Universal audio Apollo X4 Gen2 Essentials+
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Thunderbolt audio interface
The Apollo X4 Essentials+ is a sound card from Universal Audio.
Record and mix larger projects and hear every detail with the latest generation of UA's Apollo x4 interfaces. They're equipped with ultra-high-resolution audio converters, four Unison™ mic preamps and, thanks to the QUAD Core DSP processor, you'll be able to record in real time through the best UAD plug-ins on the planet, including emulations of equipment from Neve, Manley, Avalon, SSL and hundreds of others. The Apollo x4 is used by the crème de la crème of artists and producers around the world. Now it's your turn to take advantage of UA's timeless sound and legendary know-how to enhance your productions and facilitate future collaborations.
Apollo X4 Essentials+ highlights
- Work with state-of-the-art audio converters; never before has the Apollo benefited from such a wide dynamic range and low distortion.
- Access over 200 UAD DSP and native plug-ins, including the renowned Capitol Chambers, Sound City Studios, EL8 Distressor, et c.
- Mix with confidence on any loudspeaker or headphones with Apollo Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks®* technology.
- Use the automatic gain function to adjust the gain of multiple inputs in seconds. You'll never lose a take again.
- Listen to the bottom end of your mixes in the finest detail using the Bass Manager when you add a subwoofer to your monitoring system.
- Set up low-latency headphone networks, plug-in scenes and immersive monitoring in just a few clicks with the UAD Console application.
- Choose between the Essentials+ and Studio+ editions and receive thousands of dollars worth of UAD plug-ins, including Auto-Tune, Fairchild processors, Teletronix and more.
Apollo X4 Essentials+ Key Features
The desktop Apollo has never been so powerful
Universal Audio designed the Apollo x4 as an evolution of the Apollo Twin, the reference interface that revolutionized recording in home studios and small professional studios. The Apollo x4 offers more inputs and outputs, unprecedented dynamic range, and state-of-the-art 24-bit/192 kHz digital audio converters. What's more, it now offers even more advanced monitoring functions. Small professional studios and their collaborators can now benefit from the sound of the stars.
Record through legendary preamps
With its four Unison™ preamps and two high-impedance front-panel instrument inputs, the Apollo x4 lets you record in real time through dozens of classic preamp and console slice plug-ins, including those by Neve, Manley and API. You'll be able to bring back to your projects the magnificent analog textures you've been hearing for decades on some of history's most legendary recordings.
A new level of detail
The second-generation Apollo x4 is equipped with D/A converters offering the highest resolution ever offered by Universal Audio. These converters are combined with the Apollo Monitor Correction function, powered by Sonarworks® technology. Not only will this give you the most accurate representation of your recordings on your speakers or in your headphones, it will also ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises when you listen to your final mix or master.
UAD Console, the application that adapts to your needs
Like an analog studio, where everything goes through the console, the Apollo x4 features a powerful digital mixing engine that lets you control plug-in routing and monitoring. With new features such as automatic gain control, bass manager and plug-in scenes, you'll have no trouble creating an optimal working environment.
A hybrid system for all your projects
Combine the Apollo x4's QUAD Core DSP with the plug-ins running on your host computer to work on large-scale sessions with complex processing chains. This creates a powerful hybrid environment that outperforms any native recording setup.
Your studio grows with you
Adapt your studio to your needs by daisy-chaining up to four Apollo Thunderbolt interfaces. You'll have up to 128 inputs and outputs to work with in your DAW, all controlled from the comfort of your office with the Apollo x4. No matter where your music takes you, you'll always have an Apollo close at hand.
What the experts say
- Sound quality is incredible, with preamps that capture every detail. The included UAD plug-ins are a real plus, making professional sound effortless.
- This sound card is an excellent investment for music producers. The audio quality is breathtaking. The connectivity options are also highly appreciable. If you're looking for high-end sound without breaking the bank, the Apollo X4 Essentials+ is for you.
Technical sheet
- DSP Yes
- Essentials+ Edition
- Over €2,500 in value
- Over 20 plug-ins and instruments
- Basic package with the entire new range
- Audio interface
- 12-in, 18-out Thunderbolt audio interface with QUAD Core DSP processor for plug-ins
- Four Unison™ microphone preamps
- Two high-impedance (Hi-Z) instrument inputs
- Toslink optical input/output (ADAT or S/PDIF)
- Audio outputs
- Two speaker outputs on 6.35 mm jacks
- Four line outputs on 6.35 mm jacks (ALT 1 / 2)
- Two 6.35 mm TRS headphone outputs
- Converters and audio quality
- State-of-the-art 2nd generation Apollo X converters with 24-bit / 192 kHz digital audio resolution
- D/A conversion optimized for critical listening, with a dynamic range of 129 dB
- Calibration and monitoring functions
- Calibrate the outputs of your main monitoring speakers or headphones with the Apollo Monitor Correction function, powered by Sonarworks® technology*.
- Full-featured monitoring controller with alternative speaker switch and talkback mic for easy communication with artists
- Application and plug-in management
- Updated UAD Console application with automatic gain function
- Plug-in scenes, bass manager for subwoofer integration, immersive sound support, etc.
- Integrated DSP compatible with over 200 UAD plug-ins via 64-bit VST, AU and AAX formats in all major STANs
- Up to 50 UAD plug-ins included with Essentials+ and Studio+ editions
- Software compatibility
- Compatible with LUNA, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live, etc.
- Upgradeability
- Upgradeable with Apollo Thunderbolt interfaces or some models via a Dante network
- Technical support
- Free technical support from expert audio engineers