Universal Audio Apollo X6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface Uad

Product Code: eq60931
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$5,397.00 $7,825.65

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Born from the ever-popular Apollo line of interfaces used on loads of Grammy-winning albums and chart-topping songs, the Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface UADrackmount 16x22 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface combines the sound, feel, and flow of analog studio recording with upgraded clocking, surround monitoring, a robust bundle of 16 stellar UAD plug-ins, and 50% more DSP than earlier Apollos, thanks to its supercharged HEXA Core real-time UAD processing.

Furnished with elite-class 24-bit / 192 kHz conversion, rivaling dedicated high-end converters, the Apollo x6 gives music creators, record producers, and postproduction engineers the appreciable value of crystal-clear high-resolution recording and mixing with ultralow distortion (-119 dB) and immense dynamic range (129 dB). Additionally, its switchable headroom setting facilitates proper level-matching with a variety of audio equipment.

The interface features two XLR mic inputs and two 1/4" Hi-Z inputs, all with Unison integration for precise UAD emulations of classic analog preamps—impart vintage character of your choosing on microphone and instrument recordings while bypassing the unpredictable nature of old equipment. Plus, the six 1/4" line-level inputs on the rear panel can be used to patch in virtually any outboard mic preamps or direct outputs from a console.

Thanks to the switchable low-cut filter, pad, polarity inversion, 48V phantom power, and stereo linking on each preamp, you can efficiently optimize your incoming signals with straightforward buttons on the Apollo x6's face. In addition to the six primary analog inputs, you can record up to 10 more channels by connecting ADAT- and S/PDIF-equipped external preamps to the TOSLINK optical and S/PDIF coaxial input ports on the Apollo x6.

ADAT optical and S/PDIF coaxial outputs are also featured on the Apollo x6, allowing it to route up to 10 channels from your DAW to a digital mixer, headphone distribution system, or external D/A converter. Utilize the BNC wordclock input and output jacks to accurately clock sync to house or lock other digital equipment to the Apollo.

The built-in HEXA Core processing utilizes six DSP chips, granting 50% more DSP than earlier Apollos and the ability to monitor and record audio using classic analog emulations with near-zero latency and no burden on your computer's CPU. The included Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle empowers you with 16 top-notch plug-ins ranging from compressors and EQs to virtual guitar/bass amps and time-based processors. The included Console application provides control and recall of all interface and UAD plug-in settings including channel-strip presets, drag-and-drop functionality, and dynamically resizable windows.

Mac and Windows drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, and more. The interface also integrates seamlessly with LUNA, Universal Audio's free Mac-based, single-window recording system with unlimited track counts and full Audio Units support.

The Apollo x6 offers a comprehensive monitor section with talkback functionality and dedicated front-panel controls for Alt Speakers, Dim, and Mono functions, as well as input and output metering capabilities. In addition to the dedicated stereo monitor feed and two front-panel headphone outputs (great for handling multiple cue mixes), six 1/4" line outputs are available for connection to a second set of monitors and outboard processors. In fact, the Apollo x6 is capable of acting as a 5.1 surround sound monitor controller.

At any point, you can increase the power and capability of the Apollo x6 through integration of qualified Universal Audio hardware. Up to four Apollo interfaces and six total UAD-2 devices can be combined, allowing Thunderbolt users the ability to expand their I/O and DSP without abandoning the Apollo x6. The two Thunderbolt 3 ports are backward compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 via a qualified adapter (available separately).

