Apollo x4
-
Produce bigger pro sessions from your desktop, in realtime.
Apollo x4 gives engineers and producers recording larger projects the same professional analog tones heard on your favorite records with four onboard Unison™ mic preamps. With elite‑class conversion and QUAD Core UAD plug-in processing, Apollo x4 lets you record through preamps from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and more — with near‑zero latency — giving you a fully-stocked analog studio, right on your desktop.
Experience elite-class Apollo sound — as heard on hundreds of hit records
Record your vocals and synths in realtime through classic mic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Avalon, and more
Link up to four Apollos for 156 channels of premium I/O and control it from your Apollo x4
Create with seamless hardware-software integration and analog console modeling in LUNA Recording System
Hear Every Detail in your Recordings
Apollo x4 improves upon the original Apollo Twin’s gold‑standard audio quality with completely redesigned A/D and D/A conversion — giving you increased dynamic range and ultra‑low THD. This elite‑class conversion gives you a spacious, organic sound that easily rivals dedicated high‑end converters.
Record Synths and Vocals through Iconic Preamps
With its four Unison™ preamps and dual front panel Hi‑Z instrument inputs, Apollo x4 lets you track in realtime through preamp and channel strip plug-ins from Neve, Manley, API, and dozens more, giving you the same rich analog texture as the hardware used on decades of iconic music.*
Get the Pro Sounds of Analog Hardware, Right on your Desktop
Out of the box, Apollo x4's included plug-ins give you album-ready tones in realtime with professional tools like the UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, Teletronix LA‑2A tube compressor, amps from Marshall and Ampeg, and more. Plus, Apollo x4 lets you tap into the entire UAD plug-in library, giving you the proven hit-making sounds of Ocean Way Studios, Capitol Chambers, and hundreds more.
See Included Plug-Ins ›
Learn about Heritage Edition Plug‑Ins ›Enjoy a Fast, Natural Workflow with LUNA
Apollo x4 works with all major DAWs, but only LUNA Recording System gives you seamless integration with Apollo, for big analog studio sound — in realtime — using a host of built-in features and extensions from API console modeling to genuine Neve summing and integrated Studer tape.
Learn more about LUNA ›Your New Analog Studio, Expanded
Link up to four Apollos for 156 channels of premium I/O as your studio grows — and control it all from your desktop using Apollo x4.
UAD Plug-Ins vs. Analog Hardware
Watch Grammy-award winning producer Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Kings of Leon) put UAD plug‑ins to the test in a live session featuring electronic-soul artist Jamie Lidell.
“Everyone assumes I use a lot of outboard gear, but with Apollo Twin and UAD plug-ins, I get incredible sounds on the go, anywhere.”
– Louis Bell (Post Malone, DJ Snake, Cardi B)
“My Apollos are my sound.
Where I go, they go.”
– Trevor Lawrence Jr. (Dr. Dre, Herbie Hancock, Eminem)
“I'm really impressed with the Apollo X8. I hear more detail in the several sets of monitors I use, and I'm getting that little bit extra out of the Unison mic pre emulations – and they were already extremely close.”
– Jacquire King (James Bay, Kings of Leon, Tom Waits)
“With the Apollo 8 in the studio and an Apollo Twin on the go, I know I've got the best sound quality and an incredible arsenal of plug-ins — wherever I'm working.”
– Jeremy Ruzumna (Fitz And The Tantrums)
“I knew about the ingredients of Apollo, but this is truly a special dish. The Apollo just set a new standard of excellence for audio interfaces, in terms of both its sound and its feature set.”
– Fab Dupont (Shakira, Santigold, Jennifer Lopez)
“Apollo is a platform that grows more powerful with every innovation – the UAD plug-in processing onboard has changed the way I work forever.”
– Tony Platt (AC/DC, Bob Marley, Buddy Guy)
“Using my Apollos and Console 2.0, I'm able to front a live mix, create a monitor mix, and record, all at the same time. That’s pretty awesome.”
– Chris Dugan (Green Day, Iggy Pop, U2)
“The Apollo's ability to do low latency – I mean that's the whole ballgame right there.”
– Joey Waronker (Atoms for Peace, Beck, Other Lives)
“The Apollo is the best I/O we've ever used, and we've tried them all. It has an incredibly clean, transparent, and accurate sound.”
