Universal Audio Apollo QUAD with Thunderbolt #8008850 (Used)

The Universal Audio Apollo QUAD is one of the world’s most popular professional audio interfaces — delivering the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording to music creators everywhere. This 18 x 24 FireWire/ Thunderbolt-ready interface combines genuine UA analog design with class-leading sound quality and onboard Realtime UAD Processing. So you can track audio through a range of UAD analog emulation plug-ins — from Neve, Studer, Manley, Lexicon and more — in real time, with a sleek, elegant workflow on both Mac and Windows 7.

With smart features including four ultra-transparent mic preamps, eight line inputs/outputs, dual headphone outs, and front panel instrument inputs, Apollo has all the right tools, all in the right place.     

24-BIT/192 KHZ SOUND QUALITY

Designed to play a central role in a modern Mac or Windows 7-based studio, Apollo incorporates an uncompromising approach to audio quality. Building upon decades of UA hardware heritage, it offers extremely high-resolution sound, with the lowest THD and highest dynamic range in its class. Apollo’s four premium mic preamps, top-end converters — and UA’s meticulous attention to circuit design — translate into greater accuracy and depth in your recordings, from tracking and overdubbing, to mixing and mastering. In fact, its sound quality is on par with dedicated converters costing thousands more.

REALTIME UAD PLUG-IN PROCESSING FOR TRACKING, MIXING, AND MASTERING

While Apollo’s “natural” sound is exceedingly open and transparent, it can quickly deliver a wide range of classic analog tones and color via its Realtime UAD Processing. Apollo’s onboard DSP Acceleration allows for recording through UAD Powered Plug-Ins — with as low as sub-2ms latency — so that producers can quickly monitor, audition, and “print” audio using classic analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more. Better still, Apollo's Realtime UAD Processing is also available during mixing and mastering, so that music producers can use UAD plug-ins (VST, RTAS, AU) throughout the creative process.

DEEPER INTEGRATION WITH PRO TOOLS, LOGIC, CUBASE, AND MORE

Apollo’s Core Audio and ASIO drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, and more. The included Console application and companion Console Recall plug-in (VST/AU/RTAS) provide control and recall of all interface and Realtime UAD plug-in settings within your DAW sessions, even months and years later. A new “PT Mode” allows easier insertion of external hardware in Pro Tools, and a new Virtual I/O feature allows Realtime UAD Processing of DAW tracks and virtual instruments.

ELEGANT HARDWARE DESIGN AND WORKFLOW

One key feature of Apollo isn’t really a “feature” at all. It’s the numerous design details that give you a fast, natural workflow — and better results. There are physical front-panel controls for all the most commonly used features, including Preamp and Monitor level knobs, channel selection, mic pad and low cut, phantom power, and dual headphone outs with independent level control. Smart Hi-Z inputs on the front panel detect when you've connected your guitar or bass, and automatically enable hardware and software monitoring.

Sonically, Apollo's Mic inputs and Monitor outputs are digitally controlled analog, so you don't lose audio resolution when you adjust gain. High-resolution/high-contrast metering, derived from UA’s legendary 2192 interface, is designed to be viewable at nearly any angle. Finally, standalone operation means that you can use Apollo’s audio connections, and last-used DSP mixer settings, even without a computer connected.

The Universal Audio Thunderbolt Option Card for the Apollo audio interface provides greater UAD plug-in instances, improved performance at higher sample rates, and reduced UAD plug-in latency versus Apollo’s standard FireWire connection. Based on Intel’s Thunderbolt technology, found in iMacs, MacBook Pros, and MacBook Airs, the Thunderbolt Option Card offers unrivaled bandwidth and next-generation connectivity for the Apollo interface.

The user-installable Thunderbolt Option Card includes two Thunderbolt ports, and easily slides into the expansion bay of the Apollo. Bus power is provided to all downstream Thunderbolt devices, allowing music producers to connect numerous devices in series with the Apollo interface — including hard drives, processors, and computer displays — all with fast, flawless performance. 

When the Thunderbolt Option Card is engaged, Apollo’s FireWire 800 ports are instantly reconfigured as a hub for connecting FireWire devices, such as a hard drive or a UAD-2 Satellite.

FEATURES:

• Enables Thunderbolt technology for Apollo DUO and QUAD Audio Interfaces
• Provides greater UAD plug-in instances, improved performance at higher sample rates, and reduced plug-in latency versus FireWire
• 2 Thunderbolt ports supply bus power for convenient daisy-chaining of peripherals
• Allows Apollo’s built-in FireWire ports to be repurposed as a FireWire 800 hub over Thunderbolt
• Easy user installation – tool and instructions included
• Requires Apollo audio interface available from authorized dealers worldwide
• Thunderbolt cable sold separately