Bands, Producers & Studio/Film Engineers 2 High-Speed Thunderbolt 3 Ports 2 Unison Mic Pres, 2 Hi-Z In, 6 Line In 2 Headphone Outs, 8 Line/Monitor Outs Elite-Class 24-Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA External Power Supply / Mac, Windows Monitoring & Talkback Control, ADAT I/O HEXA Core Processing with 6 DSP Chips Wordclock I/O, Expandable DSP and I/O 16 UAD Plug-Ins & Mac Recording Software

Key Specs
Channels of I/O	Analog: 6 Inputs / 12 Outputs at 192 kHz Digital: 10 Inputs / 10 Outputs at 96 kHz
Maximum Sampling Rate	192 kHz / 24-Bit
Number of Microphone Inputs	2 Preamps
Analog Audio I/O	2x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Mic Input 2x 1/4" TS Unbalanced Hi-Z Input (Front Panel) 6x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Input 2x 1/4" TRS Balanced Monitor Output 6x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output 2x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
Digital Audio I/O	2x TOSLINK Optical ADAT Input (S/MUX4 Support) 2x TOSLINK Optical ADAT Output (S/MUX4 Support) 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output
Host Connection	1x USB-C
Power Requirements	AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
Parameters
Channels of I/O	Analog: 6 Inputs / 12 Outputs at 192 kHz Digital: 10 Inputs / 10 Outputs at 96 kHz
Maximum Sampling Rate	192 kHz / 24-Bit
Number of Microphone Inputs	2 Preamps
Input Level Adjustment	1x Knob
Expansion Slots	No
Pad	-20 dB (Switchable per Channel)
Gain/Trim Range	Inputs: +10 to +65 dB
High-Pass Filter	75 Hz, 12 dB/Octave
Solo/Mute	Mute per Master
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O	2x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Mic Input 2x 1/4" TS Unbalanced Hi-Z Input (Front Panel) 6x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Input 2x 1/4" TRS Balanced Monitor Output 6x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output 2x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
Phantom Power	48 V, Selectable On/Off (Selectable on Individual Inputs)
Digital Audio I/O	2x TOSLINK Optical ADAT Input (S/MUX4 Support) 2x TOSLINK Optical ADAT Output (S/MUX4 Support) 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output
Host Connection	1x USB-C
Host Connection Protocol	Thunderbolt 3
USB (Non-Host)	No
Sync I/O	1x BNC Word Clock Input 1x BNC Word Clock Output
Network I/O	No
MIDI I/O	No
Performance
Frequency Response	Mic Inputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.05 dB Hi-Z Inputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.04 dB Line Inputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.05 dB Monitor Outputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.06 dB Line Outputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.07 dB Headphone Outputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.05 dB
Maximum Input Level	Mic Inputs: +26 dBu (with Pad) Hi-Z Inputs: +12.4 dBu Line Inputs: +24 dBu (with Pad)
Maximum Output Level	Line/Monitor Outputs: +24 dBu
Headphone Output Power	150 mW into 300 Ohms
Impedance	Hi-Z Inputs: 1 Megohm Line Inputs: 10 Kilohms Line Outputs: 100 Ohms Mic Inputs: 5.5 Kilohms Monitor Outputs: 100 Ohms Word Clock : 75 Ohms
Dynamic Range	Mic Inputs: 122 dBA Hi-Z Inputs: 121 dBA Line Inputs: 123 dBA Monitor Outputs: 129 dBA Line Outputs: 127 dBA Headphone Outputs: 125 dBA
THD+N	Mic Inputs: -114 dB / 0.0002% (1 kHz) Hi-Z Inputs: -111 dB / 0.00028% (1 kHz) Line Inputs: -113 dB / 0.00022% (1 kHz) Monitor Outputs: -118 dB / 0.00012% (1 kHz, at -1 dBFS) Line Outputs: -119 dB / 0.00011% (1 kHz, at -1 dBFS) Headphone Outputs: -102 dB / 0.0008% (1 kHz, at -1 dBFS)
Digital Audio
Sample Rates	Up to 192 kHz
Sample Rate Conversion	No
Bit Depths	24-Bit (AD/DA Conversion)
Latency	1.1 ms at 96 kHz (Input to Output)
Sync Sources	ADAT, Internal, S/PDIF, Word Clock
Clocking	Word Clock: Input Termination: 75 Ohms (Switchable) Lock Range: 44.1 to 192 kHz ±4% of Sample Rate
Memory Card Slot	No
Compatibility
Processor Requirement	Intel Core i7
Storage Requirements	6 GB
Mobile Device Compatibility	No
Required Hardware	Available Thunderbolt 3 Port Thunderbolt Cable (Not Included)
Internet Connection	Required for Registration and Software/Driver Download
Power
Power Requirements	AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
AC Input Power	100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
AC/DC Power Adapter	12 VDC at 6 A (Included)
Power Consumption	30 W (Typical) 72 W (Maximum)
Physical
Rackmount Size	1 RU
Operating Temperature	32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
Dimensions	19 x 13.5 x 1.8" / 48.3 x 34.3 x 4.6 cm (Including Controls and Protrusions)
Weight	9.0 lb / 4.1 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight	16.45 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	23 x 16.5 x 6.8"

