Apollo Twin USB
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Superior Desktop Audio Conversion with
Classic Analog Sound for Windows.
With its class-leading resolution and Realtime UAD Processing, Apollo Twin USB sets a new standard for desktop music production.
This 2x6 USB 3 interface for Windows allows you to record with near-zero latency through the full range of UAD Powered Plug-Ins — ingeniously merging classic analog tones with cutting-edge features.Record with world-class Apollo A/D and D/A conversion — as heard on hundreds of hit records
Use alongside UAD-2 PCIe DSP Accelerator cards, UAD-2 Satellite FireWire, and UAD-2 Satellite USB for truly scalable mixing power
Mix with UAD plug-ins like the included Teletronix® LA-2A and 1176 compressors, Pultec® EQs, and 610-B Preamp
Track with near-zero latency through preamp emulations from Neve®, API®, Manley® and more using Unison™ technology†
Unison Technology: The Genuine Sound of Neve, SSL, API & Manley Preamps
Apollo Twin features two Unison-enabled mic preamps, letting you track through exacting mic preamp emulations from Neve, SSL, API, Manley, and Universal Audio. An Apollo exclusive, Unison technology nails the tone of these 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.
The secret to Unison is its hardware-software integration between Apollo’s mic preamps and its onboard UAD-2 QUAD or DUO Core DSP Acceleration. Simply place a Unison preamp plug-in on your mic input in Apollo Console software, and it physically reconfigures the Apollo interface's impedance — so you can tap into the classic sounds of the world’s most recorded mic preamps.
Watch the Unison Shoot Out (hardware vs. software) video
A Full Suite of Classic
Analog Processing OnboardRight out of the box, Apollo Twin USB provides a suite of incredible analog emulation plug-ins including the world’s only authentic Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN, Pultec EQs, and the Unison-enabled UA 610-B Tube Preamp. Developed by UA’s world-renowned team of algorithm engineers, these Realtime Analog Classic plug-ins set the standard by which all other hardware emulation plug-ins are judged.
From the tube warmth of the Pultec EQ on guitars, to the gentle limiting of the LA-2A on vocals, your recordings will take a giant leap forward in rich, sonically complex analog sound.
See Included Plug-Ins | Watch the live tracking videoAccess the World of UAD Powered Plug-Ins
Beyond the included Realtime Analog Classics plug-ins, Apollo Twin USB lets you tap into the full library award-winning UAD Powered Plug-Ins — including vintage EQs, Compressors, Reverbs, Tape Machines and more — at near-zero latency, regardless of your audio software’s buffer size and without taxing your computer’s CPU.
With exclusive emulations from Neve, Studer, Manley, API, Ampex, Lexicon, Fender, and more,† it’s like having an endless analog studio, right on your desktop. And unlike competing interfaces, these DSP-powered plug-ins are also available in your DAW for mixing.
Next-Generation A/D and D/A Conversion
Of course, the heart of any audio interface is the quality of its conversion. In designing the next-generation Apollo range, UA engineers started with an obsessive auditioning of the latest A/D and D/A converters, ultimately pairing the selected 24-bit/192kHz converters with all-new analog circuitry for the optimal signal path. Apollo Twin provides increased dynamic range and lower THD versus other interfaces — rivaling dedicated converters costing thousands more.
Apollo: The Choice of New-School Professionals
Apollo is the confirmed choice of hit-making professionals, used to record records by Kendrick Lamar (To Pimp A Butterfly), Coldplay (A Head Full of Dreams), Dr. Dre (Compton), Brad Paisley (Wheelhouse), and many more. The Apollo range of interfaces has earned numerous industry awards from Sound on Sound, Future Music and Electronic Musician — as well as the prestigious 2016 TEC Award for computer audio hardware.
“Apollo is a platform that grows more powerful with every innovation – the UAD plug-in processing onboard has changed the way I work forever.”
– Tony Platt (AC/DC, Bob Marley, Buddy Guy)![Mick Guzauski]()
“The Apollo has some of the better preamps I've ever heard – lots of headroom, quiet at high-gains, and the converters are really sweet sounding.”
