Universal Audio

collapse expand iconDescription

Universal Audio has been a leading name in the recording industry for over 60 years, prominently known as the developer of the workhorse 1176 compressor, proprietor of the famed Teletronix LA-2A and, in the most recent decade, purveyor of Apollo series audio interfaces for digital recording. The Apollo x4 Heritage Edition Thunderbolt 3 desktop interface is a culmination of iconic UA design and craftsmanship, sitting somewhere between the ever-popular Apollo Twin and the series’ more expansive rackmount offerings. Totaling 12 inputs and 18 outputs, the x4 can handle larger sessions from your desktop, with celebrated analog circuitry and renowned UAD plug-in emulations. The Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition is a premium interface built with demanding users in mind, retaining a sense of portability while maximizing I/O.

Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition Plug-ins

Enter the UAD Ecosystem With Two Plug-in Packages

UAD plug-ins, released in 2001, played a major part in the company’s 21st century revival, which set the stage for Universal Audio to continue its authoritative pro audio legacy well into the digital recording age. The UA Apollo x4 Heritage Edition interface comes with a duo of DSP-powered UAD software suites: the Realtime Analog Classics bundle and the exclusive Heritage Edition package. Realtime Analog Classics are an introduction to 14 stellar UAD effects—among them are legacy versions (demanding less DSP) of the 1176LN and 1176SE compressors, the Fairchild 670, a Marshall Plexi amp sim and RealVerb Pro that simulates acoustic spaces for post-production and sound design. The Heritage Edition bundle offers 10 premium UAD titles valued at over $2,400, including complete suites of LA-2A, 1176 and Fairchild compression, the Pultec Passive EQ Collection, Pure Plate Reverb, Oxide Tape Recorder and a handful of Unison-enabled preamps like the UA 610, Helios Type 69 and V76.

Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition Ins and Outs

Maintain a Desktop Form Factor With Expanded I/O

In Apollo series hierarchy, the Universal Audio x4 is the most comprehensive of the desktop interfaces next to the bus-powered Solo and the ubiquitous Twin. Offering four Unison preamps, two Hi-Z inputs, a pair of headphone outs, dedicated monitor outputs, four line-level connections and optical I/O, this formidable interface rivals Apollo rackmounts in terms of scope. Under the hood, QUAD Core processing powers numerous instances of UAD-2 plug-ins—record through them in real time for authentic analog texture on the way in and treat your mixes to some of the finest analog emulations in the game. The Universal Audio Apollo x4 puts all of this on your desk and at your fingertips.

Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition Interface

Professional Performance and Scalability

As your studio grows, the Apollo x4 Heritage Edition develops with it. Thunderbolt 3 provides the ability to cascade up to four additional Apollo interfaces, totaling up to 156 channels depending on the configuration. Expansion is built into the Apollo series—the x4 interface is an outstanding launch point, and the potential for growth is always there. Should you decide that more I/O and DSP is the next logical step, the Apollo x4 also doubles as a desktop monitor controller, which is ultraconvenient when paired with a Universal Audio rackmount interface. Highly functional on its own, the professional scalability of the Apollo x4 Heritage Edition makes it a standout choice for users who’d like to bolster their studio arrangements over time.     

Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition Recording

Celebrated Apollo Conversion and Fidelity

Redesigned 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A conversion gives the Universal Audio Apollo x4 a distinctive 127dB of dynamic range and discreet -117dB of THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion Plus Noise). This gives the x4 its three-dimensional and lifelike sound that the Apollo series is reputed for, rivaling the fidelity of other high-end converters. Each of the four digitally controlled analog microphone preamps is also in a class of its own, featuring ultrahigh-resolution transparency for recordings that jump out of the speakers. And with Unison technology baked in, there’s the option of spicing up those pristine preamps with faithful emulations of recording’s most iconic analog flavors by Neve, SSL, Avalon and more.

Universal Audio Apollo interfaces, including the x4 Heritage Edition, are the top choice for new-school hit-makers. Uncompromising hardware and software design gives Universal Audio a unique edge, blending contemporary functionality with timeless analog sound. The Apollo x4 Heritage Edition desktop interface has everything you need to take your studio above and beyond—check one out at your local Guitar Center today.    

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • A special edition of UA's acclaimed Apollo x4 interface—with a premium suite of 10 award-winning plug-in titles from Helios, Fairchild, Teletronix, Pultec, UA and more—a $2,400 value
  • Elite-class A/D and D/A conversion derived from the Apollo X rackmount interfaces
  • 4 Unison mic preamps offer stunning models of classic tube and transformer-based mic preamps and guitar amps
  • UAD QUAD Core Processing for tracking through vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, mic preamps, and guitar amp plug-ins with near-zero latency
  • Produce with LUNA Recording System—a fully-integrated recording application made for Apollo (Mac only) Runs UAD Powered Plug-Ins via VST, AU and AAX 64 in all major DAWs
  • Compatible with Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live and more
  • Dual front-panel Unison-enabled Hi-Z instrument inputs and headphone outs
  • Built-in Talkback mic for communicationwith studio talent and recording slate cues
  • Dedicated monitor functionality including monitor remote functions and Mono, Mute, DIM and ALT monitor controls 
  • Up to 8 channels of additional digital input via optical ADAT/SPDIF 
  • Uncompromising analog design, superior components, and premium build quality
  • Free, industry-leading technical support—on the phone and online—from knowledgeable audio engineers 
  • Included in Apollo Heritage Edition Bundle
    • UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
    • Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection 
    • Pultec Passive EQ Collection
    • Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection
    • Teletronix LA-3A Audio Leveler
    • UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection
    • Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ Collection
    • V76 Preamplifier
    • Oxide Tape Recorder
    • Pure Plate Reverb
    Included in the Realtime Analog Classics Plus Bundle UA 610-B
    • UA 1176LN Legacy
    • UA 1176SE Legacy
    • Ampeg SVT-VR Classic
    • Fairchild 670 Legacy
    • Marshall Plexi Classic
    • Precision Channel Strip (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
    • Precision Reflection Engine (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
    • Precision Delay Mod (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
    • Precision Delay Mod L (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
    • Precision Enhancer Hz
    • Pultec EQP-1A Legacy
    • Pultec-Pro Legacy
    • Teletronix LA-2A Legacy
    • Raw Distortion
    • RealVerb Pro

    collapse expand iconSpecs

    System Requirements
    • Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included)
    • Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
    • 6GB available storage
    • Quad Core i7 or better processor recommended
    • For additional compatibility information, visit UA's website
    Mac
    • Available Thunderbolt 1, 2, or 3 port
    • Thunderbolt 1 and 2 connections require an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (not included)
    • macOS 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, 10.14 Mojave, or 10.15 Catalina
    PC
    • Available Thunderbolt 3 port
    • Windows 10 (64-Bit Edition)

    collapse expand iconWarranty

    One year parts and labor warranty on all U.A. products and Kind of Loud products.

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