Is the Apollo Solo Worth It in 2023
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
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Today I talk about the Universal Audio Apollo Solo recording interface and weigh in on if it's still worth purchasing in 2023 . #apollosolo #Universalaudio #recordingstudio #Stevekinney
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Great video!!! I use my Solo with my voiceover set up and it's rock solid!!! Your original review about the device helped in my purchasing process!!
Cheers victor! Glad to hear you’re still enjoying and happy with your solo.
Hi, Does the internal dsp also work on Sparks UAD subscription?
I no longer have power problems thanks to my new computer but having margin is always useful :))
The licenses for spark plugins are separate from licenses for DSP plugins.
However, if you buy the DSP version of a plugin, you’re currently granted a perpetual license of the native version for free.
Hi Steve, same question as manuelsirotti3793, if I by a used apollo twin, does my spark plugins run on DSP?@@TheSteveKinney
hey Steve, does the Luna that comes with it have the Neve extension? I couldn't find this information anywhere. thanks
Luna doesn’t come with any of those mix extensions. That’s all paid upgrades.
Imho - the ones worth getting are:
Although I think it comes with oxide tape .. pretty sure and that’s a great one. Simple. But great.
API summing
ATR-102
But holy cow - as I type, the “pro bundle” is 50% off and gets you a whole ton of stuff.
hey man im watching your old videos about the solo , im totally beginner and happy to see you redo the review /great videos!!
im thinking to buy some templates from you but I still don't know how to apply them..continue to learn! good luck
Cheers mate! Thanks!
With reference to the presets - there are post production presets that use the newer native plugins. These would be used after you have recorded.
Then there are the tracking presets which are intended to be used with UAD console.
Hi Steve, is this card combined with the TLM103 a good product, with the sole use of voiceover recording for commercials spot (Windows PC)? Thank you very much
It’s a great product.
I have heard some negative things about it’s integration on windows.
I haven’t used windows in over 10 years so - I really couldn’t tell you how that experience is.
But I know both of those devices are superb.
You may wanna look into the RME baby face fs - super comparable.
@@TheSteveKinney the problems people post about on Windows has to do with trying to work with browser audio, twitch streaming, etc. Unfortunately some workarounds are required, so there is an extra step. As far as music recording in a DAW, they work perfectly.
Hello, excellent video!! a question, I currently have an apollo twin but I do not use any of its accessories, I just need an interface that gives me the best quality to record voice, so I don't know whether to sell my apollo twin and buy one solo or an antelope zen go, I am a user windows
I mean - totally honest - the twin is one of the best ad/da devices that there is..
But at this point if you just need something high-quality and simple for your voice, voiceovers, podcasting etc... almost everything out there is going to be able to do that
@@TheSteveKinneyI understand, thanks for responding!! just taking vocals for songs!! So some reviews say that the audio quality is the same, others say that the quality of the solo is lower!! I repeat only for song voices...
@@TheSteveKinneyDo you have knowledge of the Zen Go Antelope? Some reviews say it is better than the solo and even compare it to the twin.
@@vladykorleone the twin has better quality than the solo for sure.
The solo is about the minimum ad/da quality that you’d want for professional stuff these days.
There’s a number of interfaces that match it.
The twin is pretty much in its own category.
@@vladykorleone it’s up there in quality.
It’s honestly about the inbetween between the solo and the twin.
They are all great devices.
I have a 2015 MacBook Pro, a slate vms ML 1 and I’m trying to get a good audio interface.
I have been using the focusrite one but I don’t like the sound, or maybe it’s just my microphone.
What would your advice be for me?
Should I upgrade my microphone instead of my interface ?
And which one would you recommend for a $1000-$1200 budget ?
That’s always the conundrum.
So. In general - the preamps on an interface like the one you have are going to be very flat and uncolored.
They also sometimes sound steril and lifeless.
I wouldn’t say bad though.
Another way of looking at it. A neve pre has a ton of tonal color. That could be bad in some cases. But I digress.
I’d say this - irregardless, you’ll get better fidelity and general ad/da quality out of an Apollo. They are definitely better interfaces overall.
The slate mics from what I understand are intended to be used with their system (at least for best most authentic results).
I’ve heard some good things about the mics, and I know many who use them and love them. I also know some who use them and don’t like them.
I don’t know many people who’ve ever said the Apollo sounds bad though. Matter of fact - I don’t know anyone.
Have you tried the different mic models and do you like some better than others?
@@TheSteveKinney thank you for your response.
No I have not tried other microphones
I was thinking about buying a TLM 103 but I realize that with just the focusrite interface it might be useless.
