Apollo x6
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Elite Audio Conversion with New HEXA Core Processing and Surround Sound.
Apollo x6 allows music producers and post-production studios to track, overdub, and mix with elite-class A/D and D/A conversion, HEXA Core UAD plug-in processing, Dual-Crystal clocking, and 5.1 surround sound monitoring — all in a sleek rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for Mac or Windows.
Built upon UA’s 60-year heritage of audio craftsmanship, this 16 x 22 interface easily outperforms everything in its class with two Unison™-enabled mic preamps, all-new HEXA Core processing — yielding 50% more DSP for running UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time — plus it includes LUNA Recording System, giving you a fully-integrated music production application.Record with elite-class A/D and D/A conversion — nearing the widest dynamic range and lowest noise available, at any price
Mix with powerful HEXA Core processing, featuring 6 UAD DSP chips for running more UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time
Track with near-zero latency through Unison™ preamp emulations from Neve,® API,® Manley,® Helios,® Fender,® and more†
Includes LUNA Recording System — a fully-integrated and inspiring music production application
Elite-Class A/D and D/A Conversion
With thousands of hit songs and hundreds of Grammy-winning albums under their belt, Apollo interfaces are no strangers to tracking stellar-sounding records. To improve on the previous generation Apollo interfaces’ class-leading audio conversion, UA engineers obsessively auditioned the latest A/D and D/A converters — ultimately pairing elite-class 24-bit/192 kHz converters with all-new analog circuitry for an ultra-pristine signal path.
The Apollo X series also introduces new Dual-Crystal clocking — featuring dedicated crystals for 44.1/88.2/176.4k and 48/96/192k sample rates — resulting in stunningly low jitter, measured at less than 10 picoseconds. This translates into pure, artifact-free recordings and solid stereo imaging you can trust.
With 129 dB dynamic range and -119 dB THD+N, Apollo x6’s open, natural sound rivals any dedicated high-end converter on the market — regardless of price — and is the perfect starting point for applying UAD processing.
Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing
Apollo x6 features HEXA Core processing, with six DSP chips and 50% more UAD plug-in processing power than previous Apollos. This lets you run more UAD plug-ins, whether you’re tracking in real time with channel strips from Neve, Manley, or API, or running high UAD plug-in counts when mixing in your DAW.
From the tube warmth of Pultec EQs on guitars to the musical tube limiting of the LA-2A on vocals, or the pump of a genuine 1176 or Fairchild 670 tube compressor on drums, your recordings will take a giant leap forward with a rich, three-dimensional analog sound that UAD plug‑ins provide.
Unison Technology: The Genuine Sound of Neve, API & Manley Preamps
Perfect for electronic musicians and post production professionals who don’t require tons of mic inputs, Apollo x6 features two Unison-enabled mic preamps, letting you track through exacting mic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Helios, SSL, and Universal Audio. A Universal Audio 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 HEXA 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
What happens when you put Apollo’s Unison preamp models up against their vintage analog counterparts? Producer Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Kings of Leon) finds out at the legendary Blackbird Studios in Nashville.
A Full Suite of Classic
Analog Processing OnboardA hallmark feature of Apollo is its Realtime UAD Processing, letting you run the full library of UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency. Apollo x6 includes the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, so you can record and mix with the world’s only authentic Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN, and Fairchild compressors, the Unison-enabled UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, and iconic guitar and bass amps from Marshall and Ampeg.
See Included Plug-Ins | Watch the live tracking videoAccess the World of UAD Powered Plug-Ins
Going beyond the included Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-ins, Apollo x6 lets you tap into the full UAD Powered Plug-In library of legendary vintage EQs, compressors, reverbs, tape machines, channel strips, 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, Helios, API, Ampex, SSL, Lexicon, Fender, and more,† it’s like having a studio full of iconic analog gear, in a single rack space. And unlike competing interfaces, these award-winning DSP-powered plug-ins are also available in your DAW for mixing.
†Apollo x6 includes the “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately at www.uaudio.com.
LUNA Recording System
Deep Apollo Integration with a Fast, Natural WorkflowApollo X series interfaces work with all major DAWs. But they become a fully integrated recording system with LUNA, Universal Audio’s groundbreaking music production application for Mac. Harness LUNA’s Accelerated Realtime Monitoring™ and power your workflow with a host of built-in features and optional extensions — from genuine Neve summing and integrated Studer tape, to inspiring LUNA instruments, and more.
Surround Sound, Talkback, and More
The Apollo x6 features built-in front-panel monitoring functions including a Talkback mic, Alt Speakers, and assignable Dim or Mono control. Plus, with its comprehensive 5.1 surround monitoring support, Apollo x6 is a boon for engineers and producers working on audio and music for video games, television, and the web. In addition, Apollo x6 offers selectable +24 dBu operation for out-of-the-box compatibility with professional mixing consoles and other high-end pro audio equipment.