– Mick Guzauski (Daft Punk, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton)![The Glitch Mob]()
“The Apollo is the best I/O we've ever used, and we've tried them all. It has an incredibly clean, transparent, and accurate sound.”
– The Glitch Mob![Jeremy Ruzumna]()
“With the Apollo 8 in the studio and an Apollo Twin on the go, I know I've got the best sound quality and an incredible arsenal of plug-ins — wherever I'm working.”
– Jeremy Ruzumna (Fitz And The Tantrums)![Joey Waronker]()
“The Apollo's ability to do low latency – I mean that's the whole ballgame right there.”
– Joey Waronker (Atoms for Peace, Beck, Other Lives)![Trevor Lawrence Jr.]()
“My Apollos are my sound.
Where I go, they go.”
– Trevor Lawrence Jr. (Dr. Dre, Herbie Hancock, Eminem)![Dan Auerbach]()
“UAD plug-ins are amazing...
I’ve used them on all my projects for the last few years.”
– Dan Auerbach The Black Keys![Andrew Dawson]()
“Having the Apollo with UAD plug-ins at my disposal is like carrying a giant studio with outboard racks at all times. Minus the tech fees, down time, and electricity bill!”
– Andrew Dawson (Kanye West, Jay-Z, Fun.)![Fab Dupont]()
“I knew about the ingredients of Apollo, but this is truly a special dish. The Apollo just set a new standard of excellence for audio interfaces, in terms of both its sound and its feature set.”
– Fab Dupont (Shakira, Santigold, Jennifer Lopez)![Chris Dugan]()
“Using my Apollos and Console 2.0, I was able to front a live mix, create a monitor mix, and record to Pro Tools, all at the same time. That’s pretty awesome.”
– Chris Dugan (Green Day, Iggy Pop, U2)![Now with Vintage Amps]()
Now with Vintage Amps
New for Apollo Twin USB is Unison technology on the front panel instrument input, giving you dead-on, impedance-matched emulations of guitar and bass amps like the Fender '55 Tweed Deluxe, Marshall Plexi Super Lead 1959, and Ampeg B-15N Bass Amplifier, as well as iconic stompboxes like the Ibanez Tube Screamer.
![A Sleek, Low-latency App]()
A Sleek, Low-latency App
With Apollo Twin’s Console 2.0 application — a complete re-imagining of Apollo’s original Console software — you can take advantage of over 25 new user-requested features such as Channel Strip presets, Drag & Drop functionality, dynamically resizable windows, and more.
Apollo Twin Setup
Learn to use Apollo Twin as producer/engineer Fab Dupont (Jennifer Lopez, Mark Ronson) demonstrates basic setup, routing, and recording with UAD plug‑ins.
Apollo Artist Sessions
Vance Powell w/ Marty O’Reilly
“Come and Go Heartbeat”
View All Apollo Artist Sessions†Apollo Twin USB includes the “Realtime Analog Classics” UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately.
Customer Reviews
P. Radivojevic
April 11, 2016
As good as it gets - the UA quality!
This interface is just fantastic! And I'm writing this review coming from another very high-end audio unit which has been replaced without any regrets. I've been using UAD plugins for...
Read MoreT. Caudron
March 17, 2016
Idéal pour le home studio
Les convertisseurs sont très bons. Les préamp unison (neve 1073, ampli guitare) améliorent vraiment la qualité des prises. Tout est bien fait dans cette carte son y compris et surtout...
Read MoreP. Helsdon
March 12, 2016
True USB Gem your Grandma wants
I have had it for 2 days and I am thinking of tossing out my Apollo 16 firewire 800. Because it is USB3 (laughs) it responds to Windows’ sleep mode. You can unplug the Twin, power off, or...
Read MoreD. Barrington
January 16, 2016
Plugins Make the Interface
As an audio interface, I'd give it a 4 star. Latency is about as good as Apogee, but behind Audient. Better than the Clarett though. The look and feel of the things is a bit different...