I was also thinking about the Apollo preamp, but I don’t want to be disappointed when I plug in my slate mic in it 😂
I’m still not sure, maybe I’ll get the microphone first and later upgrade the interface
@@Moicesy buy mic first then new laptop then new interface exactly in this order
@@Moicesy i got a tlm 102 last year, a new laptop this week, and going to get a interface in 1-3 months. currently using a old mic and focusrite solo but that does the job for demo recordings until i have my whole set up then i can re record
2015 macbook = TB2 means you need to get a converter, TB cable AND power for the preamp.
What kinda laptop do you run with the solo I’m trying to find one that can run it well an do everything else I need to do. It would help so much to get a recommendation I’ve been looking everywhere😂
I run a Mac m1 Studio ultra
My old laptop was the MacBook Pro 16” 2019 it worked pretty well, but idk that I’d be going for it today..
I’d be looking for one of the new MacBook pros. As they spec similarly to the studios
does the solo has the same headphones input as the twin ? As in there a difference in audio quality ?
It’s different. I’ve used them both - it’s not going to change your mix or break your mix.
However, if you had both side by side and jumped back and forth - you’d feel the dynamic range difference.
I play electric guitar, electric bass guitar, bass ukulele, contact mics, and a lot of other instruments that I would prefer to leave plugged in rather than constantly be switching in and out of the same single input. Is there any way around this?
Also, is there a separate volume knob for headphones versus volume for speaker monitors?
I just wanna know what’s the delay on it I have a focusrite I just want to know his the delay on vocals better and will it make it easier to process when recording
Are you referring to latency when you say “delay”?
@@Thenzen4321 latency has a lot more to do more specifically with your CPU and computer than it does the interface..
a great example of this is RME. They still use USB 2.0 and have super high sample rates with high track counts and low latency.
Now sure, not all devices are made equal.
The part that gets everyone tripped up about the apollos - is that:
1. it uses thunderbolt, and because thunderbolt is insanely fast a data transfer tool, people think that's why it's sub 1 millisecond of latency...
2. DSP.
So let me touch on both.
Firstly, thunderbolt is simply the "protocol" that the device uses for data transfer.. and while, yes, it can be a faster protocol, it's not really revenant to the way the Apollo works.. the only advantage here is that it's simply a better more reliable data transfer protocol...
your computer is always going to be the bottleneck in the latency battle..
which brings me to DSP....
This device absolutely gets better latency results, but it's not what you think.
So - the DSP onboard takes your signal, and essentially splits it into two signals.. one goes to your DAW, and the other gets processed inside the Apollo... and it gets processed in real time, and spits it back out of the monitor path.
And because of this DSP, you can also process with UAD plugins, in realtime through that monitor path.
This way, you can listen with reverb, delay, compression, EQ, preamp emulation.. with sub 1 millisecond of latency... so..
To answer more simply, this will act / have the exact same kind of latency performance as the Twin, or x6 or x8 etc..
It will simply just have less DSP and available processing power to use for realtime plugins.
hopefully that kind of clarifies it as much as I can...
I'm still getting accustomed to my ARROW/Solo. Which of your templates works for a UA Spark subscription?
Hey mate!
The “class-x” series.
@@TheSteveKinney I hope that I picked the right set.
@@CED.Dweller if you have any trouble, reach out to me via Instagram and I’ll be sure to help the best I can.
-Steve
Do you think this microphone would work well with a nt1 microphone? The mic cost around $250 bucks
The nt1 is legendary. Cool mic!
The Apollo solo is great. It’s seriously the name.
Solo.
It’s the minimum you’d need as a solo creator to get into pro audio.
Question. If i buy a Apollo Solo used… do i get access to the UAD Native??
Any purchase of a UAD-2 plugin grants you a license to the native version.
Used Apollo’s only come with legacy UAD-1 plugins.
So if i get an Apollo Solo, i also get a license for the native plugins? or i can only use the plugins that come with the interface
You only get a license for the standard plugins that come with the Apollo.
But there is a catch. New vs used.
If you buy it new, it will specify what “collection” it comes with.
Most Apollo’s now days are sold with a “heritage bundle” which includes the legacy plugins and then very specific bundle of plugins.
If you buy used, it only comes with the legacy plugins.
The legacy plugins do not have a native version.
Does that make sense? If you’re still not clear, happy to clear it up - just lemme know.
Cheers.
@@TheSteveKinney I have only heritage edition sold in stores. does this means they are legacy? it's absolutely confusing!
@@antidegenerates7449 heritage edition is not the legacy plugins.
The legacy plugins are the original UAD plugin models.
All of this is available on UAD’s website.
Hi, I have a question: I have a hybrid situation using zoom R24 and a Mac studio. If I send the R24 through a splitter into the Apollo solo, does that work? Could I theoretically have old school guitar and petals into the Apollo and then also separately use it for vst’s?
I have one of those laying around somewhere!
Right on.
Well. Is the Apollo your only way into the computer?
Like. You could absolutely do what you’re talking about, but I think I’m getting lost in the way you’re trying to approach it.
