Universal Audio Unveils Apollo High-Resolution Audio Interface with Realtime UAD Processing

— Breakthrough audio interface features class-leading sound quality, ultra low-latency recording through UAD Powered Plug-Ins, and optional Thunderbolt I/O —

SCOTTS VALLEY, CA  — Universal Audio (UA), a leading manufacturer of professional audio recording hardware and software, is proud to announce Apollo®, a high-resolution audio interface that combines UA’s analog design heritage with esteemed UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a sleek, elegant recording system for Mac and PC*. With Apollo, music producers and performers can finally track through UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time, via a professional 18 x 24 FireWire/Thunderbolt™-ready audio interface that delivers class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz sound quality.

“Apollo is the culmination of 10 years of analog and digital audio development here at UA,” said Bill Putnam Jr., Universal Audio founder. “In many ways, it’s brought the analog and digital sides of our company together. With Apollo, we’re delivering the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording with all the conveniences of modern digital equipment, including next-generation Thunderbolt technology.”

Apollo is, first and foremost, a well-built, high-resolution audio interface, featuring premium mic preamps and top-end converters to deliver the lowest THD and highest dynamic range in its class. Its Core Audio and ASIO* drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live, and more. Moreover, Apollo’s Console application and companion Console Recall plug-in (VST/AU/RTAS) provide control and recall of all interface and UAD plug-in settings within individual DAW sessions, even months and years later.

Apollo differentiates itself from all other audio interfaces, however, via its onboard UAD-2 DSP Acceleration. This onboard processing allows for recording through UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins — with nearly instant sub-2ms latency — so that music producers can quickly monitor, audition, and “print” audio using a wide range of popular analog emulation plug-ins from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more.** In this way, Apollo’s sonic character and tonal options are virtually limitless. The onboard UAD-2 processors are also available for mixing and mastering, offloading processing from the host computer.

Notably, Apollo offers compatibility with Intel’s new Thunderbolt technology, as found on the newest iMacs, MacBook Pros, and MacBook Airs. Available via a user-installable Thunderbolt Option Card (sold separately), Thunderbolt provides lower latency, reduced audio buffer size, improved performance at high sample rates, and greater UAD plug-in instances versus FireWire.

“Thunderbolt technology makes possible a whole new class of products to enhance music production workflows and creativity,” says Jason Ziller, Director of Marketing and Planning for Thunderbolt technology at Intel® Corporation. “Products like Universal Audio’s Apollo are using Thunderbolt to rock music producers’ worlds.”

Apollo incorporates numerous design hallmarks from classic UA analog gear, including its fast, easy workflow. Dedicated front-panel controls are present for all the most common features, including preamp gain, channel selection, mic pad, +48V phantom power, low cut, monitor level, and dual headphone controls.

Apollo’s connectivity includes 4 digitally controlled analog mic preamps, 8 balanced line inputs and outputs, dual front-panel JFET DIs, digitally-controlled analog monitor outputs, 8 channels of ADAT, 2 channels of S/PDIF, word clock I/O, FireWire 800 (standard), and a Thunderbolt expansion bay — making it a well-equipped centerpiece for the modern project studio.

The Apollo High-Resolution Audio Interface will be available in both DUO CORE and QUAD CORE processing formats (with either two or four Analog Devices SHARC processors, respectively). Apollo will be shipping in the first quarter of 2012, with an estimated street price of $1,999 (DUO processing model) and $2,499 (QUAD processing model). Apollo’s Thunderbolt Option Card will be shipping in the first half of 2012, with pricing TBD.

Learn more about Apollo here:  

www.uaudio.com/apollo

Learn more about the award-winning UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins platform here:  

www.uaudio.com/uad-plug-ins

Download the Apollo Press Kit, complete with high-resolution images, here:

www.uaudio.com/apollopresskit

*Compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.7; Windows 7 support coming Summer 2012.
**Individual UAD Powered Plug-In titles are sold separately at www.uaudio.com/store. Pricing is preliminary and subject to change.

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Universal Audio Releases MXR Flanger & Little Labs VOG

03/11/2011

Press Release: Universal Audio (UA) is proud to release UAD Software v6.1, featuring the new MXR Flanger/Doubler Plug-In, the Little Labs Voice of God (VOG) Bass Resonance Tool, plus enhancements to Pro Tools workflow and the Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In.

MXR Flanger/Doubler Plug-In

Universal Audio MXR Flanger Developed in close collaboration with Dunlop Manufacturing, the MXR Flanger/Doubler plug-in for the UAD-2 platform replicates the legendary sound of this classic bucket-brigade flanging effect with unparalleled accuracy. Through its signature flanging, doubling, and delay effects, the MXR Flanger/Doubler imprints a unique stamp on guitars, bass, keys, drums, or just about any source. The MXR Flanger/Doubler Plug-In also includes additional “UAD Exclusive” features and artist presets from legendary engineers Vance Powell (The Dead Weather, Buddy Guy), Neil Dorfsman (Paul McCartney, Sting), and Chuck Zwicky (Prince, Jeff Beck).

"We knew there was only one company we could turn to when it came time to create a plug-in version of the classic MXR Flanger/Doubler," says Jeorge Tripps, Dunlop’s Director of Product Development. "The UA emulation is spot-on, and we are looking forward to seeing the reaction from musicians and engineers."

Available for purchase via UA’s Online Store, the MXR Flanger/Doubler Plug-In sells for $199.

For more information on the MXR Flanger visit http://www.uaudio.com/store/delay-modulation/mxr-flanger-doubler.html

Little Labs Voice of God (VOG) Bass Resonance Tool

Universal Audio Little Labs VOG The Little Labs-authenticated Voice of God (VOG) plug-in for the UAD-2 platform accurately models the sonic characteristics of this unique 500-series hardware audio processor in every detail. The VOG is used to accurately target and accentuate low frequency material, from vocals to bass guitar and drums — adding both heft and precision far beyond a simple EQ.

"The VOG has been very well-received for its ability to quickly and easily manipulate low end like nothing before it," says Jonathan Little of Little Labs Professional Audio. "Our hardware version was first available in the API 500-Series format, then as the i-VOG and a standalone unit. Now, UA has put the VOG live in the digital world as well, covering all the bases."

"I’m excited about the MXR Flanger/Doubler plug-in, as I used to have a hardware unit in my rack and I still miss it. Our collaboration with Dunlop has resulted in an extremely faithful plug-in emulation,” says Matt Ward, President of Universal Audio. “Add in the Little Labs Voice of God, which is really a must-have tool, and UAD v6.1 offers a solid enhancement to the UAD-2 platform."

The Little Labs VOG Bass Resonance Tool sells for $149.

For more information on the Little Labs VOG Bass Resonance Tool viist http://www.uaudio.com/store/special-processing/little-labs-voice-of-god.html

These new plug-ins are available as part of the new UAD Software v6.1 release. In addition to the MXR Flanger/Doubler and Little Labs VOG plug-ins, v6.1 includes additional enhancements to Pro Tools workflow and the Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder plug-in.

UAD Software v6.1 is available as a FREE download for Mac and PC users worldwide:http://www.uaudio.com/support/uad/downloads.html

Learn more about the award-winning UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins platform here: http://www.uaudio.com/uad-plug-ins.html

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