Read MoreP. Helsdon
March 12, 2016
Han Solo and Chris Christie
There ought to be a Quad version of the Twin, or an Apollo 8 for USB 3. I have had UAD SHARCS for over a decade and am tired of always having to bow to CEO Tim Cook first. USB 3 boasts...
Read MoreP. Helsdon
March 12, 2016
Han Solo and Chris Christie
There ought to be a Quad version of the Twin, or an Apollo 8 for USB 3. I have had UAD SHARCS for over a decade and am tired of always having to bow to CEO Tim Cook first. USB 3 boasts...
Read More -
Realtime Analog Classics Bundle
With the Realtime Analog Classics plug-in bundle, you get legendary compressors like the Teletronix® LA-2A and EQs like the Pultec® EQP-1A, stunning guitar and bass amp emulations from Softube, as well as UA’s landmark 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ plug-in.
- UA 610‐B
- Teletronix LA‐2A Legacy
- UA 1176LN Legacy
- UA 1176SE Legacy
- Pultec EQP‐1A Legacy
- Pultec Pro Legacy
- CS-1 (Precision Channel)
- EX-1 (Precision Channel)
- DM-1 (Precision Channel)
- DM-1L (Precision Channel)
- RS-1 (Precision Channel)
- Raw Distortion
- Softube Amp Room Half‐Stack
- Softube Bass Amp Room 8X10
- RealVerb‐Pro
![UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ]()
UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ
Impart your tracks with the iconic warmth and character of the classic hardware used to track everyone from Duke Ellington to Coldplay. By emulating the entire signal path, including tube amplifiers, transformers, and circuit nonlinearities, the 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ plug-in injects organic detail and saturation to any signal — whether you’re re-amping or tracking through the 610-B via Universal Audio’s Unison™ technology.
![Teletronix<sup>®</sup> LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier (Legacy)]()
Teletronix® LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier (Legacy)
With its gentle, program dependent optical compression and meticulously designed tube amplifier, the LA-2A is the go-to compressor for professional mixers around the world — especially for vocals. Incredibly easy-to-use Peak Reduction and Gain controls gives you the ideal optical compression sound for guitar, bass, drums, and more.
![1176SE/LN<sup>®</sup> Classic Limiting Amplifiers (Legacy)]()
1176SE/LN® Classic Limiting Amplifiers (Legacy)
Get classic, ultra-fast FET compression from the world’s most recognized compressor. The 1176 will impart punch, presence, and character as well as its signature distortion overtones on drums, vocals, guitars, and bass. The 1176LN has graced countless recordings, from Led Zeppelin, to the White Stripes and Michael Jackson.
![Pultec<sup>®</sup> Pro Equalizers (Legacy)]()
Pultec® Pro Equalizers (Legacy)
Mix with two of the most sought-after hardware EQs ever made — the MEQ-5 Midrange Equalizer and the EQP-1A Program Equalizer. Both of these tube-based icons deliver offer smooth and silky EQ curves with an abundance of warm analog character.
![Precision Mix Rack Collection]()
Precision Mix Rack Collection
Featuring the Precision Channel Strip, Precision Reflection Engine, and Precision Delay Modulation plug-ins, the Precision Mix Rack Collection offers four modern, high-fidelity plug-ins for recording and mixing. Powerful and intuitive, Precision Mix Rack Collection gives you an impressive tool set — perfect for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
![Raw Distortion]()
Raw Distortion
Modeled from a vintage early-’80s Pro Co Rat, Raw Distortion delivers all the gritty dynamic raunch of the legendary stompbox. And with Unison™ technology, you can plug in to Apollo Twin, 8, or 8p’s front-panel Hi-Z instrument jack and experience the same circuit interaction, gain range, and clip points for the true tone, feel, and response of the original hardware.