@@TheSteveKinney hi, thank you for responding! I have no way of putting guitar into the computer. I’m using logic pro and learning it, and I just got an arteria keyboard and everything’s going good. I’ve always created music using the R 24-despite down, loading the driver to make it communicate with the Mac I just can’t figure out how to do it… but I want to start making music using the computer and so I figured I obviously need an interface for guitar and external keyboard so I’m not sure what I should do. I’ve been researching interfaces, but I just don’t know what to do. I really appreciate your opinion
@@TheSteveKinney The zoom doesn’t communicate with Logic Pro, so I guess I’m asking does plugging the output of the zoom combined into a stereo jack XLR cable into A high end, audio interface, (Universal audio)sound better and work better than into a really crappy one??
@@TheSteveKinney Is there Real latency issues between USB 2.0 and thunderbolt when VST’s are not involved and you’re using a Mac pro ultra?
@@christopherdouglas512 I've never tried using the zoom 24r as an interface.. and it's super old -so I'm not surprised it's giving you a hard time..
Hi Steve newly subbed and appreciative of your talents. Purchased 2 bundles and I love them. I just sent you an email regarding a tech question. Thank you buddy.
Cheers!
i actually bought the solo last christmas and was worried it would be come obsolete due to apollo releasing more native plugins, but it's quite the opposite now. i'm using it only for vocals, acoustic guitar, DI'd bass and electric guitars. It's perfect.
the ONLY flag I have is that the headphone amp out is not the best in the market as it's not flat. to solve this problem i bought the Topping DX-1, which is much better for mixing.
Stoked to read this comment!
I really feel like the solo was always great but that the native plugins made it better and more powerful. Particular for those creators that don’t need the extra I/o for outboard gear or multi tracking instruments.
Great tip on the headphone bit!!
What’s the difference between buying the USB version over the thunderbolt version?
I see there’s a considerable prince difference between the two.
USB will ONLY work with windows.
TB will work with Mac and windows, provided your windows has TB.
They are the same exact device otherwise, work the same etc
@@TheSteveKinney Oh I get it now… thanks!
This video told me absolutely nothing other than the price, which is why I wanted more information on the product… actual review, comparison…
I’ve made a few videos covering all of this on the solo... this is just an update on the product.
That said - happy to answer any questions you might have about it.
can i use this with a mac air 2018?
Yeah. Should be good. Macs all have thunderbolt, so. Yeah.
Help! Which buy ? Apollo solo or audient id14 ?
Solo is a better device IMHO
I bought it , I got it , it using a Thunderbolt 3 cable from apple im using a new Mac mini . It still won’t turn on . Is it my Mac mini ? Is it the cable ?? Did I get a broken Apollo ?
Are you plugging it into the front Mac mini ports?.. or the back?
And are you sure you got a TB3 cable and not a usb c?
@@TheSteveKinney yes I did and I figured out that it was because I didn’t connect something called a 12v dc but now it’s not recognizing it 😓
Salut, est ce bien la version tb3 que tu as? Et non la version Windows qui elle a une alimentation externe.
Considering the $10K of plugins I bought STILL aren't available (OVER a year since UA released a pathetically small amount to Native) I'm SO glad I made the right decision to sell all my licences and my Quad Twin X back then. Now after repurchasing them all (for WAY less) from the original developers I've made a BIG profit and can use them without an iLok, without a constant internet connection, without an Apollo (dongle), and without useless DSP performance... yes, I'm running as many instances of those plugins on my M1-PRO as I want... all while enjoying the freedom of working wherever I want via my laptop. Why on Earth anybody would stay with UAD is an absolute mystery to me now.
LOL
Bruh. Did you really come here bragging about an m1...
@@TheSteveKinney Bruh. That was a sad deflection. Try harder.
@@TheSteveKinney😂
@@deepvan9796 I mean - not trying to be rude dude, honestly.. nor am I trying to deflect.. I don't get paid by UA nor do I represent them in anyway. So - I don't need to deflect anything.
The truth is - if your m1 is powerful enough for all your sessions, that's great... they probably aren't big enough to need DSP support.. because I promise you... once you start getting up into large track counts from live recorded signals... I'm talking projects where you have literally 75 BGV's... for JUST background vocals.. and then you gotta punch in at a random spot in the track to fix a performance..
I guarantee you will miss having something with DSP acceleration.
doesn't matter how you slice it - with CPU's, you'll always endure annoying latency at some point, it's literal physics.
on top of that - processor architecture changes as fast as the direction of the wind.. today - your m1 pro is great... tomorrow it's outdated from the next software update.
stoked that you dig the native versions and supporting the original developers, but the DSP versions are for a very specific need. If it's not for you, again, that's great brotha! nothing is perfect for everyone. DSP isn't for everyone, but it's definitely for some people.
keep on rocking! keep on making great stuff. I appreciate your comment and insight. I hope it helps someone. That's what my channel is about. cheers dude!