Track, overdub, and mix with elite-class AD/DA conversion and DSP-powered plug-ins
Dual-Crystal clocking features dedicated crystals for 44.1 / 88.2 / 176.4 kHz and 48 / 96 / 192 kHz sample rates, resulting in stunningly low jitter (under 10 picoseconds) for pure, artifact-free recordings and solid stereo imaging
HEXA Core UAD processing for tracking through models of vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, mic preamps, and guitar amps with near-zero latency and 50% more DSP than earlier Apollos, all with no burden on your computer's CPU
Unison technology nails the tone of 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
Two high-speed Thunderbolt 3 ports for connectivity with Mac and Windows computers (Thunderbolt cable available separately)
1 RU rackmount form factor with reliable AC powering (secure locking external power supply included)
Free, industry-leading phone/online technical support from knowledgeable audio engineers

16x22 audio interface with two Unison-enabled microphone preamps, providing emulations of classic analog preamps with near-zero latency
Two front-panel, Unison-enabled 1/4" Hi-Z inputs for direct connection of guitars, basses, or keyboards
6x6 balanced analog line-level I/O via 1/4" jacks
Stereo 1/4" monitor output and two independent 1/4" headphone outputs, each with adjustable level
Additional six 1/4" line-level outputs may be used for feeding alternate monitor outputs, analog outboard processors, or a 5.1 surround sound speaker setup
Selectable operating level of +20 dBu or +24 dBu for out-of-the-box compatibility with professional mixing consoles and other high-end pro audio equipment
Four TOSLINK optical ports provide up to eight channels of ADAT I/O (supports SMUX) for integrating external converters, ADAT-equipped mic preamps, and headphone distribution systems
RCA coaxial ports enable recording and outputting S/PDIF stereo digital signal
BNC wordclock I/O with selectable 75-ohm termination, crucial for accurate synchronization with other digital equipment

Built-in monitor controller with monitor remote functions and mono, mute, dim, and alt monitor controls
Integrated talkback and cues for easy communication and slate functionality
Comprehensive front-panel metering and fast, intuitive controls, no menu-diving required

Cascade up to four Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo interfaces and six UAD-2 Thunderbolt devices for expanded I/O and DSP
Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 via a qualified adapter (available separately)

Includes Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, which supports VST, RTAS, Audio Units, and AAX 64-bit for compatibility with all major DAWs

UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ
Marshall Plexi Classic Guitar Amp
Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
UA 1176LN Limiting Amplifier (Legacy)
UA 1176SE Limiting Amplifier (Legacy)
Pultec EQP-1A EQ (Legacy)
Pultec Pro EQ (Legacy)
Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier (Legacy)
Raw Distortion
Fairchild 670 Compressor (Legacy)
Precision Enhancer Hz
Precision Channel Strip (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
Precision Reflection Engine (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
Precision Delay Mod (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
Precision Delay Mod L (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
RealVerb Pro Custom Room Modeler

Works with all major DAWs including Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and more
Apollo x6 becomes a fully integrated recording system with LUNA, a powerful free recording application for Mac from Universal Audio
Bolstered by Accelerated Realtime Monitoring, LUNA lets you track and mix in an intuitive single-window workflow with unlimited track counts, full Audio Units plug-in support, and access to a suite of exclusive LUNA instruments and extensions such as Studer Multitrack Tape and Neve Summing

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does it work for first generation apollo quad silverface?