– The Glitch Mob
“I’m totally blown away by the stunning sound quality of the Apollo. The ability to use UAD plug-ins in real-time is pure genius. It’s the centerpiece of my new studio.”
– Richard Devine
“The Apollo has some of the better preamps I've ever heard – lots of headroom, quiet at high-gains, and the converters are really sweet sounding.”
– Mick Guzauski (Daft Punk, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton)
“The Apollo is a powerhouse and a game changer for my studio.”
– Grieves
“Having the Apollo with UAD plug-ins at my disposal is like carrying a giant studio with outboard racks at all times. Minus the tech fees, down time, and electricity bill!”
– Andrew Dawson (Jay-Z, Fun.)
“Apollo's A/D and D/A conversion sounds incredibly detailed, with great clarity and a tight, punchy low end. And with the Console 2.0 app, I have all of the routing and monitoring options I need.”
– Dave Pensado (Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Maroon 5)“”
Compare Apollo Models
Desktop 12 x 18 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for Mac and Windows with elite A/D and D/A conversion inherited directly from the acclaimed Apollo X rackmount interfaces (backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac)
4 Unison mic preamps offer stunning models of classic tube and transformer-based mic preamps and guitar amps
Produce with LUNA Recording System — a fully-integrated recording application for Apollo (Mac/Thunderbolt)
UAD-2 QUAD Core Processing for tracking through vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, mic preamps, and guitar amp plug-ins with near-zero latency, regardless of audio buffer size
Combine up to 4 Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos and 6 total UAD devices
2 Unison-enabled Hi-Z instrument inputs
2 independent headphone outputs
Built-in Talkback mic for communication with studio talent and recording slate cues
Includes monitor remote functions and Mono, Mute, DIM, and ALT monitor controls
Up to 8 channels of additional digital input and output via optical ADAT or S/PDIF
Includes the "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" UAD plug-in bundle featuring the Teletronix LA-2A, 1176, and Fairchild 670 compressors, Pultec EQs, UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, and more.*
Runs UAD Powered Plug-Ins via VST, Audio Units, and AAX in all major DAWs
Uncompromising analog design, superior components, and premium build quality
Free, industry-leading technical support — on the phone and online — from knowledgeable audio engineers
User Manual
For system requirements, go here.
Apollo x4 includes the “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately at www.uaudio.com. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.Customer Reviews
S. Jones
September 4, 2024
Expensive but first class
Bought to replace an Apollo Twin MkII that died. I was lucky enough to get hold of a B stock item from Andertons here in the UK which was pristine and probably just an opened box unit....
Read MoreC. Eaton
June 11, 2024
PRO RESULTS ANYWHERE
With the Unison preamps its like carrying a Neve or Api console with you and a tone of outboard gear as well... Love UAD plugins and the Apollo x4!
Read MoreT. McCoy
May 9, 2024
Great Expansion
I have two x8p rackmounts, and added this x4 to my system for the instant access on the desktop to my monitor volume and convenience of sitting at the desk . I mostly use the 1/4" in...
Read MoreC. Roseboom
May 7, 2024
The Apollo X4 is fantastic!
Excellent quality desktop interface with quad dsp, 4 unison pre-amps, latency free tracking using UAD plugins and more is just fantastic. Runs without any problems on my Windows 10 PC with...
Read MoreC. Roseboom
May 6, 2024
Apollo X4
Runs without any problems on Windows 10, Studio One, using a GC-TITAN RIDGE 2.0 PCIe card on a Asus Sabertooth Z170 motherboard. Quality, 4 Unison pre amps, 2 hi-z, 2 headphones ou, quad...
Read More -
Realtime Analog Classics Plus Bundle
With the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, you not only get legendary compressors such as the Fairchild® 670 and EQs like the Pultec® EQP-1A, but also stunning guitar and bass amp emulations from Softube, and UA’s landmark 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ plug-in.
