Universal Audio Apollo x6 Review
16x22 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with Real-Time UAD Processing
- Bands, Producers & Studio/Film Engineers
- 2 Unison Mic Pres, 2 Hi-Z In, 6 Line In
- Elite-Class 24-Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA
- Monitoring & Talkback Control, ADAT I/O
- Wordclock I/O, Expandable DSP and I/O
- 2 High-Speed Thunderbolt 3 Ports
- 2 Headphone Outs, 8 Line/Monitor Outs
- External Power Supply / Mac & Windows
- HEXA Core Processing with 6 DSP Chips
- 34 UAD Plug-Ins & Mac Recording Software
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 24 Reviews
Amazing upgrade.
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Austin, Songwriter/Producer on Guitar Center
I was previously using the Scarlett 2i4 for most of my recordings, and felt that it was finally time to upgrade my interface. I wanted to go all in, but was fighting between the apollo twin mkii and the apollo x6. due to the price differential and the specs I would need for my recording workflow. The Apollo x6 did not let me down. Hexacore (6 DSP chips) processing, thunderbolt connectivity (which was a big upgrade for me, if you have a newer macbook, iMac or PC with thunderbolt 2-3 you can get even faster transfer speeds) 2 Hi-z inputs, 2 unison microphone preamps, and 6 line inputs... The sound quality from the start was notably better, and the unison preamp technology was incredible. The way the UAD plugins emulate vintage preamps by mimicking the impedance of the original hardware and taking over the apollos physical preamp is pretty amazing. The UAD monitor/controller digital console is very intuitive, and although I had some issues setting it up, once it connected I have had zero issues. Now for some cons. Well, there are not many cons besides some that are pretty obvious. If you buy it brand new it is very expensive, but I would also say that the quality of sound provided from this interface is worth pretty dang close to every penny I spent. The thunderbolt connectivity was a bit annoying to set up, simply because you cannot plug it in right out of the box if you do not already have a thunderbolt 3 to 2 transfer cable, which is roughly $45, but that is a very small inconvenience. If you have a newer model PC or Apple computer (mine is a late 2013 iMac) then the conversion cable should not be an issue anyway. The knobs on the interface are a bit cheap feeling, but the rest of the unit is built like a strong sturdy piece of gear. All in all I am very pleased with my purchase and have zero regrets about buying this interface. The rest of the recording is up to you and your capabilities. If you put the money down for this gear you will not be disappointed. ... More
Constant Troubleshooting (do not buy unless you have a new computer)
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Jordan M. on Reverb
I purchased an Apollo X6, along with a UAD accelerator and about $1000 worth of plugins. I was hoping it would be a great way to upgrade my recording setup and offload processing to the Apollo, freeing up the computer's CPU- NOPE. Since I purchased this and have been using the plugins in Luna and Pro Tools it's been nothing but CONSTANT troubleshooting. I've been nearly in tears on several occasions because of the frustration after spending so much money and having a setup that simply doesn't work. I've expressed this to customer service and have been met with indifferent technical responses asking for more system information, which I'd then provide, and would then be met with more technical questions. I don't feel heard as a customer or that they acknowledged how incredibly disheartening and frustrating this has been as someone new to their company. I got the feeling my responses were being glanced at, and was asked questions like "did you uninstall it?" and asked to repeat information I'd already provided. Oh, and don't expect to reach them on their phone support line and talk to a human - it's closed. The lackluster, robotic customer service was disheartening and I didn't get the impression they really cared. After spending thousands of dollars on their ecosystem that really hurts. I would recommend this unit ONLY if you have a newer computer - my MacBook Pro (quad-core 2.6ghz, 16gb ram) is older but exceeds the system requirements by a longshot. I even installed a brand new system drive with a fresh install of OSX, UA and Luna and then encountered other issues, so I purchased a new computer just to be able to use the software and hardware I already purchased. The whole point was to avoid having to purchase a new computer. This is a shame because UA products are high quality and plugins sound great, but if you're looking to get a few more years out of your computer by having the Apollo do your plugin processing, don't count on it. Had I made this decision again I would absolutely go Native and upgrade to a better computer with Fabfilter and Plugin Alliance plugin bundles, with another company that actually cares about their customers. Word to the wise - make sure your computer is new enough to run this. If it is, great, It will most likely work fine? But don't expect tons of support from UA if it doesn't work on your older computer, even if you meet system requirements. I hope this saves someone the same hassle and headache that I've had to deal with for weeks of troubleshooting, with issues too many to name here. ... More
