@@ReidStefanMusici love all your vids but you have to understand now a days every review from producers or studio owner are just ads. I think every body caught up on that. I would do it too if i had the opportunity. It’s just business, don’t the comments personal. 🫡
UAD doesn't need Reid to convince people to buy their products, they sell like hotcakes based on their quality and reputation alone, I know it's hard to believe when someone makes strong statements like "the best audio interface in the game, just got better". But when talking about the Apollo line, It might actually still be an understatement.
@@drinkcloudmilk for real they already have every major superstar artist on the charts advertising for them, at a magnitude which I could never achieve as a puppet. This is a review, sound quality test, and overview of the updates
The differences are very small. I only noticed a slight difference in the mic preamp test, but nothing beyond that. If you have the first generation, I’d recommend waiting for the third generation in 5-7 years. Nothing about your audio interface is limiting you from making hit songs
@@tearr245let’s say it’s completely all new level of recording from gen 1 trust me the audio interface is not what make your songs to not have millions of streams. The gen 1 is a beast
Precisely! Only extremely minute differences, that, in the context of the music (not soloed), one would never hear a difference i.e. yes, stick with your 1st Gen, which is what I plan on doing.
It is not an improvement! I bought the Apollo Twin X Duo Gen 2 thinking that’s an upgrade… the only thing upgraded is the look of the buttons… a total disappointment!
@@stringtheoryx UFX III. Rock solid everything, unbelievable 75db clean gain on the pres, capable of driving ribbons without any noise until the end of the range. Impressive. It just works everytime and you can do anything you want.
@@romulomc I just took a quick look at RME's site, and the UFX III does look great. I had invested in some RME gear years ago, but got sidetracked. ADI-8 Pro with both Raydat and Hammerfall 9636/9652 interfaces. Optical. I had been looking at the UAD Apollo Twin Quad as a shortcut, with localized interface that's easy to reach. Thanks for the kick-start to my motivation to unpack my now-ancient RME gear. I will have to check whether any of that is still usable.
This is THE review I was waiting for, great comparison with the 1st gen Apollo X6 and I agree with your and others comments that the differences between gen 1 and gen 2 Apollo are definitely noticeable and greater than I anticipated, more air and depth, sounds amazing! As always, awesome track from you and Karra, I appreciate all of the production techniques that you share Reid!
Nice review. I came from an x6 and moved over to apogee symphony desktop. The quality of the gen2 sounds like it's getting closer to conversion I have with my apogee but imo apogee is still king in that department . Thanks for the review! I love the look of the new Apollo gen2.
The best thing about the Gen 2 interfaces is that you can now buy the Gen 1's for hella deals now. $1,200 for the X6 is probably the best money spent in Pro audio at the moment.
Excellent, my subject of the day. I know exactly what you're saying! The difference shared here is incredibly noticeable. Almost unbelievable. Is it the same difference with the Apollo twin gen 1 and 2?
@ Do you use the LUNA DAW? I use Logic Pro, but the DSP is too much for Logic. So, I use the Console as a pre-production staging. It's tough to switch DAWs.
Wow this is more difference in quality than I was expecting, even just listening on my iPhone. Could only imagine how much more I’ll hear when I listen on my in ears later.
yeah it's interesting - gen 2 is slightly clearer with a more forward presence in the low end which helps the vocal come forward from the mix, but the mids had more depth in the gen 1 which helps the vocal sit in the mix. I can't decide which I prefer, both are great!
@@musiclover-r9m I FEEL THAT. i prefer the more open sound. the gen 1 sounds a little dark. i guess at the end of the day its bout what your desired outcome is for your mixes
I would say except the preamps, which to me on 1st gen they sound much better and natural, even though not as clean I feel they sit better in this mix example - the 2nd gen seems to excel in all the other areas. I also assume we're used to the sound of those 1st gen preamps since this interface is probably the most popular one after the Focusrite Scarlett range and also in many famous records.
Hey thanks for this video. Please can you give us the audio files of the test in download ? Because they are not level matched. So it's not a fair comparison. I just record your audio in my DAW and check the difference, the Gen2 is 0,6db louder, so of course it seems "brighter". It's just louder. The only way to understand if the Gen2 is better is to do a real test, in ABX and perfectly level matched.
@@benderbi what do you mean „all that“? I also thought it sounds like too much of an audible difference for just being the result of better conversion. The old one can’t be that bad in comparison. So just pull the audio of the comparison and check the db. I came to the same conclusion, gen 2 is .6 db louder. It’s an old marketing trick. Level match them with one klick and the very audible difference between those two vanishes into thin air…
@@derdude8201 don't bother arguing with someone who is obviously steeped in ignorance. It's not worth the effort. For those of us who have actually put in the work to train our ears and tried different converters and interfaces, this is obviously way too big of a difference for a ~3db improvement in dynamic range.
14:00 Wish you’d do a video specifically outlining how to use digital mirroring as loopback. This is the first I’ve ever someone talk about it. I’m thinking it would be great for online co-writes.