![Softube Amp Room Essentials]()
Softube Amp Room Essentials
Featuring two plug-ins — the Amp Room Half-Stack and the Bass Amp Room 8x10 — Amp Room Essentials gives you guitar and bass tones that can deliver the goods in any genre. Amp Room Half-Stack yields slabs of molten British distortion, while Bass Amp Room sports powerful features like a blend-able DI. Both plug-ins tout adjustable mic placement for fine tuning.
![RealVerb Pro]()
RealVerb Pro
RealVerb Pro is a flexible, natural sounding reverb based on UA’s own unique set of algorithms. Allowing you to design the room just as you hear it, the RealVerb Pro goes beyond simply big/small or dark/bright, giving your sources distortion-free, smoothing diffusion control and ultra-long reverb tail.
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Features
Desktop 2x6 USB 3 audio interface for Windows with world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion
Realtime UAD Processing for tracking through vintage Compressors, EQs, Tape Machines, Mic Preamps, and Guitar Amp plug-ins with near-zero (sub-2ms) latency
Unison™ technology offers stunning models of classic tube and transformer-based mic preamps
USB 3 connection for easy connectivity on Windows-based recording systems
Two premium mic/line preamps; Two line outputs; front-panel Hi-Z instrument input and headphones output
Two digitally controlled analog monitor outputs for full resolution at all listening levels
Up to eight channels of additional digital input via Optical connection
Uncompromising analog design, superior components, and premium build quality
Runs UAD Powered Plug-Ins via Audio Units, VST, RTAS & AAX64 in all major DAWs
USB System Requirements
- Windows 7, 8.1, or 10 (64-Bit Editions)
- Available built-in USB 3 SuperSpeed port*
- Intel Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor*
- 6 gigabytes available storage
- USB 3.0 SuperSpeed cable (included)
- Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
- Compatible VST, RTAS, or AAX 64 plug-in host DAW software
- For additional compatibility information, visit help.uaudio.com
*Notes:
- Quad Core i7 or better recommended
- 2-in-1 systems (notebook/tablet) are not recommended
- USB 3 adapters (such as PCIe-to-USB 3 expansion cards) are not tested for Apollo Twin USB or UAD-2 Satellite USB connections
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Customer Reviews
Apollo Twin USB
View All ReviewsP. Radivojevic
As good as it gets - the UA quality!
This interface is just fantastic! And I'm writing this review coming from another very high-end audio unit which has been replaced without any regrets.
I've been using UAD plugins for years (PCIe cards) and I was expecting only the best. This is what I got with Apollo USB and then some. Integration with my existing UA hardware is perfect and it worked straight out of the box without any problem.
Pros: Excellent word-class converters, Unison preamp technology (WOW!), Console software, stability and well-thought unit controls.
Cons: I had to clear half of my rack space because I won't be using some of analog hardware anymore. Actually, I take it as a plus now :)
Great job, UA! It was well worth waiting for Apollo Twin Duo USB few months!
T. Caudron
Idéal pour le home studio
Les convertisseurs sont très bons.
Les préamp unison (neve 1073, ampli guitare) améliorent vraiment la qualité des prises.
Tout est bien fait dans cette carte son y compris et surtout le workflow. On se met en condition de faire un bon enregistrement très rapidement. Le console recall permet de retrouver les réglages utilisés en cas de besoin.
L'ergonomie est vraiment bien faite avec tous les réglages de gain et de monitoring via le gros bouton. C'est un plaisir à utiliser.P. Helsdon
True USB Gem your Grandma wants
I have had it for 2 days and I am thinking of tossing out my Apollo 16 firewire 800. Because it is USB3 (laughs) it responds to Windows’ sleep mode. You can unplug the Twin, power off, or light your PC on fire. As soon as you reconnect, in any order your grandma wants, the settings from Console update the Twin with no iffs or butts.
I even unplugged the Twin and took it to my Studio PC with different plugs in console and it was like having Sunday Lunch.
The same cannot be said for freakin’ Firewire Apollos and Satellites, where your PC is on all day, or suffer the consequences…!..
