🎬 SUGGESTED VIDEOS: ✅ PART 1: Apollo Solo: ua-cam.com/video/lYDFQP3kBcE/v-deo.html ✅ PART 2: Unison Preamps: ua-cam.com/video/PM8V9rb9D_4/v-deo.html ✅ PART 3: Setting Up Monitoring in Console: ua-cam.com/video/0DZM9y6tmBQ/v-deo.html ✅ PART 4: Recording With Effects in Console & DSP Management: ua-cam.com/video/KY2X9iJT7f8/v-deo.html ✅ GET MORE DPS with a UAD Satellite Plugin Accelerator: ua-cam.com/video/HnckEPm_FkE/v-deo.html ✅ LUNA - In Depth Features Review: ua-cam.com/video/5dahNTx36Ig/v-deo.html ✅ LUNA Neve Summing: ua-cam.com/video/4yHidNxWGG8/v-deo.html ✅ LUNA Neve vs API Summing: ua-cam.com/video/3N7vdgVTfI0/v-deo.html ✅ Scarlett Vs Apollo Twin: ua-cam.com/video/OawjPClrqQs/v-deo.html
I'd love to see a comparison of how the audio going through the pre-amp with unison technology compares with the audio recorded clean (with the linear pre-amp setting), but with the same pre-amp plugin on it in post. This would demonstrate the effect the unison technology has on the audio as you wouldn't be hearing the differences of the software processing.
I just purchased the Apollo Twin x duo and I can't wait to use it. As a vocalist, this video will help so much in getting me started. Have you considered doing a review on the Aston Instruments Stealth microphone?
That's great. You won't regret the Apollo. I have a whole series on UAD related content coming so stay tune :-) I have indeed reviewed the Stealth: ua-cam.com/video/Q6AhSFPSD7E/v-deo.html
Thank you for this review!!! How would you use in a vocal chain the MANLEY VOXBOX CHANNEL STRIP? Is it enough with just this plugin or would you recommend adding extra compression and saturation, as well? 🇲🇽Hola from MEXICO!!! 🇲🇽
You’re the first person to spot this error. Yes it does, I didn’t think of this when I did the video. It’s a good excuse to re-do the video another time 🙂
@@EdThorne Thinking about it, there's probably no easy way to do this without actually doing separate takes. Either you'll end up with the Mic "seeing" both preamps or you'll have to introduce transformers, which bring in their own artifacts (and probably still don't full decouple the two preamps).
@@StefanWiesendanger Yeh, other than a passive splitter, it requires an active split which, as you said, introduces additional circuitry that some people are also inevitably going to complain about. OR, recording two takes, but you guessed it - people complain about the performance differential, proximity differential, and gains not being identical (although gain matching is manageable to within 1dB which is acceptable I’d say for a comparison) 🤦🏼♂️
Hello Ed... what you think about the simple Neve Preamp from UAD is it worth buying for recording rap Vocals? And is it a upstep to the 610B that is included ?
Critical Criminal The Neve has something special about it, it’s got a hot top end EQ which makes vocals bite and sit well in the mix. If you can get it in a sale, bonus.
Hi Ed! Great video, as always. I would like to ask some help. I mostly use my home setup for vocal recording. I decided I wanted to improve the sound quality. I looked out for a Focusrite ISA one analog preamp. Then I met Apollo Solo. Plugins are famously good. My question is: Can I achieve similarly good results with the apollo and UAD plugins like an ISA preamp? I know the hardware is always better, but I'm curious. I hope I didn’t ask stupidity, I’m a beginner. Thanks for the help. :) Continue the channel !!!
Olivér Panák Hi Olivér, thanks for the kind words and the question. The ISA preamps are lovely and really hold their value second hand so I see the dilemma because they can be quite expensive. I made a video comparing the Neve 1073 Unison preamps with a real analog, Warm Audio preamp (not quite the same as the ISA) but you can hear the difference for yourself. Maybe that will help your decisions. The Unison preamps offer you a lot of versatility though for less money than a hardware unit that does one thing. ua-cam.com/video/t4Z3vAI38U4/v-deo.html
These videos are super helpful and informative. thank you Ed!! One question I have: do you believe there to be a difference in sonic quality between the Solo and Twin X? I'm wondering if because the Twin X has an external power supply it gives a better quality audio/preamp signal. Thanks again!!