Excellent interface & great bang for the buck
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Jay C. on Reverb
I've been spending some time getting familiar with my new Apollo x6, and it's every bit as good as I'd hoped. The Pros: The flexibility is good, the DSP processing power is awesome, and the sound is great. The integration with DAWs is very nicely done. The built-in DSP processing power means that it can be used to provide effects such as reverb during the recording process without recording them, or to apply the effects and record them during the recording pass, or a combination of the two. This makes the architecture a little more complicated than just mapping inputs and outputs as with a more conventional interface. (However, it's a user's dream compared to setting up the various matrices for a MOTU AVB interface like the ones I've used recently). The extensive, well-written documentation makes it as easy to learn as possible. The Cons: I was surprised that I couldn't find the two types of reverb I prefer available as UAD plug-ins. There are great emulations of classic digital reverbs such as the Lexicon 480 and 224, great emulations of real chambers (Capitol and Ocean Way), and good spring and plate emulations (AKG BX20, EMT140, etc.) But I usually like to use Waves IR impulse response reverb or 2-C Aether algorithmic reverb (which is a real resource hog). There is no impulse response reverb available, and the existing DreamVerb and RealVerb are not up to the quality of the best algorithmic 'verbs. But the other main plugin categories are well represented, i.e. compressors, EQ, delays (including tape emulations) and distortion. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I'd purchased in the middle of a plugin sale with really big discounts on almost everything, so I was able to load up on a few goodies beyond the (good-quality) freebie set which comes with the unit. I purchased the x6 to be the centerpiece of my studio, after years of using MOTU interfaces. It has proved to be a really solid upgrade and I hope to be using it for years ahead. ... More
Constant Troubleshooting - Beware (unless using new Mac)
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Jordan (Sound Engineer) on Guitar Center
I purchased an Apollo X6, along with a UAD accelerator and about $1000 worth of plugins. I was hoping it would be a great way to upgrade my recording setup and offload processing to the Apollo, freeing up the computer's CPU- NOPE. Since I purchased this and have been using the plugins in Luna and Pro Tools it's been nothing but CONSTANT troubleshooting. I've been nearly in tears on several occasions because of the frustration after spending so much money and having a setup that simply doesn't work. I've expressed this to Brandon at customer service and have been met with indifferent technical responses asking for more system information, which I'd then provide, and would then be met with more technical questions. I don't feel heard as a customer or that they acknowledged how incredibly disheartening and frustrating this has been as someone new to their company. I got the feeling my responses were being glanced at, and was asked questions like "did you uninstall it?" and asked to repeat information I'd already provided. Oh, and don't expect to reach them on their phone support line and talk to a human - it's closed. The lackluster, robotic customer service was disheartening and I didn't get the impression they really cared. After spending thousands of dollars on their ecosystem that really hurts. I would recommend this unit ONLY if you have a newer computer - my MacBook Pro (quad-core 2.6ghz, 16gb ram) is older but exceeds the system requirements by a longshot. I even installed a brand new system drive with a fresh install of OSX, UA and Luna and then encountered other issues, so I purchased a new computer just to be able to use the software and hardware I already purchased. The whole point was to avoid having to purchase a new computer. This is a shame because UA products are high quality and plugins sound great, but if you're looking to get a few more years out of your computer by having the Apollo do your plugin processing, don't count on it. ... More
throwing away the box
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Chelcie A. on Reverb
Whenever I buy gear, or just about anything, I keep the box just incase I feel tempted to upgrade, sell impulsive purchases, or perhaps I didn't like the product etc. but I can honestly say that this interface will make me throw away the box cause I don't ever see myself trying another...unless it goes to S%#^ The preamps are incredible and the unison technology makes it even easier to experiment with different pres. It's also nice to print vocals etc. without having to worry about your computer choking on you. Hexa cores this thing is running on means you get to have more fun without CPU getting crazy. The preamp knob also allows you to control unison plugins which is really cool. With that being said, I think you have to consider whether you'll be investing heavily on their plugins because that's part of the benefit of having one of these things. I do wish UA would include a TB3 cable. At this price point you expect this thing to come with your very own chef so the least they could do is get you a TB3 cable. Other than that, I can't complain.
