Universal Audio Apollo Twin DUO MkII Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface

Unlock powerful UAD plug-ins and Unison mic preamp modeling with the Apollo Twin MKII, Universal Audio's desktop Thunderbolt 2 interface for Windows or Mac.

Overview

The Universal Audio Apollo Twin DUO MkII is a ground-up redesign of the world's most popular professional desktop recording interface -- delivering enhanced audio conversion with the tone, feel, and flow of analog recording. This 2x6 Thunderbolt audio interface for Mac and Windows features on-board UAD-2 DUO processing, Unison(TM) technology, and the next-generation A/D and D/A conversion you've heard on hundreds of hit records.

With UAD-2 DUO Core processing built in, Apollo Twin MkII lets you offload plug-in processing to your audio interface instead of your host computer, giving you the horsepower for running Universal Audio's industry-leading analog emulation plug-ins.

Windows Compatibility: Thunderbolt over USB-C

For Windows 10 users, as of UAD v9.0.0, all UAD Thunderbolt devices are compatible with Windows 10 PCs that have built-in Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C. To connect your Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin MkII to a Windows PC, you'll need:
- A USB-C port with built-in Thunderbolt 3.
- A qualified Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapter, which connects between the Thunderbolt 3 USB-C port on the computer and the Thunderbolt-equipped Universal Audio product.

Qualified Thunderbolt Adapters for Windows
Universal Audio has tested and qualified the following Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapters for compatibility with Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo audio interfaces and UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt:
- Startech Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt Adapter (Product… read more ID: TBT3TBTADAP)
- Kanex Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt Adapter (Product ID: K170-1051-BK6I)

Note: The Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapter (Product ID: MMEL2AM/A) has been found to be incompatible with certain Windows systems in Universal Audio's internal testing. As a result, Universal Audio does not recommend this adapter for Windows Thunderbolt systems. The Apple adapter is incompatible with hot-plugging the adapter into the computer's USB-C port. However, the adapter is compatible with hot-plugging the Thunderbolt cable into the adapter.

Note that Apollo Twin MkII does not ship with a USB-C to Thunderbolt adapter, and Windows users may need to purchase an adapter to connect to this interface.

For Mac users, the Apollo Twin MkII can be connected to your Mac's Thunderbolt 1 or Thunderbolt 2 port -- just add a Thunderbolt cable.

Next-Generation Apollo A/D and D/A Conversion

Apollo Twin MkII improves upon the original Apollo Twin's gold-standard audio qUAlity with completely redesigned A/D and D/A conversion -- giving you increased dynamic range and ultra-low THD. This next-generation conversion results in breathtaking clarity, depth, and accuracy in recordings -- as heard on hit records by Kendrick Lamar, Coldplay, Brad Paisley, and more.

Unison Mic Preamp Emulation Technology for Neve, API, Manley, UA & More

A Universal Audio breakthrough, Apollo Twin MkII's Unison technology gives you the genuine tone of the world's most sought-after tube and transformer-based mic preamps -- including Neve,(R) API,(R) Manley,(R) and UA -- complete with their signature impedance, gain stage "sweet spots," and component-level circuit behaviors.

Based on Apollo Twin MkII's unrivaled hardware-software integration, Unison lets you record at near-zero latency through preamp emulations like the included UA 610-B Tube Preamp, for authentic analog sound unmatched by other interfaces. Unison technology is also found on Apollo Twin MkII's front panel Hi-Z instrument input, giving you dead-on, impedance-matched emulations of iconic stompboxes and guitar and bass amps -- like the included Marshall Plexi Classic Guitar Amp and Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp plug-ins -- and other award-winning titles like the Fender '55 Tweed Deluxe.

Realtime UAD-2 Processing -- a Studio Full of Analog Sounds

Building upon the Apollo tradition, Apollo Twin MkII opens up a range of classic analog tones and color via its Realtime UAD Processing. Available with a choice of UAD-2 DUO Core processing onboard, Apollo Twin lets you record through the full range of UAD Powered Plug-Ins -- at near-zero latency -- including genuine analog emulations from Neve, Studer, Ampex, API, Lexicon, Manley, Fender, and more.*

Right out of the box, the Apollo Twin MkII includes the "Realtime Analog Classics" suite of UAD plug-ins -- the UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, Raw Distortion, Marshall Plexi Classic Guitar Amp, Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp, legacy LA-2A and 1176LN compressors, Pultec EQs, and more -- so you have a rack full of bonafide audio classics already onboard.

Unlike competing interfaces, the Apollo Twin MkII powers UAD plug-ins inside all major DAWs for mixing and mastering (VST, RTAS, AU, AAX 64 format), greatly offloading the processing required from your host Mac or PC.

Built to Record: Improved Monitoring and Workflow

Apollo Twin MkII offers greatly improved monitor functionality versus the original Apollo Twin -- with Mute, DIM, Mono, and ALT speaker switching. It also includes monitor remote controls and a built-in talkback mic for easy communication with talent and/or recording slate cues. These features, combined with Apollo Twin MkII's scalability, make it a standard for professional desktop recording.

Professional Performance and Scalability with Console 2

Users of Apollo Twin MkII can combine up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices -- adding I/O and DSP as your studio grows. Once you expand your studio with an Apollo 8, 8p, or 16 rackmount unit, you can use Apollo Twin as a desktop monitor control while still tapping its additional I/O and DSP power.