A: Yes, the Universal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card is compatible with the Apollo Quad Silverface.

Q: 2. Can I still use the volume control on my keyboard? I read reviews of an older ifi DAC that said you couldn't with that model.

A: Regarding the iFi Studio ZEN One Studio Universal DAC Audio Interface, having the ability to use your keyboard's volume controls would depend on the software application you are using at the time.

Q: 3. Then, if I have this interface connected to a mac mini via Thunderbolt and use ProTools, how can I add preamps/inputs?

A: There is no way to add preamps or physical inputs to the Apollo Solo Heritage. For that, you would need an Apollo Twin that has an ADAT port so that you can add an ADAT preamp for additional channels than what is included with the Apollo Twin. Or, you can add tracks in Pro Tools and record those tracks separately, while listening to the existing audio tracks already recorded, when using the Apollo Solo Heritage.

Q: 4. Does it accept an rj45 port and do you have to contact the I.T. department to allow the device on their network?

A: The Compak does not have an RJ-45 but if you have a network phone system, keep the base of phone connected into network via the RJ-45 jack. Replace the handset from said phone with the JK Audio Compak. The Compak will now act as a handset and will require no special access because the base station phone is already connected into the network.

Q: 5. Can I daisy chain other Thunderbolt 3 interface (apollo, volt or others/not Universal Audio) and record 4to6 mics same time?

A: You cannot daisy chain other Thunderbolt 3 interfaces with the Apollo Solo Heritage Edition Desktop 2x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with SOLO.

Q: 6. Which are the 25 stellar UAD plug-ins you get when you buy the universal Apollo twin x quad Heritage

A: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1608865-REG/universal_audio_apltwxq_he_apollo_twin_x_quad.html/overview B&H Part # : UNAPLTWXQHE 25 Powered Plug-Ins Includes Realtime Analog Classics plug-in bundle plus 11 additional plug-ins to complete the compressor, EQ, and preamp collections and provide another reverb (plug-ins support VST, RTAS, Audio Units, and AAX 64-bit for compatibility with all major DAWs): UA 610-A Tube Preamp and EQ (Vintage) UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ (Modern) Marshall Plexi Classic Guitar Amp Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp UA 1176LN Limiting Amplifier (Legacy) UA 1176SE Limiting Amplifier (Legacy) UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection (1176LN Rev E, 1176 Rev A, and 1176AE 40th Anniversary Edition) Pultec EQP-1A EQ (Legacy) Pultec MEQ-5 EQ (Legacy) Pultec Passive EQ Collection (EQP-1A, MEQ-5, and HLF-3C) Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier (Legacy) Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection (LA-2A Silver, LA-2A Gray, and LA-2) Raw Distortion Precision Channel Strip (Precision Mix Rack Collection) Precision Reflection Engine (Precision Mix Rack Collection) Precision Delay Mod (Precision Mix Rack Collection) Precision Delay Mod L (Precision Mix Rack Collection) Pure Plate Reverb RealVerb Pro Custom Room Modeler

Q: 7. how do you connect to speakers that only have xlr inputs?

A: A cable such as the Pearstone PM Series 1/4" TRS Male to XLR Male Professional Interconnect Cable (6'), BH #PEPMTRSXM06 will allow you to connect to the balanced 1/4-inch output of the audio interface into the balanced XR input of a studio monitor.

Q: 8. Can it work with mac computers?

A: B&H # UNAPLSHE is the Universal Audio Apollo Solo Heritage Edition Desktop 2x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface that is compatible with Mac computers. B&H # UNAPLSUHE is the Universal Audio Apollo Solo USB Heritage Edition Desktop 2x4 USB Type-C Audio Interface for Windows.