Thanks Rob 🙂 When I tested the Solo (I only had it for a few hours) I didn’t notice a sonic difference between the two. The Twin does have slightly better converters though according to UA.
Hi from Colombia, Ed. Thanks for your videos and content! just a quick question. Do you find any considerable difference between apollo twin and solo just for voiceover? I'll use a microphone Neuman tlm102 and I'm not sure if it's worth spending more money on the twin instead of the solo or maybe the solo will be more than enough. Usually the preamp for voiceover and this microphone is the Universal audio 610.
Thanks Andres. I couldn’t tell a difference between the two. Technically the converters are slightly different (therefore I assume slightly better on the Twin). The Solo is limited by the single DSP core. It’s manageable and should be fine for just voice overs. Any more advanced mixing and you’ll want more DSP. 🙂 There some DSP management tips at the end of this video: ua-cam.com/video/KY2X9iJT7f8/v-deo.html
No. You could double stack preamps (I’m experimenting with this idea on drums at the moment) but most people would avoid this to keep the signal as clean as possible.
I am trying to record Just guitar and vocal. I am a singer songwriter. Would Two Nuemann 103s(one mic guitar other vocals) thru apollo twin to logic pro using a Avalon 737 Plugin for both Provide an easy to use High end final product?
@@EdThorne I've been out of the music scene for over 10 years due to kids and life, but I used to love my waves SSL plugs on everything. So the API and SSL strips are on my shortlist (not sure how many Instances il be able to run on a quad setup). Already picked up the diezel Herbert plug on a flash sale and have all the older helios and century plugs that came with their packs. From your video alone you sold me on the Manley voxbox, I forgot how many different colors you could get thru it. Try running a bass thru it for some harmonic distortion followed by the ssl eq to add a little sizzle and grit on the frets
Manley sounds amazing on rap as well. Used the the real Manley core with a Tlm102 loved it. Literally the most buttery high end I've ever heard but it was running through a pultec as well so I'm pretty sure that had something to do with it
Really awesome video Ed! Rasmus has super great voice! Don't have any of Universal Audio interfaces so cannot use their plugins for now. Need to save some money to buy Apollo interface and try the plugins then! But video is really wonderful!
@@EdThorne To be honest I'm not within the Universal Audio 'eco system' - It's been something I'm looking to have in my next major upgrade. I just purchased the Focusrite Clarett 8 Pre X last December. So my current setup is here to stay for a little while :) On another note, I think many of us would want to learn more about the music 'business' itself. Things like creating a brand for yourself as a musician, different ways of making an income in audio, things like that I think will work well. Do keep up the excellent work my friend :)
Hashim Al Alawi I’m planning on setting up a remote drum session studio soon and the Clarett 8Pre/Octo Pre are on my list. Those are good content ideas. Do you follow Damien Keyes? He’s good for that sort of content.
Thanks for the comparison. I'm sure Rasmus has a good voice but the dynamics testing was lacking. Not saying you could get him but I would use someone like Dimash singing to show how the preamps work with various levels and tones of vocals.
Hi Ed, Thanks for the time - Dimash Kudaibergen is a 26 year old singer from Kazakhstan with a 7 octave range A1 - D8, who many consider the best singer of all time. His UA-cam videos are mostly done live with no auto-tune. Here are some links to his songs - "SOS" (French)- ua-cam.com/video/JEz1qGS0T1Q/v-deo.html "Sinful Passion" (Russian)ua-cam.com/video/W9FlDMCo8LU/v-deo.html "Your Love" (English) ua-cam.com/video/jfIcuEzd6ps/v-deo.html and from the Movie soundtrack "Creators - The Past" "Across Endless Dimensions (English)" ua-cam.com/video/9efIWFhD8a4/v-deo.html
I have the Avalon 737 and 610 . The Avalon is close to perfect imo . I also only use these mainly for Voice over work. Occasionally I’ll lay down some singing tracks.