@@ReidStefanMusic Digital Mirror works great in Ableton. BUT I don't think this is exactly true with OBS. OBS only reads input 1 and 2 of an apollo. You would still need some sort of virtual cables/OBS ASIO plugin on a PC or "loopback program" on Mac to route it to OBS. Unless I"m missing something. Do you do something different? ALSO, different apollo's have different inputs. I believe this won't work with a twin as it doesn't have digital outputs. X4 and above only.
Honestly, I like the previous generation model better, I even dare to say that it looks more modern, I don't think the converter updates are incredible either, really the previous generation was already incredible so there wasn't much to update. internally, but well the UAD also needs to do its thing with marketing, you know. Anyway, I love the UAD and I love that they continue to respect what the Apollo range is.
Gen2 and latest Apogee have the exact same 9 series ESS converters. That's what most makers buy on the market and put in their interfaces... Placebo effect ;)
Do you think we're reaching a point where there's not much point to upgrading? I'm a generation behind X so this seems like a pretty good choice now, but how much better do things need to get...?
I think they’ve touched upon everything that was arguably missing or left room for improvement in the first gen Apollo X. I like how they didn’t make the old one obsolete but rather added a slightly enhanced option
If you’re just a mixing/mastering engineer who literally never records vocals/instruments, never uses UAD plugins or Luna, and never needs to monitor thru UA plugins or AutoTune with low latency, you’ll get probably slightly better mastering conversion in a mastering specific device like Prism. I will drop a comparison between these two devices next. Apollo does 10 different things, Prism and other mastering converters only do 1 thing
@@ReidStefanMusic I record and mix my vocals through the Neve Shelford Channel and Distressor. Mix my tracked background vocals through plugins. I do plan on building an analogue mastering chain. My current interface is the X6.
@@dspoet1 like any other basic USB interface, prism is a big pain in the ass for recording with plugins in your headphone mix. The prism app is basic as hell, and the direct monitoring only gives you a dry signal. This is the drawbacks of mastering converters where brands invest 100% of their development into conversion quality and everything is completely bare bones basic. Apollo is king for the creative steps in the music making/recording process. Post production steps like mastering are a different story and set of tools required.
Ok ive had some time to listen and compare it to my 1 gen X and yeah this thing sounds amazing. Ive been using this for about a week now and I think it's worth the upgrade you won't be disappointed.
Thanks for the 1st and 2nd Gen comparison. That was very helpful. I can easily hear the improvement in sound quality. Should mean it competes better with some of the other well regarded converters.
@@ReidStefanMusic Is it possible that you also include your Prism in the comparison? It would be very helpful if you could run a beat or a finished mix (vocals incl.) through all 3 converters so you can hear the tonal differences on a finished mix, and not just on individual instruments or voices. ✌
A different and legit review. Audio examples are always welcome. The 2nd G sounds clearer, more foward and tighter on my android phone. Thanks for the effort.
Ok I have had time to compare it and this is what I have to say. I bought an apollo 16 gen 2 because I need more channels. Also, use luna and wanted to continue using it. I was using an apollo 8xp before. and I compared it to the apollo x16 gen 2. The sound quality difference is huge. It sound clear and brighter (less dark and muddy). It has more headroom for sure. In all the videos, I have seen on youtube with the gen 2 you can 't really hear the big difference. However, you can hear it in person. I know the specs say that it's only a little bit of improvement but it totally different system to me. I strong recommend upgrading to the gen 2 if you are looking to upgrade.
it's more the analog warmth then mud that UA is trying to portray. RME is the cleanest thing I've ever heard, too clean for my taste. I prefer the Symphony, which is similarly clear, but rounder and more musical, a little more 3D and weightier.
Does digital mirroring work with old versions of Apollo as well Sir Puppet ? I've been using Loopback for some time now and you just changed the way I may use it with this tip! Thank you for the vid. great as always.
Hey Reid, great video! Could you please make a full video on the digital mirror feature? I was completely unaware of this feature. I recently purchased loopback audio, but I haven’t had a chance to put it to good use yet.
Prism sounds slightly better but has zero features or helpful headphone mix apps or built-in DSP. With a Prism, You’d have to record hearing a 100% dry direct headphone mix, or monitor thru your DAW and deal with buffer size and plugin count related latency while you record singing
Is it possible to buy for example a x4 gen2 to combine it with my older Apollo 8 (not x8 gen 1) just to get the new functions like auto gain etc? Thanks mate
The subpar AD/DA conversion of previous generations made me hesitant to consider the Apollo series over other options like Apogee. I know others who feel the same. Glad they seem to have listened and made improvements in that area for new customers.
How does it compare to the RME Babyface Pro FS? The RME has much better specs, doesn't need to be plugged in and has much better driver support. Is there anything about the new Gen 2s that really changes the conversation?
I bought my Apollo X4 last year (January 2024). How do you tell the difference between version 2,3,4 and the latest updates? You can't do it by looking at the hardware. It's all the same.
