Universal Audio APX6 Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface (Rack/Mac/Win)

Universal Audio APX6 Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface (Rack/Mac/Win)

Elite Audio Conversion with New HEXA Core Processing and Surround Sound

The Universal Audio APX6, or named as the Apollo x6, is designed for allowing the post-productions studios and music producers to mix, track, and overdub with new world-beating D/A and A/D conversion, 5.1 surround sound monitoring, HEXA Core UAD plug-in processing, and Dual-Crystal clocking - all of this in a sleek rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for PC or Mac.

The Universal Audio APX6 is created upon the UA’s 60-year heritage of audio craftsmanship, it is built with 16 x 22 interface and able to easily outperforms everything in its class with two Unison™-enabled mic preamps, which also provides authentic emulations of preamps from SSL, API, Manley, Neve, and more, plus all new HEXA Core processing - which yields 50% more DSP for running UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time.

The Universal Audio APX6 is making the users capable to:

• Record with elite-class A/D and D/A conversion — nearing the widest dynamic range and lowest noise available, at any price
• Track with near-zero latency through Unison™ preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Helios, Fender, and more
• Mix with powerful HEXA Core processing, featuring 6 UAD DSP chips for running more UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time
• Integrate with high-end commercial systems, via 5.1 surround sound monitoring and selectable +24 dBu headroom

Elite-Class A/D and D/A Conversion

The Apollo interfaces are experienced to tracking stellar-sounding records, with thousands of hit songs and hundreds of Grammy-winning albums under their belt. For more improvements than the previous generation Apollo interfaces’ class-leading audio conversion, the professional UA engineers work much harder and auditioned the latest A/D and D/A converters, which is capable of ultimately pairing elite-class 24-bit/192 kHz converters with all-new analog circuitry for an ultra-pristine signal path.

The Apollo X series also introduces the latest and new Dual-Crystal clocking - which is created with dedicated crystals for 48/96/192k and 44.1/88.2/176.4k sample rates, that results in stunningly low jitter, measured at less than 10 picoseconds. This is converted into artifact-free, pure recordings and solid stereo imaging you can trust.

The Apollo x6’s natural, aopen sound, with -119 dB THD+N and 129 dB dynamic range, rivals any dedicated high-end converter on the market, with a huge difference in price, this is the perfect starting point for applying UAD processing.

Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing

Apollo x6 features HEXA Core processing, with six DSP chips and 50% more UAD plug-in processing power than previous Apollos. This lets you run more UAD plug-ins, whether you’re tracking in real time with channel strips from Neve, Manley, or API, or running high UAD plug-in counts when mixing in your DAW.

From the tube warmth of Pultec EQs on guitars to the musical tube limiting of the LA-2A on vocals, or the pump of a genuine 1176 or Fairchild 670 tube compressor on drums, your recordings will take a giant leap forward with a rich, three-dimensional analog sound that UAD plug‑ins provide.

Unison Technology: The Genuine Sound of Neve, API & Manley Preamps

Perfect for electronic musicians and post production professionals who don’t require tons of mic inputs, Apollo x6 features two Unison-enabled mic preamps, letting you track through exacting mic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Helios, SSL, and Universal Audio. A Universal Audio exclusive, Unison technology nails the tone of these sought-after tube and solid state mic pres — including their input impedance, gain stage “sweet spots,” and the component-level circuit behaviors of the original hardware.

The secret to Unison is its hardware-software integration between Apollo’s mic preamps and its onboard HEXA Core DSP Acceleration. Simply place a Unison preamp plug-in on your mic input in Apollo Console software, and it physically reconfigures the Apollo interface's impedance — so you can tap into the classic sounds of the world’s most recorded mic preamps.

Full Suite of ClassicAnalog Processing Onboard

A hallmark feature of Apollo is its Realtime UAD Processing, letting you run the full library of UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency. Apollo x6 includes the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, so you can record and mix with the world’s only authentic Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN, and Fairchild compressors, the Unison-enabled UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, and iconic guitar and bass amps from Marshall and Ampeg.

Access the World of UAD Powered Plug-Ins

Going beyond the included Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-ins, Apollo x6 lets you tap into the full UAD Powered Plug-In library of legendary vintage EQs, compressors, reverbs, tape machines, channel strips, and more — at near-zero latency, regardless of your audio software’s buffer size and without taxing your computer’s CPU.

With exclusive emulations from Neve, Studer, Manley, Helios, API, Ampex, SSL, Lexicon, Fender, and more,† it’s like having a studio full of iconic analog gear, in a single rack space. And unlike competing interfaces, these award-winning DSP-powered plug-ins are also available in your DAW for mixing.

Surround Sound, Talkback, and More

The Apollo x6 features built-in front-panel monitoring functions including a Talkback mic, Alt Speakers, and assignable Dim or Mono control. Plus, with its comprehensive 5.1 surround monitoring support, Apollo x6 is a boon for engineers and producers working on audio and music for video games, television, and the web. In addition, Apollo x6 offers selectable +24 dBu operation for out-of-the-box compatibility with professional mixing consoles and other high-end pro audio equipment.

Build an Expanded Studio System Over Thunderbolt

Apollo x6 offers 16 x 22 simultaneous inputs/outputs (6 x 6 analog I/O) and two built-in Thunderbolt 3 ports. This allows users of any Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin or Apollo rackmount audio interfaces to easily combine up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices — adding fast, high-bandwidth I/O and DSP as your studio grows.

Apollo: The Choice of New-School Professionals

Apollo is the confirmed choice of hit-making professionals, used to record landmark albums by Kendrick Lamar (DAMN.), Chris Stapleton (From A Room: Volume 1), Arcade Fire (Everything Now), Post Malone (Beerbongs & Bentleys), and many more. The Apollo range of interfaces has earned numerous industry awards from Sound on Sound, Future Music, and Electronic Musician — as well as the prestigious 2016 TEC Award for computer audio hardware.

Apollo x6 Features & Specs

• 16 x 22 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 KHz conversion (backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac)
• Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency, regardless of audio buffer size
• Record through 2 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps — giving you fully authentic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and more†
• Surround monitor controller up to 5.1 format
• Includes the "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately.
• UAD HEXA Core processing onboard for additional mixing horsepower for Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, and other major DAWs
• Combine up to 4 Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos and 6 total UAD devices
• Selectable +24 dBu operation for easy compatibility with professional mixing consoles and tape machines
• Convenient front panel monitoring functions including Alt Speakers, Talkback mic, and assignable Dim or Mono
• Free, industry-leading technical support — on the phone and online — from knowledgeable audio engineers

Interface Specifications

Apollo X Series System Requirements

ALL:

• Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included)
• Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
• 6 gigabytes available storage
• Quad Core i7 or better processor recommended
• For additional compatibility information, visit help.uaudio.com

• Available Thunderbolt 1, 2, or 3 port
• Thunderbolt 1 and 2 connections require an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (not included)
• macOS 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, or 10.14 Mojave

PC:

• Available Thunderbolt 3 port
• Windows 10 (64-Bit Edition)