The sad news is: Console switches Hi Z to mono, so you can't use Marshall in stereo, unless through AUX. Nobody has confirmed whether Unison works for thisD. Barrington
Plugins Make the Interface
As an audio interface, I'd give it a 4 star. Latency is about as good as Apogee, but behind Audient. Better than the Clarett though.
The look and feel of the things is a bit different than other interfaces. I like the BIG BUTTON thought. When it starts, the clicking and LED checks scare me, but I guess it's a very good thing they've implemented cause it's searching for physical problems is my guess.
I've been through a LOT of audio interfaces and what makes this 5 star really are the Pre-amp plugins. The Neve in particular.
I wish this unit were a QUAD though. The DSP's get used fast, so you have to bake plugins or add a Satellite. Mix Control software is superb!O. RIGAUX
Buzz on Asus UX32V
random buzz, cut audio, blue screen. Here everyday life since I changed my Presonus 44VSL by USB appolo.
The tips of the support changed nothing. And I've been waiting over a week the response of the technical service.
I'm on it.P. Helsdon
Han Solo and Chris Christie
There ought to be a Quad version of the Twin, or an Apollo 8 for USB 3.
I have had UAD SHARCS for over a decade and am tired of always having to bow to CEO Tim Cook first. USB 3 boasts 5.6gb per second burst rates!
Screw Thunderwire and Firebolt! They never catch on, not even with Zeus!
And also, a laptop i5 at 260 Ghz handles the Twin Duo like Chris Christie handles lasagna. -with bare hands
Obsolete UAD firewire 800 devices run from a PCIe slot, which they recommend is not suited for the USB3 Twin.P. Helsdon
Han Solo and Chris Christie
There ought to be a Quad version of the Twin, or an Apollo 8 for USB 3.
I have had UAD SHARCS for over a decade and am tired of always having to bow to CEO Tim Cook first. USB 3 boasts 5.6gb per second burst rates!
Screw Thunderwire and Firebolt! They never catch on, not even with Zeus!
And also, a laptop i5 at 260 Ghz handles the Twin Duo like Chris Christie handles lasagna. -with bare hands
Obsolete UAD firewire 800 devices run from a PCIe slot, which they recommend is not suited for the USB3 Twin.L. Blume
Apollo Twin USB lemon
I've had nothing but problems with the unit I received. I disconnected it and do not plan to use it again.
D. Albornoz
Excelente
Espectacular! No solo por los conversores y los preamplificadores de altísima calidad, sino también por la tecnológica unison, que te permite realizar tomas como si utilizaras equipamiento analógico y dado que universal audio posee gran variedad de estos powered plugins podes darle el tono que quieras a tu audio con solo unos cuantos clics.
D. Albornoz
Excelente
Espectacular! No solo por los conversores y los preamplificadores de altísima calidad, sino también por la tecnológica unison, que te permite realizar tomas como si utilizaras equipamiento analógico y dado que universal audio posee gran variedad de estos powered plugins podes darle el tono que quieras a tu audio con solo unos cuantos clics.
p. morelle
GREAT gear and unique sound
I am testing the apollo twin usb since one month, having in mind to record my new CD mainly at home. And the least I can say is that UA apollo twin is something GREAT. What a difference, in clarity, precision ... And what to say about unison and the plug in collection ? It's just a dream come true to be able to work with legendary materials and sounds, wonderfully reproducted by UA. NOW I really found what I had been dreaming about since years ! A professional recording and mixing chain, at home and at low cost, compared to the real thing. THANK YOU Universal Audio !
J. Rawls
Best purchase ever!
I have been using good equipment for years, but after using the Apollo Twin, my recordings sound more professional, I can finally say the tracks recorded and mixed with the Apollo are finished. What I hear in my head is what I hear from the Apollo. Very very glad I purchased The Apollo Twin. Only thing better would be a Quad DSP
N. Ostavar
Fabolous
Nothing more to say. It's stunning product.
J. Presson
It's complicated
The plugins sound awesome!