@@ReidStefanMusic Just finished the whole video, amazing comparison, definitely could hear a difference on all three tests you played. I like the new sound a little bit more, I feel it less muddy
@@IvoMimica I’ll also tell you that I see a 0.6 db increase in loudness of the examples of gen 2. If I’m right and they’re not level matched it is clear why it’s just such an audible difference. Old marketing trick.
I have both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 x8p and notice a huge difference in conversion in both the monitor output and headphone output. Clarity, separation, stereo image and like a blanket has been lifted - less mud.
@ conversion is rarely a “huge” difference unless you’re comparing 20 year old equipment to today’s. Every modern converter test is like splitting hairs. It’s not BS
@ReidStefanMusic You sir aren't paying attention. The gentleman that commented said huge difference. I said that was BS! Go back and read the comments. Did I lie?
Hey Reid! Could you please do a video showing the new feature of how you can bypass the preamps in the Console with the Apollo Twin X 2nd Gens? For some reason no one is talking about this feature.
If you’re using your own analog preamp, simply Connect to Apollo using 1/4 inch TRS cable, instead of XLR. I never heard of any software setting in console
Now I can talk. I have an Apollo 16Mk2. I've been waiting for UA to release new interfaces like the X16 generation 2. I know it's going to be a big improvement from my mk2 interface, but does the x16g2 fit nowadays? I was expecting a better conversion than the one presented and a 24 or 32 AD-DA interface with more dsp... am I the only one? are you feeling dissapointed too with UA?
Ryan Tedder and The Weekend still use the Apollo Twin for recording vocals. They should upgrade the new generation of Apollos. I have 2 plugins from UAD and Luna. Did you try the Century Tube Channel Strip? Thanks for doing the video reid!!!!.
Yes. Instead of increasing the internal processors, they dropped native UAD Spark plug-ins, so we could use the faster processors we already own in our computers nowadays.
@@bobbyhofermusicbecause the device would be priced out of 90% of the music market and people don’t need two powerful computers to make a song. One is enough. I only want SHARC on my headphone mix which is 2-3 plugins max
The upgrade is welcome if you are shopping for a prosumer interface. It is definitely not worth the upgrade if you have a first-gen. A mastering plugin can make up the difference. If you are curious about how a mastering-grade digital converter/interface should sound like, try BURL Audio.
I have a question about the monitor controller and surround sound. Does this work with all Apollos or only with X6 and X8? I am currently using my subwoofer via the daisy chain, but would like to connect it directly to the interface. Does this work with Twin and X4 or does 2.1 and so on only work with X6, X8? Regards :)
@@ReidStefanMusic This means that I can connect the monitors to Output 1 and 2 (Monitor Output) and the subwoofers to Line Out 3 and 4 and can then also control this using the large volume control on the Twin X. This was not possible with Gen1, as 3 and 4 were not adjustable, or is this only possible via the software? Thanks for the quick answer.
Is the Digital Mirror option only available on x6? I've got a Twin X and I can't see this option in the Hardware Settings menu. (latest console version)
Depends if you own one of the “officially approved and tested” Thunderbolt compatible windows computers listed on uaudio.com. Many custom built Thunderbolt PCs are not technically compatible, but some major brand products from Razor, HP, and others are tested and approved. Thunderbolt and windows is not all simple and straightforward like Mac protocol
Could be the real reason to upgrade actually. Would have loved to have my old twin be supported though. It should be possible from a hardware perspective at least.
@@NikolajChristensen most electronics that are over a decade old don’t get supported in new software updates. Think about updating any 12 year old computer or cell phone, this situation is very normal
To me sounded better 1th gen in recording in a very clear and noticeable way. Yes the second gen in cleaner but the old one ha a bit of grit and definition in the mid range that creates more intelligibility.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
not a review, call it like what it is : an ad
listen to my sound quality tests and formulate your own educated opinion 👍
😂 fr
@@ReidStefanMusici love all your vids but you have to understand now a days every review from producers or studio owner are just ads. I think every body caught up on that. I would do it too if i had the opportunity. It’s just business, don’t the comments personal. 🫡
UAD doesn't need Reid to convince people to buy their products, they sell like hotcakes based on their quality and reputation alone, I know it's hard to believe when someone makes strong statements like "the best audio interface in the game, just got better". But when talking about the Apollo line, It might actually still be an understatement.
@@drinkcloudmilk for real they already have every major superstar artist on the charts advertising for them, at a magnitude which I could never achieve as a puppet. This is a review, sound quality test, and overview of the updates
The differences are very small. I only noticed a slight difference in the mic preamp test, but nothing beyond that. If you have the first generation, I’d recommend waiting for the third generation in 5-7 years. Nothing about your audio interface is limiting you from making hit songs
i noticed a huge difference btw
@@tearr245let’s say it’s completely all new level of recording from gen 1 trust me the audio interface is not what make your songs to not have millions of streams. The gen 1 is a beast
Agreed similar sounding I believe universal audio just shot themselves in the foot
@@tearr2455 years to late
Gen 2 sounds brighter, but a simple EQ curve would get you there in a minute, so if you already have Gen 1 dont feel like youre missing out
Sounds louder and also sounds like the auto gain was on
To me it sounded cleaner with more clarity and less noise good for new buyers but not enough to justify an upgrade
Precisely! Only extremely minute differences, that, in the context of the music (not soloed), one would never hear a difference i.e. yes, stick with your 1st Gen, which is what I plan on doing.
