ROAD TEST
By Joe Mullen
Universal Audio Apollo 8P Audio Interface
This is the point where everything good about the old collides with everything good about the new . Meet the new and improved Apollo 8P from Universal Audio . Coming to the plate with an even better sound quality than previous versions and the ever-soughtafter workflow of the analog domain , the 8P delivers the highest quality tools for today ’ s engineer . There ’ s really no way to beat eight UA Unison-enabled mic pres lined up and in the same box as today ’ s most cutting-edge converters .
It was not long ago that the thought of having digital signal processing right inside the interface was preposterous . Heck , UA even has a QUAD DSP version now , not to mention the ability to have up to four Apollos daisy-chained via Thunderbolt .
My Experience This beast is built like a tank . Every knob , button , and switch is military grade . But more importantly , of course , it sounds badass . When I switch it on , it sounds like I ’ m actually firing up a classic outboard piece – a small but welcome feature . You hear the relays switching , the display lighting up in a warm , non-LED glow ...
I had a breeze running it while tracking guitars during a recent session . Being able to select the functions of each preamp just by pressing in the left rotary knob is genius as it keeps the front panel very clean and provides an even faster workflow . It gives you great visual feedback in that regard , as well . When you press the rotary knob , it displays the preamp number above the level meter for that channel .
When I learned of the capabilities of the Apollo line of interfaces , I was immediately
intrigued . Having the ability to either monitor or record the plug-ins in real time was a real treat for me . I especially loved tracking guitars this way because I could use the plug-ins just like outboard gear for the first time with no latency . The Apollo Console is the key to this process . During tracking and overdubbing , the Apollo mixer is used instead of the DAW mixer , which allows the user to route signals , insert plug-ins , create aux busses and headphone mixes , adjust gain , select speakers , and more , all in real time with sub 1.1 ms latency .
We went through session after session , instrument after instrument and I didn ’ t have to worry about routing tracks or arming tracks or anything . It was like I had a separate outboard console and was just taking a “ tap ” off the channel going to tape . ( Yes , I found that it felt a lot like tracking to tape , in a good way ). Not to mention , I could choose whether or not to record the effects and processing .
The Realtime Analog Classics plug-in bundle features some of the best-sounding plug-ins I have ever used . I attribute that to the fact that they are running on their own dedicated hardware combined with the many years spent at the UA labs honing the sound of their digital offerings . I have no doubts as to why pros all over the world rely on them every day – especially the 1176s and the UA 610 . Wow . You really need to hear these for yourself to understand the kind of sonic wizardry happening here . I actually own a UA 610 and did a blind A / B test and the software version ended up being the winner . No joke .
These new Unison pres are so fast . I love them . I really appreciate a pre that can be cranked up to dig into the sound coming from the mics . I feel like these pres are really the pinnacle of what is out there today in terms of onboard interface preamps . The flexibility , emulation , and character of the pres combined with the emulator plug-ins shows just how much power this unit has , and how many capabilities it offers .
Being able to control them digitally via the console is also outstanding – especially for a workflow like mine . Being a drummer , I am constantly running back and forth between the live room and the control room , setting my own levels , inevitably spending a good chunk of my creative energy and time on set-up as apposed to drumming . Using the 8P , since I already have another monitor and keyboard in the live room , I was able to set my levels remotely . Incredible .
Conclusion Coming from someone who hasn ’ t changed interfaces in at least six years , this is what I have been waiting for . Let ’ s face it . You could go get a set of outboard converters and they will sound great , but you still need to look after the preamps . You ’ d be hard-pressed to find a solution this good , especially in this price bracket .
Considering the flexibility , digitally controlled preamps , onboard UAD-2 QUAD Core DSP , the virtual console , the state-of-theart conversion , and of course , the included plug-ins , this really is the pinnacle of the digital revolution thus far . Universal Audio is just as cutting edge now as it has ever been .
Joe Mullen owns and operates JoeDown Studios in Hanover , ON . He plays drums in the metal outfit Odium and contributes regularly to Professional Sound and Canadian Musician magazines .
20 • CANADIAN MUSICIAN