Features:

- Desktop 2x6 Thunderbolt audio interface for Mac and Windows with next-generation 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion
- Available UAD-2 DUO Core Processing for tracking through vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, mic preamps, and guitar amp plug-ins with near-zero latency
- Unison technology offers stunning models of classic tube and transformer-based preamps, guitar amps, and stompboxes
- Built-in talkback mic for communication with studio talent and recording slate cues
- Improved monitor functionality including monitor remote functions and Mono, Mute, DIM, and ALT monitor controls
- 2 premium Unison mic/line preamps; 2 line outputs; front-panel Hi-Z instrument input and headphone output
- 2 digitally controlled analog monitor outputs for full resolution at all listening levels
- Up to 8 channels of additional digital input via Optical TOSLINK connection
- Includes Realtime Analog Classics UAD plug-in bundle, featuring the UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, Raw Distortion, Marshall Plexi Classic Guitar Amp, Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp, legacy LA-2A and 1176LN compressors, Pultec EQs, and more
- Runs UAD Powered Plug-Ins via VST, RTAS, & AAX 64 in all major DAWs
- Uncompromising analog design, superior components, and premium build qUAlity

Apollo Twin MkII includes the "Realtime Analog Classics" UAD plug-in bundle. All other plug-ins are sold separately at www.UAudio.com. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Included in the Realtime Analog Classics Plug-in Bundle:

- UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ
- Marshall Plexi Classic Guitar Amp
- Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
- UA 1176LN Limiting Amplifier (Legacy)
- UA 1176SE Limiting Amplifier (Legacy)
- Pultec EQP-1A EQ (Legacy)
- Pultec Pro EQ (Legacy)
- Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier (Legacy)
- Raw Distortion
- Precision Channel Strip (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
- Precision Reflection Engine (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
- Precision Delay Mod (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
- Precision Delay Mod L (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
- RealVerb Pro Custom Room Modeler

Specs

System Requirements:

MAC:
- Apple Mac computer with available Thunderbolt port
- macOS 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, or 10.14 Mojave

WINDOWS:
- PC computer with built-in Thunderbolt 3 port
- Windows 10 (64-Bit Edition)
- Qualified Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter (sold separately)

ALL:
- Thunderbolt 2 cable (sold separately)
- 6 gigabytes available storage
- Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
- Compatible VST, Audio Units, RTAS, or AAX 64 plug-in host DAW software
- Quad Core i7 or better processor recommended

For additional compatibility information, visit help.uaudio.com

Dimensions:
- Height: 2.60"
- Width: 6.31"

LINE IN:
- THD+N @-1dBFS @min gain: -109dB
- SNR, A-weighted: 117.5dB
- Dynamic range, A-weighted: 117.5dB

MIC IN:
- THD+N @-1dBFS @min gain, no pad: -111dB
- SNR, A-weighted: 118dB
- Dynamic range, A-weighted: 118dB

LINE 3-4 OUT:
- THD+N @-1dBFS: -110dB
- SNR, A-weighted: 121dB
- Dynamic range, A-weighted: 121dB

HEADPHONES:
- THD+N @-1dBFS: -105dB
- SNR, A-weighted: 113dB
- Dynamic range, A-weighted: 113dB

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
DUO, Heritage Edition: Includes premium suite of 5 UAD plug-in titles valued at $1,345: Shipping Weight: 3.75 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 6 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): UAD APTWINDMK2HE

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 831-440-1176
Web: https://help.uaudio.com/

User Manual

Apollo Thunderbolt Console Software Manual

Reviews

(5 ratings)

Submitted December 30, 2017 by Mike R in Houston, TX

"QUAD = Studio Perfection"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

The apollo twin mkii quad has been the most significant upgrade to my studio hands down. You truly feel the connection between your DAW (Logic Pro X in my case) and the interface. The sound quality and ease of use makes the unit a dream to work with. The buttons are well thought out and positioned in a manner that makes for a very intuitive experience overall. The most significant feature is the onboard DSP chips which takes the workload off of your computer. That feature along with unmatched effects plugins and the capability to record on the way in through true world class preamp emulations with undetectable latency is immensely powerful. Truly a industry standard unit. Buy this and have no regrets for settleing for something much more inferior and subpar.

Sound
Top notch “big studio” sound quality is what you get from this unit. Hands down the best sounding unit I have ever used. Sound is better than the apogee unit which this replaced.

Features
The features that sets this unit apart is the onboard DSP and the ability to record through plugins via the awesome unison technology. Other features are great as well i.e. talk back mic, dim, low pass filter, dedicated headphone/monitor buttons. Truly a feature packed unit.

Ease of Use
By far the most well thought out and intuitive unit I have ever used. It is a dream not to have to dive through menus and hoops and just be able to adjust… read more parameters in a tactile manner. The unit once detected immediately once plugged into the thunderbolt cable. Set the unit was set up in Logic and it has been flawless ever since.

Quality
Both the build and sound quality are immaculate. The device is built like a tank and poses no threat of a short life span.

Value
The value far exceeds the price tag with what all you get from this unit. I purchased when UAD offered the extra four free plugins (Neve 1073, Fairchild Collection, Oxide Tape Recorder , Lexixon 224 Reverb) which is and added value of over $1,000 so I couldn’t be happier.

Manufacturer Support
My only involvement with UAD support was to register the device which was just simply cool proof easy! Other companies should follow suit with registration protocol.

The Wow Factor
The interface does give if a wow factor due to the professional look of the unit. UAD is synonymous with quality for those in the know.

Musical Background:
Music Producer/ Mix Engineer

Musical Style:
Electronic, Pop, R & B, Hip -Hop.

22 of 22 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?

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DUO, Heritage Edition: Includes premium suite of 5 UAD plug-in titles valued at $1,345

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Plug-in Promo: Get up to $447 worth of plug-ins FREE!

Purchase and register this product to receive up to $447 in free plug-ins from Universal Audio! Offer ends December 31! Learn more »

5 Plug-in Collections Included with Heritage Edition:

UA 1176 Collection, Teletronix LA‑2A Classic Leveler Collection, Pultec Passive EQ Collection, UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection, UA Pure Plate Reverb