Q: 9. Can the Solo drive 250 Ohm headphones?

A: Yes they will drive 250 ohm headphones.

Q: 10. Can this device work with a hub like "Belkin Connect Thunderbolt 4 Core Hub" being connected to it instead directly to a Mac?"

A: Technically, you could connect the Universal Audio Apollo Solo Heritage Edition Desktop 2x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with SOLO Core Real-Time UAD Processing to a Mac via a Thunderbolt 4 hub. However, I would not suggest doing this. A hub like this essentially has its own computer inside, so passing audio through it before it hits your computer could introduce unwanted artifacts into your recordings.

Marcelo	24/07/2024
[1x USB-C] What I love the most of this product is it comes with great sounding plugins and enough power, 6 dsp for managing several reverb (Lexicon+chambers for ex.) sends/returns and still use 1176 or studer or la2a on single tracks. If you organize you can work with 6 dsp fine. I also love i could connect an Alesis Reverb Hardware via ADAT!!! Amazing. I have also an QS8 Alesis keyboard. I wish I could connect both units, but although it has 2 ADAT I/O it´s not possible to do so, only 1. Bummer. The interface, the quality of plugins is top. Totally recommended! 5

Rob	29/06/2024
[2 Preamps] For years I had debated whether I needed “vintage“ gear for my home studio. Having just completed my first project with the Apollo x4 I can say it was absolutely worth the investment for me. The quad processing power is just right for my home studio, I have not maxed out the DSP yet. Since I don’t record drums or a full band at home, there is plenty of power here to handle a small group. More often I’ll use one or two inputs at a time. Two headphone outputs is important to me so that each musician gets their own mix. I ended up spending about another $2000 to get the full UAD set of plug-ins. I would have preferred to spend half that much now and add more down the road, but the economics work out that you get a much better deal when you purchase them upfront. I would have had about 10 plug-ins, but now I have all 66 and I have already used close to half of them. A lot of money for a home studio but if you purchased a dedicated tube preamp and compressor you’d spend a similar amount, and it would sound great but it wouldn’t be as flexible. It was easy to set up, for me it “just worked”. UA support took a couple of days to respond when I had a question but they gave a thorough response. UA has great videos on their website to help you learn how to use each plugin. The buying experience from B&H was excellent—it arrived in perfect condition a day earlier than I expected. It’s an investment, but if you are dedicated to learning how to use the equipment you will get professional results. I can strongly recommend. 5

Lawrence	12/05/2024
[2 Preamps] Classy and modern professional grade Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for your computer. 6 SHARC cores give access to the many available UAD Plug-ins without draining your CPU. Easy to install and works flawlessly on my Late 2013 MacBook Pro (which I also bought at B&H). Expand with another Apollo or get a Satellite for more DSP power. Kicks my old interface to the curb. I'm 100% satisfied. 5

Quentin	08/05/2024
[1x USB-C] This audio interface replaced my Universal Audio Volt 2, which was a great interface, but I wanted a little more. This along with the bundled software and plug-ins has been a game changer for me. Once I get a little more comfortable with the UA experience, I'll likely be stepping up to an Apollo Twin. 5

Erica	02/04/2024
[6 GB] I bought this for it's thunderbolt connectivity as opposed to the model with usb-C connectivity I had planned on purchasing. It's working phenomenally with no latency issues and I'm loving the recording software, Luna, that is included with the purchase. 5

Lawrence	30/11/-0001
[Thunderbolt 3] Outstanding interface with professional sound and low latency kicks my previous interface to the curb. A breeze to set up and runs great on my late 2013 MacBook Pro (which I also got at B&H). Also gives you access purchasing amazing (and addictive) Plug-ins from the UAD Library. Besides sounding great, these run on the UAD hardware freeing your CPU from the task of running them. I'm ecstatic. Universal Audio is the leader and the X series is awesome. 5