Honestly, audio quality improvement from gen 1 to 2 isn't enough to justify an upgrade IMO.
Definitely not enough for upgrade but a good reason for some to switch to uad or upgrade to a larger better model if you have the twin
It is not an improvement! I bought the Apollo Twin X Duo Gen 2 thinking that’s an upgrade… the only thing upgraded is the look of the buttons… a total disappointment!
100% just not enough of a jump in quality .
@@EoinNoonan EAXCTLY!!
look manual, my x16 have same specs as x16 gen 2) lol
Apollo is the 🐐 🔥
Just sold my uad equipment and went for rme. Couldn't be happier.
also the best move I made in my whole career
What advantages do you find with RME? And which interfaces did you opt for?
@@stringtheoryx UFX III. Rock solid everything, unbelievable 75db clean gain on the pres, capable of driving ribbons without any noise until the end of the range. Impressive. It just works everytime and you can do anything you want.
@@romulomc I just took a quick look at RME's site, and the UFX III does look great.
I had invested in some RME gear years ago, but got sidetracked. ADI-8 Pro with both Raydat and Hammerfall 9636/9652 interfaces. Optical.
I had been looking at the UAD Apollo Twin Quad as a shortcut, with localized interface that's easy to reach.
Thanks for the kick-start to my motivation to unpack my now-ancient RME gear. I will have to check whether any of that is still usable.
do they sound better? especially the DAC to the speakers?
This is THE review I was waiting for, great comparison with the 1st gen Apollo X6 and I agree with your and others comments that the differences between gen 1 and gen 2 Apollo are definitely noticeable and greater than I anticipated, more air and depth, sounds amazing! As always, awesome track from you and Karra, I appreciate all of the production techniques that you share Reid!
Nice review. I came from an x6 and moved over to apogee symphony desktop. The quality of the gen2 sounds like it's getting closer to conversion I have with my apogee but imo apogee is still king in that department . Thanks for the review! I love the look of the new Apollo gen2.
exactly the same ESS converters ;)!
FACTS... MY APOGEE SOUNDS AMAZING! APOGEE HAS A NEW SYMPHONY, BTW...
@@adamingraham7468 I’ve confirmed with them that the conversion. is still the same as the desktop just mouse outputs and rackmountable
I thought exactly the same thing! My Symphony Desktop arrived an hour ago. I'll just go test this thing out. 😈
The best thing about the Gen 2 interfaces is that you can now buy the Gen 1's for hella deals now. $1,200 for the X6 is probably the best money spent in Pro audio at the moment.
Excellent, my subject of the day. I know exactly what you're saying! The difference shared here is incredibly noticeable. Almost unbelievable. Is it the same difference with the Apollo twin gen 1 and 2?
What site
@@bulkyzero No. Far greater difference.
@ Do you use the LUNA DAW? I use Logic Pro, but the DSP is too much for Logic. So, I use the Console as a pre-production staging.
It's tough to switch DAWs.
@@bulkyzero I use Studio One and FL Studio.
I really appreciate your channel it's been a big help in learning massive amounts of information.
$200 off Black Friday! Just bought my first Apollo! Thx for the review!
Great review!
Wow this is more difference in quality than I was expecting, even just listening on my iPhone. Could only imagine how much more I’ll hear when I listen on my in ears later.
Your channel is the audio go to guide for me thank you
dont know why but 1st gen voc is so soothing
The first generation Apollo has been “industry standard” for the past decade because it sounds great 👍 the 2nd generation is a slight improvement
yeah it's interesting - gen 2 is slightly clearer with a more forward presence in the low end which helps the vocal come forward from the mix, but the mids had more depth in the gen 1 which helps the vocal sit in the mix. I can't decide which I prefer, both are great!
Not worth upgrading. Gen1 is still 🔥
Gen 1 is still an absolute beast that smokes the competition in terms of hardware software integration, and recording workflow
Still rocking mine since 2011
Absolutely
Gen 1 looks way more appealing also when it’s 799 vs 1199$ that’s an insane price difference
@@baghead5398 I would say get a Gen 1 and live with it
I'm just waiting for the Sonarworks update to be live so I can use with my Gen 1 X4. Apparently it will be available in November.
the gen 2 high end opens up right away. sounds nice. lots of clarity
but gen 1 seems to have more depth in the mids while the mids come forward in gen 2. I can't decide which is better for mixing.