- UA 610‐B
- Marshall Plexi Classic Amplifier
- Fairchild 670 Legacy
- Teletronix LA‐2A Legacy
- UA 1176LN Legacy
- UA 1176SE Legacy
- Pultec EQP‐1A Legacy
- Pultec Pro Legacy
- Ampeg® SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
- Precision Channel Strip
- Precision Reflection Engine
- Precision Delay Modulation
- Precision Delay Modulation L
- UA Precision Enhancer Hz
- Raw Distortion
- RealVerb‐Pro
UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ
Impart your tracks with the iconic warmth and character of the classic hardware used to track everyone from Duke Ellington to Coldplay. By emulating the entire signal path, including tube amplifiers, transformers, and circuit nonlinearities, the 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ plug-in injects organic detail and saturation to any signal — whether you’re re-amping or tracking through the 610-B via Universal Audio’s Unison™ technology.
Marshall® Plexi Classic Amplifier
The undisputed alpha dog of rock and roll guitar amps, the Marshall “plexi” amplifier is as legendary as the music it helped create. From Jimi Hendrix to Jimmy Page, Duane Allman to Eric Clapton, the Plexi’s punishing melange of snarl, sustain, smoothness, and raunch defined the sound of rock. Developed by Softube, the Marshall Plexi Classic Amp plug-in gives you the sound of this iconic amp with a perfectly placed microphone from engineer Tony Platt who recorded AC/DC’s Back in Black and Highway to Hell.
Fairchild® 670 (Legacy)
The world’s most coveted compressor, the classic Fairchild 670 tube limiter will give your tracks and mixes unmistakable tube warmth and character. Whether you’re looking for subtle compression on a lead vocal, or grittier textures that can work on guitars, bass, or a drum bus, the Fairchild 670 plug-in adds a classic “glow” to anything you run through it.
Teletronix® LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier (Legacy)
With its gentle, program dependent optical compression and meticulously designed tube amplifier, the LA-2A is the go-to compressor for professional mixers around the world — especially for vocals. Incredibly easy-to-use Peak Reduction and Gain controls gives you the ideal optical compression sound for guitar, bass, drums, and more.
1176SE/LN® Classic Limiting Amplifiers (Legacy)
Get classic, ultra-fast FET compression from the world’s most recognized compressor. The 1176 will impart punch, presence, and character as well as its signature distortion overtones on drums, vocals, guitars, and bass. The 1176LN has graced countless recordings, from Led Zeppelin, to the White Stripes and Michael Jackson.
Pultec® Pro Equalizers (Legacy)
Mix with two of the most sought-after hardware EQs ever made — the MEQ-5 Midrange Equalizer and the EQP-1A Program Equalizer. Both of these tube-based icons deliver smooth and silky EQ curves with an abundance of warm analog character.
Ampeg® SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
Introduced in 1969, the Ampeg SVT bass amp is still the reigning king of high-powered tube bass tone. Developed by Brainworx, the Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp plug-in perfectly captures the raw power and punch that has made this the go-to amp for rock, funk, and soul players. Track in real time using Unison™ preamp technology for the tone, touch, and feel of a real SVT bass amp, or transform bland DI tracks with the thunderous roar of a stone cold classic.
Precision Mix Rack Collection
Featuring the Precision Channel Strip, Precision Reflection Engine, and Precision Delay Modulation plug-ins, the Precision Mix Rack Collection offers four modern, high-fidelity plug-ins for recording and mixing. Powerful and intuitive, Precision Mix Rack Collection gives you an impressive tool set — perfect for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
UA Precision Enhancer Hz
Expertly dial-in your music’s low-end frequencies with the Precision Enhancer Hz plug-in. Able to yield exacting results with minimal adjustment, the Precision Enhancer Hz can add weight to kick drum samples, fatten up a synth bass, or simply make the low-end of your tracks more audible on smaller speakers.
Raw Distortion
Modeled from a vintage early-’80s Pro Co Rat, Raw Distortion delivers all the gritty dynamic raunch of the legendary stompbox. And with Unison™ technology, you can plug in to Apollo Twin, 8, or 8p’s front-panel Hi-Z instrument jack and experience the same circuit interaction, gain range, and clip points for the true tone, feel, and response of the original hardware.
RealVerb Pro
RealVerb Pro is a flexible, natural sounding reverb based on UA’s own unique set of algorithms. Allowing you to design the room just as you hear it, the RealVerb Pro goes beyond simply big/small or dark/bright, giving your sources distortion-free, smoothing diffusion control and ultra-long reverb tail.