That being said, if had the Apollo now for 3 weeks and the problem I'm having is getting the console to operate how I need it to with Studio One Pro. And I can't find any info on how to set it up with S1. I've found most of the other DAWs. But can't find the same in depth info for S1. I can't believe this isn't set up to be a lot more simple to use. And I've read many other comments with ppl saying there disappointed in how complicated this is as wellj. revels
One of the sweetest machines known to man
with the combination of unison this is has proven to be a true window into analog sound
J. Strzelczyk
It's a real magic!
Finally I have the great sound device that doesn't bother me while I mix, rec and compose. No problems, very low latency, great quality, absolutely warm and clean sound, awesome (free!) plugins (now my VST piano sounds like a real instrument!). I have the latest Windows 10 without any driver issues etc. If you're wondering about the best choice (like me) between RME, AVID...... take Apollo Twin. It's so stable interface, massive, very pretty and has a great mixer console (easy and intuitive). The best choice I've ever made! Thanks UA!
UAD User
Awesome sound but lack of stability with windows 10
I have just spent few hours using my apollo twin and i am really amazed about the latency, the preamp and the headphone output. Just really really great. I have some issues using windows, sometimes i have to power off then on the apollo and everything work fine again.
I have found a really great guitar sound using the included "Marshall" stack with vintage room from softube. I really need to try the plexi 1959 plugin.
UAudio support guys are always quick to answer. This is an expensive unit but with a huge quality and from now a great technical support also.
Great job !R. Grimes
Game Changer
I have had a fair amount of high end studio recording experience days from the 2 inch tape reels into the digital age, so I know the pro and home studio sounds well.
In my home studio I was previously using a high quality, but old interface from another manufacturer and the quality was crystal clear with big headroom, but I was rebuilding my entire home studio after big issues with the previous system and I decided to start clean with current gear across the board and I did a lot of research before choosing an Apollo Twin.
I was concerned that I wouldn't be as happy with what I'd hear from a different manufacturer's interface, but that concern left as soon as I heard the combination of the Apollo Twin signal and the Unison technology.
I used the UA 610 plugin and was instantly amazed at how "studio" the playback sounded. I was getting great sounds before with a (hardware) Universal Audio 710 going into the previous interface, but now I am getting great sounds with a much more realistic studio character with the Apollo and UA software! Software has really come a long way. It was like a cloud had been replaced by audio sunlight! It is a game changer for me. Everything is instantly closer from the start to where I would try to get the sound later and I am thrilled because I sold the 710 to help cover the costs of the new rig!
I am a PC user and it has always been a huge disappointment how the PC crowd is just disregarded by some manufacturers and how Microsoft PCs don't have Thunderbolt.
I don't want to deal with adding a Thunderbolt card to the PC and updating the bios in hopes that I could buy higher cost and quality gear and have it work without any issues.
I was thrilled to see that Universal Audio made a usb 3.0 version of the Apollo and my new PC has on board usb 3.0 and it has been trouble free.
There is quite a bit that impresses me with the Apollo Twin starting with the hardware functions that allow me to use real buttons and a knob to quickly change what I want with basic settings and the software really does sound amazing in the unison technology setup. I am impressed.
My only real disappointment is that it has limited expansion ability. I can attach a 8 channel preamp with adat down the road, but I'd love to see that doubled.
I'd love to at least see Universal Audio come out with a 12 XLR input adat preamp that lets me use 8 channels as direct inputs with an option of using the first 6 in the usual way and using inputs 7 through 12 (6 inputs) with an internal preamp mixer sent in through channels 7 & 8 (stereo ) or just into 8 mono, leaving 7 free to use elsewhere. Of course, I'd want unison technology available on all of that.
If they build it, people will come. People will come Universal Audio!
The Apollo is a great investment in my opinion.K. Perelmuter
Loving it!
Really happy with my new apollo interface :)
E. Fischer
Next level
No regrets and no turning back! UA is next level and has taken my sound to a professional mastered sound. Can't say enough about the sonic character!