@@musiclover-r9m I FEEL THAT. i prefer the more open sound. the gen 1 sounds a little dark. i guess at the end of the day its bout what your desired outcome is for your mixes
Amazing video man you put alot of effort into this .
Thank U very much ! That's THE test I wanted 😊
I would say except the preamps, which to me on 1st gen they sound much better and natural, even though not as clean I feel they sit better in this mix example - the 2nd gen seems to excel in all the other areas. I also assume we're used to the sound of those 1st gen preamps since this interface is probably the most popular one after the Focusrite Scarlett range and also in many famous records.
Hey thanks for this video. Please can you give us the audio files of the test in download ? Because they are not level matched. So it's not a fair comparison. I just record your audio in my DAW and check the difference, the Gen2 is 0,6db louder, so of course it seems "brighter". It's just louder. The only way to understand if the Gen2 is better is to do a real test, in ABX and perfectly level matched.
Old interface marketing trick…
yeah I would love if we could match the tracks ourselves.
If you need to do all that to find something different I don't think it's that much of a difference
@@benderbi what do you mean „all that“? I also thought it sounds like too much of an audible difference for just being the result of better conversion. The old one can’t be that bad in comparison. So just pull the audio of the comparison and check the db. I came to the same conclusion, gen 2 is .6 db louder. It’s an old marketing trick. Level match them with one klick and the very audible difference between those two vanishes into thin air…
@@derdude8201 don't bother arguing with someone who is obviously steeped in ignorance. It's not worth the effort. For those of us who have actually put in the work to train our ears and tried different converters and interfaces, this is obviously way too big of a difference for a ~3db improvement in dynamic range.
14:00 Wish you’d do a video specifically outlining how to use digital mirroring as loopback. This is the first I’ve ever someone talk about it. I’m thinking it would be great for online co-writes.
I believe I explained everything clearly in that 30 second segment that shows Ableton. What else specifically were you curious about?
@@ReidStefanMusic Digital Mirror works great in Ableton. BUT I don't think this is exactly true with OBS. OBS only reads input 1 and 2 of an apollo. You would still need some sort of virtual cables/OBS ASIO plugin on a PC or "loopback program" on Mac to route it to OBS. Unless I"m missing something. Do you do something different? ALSO, different apollo's have different inputs. I believe this won't work with a twin as it doesn't have digital outputs. X4 and above only.
I'm using the Volt 276 and this is definitely worth the upgrade! Thanks for explaining this in comparison to the previous version of the Apollo.
These will definitely surpass the sound quality of Volt
great review! great quality!
Can we get a sound comparison test between Apollo X Gen 2 vs Presonus HD interfaces please?
Honestly, I like the previous generation model better, I even dare to say that it looks more modern, I don't think the converter updates are incredible either, really the previous generation was already incredible so there wasn't much to update. internally, but well the UAD also needs to do its thing with marketing, you know. Anyway, I love the UAD and I love that they continue to respect what the Apollo range is.
It wasn’t bad to begin with 🔥
Now we need a Apollo X Gen 2 vs. Neumann MT 48
That's what I want to know. Imma get an Apollo Gen 2 on loan to compare
@@jacksp8deiight bet ima be waiting for your comparison
Y'all get apogee symphony desktop
@@j-perezmusic im already happy with my Neumann
@@kingyasofficial ik right i love my neumann
Ayeeee this means I can get an x8 og for a lot less now yippieeeee
The added air in gen 2 is gorgeous
Added air? 🤔
@@3jahel7it’s the internal fan upgrade no one is talking about. The real game changer.
Just kidding. 😊
@@TheRealPowerBob5000 i wish it had a fan🤣 I just got mine in the mail couple days ago the thing gets pretty darn toasty
as an apollo owner the apogee symphony is like 10 times better changing the color wont change this fact. but your'e the best regardless Reid :)
Gen2 and latest Apogee have the exact same 9 series ESS converters. That's what most makers buy on the market and put in their interfaces... Placebo effect ;)
@@massivebeatzz its just not true but okay
Damn I want to know who’s right out of you two
Do you think we're reaching a point where there's not much point to upgrading? I'm a generation behind X so this seems like a pretty good choice now, but how much better do things need to get...?
I think they’ve touched upon everything that was arguably missing or left room for improvement in the first gen Apollo X. I like how they didn’t make the old one obsolete but rather added a slightly enhanced option
Well DSP is dead - there is probably not a good point to invest in an ecosystem that is already done.
worth every second of this video
That room sounds amazing
Sound quality of Neumann mt48 or apollo gen 2?
comparison coming soon
@@ReidStefanMusicstill waiting
@@pedram1916 it’s coming in 2025 my schedule for the remainder of 2024 is already full
@@ReidStefanMusicstill waiting kkk
Be honest Reid. Does this new G2 X6 sound better than the Prism Titan? I'm stuck between which one to get based on the sound and converters.