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Great interface
Universal Audio Apollo X6 Heritage Edition 6-Channel Thunderbolt Audio Interface With UAD DSP
Reviewed by Anthony on Guitar Center
You get what you pay for and this is well worth it. If you EVER plan on adding analog outboard gear to your chain this is the way to go. You can get cheaper ones, but the quality and build of Apollos are great. It's tempting to get the Apollo Twin for the obvious savings, but you lose the function of bypassing the preamps when using outboard gear. Skip the Twin if you think you'll want an external preamp and whatnot. You can just plug a balanced TRS from your preamp into one of the Analog inputs on the Apollo x6 and then go into the UA Consol > Settings > Hardware and then set the Analog channel to "Bypass". Nothing but clean uncolored conversion with the Apollo x6! Great buy! ... More
AMAZING PRODUCT!
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Heritage Edition Rackmount 16x22 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with Real-Time UAD Processing
Reviewed by Marcelo on B&H Photo Video
What I love the most of this product is it comes with great sounding plugins and enough power, 6 dsp for managing several reverb (Lexicon+chambers for ex.) sends/returns and still use 1176 or studer or la2a on single tracks. If you organize you can work with 6 dsp fine. I also love i could connect an Alesis Reverb Hardware via ADAT!!! Amazing. I have also an QS8 Alesis keyboard. I wish I could connect both units, but although it has 2 ADAT I/O its not possible to do so, only 1. Bummer. The interface, the quality of plugins is top. Totally recommended! ... More
Ba da BING!
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Heritage Edition Rackmount 16x22 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with Real-Time UAD Processing
Reviewed by Lawrence on B&H Photo Video
Outstanding interface with professional sound and low latency kicks my previous interface to the curb. A breeze to set up and runs great on my late 2013 MacBook Pro (which I also got at B&H). Also gives you access purchasing amazing (and addictive) Plug-ins from the UAD Library. Besides sounding great, these run on the UAD hardware freeing your CPU from the task of running them. I'm ecstatic. Universal Audio is the leader and the X series is awesome.
Ba da BING
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Heritage Edition Rackmount 16x22 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with Real-Time UAD Processing
Reviewed by Lawrence on B&H Photo Video
Classy and modern professional grade Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for your computer. 6 SHARC cores give access to the many available UAD Plug-ins without draining your CPU. Easy to install and works flawlessly on my Late 2013 MacBook Pro (which I also bought at B&H). Expand with another Apollo or get a Satellite for more DSP power. Kicks my old interface to the curb. I'm 100% satisfied.
UAD Apollo x6
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Chet W. on Reverb
Only scratched the surface but so far favorable. Logical upgrade. A lot more bang from the twin USB though not so portable. Converters are a step up.. More DSP cores. More i/o + Adat lightpipe io. Better specs. Adds talkback. 2 headphone jacks. Faster data thruput via TB3.
Smooth recording
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Sharad P. on Reverb
Although I have only used it for recording narration vocals, so far so good. I appreciate it's thunderbolt 3 passthrough connectivity to be part of a chain from my iMac using Pro Tools. The sound is smooth and I can now use Pro Tools to multitrack at a high frequency level as opposed to 48 hz.
Glad I bought it
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Travis G. on Reverb
Love the x6 Apollo. I can hear everything more clearly than ever before. Unison technology with Console software is groundbreaking. Only con is the buffer situation under Protools. PT has to restart after you change it under the settings. Overall I’m happy with it
Pristine sound!!!
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Aaron J. on Reverb
UA knocked it out of the park with the X series. Pristine DA conversion reveals the truth about everything you listen to. I was even able to daisy chain my 2nd monitor via thunderbolt 1 on my 2012 Mac mini! No cons. All pros! You can’t lose.
Review on my Apollo x6
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Jabari W. on Reverb
It was delivered in a timely fashion was packed nice it was all that I expected it to be I’m very happy with the gear I’ve purchased
Love It!
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Ryan C. on Reverb
Huge step up from the silver twin! Converters are much better (audibly better_) and got that extra DSP power to run more plugins in real time!
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Wayne M. on Reverb
Fantastic product. I do wish there was a bit more hardware output routing flexibility but overall, its great.
Great unit
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Brian S. on Reverb
This Apollo unit is very intuitive to use It sounds great, has tons of plugins you can add And mostly I like that it’s very stable in my desktop highly recommend it
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Roderick B. on Reverb
I love my new Apollo x6 it’s perfect for what I was looking for in my studio!
This is all you need
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by George A. on Reverb
Cut a record on the silverface one. Loved it. Working with this now. Love it more.
Apollo x6
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Justin P. on Reverb
Thanks! Great Reverb seller! Prompt communication. Fast shipping.