@@EdThorne I needed a super speed usb3 and there was nothing in the instructions and didn’t include the cable (which was very poor). I’m pretty much sorted now… just need to get my DAW recording with the UA plug in’s…
@@EdThorne I like how simple it is to use and to adjust. it suits my voice very nicely and I love how it removes the harshness when recording on my acoustic guitars. there is a warmth to it that is pleasing to my ears. I use the Helios in the Unison slot. For my voice I will compress it with the LA-2A . I dont use compression on the acoustic guitar. I do in the mastering where I like to use the UA's SSL4000 with the 1176s.
Uad is light years behind acoustica audio and noise ash plugins as far as analog concern. with acoustica you don't need any dedicated outboardb hardware because acoustica audio sample real analog device that cost 10s of thousands so when you use acoustica audio plugins you are using real gears
Sampling analogue gear is how UAD and Waves get their plugin sounds. Acoustica Audio are newer plugins so maybe have more depth and detail (in some cases). Personally, I still don’t like AA though.
@@EdThorne wrong uad and waves are algorithms coded acoustica audio use hybrid mastering converters and hybrid cables to capture the real thing so even though acoustica audio uses more cpu what I'm looking for in a plugins waves uad slate an the above can't do I've own just a presonus studio 68 and with acoustica audio plugs my mix sounds better than most big studio mix even with just thair preamp on my mix bus my mix sounds thick wide 3d lush trust me I swear by them they save me 1000000 of dollars in outboard equipment
I can speak for the 88R Preamps as i have the real things here... the Apollo DOES have some of the vibe, but it's not as thick and have the bottom or top end of the real thing. That's not to criticise them as the DO have a fair bit of the vibe, the average person on the street is unlikely to hear, or care, about the small difference though.
🎬 SUGGESTED VIDEOS:
✅ PART 1: Apollo Solo: ua-cam.com/video/lYDFQP3kBcE/v-deo.html
✅ PART 2: Unison Preamps: ua-cam.com/video/PM8V9rb9D_4/v-deo.html
✅ PART 3: Setting Up Monitoring in Console: ua-cam.com/video/0DZM9y6tmBQ/v-deo.html
✅ PART 4: Recording With Effects in Console & DSP Management: ua-cam.com/video/KY2X9iJT7f8/v-deo.html
✅ GET MORE DPS with a UAD Satellite Plugin Accelerator: ua-cam.com/video/HnckEPm_FkE/v-deo.html
✅ LUNA - In Depth Features Review: ua-cam.com/video/5dahNTx36Ig/v-deo.html
✅ LUNA Neve Summing: ua-cam.com/video/4yHidNxWGG8/v-deo.html
✅ LUNA Neve vs API Summing: ua-cam.com/video/3N7vdgVTfI0/v-deo.html
✅ Scarlett Vs Apollo Twin: ua-cam.com/video/OawjPClrqQs/v-deo.html
I'd love to see a comparison of how the audio going through the pre-amp with unison technology compares with the audio recorded clean (with the linear pre-amp setting), but with the same pre-amp plugin on it in post. This would demonstrate the effect the unison technology has on the audio as you wouldn't be hearing the differences of the software processing.
I was actually going to include this demonstration in this video but it was going to get quite long. It's a good idea for a separate video though :-)
This is exactly what I’m looking for
I've tried it. The Neve adds considerable delay when tracking through it without the Unison tech.
@@dariofromthefuture3075so u can Use this plugin without an an UA interface?
I just purchased the Apollo Twin x duo and I can't wait to use it. As a vocalist, this video will help so much in getting me started. Have you considered doing a review on the Aston Instruments Stealth microphone?
That's great. You won't regret the Apollo. I have a whole series on UAD related content coming so stay tune :-) I have indeed reviewed the Stealth: ua-cam.com/video/Q6AhSFPSD7E/v-deo.html
Thank you for this review!!!