Build an Expanded Studio System Over Thunderbolt
Apollo x6 offers 16 x 22 simultaneous inputs/outputs (6 x 6 analog I/O) and two built-in Thunderbolt 3 ports. This allows users of any Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin or Apollo rackmount audio interfaces to easily combine up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices — adding fast, high-bandwidth I/O and DSP as your studio grows.
Apollo X Tech Talk
Universal Audio’s Senior Product Manager, Gannon Kashiwa dives deep into the key features, specs, and development behind the latest generation of Apollo audio interfaces.
“I love my new Apollo x8p! I can mix without worrying about the amount of plug-ins I use, and the new converters reveal the most subtle details when I record. One of the best upgrades that I’ve added in a long time.”
– Derek ‘MixedByAli’ Ali (Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Childish Gambino)
“WOW! I thought the second-generation Apollos were great, but these new Apollo X models sound so good, they will redefine the way records are made.”
– Jacquire King (James Bay, Kings of Leon, Tom Waits)
“This is the best-sounding Universal Audio D/A ever. By far. It has an extra octave of clear bottom, but it's not hyped. It's just very solid and full. It's like there’s no converter generated signature at all. It’s completely open and natural.”
– Fab Dupont (David Crosby, Shakira, Santigold)
Apollo: The Choice of New-School Professionals
Apollo is the confirmed choice of hit-making professionals, used to record landmark albums by Kendrick Lamar (DAMN.), Chris Stapleton (From A Room: Volume 1), Arcade Fire (Everything Now), Post Malone (Beerbongs & Bentleys), 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 TEC Award for computer audio hardware five years running.
Apollo Artist Sessions
Watch producer/engineer Fab Dupont (Jennifer Lopez, David Crosby) record Latin superstars Monsieur Periné live in Colombia with Apollo X audio interfaces.
View All Apollo Artist SessionsCustomer Reviews
R. Fiduccia
October 12, 2020
UA keeps getting better and better and better!
It all started in September of 2017 when I purchased an Apollo Duo USB and a couple of plug-ins for the recording studio. I was taken back by the ability (and sound) using plug-ins like...
Read MoreD. Hunt
October 7, 2020
Apollo X6
Great sounding gear. Still working on getting it dialed in for recording live drums. Wish they wouldn't bombard you with buying additional software, when I'm trying to figure out...
Read Morej. miller
October 7, 2020
Sounds great and drivers are solid
AD/DA Sounds and the drivers are solid. I’m bought the unit strictly to use as my monitoring DA but the AD and the Unison DSP on the line ins is a much welcome bonus. I can only give it 4...
Read Moreh. mondragon
September 18, 2020
Man !
I love this thing upgraded for the grey apollo 16 I’m in love UA has my money for life
Read MoreJ. López Uribe
September 11, 2020
Fantastic!
The same old sound, just better! Windows user right here. Flawless.
Read MoreJ. Lamar
September 10, 2020
Perfection
X6 launched new into a whole new level of recording.
Read More -
Realtime Analog Classics Plus Bundle
With the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, you not only get legendary compressors such as the Fairchild® 670 and EQs like the Pultec® EQP-1A, but also stunning guitar and bass amp emulations from Softube, and UA’s landmark 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ plug-in.
- UA 610‐B
- Marshall Plexi Classic Amplifier
- Fairchild 670 Legacy
- Teletronix LA‐2A Legacy
- UA 1176LN Legacy
- UA 1176SE Legacy
- Pultec EQP‐1A Legacy
- Pultec Pro Legacy
- Ampeg® SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
- Precision Channel Strip
- Precision Reflection Engine
- Precision Delay Modulation
- Precision Delay Modulation L
- UA Precision Enhancer Hz
- Raw Distortion
- RealVerb‐Pro
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.
Marshall® Plexi Classic Amplifier
The undisputed alpha dog of rock and roll guitar amps, the Marshall “plexi” amplifier is as legendary as the music it helped create. From Jimi Hendrix to Jimmy Page, Duane Allman to Eric Clapton, the Plexi’s punishing melange of snarl, sustain, smoothness, and raunch defined the sound of rock. Developed by Softube, the Marshall Plexi Classic Amp plug-in gives you the sound of this iconic amp with a perfectly placed microphone from engineer Tony Platt who recorded AC/DC’s Back in Black and Highway to Hell.
Fairchild® 670 (Legacy)
The world’s most coveted compressor, the classic Fairchild 670 tube limiter will give your tracks and mixes unmistakable tube warmth and character. Whether you’re looking for subtle compression on a lead vocal, or grittier textures that can work on guitars, bass, or a drum bus, the Fairchild 670 plug-in adds a classic “glow” to anything you run through it.
