Quick Overview
The Apollo Solo is a compact audio interface that provides high-quality sound and a range of features for recording and mixing music. It has two combo jacks for microphones or instruments, two monitor outputs, and a Thunderbolt three port. The device also includes two unison mic enabled preamps and a Hi-Z input on the front, as well as a headphone jack. The Apollo Solo is part of the UAD ecosystem, which offers a range of plugins and software for audio production. While it may have some limitations, it is a cost-effective way to get started with UAD and is still worth considering in 2023.
Specifications
1. Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with UAD DSP.
2. Inputs: Two XLR combo jacks for microphones or instruments, with the option for mic, line, or instrument level signals.
3. Outputs: Stereo monitor outputs and an independent headphone output for Q mixes.
4. Preamps: Dual unison preamps for authentic emulations of vintage and tube preamps using plugins and analog circuitry changes.
5. Compatibility: Requires a Thunderbolt 3 cable for connection.
6. Latency: Sub-2 millisecond latency for real-time tracking with UAD plugins.
7. Software: Includes Universal Audio’s new Luna recording system software for Mac users.
8. Portability: Compact, portable, and bus-powered, making it suitable for on-the-go recording and mixing.
Applications
1. Songwriting: The Apollo Solo is an ideal companion for songwriting, as it is compact, portable, and bus-powered. You can connect it to your computer and start recording, mixing, or editing your projects right away.
2. Location recording: The Apollo Solo is great for location recording, as it is portable and easy to set up. You can use it to record live performances, interviews, or other events on the go.
3. Q mixes: The independent headphone output on the Apollo Solo works great for Q mixes, allowing you to create custom headphone mixes for different performers or band members.
4. Vintage preamp sounds: The dual unison preamps on the Apollo Solo allow you to create authentic emulations of vintage and tube preamps using both plug-ins and changes to the analog circuitry. This is a hybrid approach that works extremely well for getting those great classic preamp sounds.
How we use the Apollo Solo in our studio?
1. Recording vocals and instruments: The Apollo Solo’s mic/line inputs and instrument inputs allow you to record vocals, guitars, basses, keyboards, and other instruments with high-quality sound.
2. Monitoring: The stereo monitor outputs and headphone output allow you to monitor your recordings and mixes with precision and clarity.
3. Processing: The Apollo Solo’s UAD DSP allows you to use UAD plugins for processing your recordings and mixes, such as EQ, compression, reverb, and more.
4. Mixing: The Apollo Solo can be used as the centerpiece of a studio setup for mixing music projects, allowing you to route audio signals to different channels and apply effects and processing as needed.
5. Location recording: The Apollo Solo’s compact and portable design makes it ideal for location recording, allowing you to record live performances, interviews, or other events on the go.
Why do you need it?
If you’re looking for a high-quality audio interface that delivers exceptional sound and versatility, the Universal Audio Apollo Solo is an excellent choice. With its dual unison preamps, mic/line inputs, instrument inputs, monitor outputs, and headphone output, the Apollo Solo provides everything you need to record and mix music projects with precision and clarity. The UAD DSP processing power built into the Apollo Solo allows you to use UAD plugins for processing your recordings and mixes, giving you access to a wide range of effects and processing options. The compact and portable design of the Apollo Solo makes it ideal for on-the-go recording and mixing, while its compatibility with Universal Audio’s new Luna recording system software provides a seamless workflow for Mac users. Overall, the Apollo Solo is a powerful and versatile tool that will help you achieve professional-quality recordings and mixes, whether you’re a songwriter, instrumentalist, guitarist, keyboardist, or audio professional.
Pros vs Cons
Pros:
1. High-quality sound: The Apollo Solo delivers exceptional sound quality for recording and mixing music projects .
2. Portability: Its compact and lightweight design makes it portable and suitable for on-the-go recording and mixing .
3. UAD DSP processing power: The built-in UAD DSP allows for real-time tracking with UAD plugins and provides access to a wide range of effects and processing options .
4. Compatibility with UAD plugins: Users can utilize powerful DSP-driven plugins from Universal Audio, such as the LA-281-76 and the Studer Tape Machine, enhancing the creative possibilities .
5. Versatility: The Apollo Solo is suitable for a range of users, including songwriters, instrumentalists, guitarists, keyboardists, and audio professionals .
6. Dual unison preamps: The Apollo Solo features dual unison preamps for authentic emulations of vintage and tube preamps using plugins and analog circuitry changes.
Cons:
1. Thunderbolt 3 cable requirement: The Apollo Solo requires a Thunderbolt 3 cable for connection, which may require an additional purchase for some users .
2. Limited I/O: With two XLR combo jacks, the Apollo Solo may have limited input/output options for users with more complex recording needs .
3. Price: The cost of the Apollo Solo may be a consideration for some users, especially when comparing it to other audio interfaces with similar features.
Is it worth the investment?
The Universal Audio Apollo Solo is undoubtedly worth the investment for anyone seeking a high-quality audio interface with exceptional sound and versatility. Its compact and portable design, combined with the powerful UAD DSP processing, makes it a valuable tool for on-the-go recording and mixing, providing access to a wide range of effects and processing options. The inclusion of dual unison preamps further enhances its appeal, allowing for authentic emulations of vintage and tube preamps. While the initial investment may be a consideration, the Apollo Solo’s compatibility with UAD plugins and its ability to deliver professional-quality recordings and mixes make it a sound investment for musicians, songwriters, instrumentalists, and audio professionals alike.
Recommendations
Universal Audio Apollo Solo USB Heritage Edition: This mobile interface is our go to interface when we are on the road. Having the ability to just place my Macbook Pro and Apollo in my backpack and go meet up with my friends to create music has changed my life. I’ll often throw a Shure SM7B in my backpack, if I know I will be recording vocals and head out to meet my friends or clients to do location recordings. The fact that Apollo does not need a power cable makes this the perfect companion for a traveling audio engineer. I will often go to Vegas, take my Apollo Solo, my Steven Slate VSX Headphones and mix in my hotel room. How cool is that!
Durcord: Picking the correct cabling to connect with our computers is something the modern audio engineer must learn in order to begin their careers. We have used Durcord for sometime and now always go with them when we need specific computer cabling. Remember that the Apollo Solo will require a USB-C cord! We have multiple USB-C backup cords on hand because you never know when you’ll need one!