Universal Audio Unveils New Apollo Twin MkII Desktop Audio Interface for Mac and Windows

January 20 2017, 03:00

First day of NAMM 2017, and Universal Audio unveiled its new Apollo Twin MkII desktop audio interface, a much improved version of the popular Apollo Twin, introduced in 2014. The new MkII version delivers next-generation 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA audio conversion with Unison Technology, Realtime UAD Processing, now up to UAD-2 QUAD processing, talkback functionality, and improved monitoring functions to Mac and Windows users over Thunderbolt 2.

The Apollo Twin MkII is a ground-up redesign of one of the world’s most popular professional desktop recording interfaces for Mac and Windows, and is now available in stores worldwide. Featuring onboard Realtime UAD-2 SOLO, DUO, or all new QUAD processing, this portable, compact, and lightweight 2x6 Thunderbolt audio interface improves upon the original Apollo Twin’s gold-standard audio quality with completely redesigned A/D and D/A next-generation conversion, offering increased dynamic range and ultra-low THD.

The Apollo Twin MkII also features Unison technology, which allows its dual mic preamps and front-panel DI to sound and behave like the world’s most sought-after tube and solid state preamps, guitar amps, and stompboxes — including their all-important impedance, gain stage “sweet spots,” and circuit behaviors. Based on breakthrough integration between Apollo’s digitally controlled analog inputs and its onboard UAD processing, Unison lets Apollo Twin MkII owners track through a range of colorful preamp emulations from Neve, API, Fender, and more with amazing accuracy.

Apollo Twin MkII also offers improved monitor functionality versus the original Apollo Twin — with Mute, DIM, Mono, and ALT speaker switching. It also includes monitor remote controls, 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, and a built-in talkback mic for easy communication with talent, or for recording slate cues.

Apollo Twin MkII comes with Universal Audio’s “Realtime Analog Classics” UAD plug-in bundle, featuring legacy editions of the brand’s LA-2A Classic Audio Leveler, 1176LN Limiting Amplifier, and Pultec EQP-1A Program Equalizer, as well as the 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ plug-in, and Softube Amp Room Essentials. It supports UAD Powered Plug-Ins via VST, Audio Units, RTAS, and AAX 64 in all major DAWs.