Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO Review - Is This Audio Interface Worth It?

When considering an investment in high-end studio gear, one thing is clear: you're looking for nothing but top-notch performance. That's where Universal Audio comes into play with their latest offering – the Apollo Twin X Duo.

As a staple of professional recording studios worldwide, this audio interface has earned itself quite the reputation among industry titans such as producer and mix engineer Chris Lord-Alge (who incidentally chose it for his own setup). So what makes this particular model so special? Let's dive in!

Key Features at-a-Glance:

- 4-in/6-out configuration with two Thunderbolt 3 ports

- Class A DUO AD/DA conversion technology

- Customizable UAD-2 Octo card slot for added processing power

On the surface, these specs might not seem earth-shattering compared to other high-end interfaces on the market. However, it's essential to remember that Universal Audio isn't just any old company – they're masters of their craft with decades worth experience under their belt.

The Apollo Twin X Duo is more than just a pretty face though; beneath its sleek aluminum chassis lies some serious hardware wizardry. The heart and soul of this beast are the custom-designed DUO AD/1686-UR preamps, which promise up to +20dB headroom on every channel (that's enough juice for even the most demanding drum kits). Add in Universal Audio's own proprietary 32-bit floating-point processing engine and you've got yourself an interface capable of handling anything thrown at it – from pristine capture duty through to full-on studio-grade mixing duties.

But what really sets this baby apart is its versatility. Not only does it sport two Thunderbolt 3 ports for easy connectivity with your Mac or PC (Windows compatibility now available thanks to a simple BIOS update), but each one also doubles up as a dedicated ADAT I/O pair via the included optional AD/DA card.

This means that not only can you easily hook up multiple studio-grade mic preamps and effects processors into your existing rig without having to worry about running out of analog inputs – you could even use it as an eight-channel digital mixer! That's right folks, with a little bit of creative thinking (and some serious hardware investment), this thing becomes essentially unlimited.

In conclusion: if budget isn't an object when looking for the ultimate audio interface solution then look no further than Universal Audio's stunning Apollo Twin X Duo. With its unparalleled combination of sound quality, features and sheer flexibility making it more than just a 'serious tool' – it truly is an industry standard waiting to be yours.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Universal audio apollo twin x duo