Blog 18 | Introducing the Apollo X Gen 2: Elevating Your Studio Sound to New Heights



October 10, 2024 - Posted by Mash Maximus


Universal Audio, has once again raised the bar with their latest release: the Apollo X Gen 2 Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces. Building on the success of their popular Apollo line, these new interfaces bring unparalleled audio conversion, authentic analog sound, and innovative features to studios of all sizes.




Pro Audio LA is your resource for all things Universal Audio Apollos’. We love Apollos’ and have even built specific
Break-in/Out panels to enable quick and easy access to all the connections on your rackmount Apollo. Don't forget our laser-engraved wooden studio boxes for Apollo x8p! If you like analog summing and want to use your Apollo and its Unison preamps to get that analog vibe in your mixes, check out our Apollo x8P and SUM cable bundle. If you already have an Apollo and just want the SUM cable, check THESE out.


Next-Generation Sound Quality

At the heart of the Apollo X Gen 2 is Universal Audio's commitment to sonic excellence. With elite-class converters boasting the lowest distortion and widest dynamic range in their class, these interfaces ensure you'll hear every detail in your recordings. Whether you're tracking vocals, guitars, or a full band, the Apollo X Gen 2 captures the nuances that make your music come alive.

The Apollo X Gen 2 introduces several game-changing features designed to streamline your workflow and enhance your productions:

  1. **Auto-Gain**: Never miss a take again. This assistive feature automatically sets input gain across multiple channels within seconds, ensuring optimal levels for your recordings
  2. **Bass Management**: Achieve perfect low-end translation in your mixes with integrated subwoofer support for setups ranging from stereo 2.1 to immersive 9.1.6 Atmos systems
  3. **Apollo Monitor Correction**: Powered by Sonarworks®, this feature provides real-time DSP correction for both main monitors and headphones, ensuring consistent and accurate monitoring in any environment.
The Apollo X Gen 2 continues Universal Audio's tradition of seamless integration with UAD plugins. With options ranging from Essentials+ to Ultimate+ editions, you'll have access to authentic emulations of classic analog gear from Neve, SSL, API, and more. The onboard HEXA Core DSP allows for near-zero latency recording through these plugins, bringing the sound of professional studios directly into your productions. If you are reading this, then you already know what UAD plugins are and what they do. Our love for UAD plugins runs deep.

The new Apollo X Gen 2 family includes:

Desktop models

Apollo Twin X Duo, a 10 x 6 Thunderbolt audio interface with two Unison mic preamps, elite-class Apollo X Gen 2 audio conversion, Auto-Gain, Apollo Monitor Correction, Bass Management, DUO core DSP plug-in processing, and premium software suite for Mac or Windows.


Apollo Twin X Quad, same as the Twin X Duo but with QUAD core DSP plug-in processing. Apollo x4 Quad, a 12 x 18 Thunderbolt audio interface with four Unison mic preamps, elite-class Apollo X Gen 2 audio conversion, Auto-Gain, Apollo Monitor Correction, Bass Management, QUAD core DSP plug-in processing, and premium software suite for Mac or Windows.


Rackmount models

Apollo x6 Hexa, the first of the Rackmount interfaces, 16 x 22 Thunderbolt audio interface with two Unison mic preamps, elite-class Apollo X Gen 2 audio conversion, Auto-Gain, Apollo Monitor Correction, up to 5.1 surround sound with Bass Management, HEXA core DSP plug-in processing, and premium software suite for Mac or Windows.


Apollo x8 Hexa, the x6’s bigger brother, 18x24 channel interface. We all know what this is and love it.


Apollo x8p Hexa, the x8P but in 16 x 22 configuration and 8 unison mic preamps. We all love this one too, possibly the most. The x8P has been a favorite in project and serious studios for a few years now, its reputation precedes itself.


Apollo x16 Hexa, 18 x 20 no-nonsense I/O, Thunderbolt interface. Everybody’s favorite companion to an x8 or x8P. It’s the best way to get lots of channels of I/O along with massive amounts of DSP processing power. Immersive audio support for up to 9.1.6.


Apollo x16D Hexa everything like the x16 but this one is equipped with Dante connectivity also. Perfect for live sound venues or networked recording studios, UA’s Apollo x16D interface gives you elite-class Apollo X sound and realtime UAD plug-in processing over Thunderbolt and Dante. With Apollo x16D, you can mix and record live performances with over 200 UAD plug-ins from Neve, SSL, and Auto-Tune, plus classic LA-2A and 1176 compressors, and more.


From home studios to professional facilities, there's an Apollo X Gen 2 interface tailored to your specific requirements. With high-speed Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, these interfaces offer rock-solid performance on both macOS and Windows systems. The ability to link up to four Apollo units provides scalability for larger productions, with full studio monitor control including talkback functionality. I mean, how long have Windows users waited to get access to a plug and play powerhouse like the x8 or x16??? Here it is!!!

The Apollo X Gen 2 Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces represent a significant leap forward in digital audio technology. By combining state-of-the-art conversion, innovative features, and the renowned UAD plugin ecosystem, Universal Audio has created a range of interfaces that cater to the evolving needs of modern music producers, engineers, and content creators.

Whether you're upgrading your current setup or building a new studio from the ground up, the Apollo X Gen 2 offers the tools and quality necessary to take your productions to the next level. We here at Pro Audio LA love our Apollos. So much so that we have created some intuitive workflow products to benefit all Apollo users. You have probably already seen these, but in case you haven’t, check out our Break-In and Break-Out panels and Apollo + SUM cable bundle, specifically tailored to the rackmount Apollos. Experience the future of audio recording and mixing – available October 8th, 2024.