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® 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® 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 smooth and silky EQ curves with an abundance of warm analog character.
Ampeg® SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
Introduced in 1969, the Ampeg SVT bass amp is still the reigning king of high-powered tube bass tone. Developed by Brainworx, the Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp plug-in perfectly captures the raw power and punch that has made this the go-to amp for rock, funk, and soul players. Track in real time using Unison™ preamp technology for the tone, touch, and feel of a real SVT bass amp, or transform bland DI tracks with the thunderous roar of a stone cold classic.
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.
UA Precision Enhancer Hz
Expertly dial-in your music’s low-end frequencies with the Precision Enhancer Hz plug-in. Able to yield exacting results with minimal adjustment, the Precision Enhancer Hz can add weight to kick drum samples, fatten up a synth bass, or simply make the low-end of your tracks more audible on smaller speakers.
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.
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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Apollo x6 Features & Specs
- 16 x 22 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 KHz conversion (backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac)
- Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency, regardless of audio buffer size
- Record through 2 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps — giving you fully authentic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and more†
- Produce with LUNA Recording System — a fully-integrated recording application made for Apollo (Mac/Thunderbolt)
- Surround monitor controller up to 5.1 format
- Includes the "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately.
- UAD HEXA Core processing onboard for additional mixing horsepower for Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, and other major DAWs
- Combine up to 4 Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos and 6 total UAD devices
- Selectable +24 dBu operation for easy compatibility with professional mixing consoles and tape machines
- Convenient front panel monitoring functions including Alt Speakers, Talkback mic, and assignable Dim or Mono
- Free, industry-leading technical support — on the phone and online — from knowledgeable audio engineers
Interface Specifications
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Inputs Line Inputs 6 Balanced ¼" TRS Microphone Inputs 2 Balanced XLR Instrument (Hi-Z) Inputs 2 Unbalanced ¼" TS Digital Inputs (Optical TOSLINK) ADAT: 8 channels @ 44.1 – 96 kHz
ADAT: 4 channels @ 176.4 – 192 kHzDigital Inputs (RCA) S/PDIF: 2 channels @ 44.1 – 192 kHz A to D Conversion Mic Preamps Dynamic Range: 122 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -115 dB (0.00019%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.05 dBLine Inputs Dynamic Range: 123 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -113 dB (0.00022%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.04 dBOutputs Line Outputs 6 Balanced ¼" TRS Monitor Outputs 2 Balanced ¼" TRS Headphone Outputs 2 Stereo ¼" TRS Digital Outputs (Optical TOSLINK) ADAT: 8 channels @ 44.1 – 96 kHz
ADAT: 4 channels @ 176.4 – 192 kHzDigital Outputs (RCA) S/PDIF: 2 channels @ 44.1 to 192 kHz D to A Conversion Line Outputs Dynamic Range: 127 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -118 dB (0.00011%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.07 dBMonitor Outputs Dynamic Range: 129 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -118 dB (0.00012%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.06 dBHeadphone Outputs Dynamic Range: 125 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -102 dB (0.00080%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.05 dB
Apollo X Series System Requirements
ALL:
- Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included)
- Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
- 6 gigabytes available storage
- Quad Core i7 or better processor recommended
- For additional compatibility information, visit help.uaudio.com
MAC:
- Available Thunderbolt 1, 2, or 3 port
- Thunderbolt 1 and 2 connections require an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (not included)
- macOS 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, 10.14 Mojave, or 10.15 Catalina
PC:
- Available Thunderbolt 3 port
- Windows 10 (64-Bit Edition)
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Customer Reviews
Apollo x6
R. Fiduccia
UA keeps getting better and better and better!
It all started in September of 2017 when I purchased an Apollo Duo USB and a couple of plug-ins for the recording studio. I was taken back by the ability (and sound) using plug-ins like the Neve 1073 in the Unison slot and recording the audio as if the Neve 1073 channel strip was sitting in my studio. Three months in December of 2017 I ordered two Apollo 8p’s and two OCTO satellites and retired my large digital mixer. I set up a Windows computer with ThunderBolt and ProTools as the DAW and never looked back. Along comes LUNA which really caught my eye so I purchased our first ever iMac to run LUNA, then pretty much fell in love with the LUNA recording system. I decided I’d like to run LUNA in my home studio so another iMac and this time the Apollo x6. The x6 seems to sound a bit better, although I can’t really put my finger on it – I just like the mixes coming out of it. To be fair I have to admit I’ve owned a couple pieces of Universal Audio hardware for many years (so I was already a fan of UA products and sound). I may have to upgrade the studio to the Apollo X series now that I have listened to the sound quality coming out of them. As a side note I now own 72 plug-ins for the Apollo units, amazing sound quality from all of them!
D. Hunt
Apollo X6
Great sounding gear. Still working on getting it dialed in for recording live drums.