How would you use in a vocal chain the MANLEY VOXBOX CHANNEL STRIP? Is it enough with just this plugin or would you recommend adding extra compression and saturation, as well?
🇲🇽Hola from MEXICO!!! 🇲🇽
Doesn't a Y-split cable mess with the impedance? (depending on how exactly the signal is split)
You’re the first person to spot this error. Yes it does, I didn’t think of this when I did the video. It’s a good excuse to re-do the video another time 🙂
@@EdThorne Thinking about it, there's probably no easy way to do this without actually doing separate takes. Either you'll end up with the Mic "seeing" both preamps or you'll have to introduce transformers, which bring in their own artifacts (and probably still don't full decouple the two preamps).
@@StefanWiesendanger Yeh, other than a passive splitter, it requires an active split which, as you said, introduces additional circuitry that some people are also inevitably going to complain about. OR, recording two takes, but you guessed it - people complain about the performance differential, proximity differential, and gains not being identical (although gain matching is manageable to within 1dB which is acceptable I’d say for a comparison) 🤦🏼♂️
@@EdThorne Reminds me of that preamp test where they used a player piano to ensure reproducibility ;)
Hello Ed... what you think about the simple Neve Preamp from UAD is it worth buying for recording rap Vocals? And is it a upstep to the 610B that is included ?
Critical Criminal The Neve has something special about it, it’s got a hot top end EQ which makes vocals bite and sit well in the mix. If you can get it in a sale, bonus.
@@EdThorne thank you for that fast answere :) right now its online for half of the price... think i go get it
Critical Criminal You’re welcome. Enjoy 🙂
Thank you heaps for the video mate really well put together, Liked & Subed, the manly was also my favourite , is this good preamp for tlm 107 ?
Thanks, BenYa. The Manley sounds good on everything! 🙂
Hi Ed!
Great video, as always. I would like to ask some help. I mostly use my home setup for vocal recording. I decided I wanted to improve the sound quality.
I looked out for a Focusrite ISA one analog preamp. Then I met Apollo Solo. Plugins are famously good.
My question is: Can I achieve similarly good results with the apollo and UAD plugins like an ISA preamp? I know the hardware is always better, but I'm curious. I hope I didn’t ask stupidity, I’m a beginner.
Thanks for the help. :)
Continue the channel !!!
Olivér Panák Hi Olivér, thanks for the kind words and the question. The ISA preamps are lovely and really hold their value second hand so I see the dilemma because they can be quite expensive. I made a video comparing the Neve 1073 Unison preamps with a real analog, Warm Audio preamp (not quite the same as the ISA) but you can hear the difference for yourself. Maybe that will help your decisions. The Unison preamps offer you a lot of versatility though for less money than a hardware unit that does one thing. ua-cam.com/video/t4Z3vAI38U4/v-deo.html
great info! I recently purchased the solo and I think it let me choose 4 plug ins how does this work ?
Thanks. You’d have have to check with UAD. They frequently change the plugin bundles supplied.
What do you think of Ssl??
These videos are super helpful and informative. thank you Ed!! One question I have: do you believe there to be a difference in sonic quality between the Solo and Twin X? I'm wondering if because the Twin X has an external power supply it gives a better quality audio/preamp signal. Thanks again!!
Thanks Rob 🙂 When I tested the Solo (I only had it for a few hours) I didn’t notice a sonic difference between the two. The Twin does have slightly better converters though according to UA.
@@EdThorne The Twin X has the same converters as the rack Apollo X series, AFAIK.
@@gkiss2030 True. And the X16 has a step up again in conversion quality.
Hi from Colombia, Ed. Thanks for your videos and content! just a quick question. Do you find any considerable difference between apollo twin and solo just for voiceover? I'll use a microphone Neuman tlm102 and I'm not sure if it's worth spending more money on the twin instead of the solo or maybe the solo will be more than enough. Usually the preamp for voiceover and this microphone is the Universal audio 610.