If you’re just a mixing/mastering engineer who literally never records vocals/instruments, never uses UAD plugins or Luna, and never needs to monitor thru UA plugins or AutoTune with low latency, you’ll get probably slightly better mastering conversion in a mastering specific device like Prism. I will drop a comparison between these two devices next. Apollo does 10 different things, Prism and other mastering converters only do 1 thing
@@ReidStefanMusic I record and mix my vocals through the Neve Shelford Channel and Distressor. Mix my tracked background vocals through plugins.
I do plan on building an analogue mastering chain. My current interface is the X6.
@@dspoet1 like any other basic USB interface, prism is a big pain in the ass for recording with plugins in your headphone mix. The prism app is basic as hell, and the direct monitoring only gives you a dry signal. This is the drawbacks of mastering converters where brands invest 100% of their development into conversion quality and everything is completely bare bones basic. Apollo is king for the creative steps in the music making/recording process. Post production steps like mastering are a different story and set of tools required.
Just upgraded my Apollo Twin X and it’s probably the biggest audible improvement I’ve ever noticed between interfaces. Haters gone hate
My Music really improved coming from an audient id4 to Apollo Twin X
This should’ve been titled commercial instead of review
Skip to the audio examples if you don’t like talking 👍
😂😂😂
@@ReidStefanMusic When you show the 'mixed' versions there's even a deliberate difference in sound. Very biased 'review' imo
Ok ive had some time to listen and compare it to my 1 gen X and yeah this thing sounds amazing. Ive been using this for about a week now and I think it's worth the upgrade you won't be disappointed.
Thanks for the 1st and 2nd Gen comparison. That was very helpful. I can easily hear the improvement in sound quality. Should mean it competes better with some of the other well regarded converters.
Can I keep my gen 1 UA plugins?
Of course
I got a Neumann MT48 slightly based off your reaction to it. How do you think Apollo gen 2 compares?
Comparison coming soon 🔥
@@ReidStefanMusic Ayeeee Tight!
@@ReidStefanMusic Is it possible that you also include your Prism in the comparison?
It would be very helpful if you could run a beat or a finished mix (vocals incl.) through all 3 converters so you can hear the tonal differences on a finished mix, and not just on individual instruments or voices. ✌
@@rtdrec every interface is getting a separate video vs Apollo gen 2
@@ReidStefanMusic JCF Latte vs ________
A different and legit review. Audio examples are always welcome. The 2nd G sounds clearer, more foward and tighter on my android phone. Thanks for the effort.
Haha you heard that on phone speakers? :)
@@NikolajChristensen yeah👍
Yeah but the 2nd G is 0.6 db louder in the comparison. That’s an old marketing trick. It should be level matched.
It just sounds louder and that will give a brighter perception as well
Ok I have had time to compare it and this is what I have to say. I bought an apollo 16 gen 2 because I need more channels. Also, use luna and wanted to continue using it. I was using an apollo 8xp before. and I compared it to the apollo x16 gen 2. The sound quality difference is huge. It sound clear and brighter (less dark and muddy). It has more headroom for sure. In all the videos, I have seen on youtube with the gen 2 you can 't really hear the big difference. However, you can hear it in person. I know the specs say that it's only a little bit of improvement but it totally different system to me. I strong recommend upgrading to the gen 2 if you are looking to upgrade.
I finally get confirmation that the Apollo (Gen 1) sounds a bit muddy. I've always preferred my RME AD/DA.
The difference are in the preamp and not in AD converters in my opinion so just an external preamp will "fix" the problem
it's more the analog warmth then mud that UA is trying to portray. RME is the cleanest thing I've ever heard, too clean for my taste. I prefer the Symphony, which is similarly clear, but rounder and more musical, a little more 3D and weightier.
Does digital mirroring work with old versions of Apollo as well Sir Puppet ? I've been using Loopback for some time now and you just changed the way I may use it with this tip! Thank you for the vid. great as always.
Hey Reid, great video! Could you please make a full video on the digital mirror feature? I was completely unaware of this feature. I recently purchased loopback audio, but I haven’t had a chance to put it to good use yet.
Certain DAWs and Apps cant see your digital mirror, so it’s extremely dependent on each person’s combinations of software’s being used
I would say its more dynamic and clarified tbh good job UAD
Someone was given a free apollo gen 2!!
Must be nice 😅
Hits hard if you bought a new gen 1 apollo x4 two month ago...
swear lmao, fuck it tho not much of a difference we gucci
How would you compare the sound quality to the prism sound titan?
Prism sounds slightly better but has zero features or helpful headphone mix apps or built-in DSP. With a Prism, You’d have to record hearing a 100% dry direct headphone mix, or monitor thru your DAW and deal with buffer size and plugin count related latency while you record singing
@ thanks I just got the prism and I’m totally cool with rocking a dry signal however I do miss low latency auto tune for creative writing purposes
Is loopback available on windows as well or is it on mac only?
Is it possible to buy for example a x4 gen2 to combine it with my older Apollo 8 (not x8 gen 1) just to get the new functions like auto gain etc?
Thanks mate
Love it !