Wish they wouldn't bombard you with buying additional software, when I'm trying to
figure out what I have.j. miller
Sounds great and drivers are solid
AD/DA Sounds and the drivers are solid. I’m bought the unit strictly to use as my monitoring DA but the AD and the Unison DSP on the line ins is a much welcome bonus. I can only give it 4 stars because only the x16 gets a full five stars. That thing Sounds ridiculous!, but it has no Headphone out- so it’s a no go for a main DA imo.
h. mondragon
Man !
I love this thing upgraded for the grey apollo 16 I’m in love UA has my money for life
J. López Uribe
Fantastic!
The same old sound, just better! Windows user right here. Flawless.
J. Lamar
Perfection
X6 launched new into a whole new level of recording.
J. Lamar
Perfection!!
There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t been said, UAD IS A GAME CHANGER
R. Lopez
Apollo X6
I love the sound from my new Apollo x6 and the plugins are fantastic, my voices sound very clear and warm, playing my piano, my guitar, my bass and percussion Is a pleasure, l am very happy with my new Apollo x6
C. Muhl
Works perfectly.
The flashing lights are a bit irritating. Universal Audio, please add the option to turn the lights inside the machine off! Apart from that I really like the look of the unit. And of course the sound is great! Hexa power!
L. Dozier
Great Audio Interface
I’ve recorded a couple of songs with this interface so far and they sound great! I plan on buying a couple thunderbolt 3 satellites for my mixing projects. This is a great investment.
M. Diaz - Morales
Seanproductiongram (ApolloX6)
Creo que es una mejora fenomenal ya que se puede notar la diferencia a la hora de trabajar con el unison y varios plugins a la vez. Incluso siento que apesar de que tengo 18 Core en total. Con esta interface solamente puedo trabajar muy bien sin esperar que dejen de funcionar mis plugins.
C. Bruce
Amazing
That feeling you get and the look on your face when your mixes sound like records you listen to. I thought when someone said in a review that said “omg this is the sound I was trying striving to get”. There is no hype here. The converters are different than what you know if you started with something cheaper. Mixes take more work but the results are amazing. For bass you’ll need some bass head/cabinet plugins Ampeg all day. Read the instructions on the plugins to reduce learning the hard way and if you use windows that you check your compatibility by doing a physical test. Don’t just assume since it’s a new computer that it will work. I suggest a 2020 i9 MacBook more cores the better you can just get 16gb Ram and you will be great. Less Ram more cores. Trust me. This is a totally different animal you are probably used to but this is how you get it done proper, Cheers
A. Udovič
Best interface i ever bought!
Love my x6, great sounding interface well worth the price tag. Its worth it for the plugins alone.
J. Lee
wonderful!!
I changed from ID44 and was amazing upgrade for every aspect. highly recommend it
J. Smith
Impressed!!
I run it on a pc and it flows like water. Plugins are worth every penny you pay for them. When I pulled it out tha box it was like getting a new car. That's what a quality product supposed to look and feel like when u pay a grip for it. Keep up tha good work
a. petrucci
WOW
Over 30 years I have purchased equipment in the thousands Apollo x6 Is the best musical piece of gear I have ever purchased it has changed the way I record track and mix music thank you UA
C. Forbes
Simply awesome
I'm loving my x6, the sound that comes out of this box is stunning and the integration with Luna is priceless.
J. Harraman
The Difference is Palpable
This is my second interface from UA (upgraded from Apollo Twin X, but still have it). Clean sound, great processing power for mixing/mastering with UAD plug-ins. Being able to "daisy-chain" the x6 and Twin X is awesome; providing more processing and increases available inputs. This integration really extends the value of both units.
R. Taylor
Best Studio Investment In Years
I changed my studio configuration from a digital mixer/ interface/ control surface That I bought 13 years ago, to the X6 and a control surface. I was reluctant because my all in time one mixer worked great in many different circumstances. However, when a few of my friends started singing the praises of the Universal Audio product line, I had to do some exploring. When I discovered how the X6 has its own processing power and the incredible line of plugins, I just had to try it. I had also purchased a U/A 610 Mic Pre (hardware device) a few weeks prior. I must say that between these two purchases, my recordings have moved to another level. Even the projects I’ve previously recorded sound better going through the U/A circuitry. I’m really blow away by the sound quality of the X6 by itself, but when you add the plugins, you get an entire new world of upgrades. I can honestly say that this is the best studio investment I’ve made in years. Thanks Universal Audio! To you I tip my hat!!!
M. Bannister
Slimmed down from an entire studio
I've gone from an Apogee Symphony and full rack of gear to this x6 and I couldn't be happier with it. I use this alongside an Arrow for mobile and I have an Octo satellite.
Doubt I'll ever go back to patch bays and outboard now.