@@TheSteveKinney An M1-PRO running UAD Spark Native has been proven to be as powerful as 13 Octo Core Satellites (over $17k). Again add all the freedom that comes along with having that on a laptop. :) And I regularly work with massive sized sessions (including stacked BG's and adlibs of over 100 tracks) Most pro's don't even use them all anyhow, especially not opening UAD plugins on every single one.
My response was to your reply (saying i was simply bragging about a laptop). I was just pointing out why UA's DSP is now redundant and a waste of money for most people - including most professionals. Obviously there's live tracking sessions where many channels of i/o is needed, but that can easily be achieved with a non DSP interface while an M1-PRO effortlessly handles the plug-in count at undetectable latency...
...and that is why UA is holding back almost 2 years later from releasing ALL their stuff on Spark - they need to keep the Apollo line selling somehow.
And that is why I repurchased everything somewhere else... so I could have more for less. Performance, freedom, etc... I need to be able to work from wherever I am (internet or no internet) and without always having an Apollo (and power etc...) and/or having an iLok taking up my TB ports. Nobody else holds my plug-ins hostage like UA does and it's just no longer practical for me.
my apollo solo doesnt work anymore. normally it makes click sound when power switch on but not anymore and my mic and headphones dont work ;(((
Hmmm 🤔
Is it powered on?
Or just DOA?
@@TheSteveKinney now only the light work but no sound.i left it on and walked away one hour, no one was there only my cat and when i came back it dont work anymore.
xD
@@lillightstruck5378 I’m assuming you’ve went through the traditional steps of power cycling everything, including removing the cable from the interface?
Is it better than a Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen
I would say considerably better.
The headphone outputs, line outputs, line ins, mic & instrument inputs all have better dynamic range in the solo.
Plus the extra capabilities of the DSP. Etc.
Both can do high sample rates, so that’s cool.
Latency is handled differently between the two, plus that’s always kind of more of a computer measurement, rather than a device measurement.
But. Yeah. Solo better. Happy to answer other questions.
Cheers!
Nice hows the preamp nois
All of the Apollo line up preamps are some of the best out there.
This one is no different. Noise is a non issue.
I think it’s good asf if you’re just using it as something I’m the way in for one channel no mixing
It’s one of the best 2 channel tracking devices there are.
2021 Macook M1 pro + apollo solo here - sleep mode issues - the system crashes all the time .... very frustrating
I’m not entirely sure that you’re supposed to leave the solo plugged in and powered on during during sleep mode.
That’s likely causing the crashing. Plug it in when you’re using it. Don’t plug it in when you’re not.
Try that and see if you get better result. Cheers!
@@TheSteveKinney yeah that works... so in 2023 i bought a new macbook+apollo for 4k ... only to find out that i have to unplug the device overnight lolololol (2023!!! Lol)
@@martinm.9736 lol
I mean. In reality - you’re issue here is with the MacBook itself.
It’s “intelligent” power saving feature is flashing power output periodically to its external peripherals in order to save on energy. Which is in turn causing the device to lose power in and out throughout its sleep cycle.
It’s overall so much easier to just unplug it when you’re done with it.
I mean the only design flaw of the Apollo here IMO is not having a power switch - but then again - you could just unplug it lol effectively just as simple as a switch and does the same function.
@@martinm.9736 Hey man - get a inline USB switch or an USB hub with on/off switches per channel. There shouldn't be any issues. I agree that you pay for the license here and not for the audio interface
@@biomechanism1 good idea! but i cant find nothing for tb3! :(
ça sent le mec influenceur de Universal Audio ;)
Ehhh… I’m assuming this says that I’m some sort of UA influencer…
Short answer, I wish. 😂
Long answer; they seem to have a particular type of social media person that they go after… I wish I was it haha
But im not hip enough ha
Aluminium volume knob ???
Yes?
Is UAD still worth it in 2023 ?
I’d say so.. they have a ton of plugins that still sound the best for sure.
The neve stuff, I think kit plugins edges them out.
But a lot of their reverbs, delays, compressors are the best of the best.
And no matter what anyone tells you .. once you get to where you’re having 60-100 tracks, with melodyne, vocalign, pocketing, edits ... having DSP acceleration is extremely beneficial.
My dude you're getting paid by Universal Audio, it's a pretty biased video if you ask me, but thanks for the content I guess
I WISH I was getting paid by UA.
honestly… I’m not. I’d share that loud and proud if I was.
Look at the woke ass people they DO partner with 😅… I’m not on their (UA) feeds anywhere. Most of those people are veryyyy shameless in the way they present UA.
@@TheSteveKinney the use of “woke” here 🤣🤣🤣
@@JayK817 you know it’s true 😅