The subpar AD/DA conversion of previous generations made me hesitant to consider the Apollo series over other options like Apogee. I know others who feel the same. Glad they seem to have listened and made improvements in that area for new customers.
Right... so I know what I'm getting. Gooood daaaamn!
How does it compare to the RME Babyface Pro FS? The RME has much better specs, doesn't need to be plugged in and has much better driver support. Is there anything about the new Gen 2s that really changes the conversation?
I’m still waiting for RME to send me anything to test
@@ReidStefanMusic It'd be sick if they did, would love a breakdown of the babyface, looks like an amazing interface
Yes RME is king 👑
I bought my Apollo X4 last year (January 2024). How do you tell the difference between version 2,3,4 and the latest updates? You can't do it by looking at the hardware. It's all the same.
I'm getting a little more high end with the 2nd gen on the vocal A/B, if the vocal is going thru the exactly same chain the difference is wild.
Both mic preamp tests are the same telefunken 251 plugged directly into Apollo
@@ReidStefanMusic Just finished the whole video, amazing comparison, definitely could hear a difference on all three tests you played. I like the new sound a little bit more, I feel it less muddy
@@IvoMimica I’ll also tell you that I see a 0.6 db increase in loudness of the examples of gen 2. If I’m right and they’re not level matched it is clear why it’s just such an audible difference. Old marketing trick.
How is it compared to the Neumann audio interface you tested?
Comparison video coming soon!
@@ReidStefanMusic Nice!
@@ReidStefanMusic please 👍🏼🫶🏼👍🏼
I have both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 x8p and notice a huge difference in conversion in both the monitor output and headphone output. Clarity, separation, stereo image and like a blanket has been lifted - less mud.
BS!!!!
@@chopshop523it’s not BS, it’s a great interface with easily justified popularity
@ReidStefanMusic It's not a huge difference. Thats BS!
@ conversion is rarely a “huge” difference unless you’re comparing 20 year old equipment to today’s. Every modern converter test is like splitting hairs. It’s not BS
@ReidStefanMusic You sir aren't paying attention. The gentleman that commented said huge difference. I said that was BS! Go back and read the comments. Did I lie?
wait so you get sonarworks refernence with the new apollo ??
does it sound better than the Neumann MT 48?
Thanks for the vid Reid. I am curious how the converters sound next to Avid Carbon, Apogee Symphony, Neumann MT48, and Prism Titan.
Prism Titan and Neumann mt48 comparisons coming soon 💎🔥😎
@@ReidStefanMusic Hope you get your hands on the new Apogee Symphony Studio series.
Thoughts on this vs the MT48? Particularly with regards to preamp/conversion/headphone amp quality.
Comparison coming soon 🔥
Very nicely produced review - but can't really hear the difference on YT, with that codec of theirs. I'm sold in general - just need to upgrade.
Hey Reid! Could you please do a video showing the new feature of how you can bypass the preamps in the Console with the Apollo Twin X 2nd Gens? For some reason no one is talking about this feature.
If you’re using your own analog preamp, simply Connect to Apollo using 1/4 inch TRS cable, instead of XLR. I never heard of any software setting in console
Now I can talk. I have an Apollo 16Mk2. I've been waiting for UA to release new interfaces like the X16 generation 2. I know it's going to be a big improvement from my mk2 interface, but does the x16g2 fit nowadays? I was expecting a better conversion than the one presented and a 24 or 32 AD-DA interface with more dsp... am I the only one? are you feeling dissapointed too with UA?
What do you think of the converters, better or worse than the Neuman MT48?
Comparison video coming soon 🔥
@ I am looking forward to it!
Already upgraded to the new x6 from my old Twin.
does the new converters improve the unison pres?
The signal passes through the new converters after the preamps
Can hear a difference in the tests but you didn’t comment on the new headphone amp. Is there much of a difference? Thanks
Yes it’s improved noticably. They have new headphone amps in addition to new converters
Ryan Tedder and The Weekend still use the Apollo Twin for recording vocals. They should upgrade the new generation of Apollos. I have 2 plugins from UAD and Luna. Did you try the Century Tube Channel Strip? Thanks for doing the video reid!!!!.
Is the Console update available for the 1st generation?
Yes Gen 1 apollos are getting all these new updates except for Auto Gain
@@ReidStefanMusic thank you
Is this Console update integrated into previous UAD gens or only 2 and up? Want to with my previous gen twin x
Yes previous X users can access all the new features except for input auto gain
Reid, what size monitor/TV are you using on your station?
42” LG TV
In your professional opinion how does this compare to the Neumann MT 48 in regards to recording vocals.
Comparison video coming in 2025
Same SHARC DSP?
Yes. Instead of increasing the internal processors, they dropped native UAD Spark plug-ins, so we could use the faster processors we already own in our computers nowadays.
@@ReidStefanMusic Why not just put newest, most powerful native processors to not have to use the computer's resources. Lateral move, really.