Thanks Andres. I couldn’t tell a difference between the two. Technically the converters are slightly different (therefore I assume slightly better on the Twin). The Solo is limited by the single DSP core. It’s manageable and should be fine for just voice overs. Any more advanced mixing and you’ll want more DSP. 🙂 There some DSP management tips at the end of this video: ua-cam.com/video/KY2X9iJT7f8/v-deo.html
@@EdThorne thanks, again Ed! have a great weekend, and wish you all success for your channel.
@@colandru Thanks Andres. You too sir 🙂
My preamps keep cutting out and resetting after minutes of using. Anybody experience this before? Apollo Twin
Does it make a differents when i use the neve pre amp uad Plug in, later on.on a regular insert slot inseadt of an unsison imput plugin
What if we don't want to use all these digital plug-ins? Does the UA Twin have its own preamp? Or is it a necessary we record thru these plugins only?
The preamps work as standard as well as Unison (with the plugins).
Is it neccesary to use unisson when u have a pream as warm audio wa73
No. You could double stack preamps (I’m experimenting with this idea on drums at the moment) but most people would avoid this to keep the signal as clean as possible.
@@EdThorne thx u 🙏
I am trying to record Just guitar and vocal. I am a singer songwriter. Would Two Nuemann 103s(one mic guitar other vocals) thru apollo twin to logic pro using a Avalon 737 Plugin for both Provide an easy to use High end final product?
Perfect timing in this as I'm on the lookout for those black Friday deals that everyone says is the time to stock up on UA plugins for my Twin X quad
strykeback1 That’s great. What are you thinking of getting?
@@EdThorne I've been out of the music scene for over 10 years due to kids and life, but I used to love my waves SSL plugs on everything. So the API and SSL strips are on my shortlist (not sure how many Instances il be able to run on a quad setup). Already picked up the diezel Herbert plug on a flash sale and have all the older helios and century plugs that came with their packs. From your video alone you sold me on the Manley voxbox, I forgot how many different colors you could get thru it. Try running a bass thru it for some harmonic distortion followed by the ssl eq to add a little sizzle and grit on the frets
strykeback1 That’s a good suggestion, I’ll try that. The SSL is DSP heavy (72% of one core I think). One of my next videos is covering DSP management.
Help. I have manley vox box. Do you think i wil by avalon 737
They're too different sounding plugins and they both sound great. For me the warmth of Manley gets my vote.
Good stuff Ed. Manley wins if it's rock. If it's rap I may choose Avalon tho.
Chris Finster Thanks Chris. Yes, for the clarity and smoothness the Avalon would be good for rap.
Manley sounds amazing on rap as well. Used the the real Manley core with a Tlm102 loved it. Literally the most buttery high end I've ever heard but it was running through a pultec as well so I'm pretty sure that had something to do with it
@@KeenApollo That's a very good vocal chain.
I don't know, as a rapper. I really like the Manley. I always heard about the Avalon but MANLEY kind of sold me on this one :)
Had a bunch of pops with sm7 and cloudlifter. So if you use that preamp with sm7 it doesn't necessarily mesh with unison's pres..it happened ua 610b
Maybe the signal clipped?
I'm not a fan of the UA 610 plugin.
(bought VoxBox right after getting the Twin X, did not use the 610 much)
Really awesome video Ed! Rasmus has super great voice! Don't have any of Universal Audio interfaces so cannot use their plugins for now. Need to save some money to buy Apollo interface and try the plugins then! But video is really wonderful!
Alexey Soloviev Music Thanks Alexey 🙏
Wonderful content, as always, Ed. Keep 'em coming :)
Thanks for the support Hashim. 6 more in depth UAD videos coming. Any other content requests?
@@EdThorne To be honest I'm not within the Universal Audio 'eco system' - It's been something I'm looking to have in my next major upgrade. I just purchased the Focusrite Clarett 8 Pre X last December. So my current setup is here to stay for a little while :) On another note, I think many of us would want to learn more about the music 'business' itself. Things like creating a brand for yourself as a musician, different ways of making an income in audio, things like that I think will work well. Do keep up the excellent work my friend :)
Hashim Al Alawi I’m planning on setting up a remote drum session studio soon and the Clarett 8Pre/Octo Pre are on my list.