-
Customer Reviews
Apollo x4
A. Guaman
Best Audio Interface
The best Audio Interface, Easy to Use
S. Jones
Expensive but first class
Bought to replace an Apollo Twin MkII that died. I was lucky enough to get hold of a B stock item from Andertons here in the UK which was pristine and probably just an opened box unit. Like the Twin, extremely well built, intuitive to use, and with the benefit of four Unison-enabled inputs and digital in AND out. A lovely unit that is portable on its own or capable of comprehensive tracking with an additional eight ADAT inputs . Sound quality is sublime and the thoughtful controls and the way they are laid out makes it a superb control hub for your recording setup.
C. Eaton
PRO RESULTS ANYWHERE
With the Unison preamps its like carrying a Neve or Api console with you and a tone of outboard gear as well... Love UAD plugins and the Apollo x4!
T. McCoy
Great Expansion
I have two x8p rackmounts, and added this x4 to my system for the instant access on the desktop to my monitor volume and convenience of sitting at the desk . I mostly use the 1/4" in for direct guitar recording, and the knob to control my monitor playback mix. Very valuable in this reguard.
C. Roseboom
The Apollo X4 is fantastic!
Excellent quality desktop interface with quad dsp, 4 unison pre-amps, latency free tracking using UAD plugins and more is just fantastic.
Runs without any problems on my Windows 10 PC with Studio One. I have a Asus Sabertooth Z170 motherboard with a GC-Titan Ridge 2.0 PCIe.
C. Roseboom
Apollo X4
Runs without any problems on Windows 10, Studio One, using a GC-TITAN RIDGE 2.0 PCIe card on a Asus Sabertooth Z170 motherboard.
Quality, 4 Unison pre amps, 2 hi-z, 2 headphones ou, quad dsp all in a desktop interface. Running latency free UAD quality plugins without hassle is absolutely fantastic.d. rogan II
The Upgrade I Knew I Needed...and THEN Some
I was gifted an Apollo Twin Solo Thunderbolt interface as part of a student bundle for my audio school 8 years ago. I loved the fact that it sounded so great, but hated that I only had one processor, so I had to develop workarounds to maximize its potential in my recordings. I would have to wait for years before I could upgrade...and finally did about three years ago to today with this x4. I wanted the portability with the add-on flexibility, without sacrificing all the plug-ins UA has, and that's exactly what I got. There may be bigger and better out there now, but THIS is exactly what I want and need. I'd never dissuade anyone from getting a Twin if that's all they needed, but do yourself a favor and get THIS. You'll thank yourself later and might even grow to need what the Twins can't give you. SALUTE!
m. fritsch
Apollo x4
Nice upgrade from the Twin X!
C. Holtermann
Everything I wanted in one little box
I really like the x4 Apollo it has 4 preamps it has quad dsp it offers spdif in and out. It really fits my setup and workflow.
R. Wainscott
Easiest setup of my life.
Greetings,
I'm a bit long in the tooth and have been doing digital audio since 1995. Over the years, I've worked my way through lots of interfaces and converters that I've used on both PC and MAC systems. I've seen it all.
I wanted a little setup where I could test my new software and a Mac Studio and an Apollo x4 made the most sense for what I had in mind. I bought both at the same time and they arrived on the same day - oh boy!
I had to do the usual chicken dance of registration & authorization for both the Mac and the Apollo but within 6 hours I had it all working, routed and able to track and mix. I decided to go with LUNA as my DAW since it seemed well-integrated with the Apollo console. I find LUNA to be a bit clunky and a Tetris screen of blocks of plugins they want you to purchase but I can't complain because it is free and I've yet to crash it. Also, no one can tell you what DAW you used to do a mix.
Conclusion: this was the easiest and most problem-free setup that I've ever experienced. Everything just worked as it was designed to and any roadblocks or confusion were easily addressed with UAs endless help documents and videos.
Having read other reviews I can see that others have had problems and I believe that I avoided those problems by pairing two new products.C. West
WORST EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE
I will gladly change my review if things improve, but if I could give negative stars, I definitely would.
I have spent the last three weeks TRYING DESPERATELY to get this unit to work. I tried on my PC and there was a basket full of problems including static and change in playback rates. I can't do multi-track recording if the recordings skip or record at different rates. I bought new cables and mics in case that was the problem and I even borrowed a friend's Mac to see if changing the OS would solve the problem. It didn't. It didnt help when I changed the DAW. I contacted support and was given a long list of things to do to my Operating system to optimize for the Apollo X4. I already did those things and had followed those instructions before. I did them over and over again with no success.
