Poised to be the center of a home studio or mobile rig, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII DUO Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interfacedesktop 10x6 Thunderbolt 2 audio interface combines the sound, feel, and flow of analog studio recording with powerful DUO Core real-time UAD processing and a hearty bundle of 25 stellar UAD plug-ins.

Furnished with 24-bit / 192 kHz converters redesigned and upgraded from the original Apollo Twin, the Apollo Twin MKII DUO gives musicians, producers, songwriters, and audio engineers the appreciable value of clear, high-resolution recording and mixing, with low distortion (-111 dB) and increased dynamic range (121 dB).

The interface features two XLR-1/4" mic/line combo inputs and a 1/4" Hi-Z input, 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.

Thanks to the switchable low-cut filter, pad, polarity inversion, 48V phantom power, and stereo linking on each analog input, you can efficiently optimize your incoming signals with straightforward buttons on the Apollo Twin MKII DUO's face. In addition to the two primary analog inputs, you can record up to eight more channels by connecting external preamps with ADAT or S/PDIF optical outputs to the TOSLINK optical input port on the Apollo Twin MKII DUO.

The built-in DUO Core processing allows you to monitor and record audio using classic analog emulations with near-zero latency and no burden on your computer's CPU. The plug-in bundle included with the Heritage Edition empowers you with 25 top-notch plug-ins ranging from vintage compressor and EQ collections 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 plug-in support.

The Apollo Twin MKII DUO 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 front-panel headphone output, two 1/4" line outputs are available for connection to a second set of monitors.

At any point, you can increase the power and capability of the Apollo Twin MKII DUO 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 Twin MKII DUO.

Musicians, Producers, and Songwriters    Thunderbolt 2 Connectivity    2 Unison Mic Preamps, 1 Hi-Z Input    1 Headphone Out, 4 Line/Monitor Outs    24-Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA    External Power Supply / Mac, Windows    Monitoring and Talkback Control, ADAT In    DUO Core Real-Time UAD Processing    Expandable DSP and I/O    25 UAD Plug-Ins & Mac Recording Software

The Heritage Edition features the same Apollo Twin MKII DUO interface found in the standard edition but with more plug-ins. The standard Apollo Twin MKII DUO includes the Realtime Analog Classics bundle (14 plug-ins) and the Heritage Edition adds 11 more plug-ins for a total of 25 revered UA-powered plug-ins.

• Track, overdub, and mix with high-resolution AD/DA conversion and DSP-powered plug-ins
• DUO Core UAD processing for tracking through models of vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, mic preamps, and guitar amps, with near-zero latency and 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
• Thunderbolt 2 connectivity for Mac and Windows computers (Thunderbolt cable available separately)
• Convenient desktop form factor with reliable AC powering (external power supply included)
• Free, industry-leading phone/online technical support from knowledgeable audio engineers

• 10x6 audio interface with two Unison-enabled microphone preamps (via XLR-1/4" combo mic/line inputs), providing emulations of classic analog preamps with near-zero latency
• One front-panel, Unison-enabled 1/4" Hi-Z input for direct connection of a guitar, bass, or keyboard
• Stereo 1/4" monitor output and one 1/4" headphone output, each with dedicated level control
• Two additional 1/4" line-level outputs, may be used for alternate monitor outputs
• Add up to eight extra input channels via one TOSLINK optical ADAT port (may alternatively be used for stereo S/PDIF)

• 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
• Expand your studio with an Apollo rackmount unit (available separately), so you can use your Apollo Twin MKII DUO as a desktop monitor controller with additional I/O and DSP power

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

• Apollo Heritage Editions include plug-ins featured in UAD Spark, UA's subscription plug-in collection that runs natively on Mac—no UA hardware required
• With UAD Spark, you can expand your plug-in processing power, balancing your DSP load between Apollo and your computer's onboard processing
• Receive the 1176 Classic Limiter Collection, Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection, and Pure Plate Reverb
• Current owners of any plug-ins available in UAD Spark will receive the UAD Spark versions free

• Works with all major DAWs including Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and more
• Apollo Twin MKII DUO 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 using 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. Hi, I already own an Apollo and have most of the 25 plugins included. So, can I trade for a different set of plugins?

A: No its only what UA offers on there site with the Apollo , If you want some other then what they offer with the bundle, then that would cost you additional thru Universal Audio's website

Q: 2. Does this interface work with Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (250ohm)? Does the interface have an amp or do I need a separate one to make the headphones work?

A: Yes, the Audient iD4 MKII Desktop 2x2 USB Type-C Audio Interface has a built-in headphone amplifier that will accommodate the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones without the need for a separate headphone amp.

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. I already have an Apollo Solo (Heritage) Thunderbolt(TB) 3 w/ Mac Mini. Can I daisy chain more Non ADAT Apollos via TB?

A: The Universal Audio Thunderbolt 3 Option Card for Rackmount Apollo Interfaces (BH # UNTBOC3) can be used for daisy-chaining additional Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 satellite DSP accelerators, modern storage solutions, and 4K displays.

Q: 5. 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: 6. 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: 7. Anyone using this with ipDTL or Cleanfeed?

A: Users on web forums seem to have mixed results when using the Apollo with ipDTL and Cleanfeed. Some have been able to get it to work on a Mac, but not Windows, while others have had no luck on either system. You may want to contact Universal Audio directly for more information regarding compatibility. You can reach UA tech support by phone at 831-440-2436 or 877-698-2834. Their business hours are 9 AM to 1 PM Pacific Standard Time on Monday,

Q: 8. Does this work well with newer Macs using USB-C?

A: It depends on what you define as "newer". USB-C refers to the connector type, not the protocol used. The current lineup of Macs all have Thunderbolt 3 on USB-C ports, so yes it works with all of these, as well as older Macs with Thunderbolt 1, 2 ports. Some Macs as recently as 2017 (MacBook and Air) had USB-C ports that did not have Thunderbolt going through them. Apollo x8 works with Thunderbolt 1, 2, or 3 but you must make sure that any Mac that has USB-C connectors is actually using Thunderbolt protocol.

Q: 9. Does the green signal/clip indicator LED glow from dim to bright as the signal level increases?

A: The LED will light up green when an input signal is recognized, and red if the signallevel is too high which may cause distortion or “clipping”. THe green level does not change from dim to bright.

Q: 10. If there is no dedicated headphone volume knob, how do you control the headphone volume?

A: The Audient iD4 MKII USB-C Audio Interface (BH # AUID4MKII) features headphone volume control via the DAW or the big knob volume level controller.