Those are good content ideas. Do you follow Damien Keyes? He’s good for that sort of content.
@@EdThorne No I wasn't following him. I just did - thanks Ed :)
Hashim Al Alawi Also, I just stumbled across Indie Music Academy yesterday. That guy seems to have some good ideas too.
Thanks for the comparison. I'm sure Rasmus has a good voice but the dynamics testing was lacking. Not saying you could get him but I would use someone like Dimash singing to show how the preamps work with various levels and tones of vocals.
I take you point. Who is Dimash?
Hi Ed, Thanks for the time - Dimash Kudaibergen is a 26 year old singer from Kazakhstan with a 7 octave range A1 - D8, who many consider the best singer of all time. His UA-cam videos are mostly done live with no auto-tune. Here are some links to his songs - "SOS" (French)- ua-cam.com/video/JEz1qGS0T1Q/v-deo.html "Sinful Passion" (Russian)ua-cam.com/video/W9FlDMCo8LU/v-deo.html "Your Love" (English) ua-cam.com/video/jfIcuEzd6ps/v-deo.html and from the Movie soundtrack "Creators - The Past" "Across Endless Dimensions (English)" ua-cam.com/video/9efIWFhD8a4/v-deo.html
@@sectiondrecords4580 Oh wow. That’s an incredible range, I’ll check him out, thanks for the info 🙂🙏
I have the Avalon 737 and 610 . The Avalon is close to perfect imo . I also only use these mainly for Voice over work. Occasionally I’ll lay down some singing tracks.
The Avalon and Manleys are incredible sounding Unison Preamps!
Manley won, hands down on this! Rasmus is AMAZING with Diamondhead! 🤘🏻
The vocals on this one were hard to listen to
Just bought a new Solo from Thomann and completely dead. Hopfully a one off. Checked all power points. Very disappointing.
You running a 2015 TB3 Mac or newer? If not TB3 the device won’t be able to power the Solo. You MUST use a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 cable!
@@EdThorne I needed a super speed usb3 and there was nothing in the instructions and didn’t include the cable (which was very poor). I’m pretty much sorted now… just need to get my DAW recording with the UA plug in’s…
Helios 69 is the one I’ve been using most as of late.
Nice. What would say are it’s defining characteristics?
@@EdThorne I like how simple it is to use and to adjust. it suits my voice very nicely and I love how it removes the harshness when recording on my acoustic guitars. there is a warmth to it that is pleasing to my ears. I use the Helios in the Unison slot. For my voice I will compress it with the LA-2A . I dont use compression on the acoustic guitar. I do in the mastering where I like to use the UA's SSL4000 with the 1176s.
RiShark Tíburon Nice. 🙂
Uad is light years behind acoustica audio and noise ash plugins as far as analog concern. with acoustica you don't need any dedicated outboardb hardware because acoustica audio sample real analog device that cost 10s of thousands so when you use acoustica audio plugins you are using real gears
Sampling analogue gear is how UAD and Waves get their plugin sounds. Acoustica Audio are newer plugins so maybe have more depth and detail (in some cases). Personally, I still don’t like AA though.
@@EdThorne wrong uad and waves are algorithms coded acoustica audio use hybrid mastering converters and hybrid cables to capture the real thing so even though acoustica audio uses more cpu what I'm looking for in a plugins waves uad slate an the above can't do I've own just a presonus studio 68 and with acoustica audio plugs my mix sounds better than most big studio mix even with just thair preamp on my mix bus my mix sounds thick wide 3d lush trust me I swear by them they save me 1000000 of dollars in outboard equipment
big house music Wil have to look more into this
Now try to do the same in real-time (which UAD does in case of the Apollos).
MANLEY!
Yes! If only I could afford a real one 🤣
I can speak for the 88R Preamps as i have the real things here... the Apollo DOES have some of the vibe, but it's not as thick and have the bottom or top end of the real thing.
That's not to criticise them as the DO have a fair bit of the vibe, the average person on the street is unlikely to hear, or care, about the small difference though.