@@bobbyhofermusicbecause the device would be priced out of 90% of the music market and people don’t need two powerful computers to make a song. One is enough. I only want SHARC on my headphone mix which is 2-3 plugins max
I have a clarett* apparently it’s higher quality than the Apollo twin is that right?
I havnt heard clarett yet. I’d gladly test if they sent me one 👍
Good luck trying to benchmark that with the new Twin X Gen 2. Clarett is excellent, but it's not God's audio interface either - if you know, you know.
No one talk about it 😢 but this song is so hot 🔥thank you❤
What speaker stands under the ATC s?
The upgrade is welcome if you are shopping for a prosumer interface. It is definitely not worth the upgrade if you have a first-gen. A mastering plugin can make up the difference. If you are curious about how a mastering-grade digital converter/interface should sound like, try BURL Audio.
Why inputs 25@26 for Loopback?. I still do not get it.
I don’t think this touches the Apogee Symphony I/O MkII SE converters in sound quality. Can you do a comparison between the Gen2 and SE?
How much is the apogee MKII .? Lol.😅
@@Dreams-N-Nightmares to be honest the Apollo X16 and Symphony MKII SE 16x16 is not that much difference in price !
If they send me, I will test and compare 👍
they have the exact same converters,....9 series ESS converters... No difference ;)!
Generation 1 sounds less artificial
They’re both great
yeah, X1 sounds more analog and midrangey
this dude a puppet of the industry
Realest Puppet in the game 🫡
I have a question about the monitor controller and surround sound. Does this work with all Apollos or only with X6 and X8? I am currently using my subwoofer via the daisy chain, but would like to connect it directly to the interface. Does this work with Twin and X4 or does 2.1 and so on only work with X6, X8? Regards :)
Yes monitor control will work with the new Twin X because it has extra outputs for a subwoofer
@@ReidStefanMusic This means that I can connect the monitors to Output 1 and 2 (Monitor Output) and the subwoofers to Line Out 3 and 4 and can then also control this using the large volume control on the Twin X. This was not possible with Gen1, as 3 and 4 were not adjustable, or is this only possible via the software? Thanks for the quick answer.
@@etsch yes this will be possible due to the monitor control feature coming in a Console Update
@@ReidStefanMusic Thanks for the info, Universal Audio sold a new Apollo through you.
Is the Digital Mirror option only available on x6? I've got a Twin X and I can't see this option in the Hardware Settings menu. (latest console version)
Yes all Apollo X should have digital mirror. Make sure you’re using an updated console version
for me the biggest addition is that the gen 2 twin works with mac and windows now
ID on those rack mounted meters?
That’s a pair of Dorrough 40 a 2
@@ReidStefanMusic Thanks Reid
Do the new ones work for windows ?????
Depends if you own one of the “officially approved and tested” Thunderbolt compatible windows computers listed on uaudio.com. Many custom built Thunderbolt PCs are not technically compatible, but some major brand products from Razor, HP, and others are tested and approved. Thunderbolt and windows is not all simple and straightforward like Mac protocol
is the solo headphone amp able to drive high impedance headphones like the hd 650? i remember the old solos were severely underpowered.
Yes my beyerdynanamics sounded awesome
@@ReidStefanMusicmy twin X not Work good with audeze mm500, gen2 you think is work?
Does it work well on Windows 11?
I own a x8 G1 and also sonarworks, but i cant seem to find the integration in the new console update, is that also g2 exclusive?
I believe it’s an upcoming update
no, also Gen1 will receive Sonarworks.
I've got the original apollo from 2012, will the update with the room correction also come to that? (mentioned at 11:24)
No the 2012 models can’t do any of these updates unfortunately. The Apollo generations from 2018 or newer only
Could be the real reason to upgrade actually. Would have loved to have my old twin be supported though. It should be possible from a hardware perspective at least.
@@NikolajChristensen most electronics that are over a decade old don’t get supported in new software updates. Think about updating any 12 year old computer or cell phone, this situation is very normal
@@ReidStefanMusic they could easily to this tho
@@ReidStefanMusic yeah it is. Maybe just a bit spoiled with my Kemper profiler still getting frequent updates.
LOOPBACK FINALLY!!!
Digital mirror has been there as far back as 2018 from what i recall
Karra should release that song, it would be a hit
Coming soon
@@ReidStefanMusic Yay! 😁
Fantastic. Reminded me to listen to On My Own again. Love that song
I used the Apollo x6 Gen 1 with BURL B2 AD converter, there's any difference of DA converter of Apollo gen 2 ? Please advice.
Yes the converters are improved in Gen 2. Refer to the sound quality test I’ve included at 6:25
To me sounded better 1th gen in recording in a very clear and noticeable way. Yes the second gen in cleaner but the old one ha a bit of grit and definition in the mid range that creates more intelligibility.
IS LOOPBACK avai]able in CONSOLE but on 1ST gen Apollo???????????????
hi, ween I have 1 generation twin x , can I do with new generation x6 link ? ist compatible? thank you
You can link, but the newer Apollo has to be Master