Are you a professional or amateur recording artist who is still searching avidly for that classic analog sound? If so, there’s an excellent new recording interface newly available for both Mac and Windows. The new Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Solo is designed to deliver vintage analog sound through a completely digital source. For sonic purists and vintage sound aficionados, this is the perfect interface.
The interface comes complete with “vintage” versions of a variety of classic components. These include the LA-2A, 1176LN, Pultec EQP-1A, Softube Amp Room Essentials, Raw Distortion, 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ, and quite a few more. As a result, this is the digital interface that gives you not only classic analog sound but also a multitude of options with which to process, refine it, and deliver it to your recording device.
What Are the Leading Features of the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Solo?
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Solo comes fully equipped with a wide variety of notable features. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
A Multitude of Inputs, Outputs, and Preamps
If you have been searching for a unit that offers premium quality preamps, inputs, and outputs, this is the model for you. The system includes 2 premium mic/line preamps; 2 line outputs; front-panel Hi-Z instrument input and headphone output, 2 digitally controlled analog monitor outputs, and 8 channels of digital input via Optical connection.
Full Compatibility with Mac and Windows
One of the biggest drawbacks with previous audio interface models has been their lack of compatibility with both Mac and Windows. This is a problem that the new Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Solo interface has managed to solve with aplomb. You no longer need to worry about having to buy a separate interface to connect your Mac unit with your Windows software.
The Unit Comes With a Complete Range of UAD Processing Options
Are you wondering how to link up your interface with a variety of audio devices? The Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Solo comes complete with UAD processing for tracking through a vintage compressor, EQs, tape machines, mic preamps, and guitar amp plug-ins. All of the tracking is done in real time and with digital fidelity. The result is a crystal analog sound that outsiders will swear comes from the “real thing”.
A Complete Range of Console 2.0 Software
The unit also comes with a complete range of Console 2.0 Software. The setup includes channel strip presets, drag & drop functionality, dynamically resizable Windows, Runs UAD powered plug-ins via VST, RTAS, and AAX 64 in all major DAWs. You can monitor and supervise your recording activities straight from your screen. The ease with which you can micro-manage every aspect of the process is truly revolutionary.
Desktop 2×6 Thunderbolt Audio Interface for Mac and Windows
Perhaps the main point of attraction for the new unit is the fact that this is the world’s finest and most painstakingly designed Desktop 2×6 Thunderbolt audio interface for Mac and Windows. The unit is equipped with 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion. It incorporates a vintage analog design using state of the art components and a build quality courtesy of industry experts that is second to none.
What Are the Main Advantages?
The most obvious advantage that comes with buying the new Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Solo is the wide choice of vintage analog sounds – from classic tremolo to slap back – that you will be able to have access to. These are the special sounds and effects that defined blues, rock, country, and other genres during the classic age of analog recording. All of them are now available at your finger tips.
Another advantage lies in the compactness and portability of the present unit. This is a package that weighs an amazingly lightweight 0.16 ounces. Its total dimensions are 6 x 8 x 8 inches. This is a lot of bang for your buck, especially considering that the unit basically fits in the palm of your hand.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Be Aware of?
If you are not necessarily the biggest fan of the vintage 1950s-1980s analog sound, this may not be the best interface for you to use. It’s certainly not going to harm the sound of your recording. However, if what you’re after is capturing a modern hip hop or EDM vibe, you may not need the power of equipment that is designed to emulate analog sounds from decades before these genres existed. Don’t worry though, we’ve reviewed tons of audio interfaces here at Pickup Plug, so you’ll be able to find something great no matter what your preferences are.
You may also be put off by the somewhat steep price tag. However, it helps to keep in mind that the wide variety of technological advancements, combined with the many features that will faithfully reproduce classic vintage sounds, make it a very worthy long term investment. You may need to make a few adjustments in your budget to afford the new Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Solo but the purchase will be worth it.
Is This the Best Audio Interface for Your Personal Recording Needs?
As has been shown, the new Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Solo offers a very wide variety of features that make it a very desirable recording interface. Whether or not this is the very best interface for your personal needs will depend on a number of factors. To begin with, if you are a serious fan of the classic analog sound, this may very well be the interface that fits best with your personal vision.
If your concern is more due to practical matters, don’t be alarmed. You can rest assured that the new Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Solo, despite its designation as a provider of analog sound, is nevertheless fully modern and digital in execution. The unit comes with a full warranty of quality that is backed up by the maker. For these reasons, we can easily recommend the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Solo.
