Compare. To ensure proper audio system functionality, follow these guidelines when using a Thunderbolt Apollo as the audio input and/or output device for Windows WDM system audio. Standby for ignition.Since being relaunched by James and Bill Jr, the sons of original founder Bill Putnam, in 1999, UA has focused most of its attention on the ever-growing market for products that enhance and improve the experience of computer-based sound recording.

In basic use, these provide the clean high-quality signal essential for a good recording, but Unison’s real trick is its ability to load in classic channel strip, processor, and guitar and bass amplifier models. As with any optical digital I/O, the specifics depend on the sample rate being used – for example, the S/PDIF input is only available if the interface is running at or below 96kHz, while the ADAT input provides eight inputs at up to 48kHz, four at 88.2kHz or 96kHz, and just two when running at 176.4kHz or 192kHz.For outputs, Twin X has a main monitor output pair alongside a second pair of outputs that can be used for driving a second set of monitors, or as a couple of auxiliary output channels from your DAW. Apollo Twin X Quad. 828x. If the converters are significantly better than the Roland QC, then it sounds like it might be a good candidate. Here, we’re looking at the Quad variant, with four DSP cores. Apollo Twin X is a relatively affordable way to strengthen your studio capabilities, and an ideal hub around which you can grow a larger, more capable Apollo system.The Antelope Discrete 4 is a 4-in/6-out Thunderbolt and USB audio interface – like many other interfaces, the I/O can be expanded via ADAT digital I/O. MOTU. The only difference between this and the regular discrete 4 seems to be the dual DSP chips built in, on top of the FPGA chips that's already exist in the regular models. The Discrete 4 Synergy Core—D4SC from now on—features more modest i/o at a more modest price than Antelope’s Orion range, which should make it attractive to smaller studios and producers, and its feature set is particularly well-suited for musical applications. As part of a larger Apollo/UAD-2 rig, Twin X can serve as an ideal desktop monitor controller, monitor output path, and talkback hub.Universal Audio’s Apollo range of interfaces ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to what one needs from an audio I/O: high-quality signal paths and converters, solid and stable software that’s easy to use, and features that have clearly been designed by people who know their stuff when it comes to sound recording.Among the most compelling things about Apollo interfaces, though, is the built-in DSP and all the advantages it brings, as well as the effectiveness of the Unison preamps, which can make your recordings sound like they were performed on high-end analogue hardware.

This provides near-seamless integration between the DSP hardware and your DAW, with no discernible difference between working with a regular plug-in or a UAD-2 plug-in.Naturally, the number of simultaneous plug-ins that can be run depends on the number of DSP cores within your Apollo system, the complexity of the plug-ins you’re using, and the sample rate you’re working at. Antelope interfaces have always offered lots of features, as our review of the latest version of the Orion 32+ attests (see Both the new Discrete 4 and Discrete 8 Synergy Cores pack on‑board FGPA processing and twin ARM DSP chips, so they’re now more like low-latency processing platforms than just I/O boxes, although the interface spec remains impressive. The unit’s Synergy Core combines two DSP chips with a single FPGA processor to support the suite of 36 built-in effects.If you want a little slice of the UA pie but can’t afford an Apollo interface, the Arrow may be for you.

Compare. This provides near-seamless integration between the DSP hardware and your DAW, with no discernible difference between working with a regular plug-in or a UAD-2 plug-in.Naturally, the number of simultaneous plug-ins that can be run depends on the number of DSP cores within your Apollo system, the complexity of the plug-ins you’re using, and the sample rate you’re working at. MOTU. On the digital side, ADAT in/out lightpipe connections allow for 8 additional channels of i/o—ideally the master clock in that case would be the D4SC’s high-end internal clock, with Antelope’s signature “Acoustically Focused Clocking” technology, via the Word Clock outs).

In a specially written guest feature, Peter Takis outlines the benefits (and dangers) that a social media detox can bring.In theory, these intelligent apps compensate for suboptimal acoustics, helping you make mixes that translate better. This dial serves chiefly as a monitor-volume controller but can also be used for setting input gain, and alternate monitor and headphone volumes. Apollo Twin X is a relatively affordable way to strengthen your studio capabilities, and an ideal hub around which you can grow a larger, more capable Apollo system.The Antelope Discrete 4 is a 4-in/6-out Thunderbolt and USB audio interface – like many other interfaces, the I/O can be expanded via ADAT digital I/O. Compare. He's also taught all aspects of recording and music technology at several NY audio schools, and has been writing articles for Recording magaz... Ask.Audio is your ultimate daily resource covering the latest news, reviews, tutorials and interviews for digital music makers, by digital music makers. In a specially written guest feature, Peter Takis outlines the benefits (and dangers) that a social media detox can bring.In theory, these intelligent apps compensate for suboptimal acoustics, helping you make mixes that translate better. There are four analog outputs, plus dedicated L/R Monitor outs, all TRS.

This last point is important, particularly if you’re working at 176.4kHz or 192kHz, because these high sample rates use considerably more of the available DSP power than rates of 96kHz or below.This and the Twin X’s limited connectivity can be dealt with by adding more Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 processors to your rig, with the Console and driver software supporting up to six UAD-2 devices in total, four of which can be Apollo audio interfaces.As a standalone unit, then, the Apollo Twin X is an impressive audio interface, delivering the features and quality we’ve come to expect from Universal Audio within a compact enclosure and at a comparatively affordable price.

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