I am not an audio engineer. I just want to record some music in my home studio. Why is this so stinking complicated? Why is help so hard to get? I even went back to the store to return the product, but I CAN'T because I registered it and it is now unusable for anybody else! But I couldn't download any drivers or software without registering it, so... that stinks.
I still hope that I will be able to use this unit. Right now, it has left me feeling dejected, discouraged, and SEVERELY unqualified to run it. I don't know what the plugins do. I don't know how the sound is. This hasn't worked for me despite all my efforts in getting it to work. I am exhausted but I can't give up. I must contact support again. I must see what can be done. I can't have this electric brick sitting on my desktop lighting up and doing nothing. I must persevere!C. West
WORST EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE
I will gladly change my review if things improve, but if I could give negative stars, I definitely would.
I have spent the last three weeks TRYING DESPERATELY to get this unit to work. I tried on my PC and there was a basket full of problems including static and change in playback rates. I can't do multi-track recording if the recordings skip or record at different rates. I bought new cables and mics in case that was the problem and I even borrowed a friend's Mac to see if changing the OS would solve the problem. It didn't. It didnt help when I changed the DAW. I contacted support and was given a long list of things to do to my Operating system to optimize for the Apollo X4. I already did those things and had followed those instructions before. I did them over and over again with no success.
I am not an audio engineer. I just want to record some music in my home studio. Why is this so stinking complicated? Why is help so hard to get? I even went back to the store to return the product, but I CAN'T because I registered it and it is now unusable for anybody else! But I couldn't download any drivers or software without registering it, so... that stinks.
I still hope that I will be able to use this unit. Right now, it has left me feeling dejected, discouraged, and SEVERELY unqualified to run it. I don't know what the plugins do. I don't know how the sound is. This hasn't worked for me despite all my efforts in getting it to work. I am exhausted but I can't give up. I must contact support again. I must see what can be done. I can't have this electric brick sitting on my desktop lighting up and doing nothing. I must persevere!J. Rogers
Exactly the perfect fit
I am switching over form a long time use of Cubase and Steinberg interfaces. My past interfaces have all focused on simultaneous tracking but my needs have shifted.
The form factor of the X4 gives me a 99% of the time # of inputs and outputs and monitoring, and it's small enough to put in my laptop bag with a couple mics and a pair of headphones, and go record on the go. A big change from carrying a 4U road rack case and a laptop.
The plugins using unison are a huge difference. I bought the PT100 and the SVT-VR amps and couldn't be happier with the difference the unison plugins give vs using native OS plugins.M. Schuhmacher
never regret
using x4 and console for daily workflow is just simply amazing
o. prudhomme
Apollo X 4
Best audio interface i have bought ever.
The sound is incredible! And i didn't test the UAD plug ins yet! No regrets for the price!f. fatuzzo
I’m in love with Apollos since 2013
this is my fifth Apollo, if I didn't love these interfaces I wouldn't always choose these.
After two Apollo 16, an Apollo Twin and an Apollo x6 I bought an x4.
Totally in love.J. Frame
x4 Delivers
Had used an old Twin for years and with the advent of Native Plugins, decided to go with another less expensive interface only to be plagued with software issues and compromises that really stalled my studio workflow. After committing to the x4 Apollo I've not only sped up my creativity and output with a rock solid piece of gear and Console software, but have also rediscovered the sound of Unison plugins. Bottom line, don't settle for less!
G. Clement
Apollo X4- Well Worth The Money
I just started in the Universal Audio work space and it's changing how I do work already. The sound quality is totally awesome. I use to use a Mackie Onyx 1220i, and for it to be an analog board, it was really nice, but my speakers never sounded like they sound using the X4. This has really changed my monitoring for live stuff. As I get use to using this, I know I will find so much more that I'll be glad that I took this leap to move up to such a professional piece of gear for home use. Can't wait to get into the plugins and listen to the output, not to mention do some recordings that help me learn, and gain more relationships with other talented people.
G. Claytor
Worth it over the twin
definitely worth getting the upgrade to the x4 over the twin if you record a lot more than just your voice or guitar, plus with the sphere mic having the extra inputs helps since it takes up 2
M. Grimm
Get an Apollo x4
This is just a great product.
