-ins from the Essential+ bundle, and then worked with plug-ins from the Studio+ bundle during the mix. Watch the video below and continue on afterward for more details on the microphone and plug-in choices for each source.

First Listen Signal Chain & Plug-In Overview

Kick Drum 1
Universal Audio SD-5 > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: DN-52
Tracking Plug-Ins: Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ

Kick Drum 2
Universal Audio SD-5 > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: DN-Sub
Tracking Plug-Ins: Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ

Snare Drum
Universal Audio SD-3 > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: DN-57
Tracking Plug-Ins: Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ

Rack Tom
Universal Audio SD-3 > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: None
Tracking Plug-Ins: Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ

Floor Tom
Universal Audio SD-7 > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: None
Tracking Plug-Ins: Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ

Bone Microphone
Universal Audio Sphere LX > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: None
Tracking Plug-Ins: Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ

Overheads
2x Universal Audio SP-1 > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: 2x SD-84
Tracking Plug-Ins: Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ

Far Room Mic
Universal Audio Sphere LX > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: None
Tracking Plug-Ins: Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ

Drum Bus
Mix Plug-Ins: Empirical Labs Distressor, Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ

Parallel Drum Bus:
Mix Plug-Ins: Empirical Labs Distressor

Drum Reverb:
Mix Plug-Ins: Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb

Guitar #1
Universal Audio SD-7 > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: RB-160
Universal Audio SD-1 > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: DN-88
Tracking Plug-Ins: UA 610-A Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ

Guitar #2
Universal Audio SD-7 > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: DN-441
Universal Audio SC-1 > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: LD-67 NOS
Tracking Plug-Ins: UA 610-A Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Chorus Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ, UA 1176LN Rev E Classic Limiter
Verse Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ, UA 1176LN Rev E Classic Limiter, Pure Plate Reverb

Bass
DI Box > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Tracking Plug-Ins: UA 610-B Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ, UA 1176LN Legacy Edition, Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amplifier

Lead Vocals
Universal Audio Bock 167 > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Tracking Plug-Ins: UA 610-A Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ, UA 1176LN Legacy Edition, Fairchild 660 Compressor, Studder A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder, Galaxy Tape Echo

Lead Vocals Room Mic
Universal Audio Sphere DLX > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: No Modeling
Tracking Plug-Ins: UA 610-A Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: Pure Plate Reverb, Brigade Chorus Pedal

Backing Vocals
Universal Audio Bock 167 > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Tracking Plug-Ins: UA 610-A Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ, UA 1176LN Legacy Edition, Pure Plate Reverb

Backing Vocals Room Mic
Universal Audio Sphere DLX > Universal Audio x8p | Gen 2
Hemisphere Mic Model: No Modeling
Tracking Plug-Ins: UA 610-A Preamp & EQ (Unison)
Mix Plug-Ins: UA 175B Classic Limiter

Mix Bus
Mix Plug-Ins: UA 1176AE Classic Limiter, Precision Limiter

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the Universal Audio gear mentioned in this blog, contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.