Quick answer: The Apollo Twin X QUAD Gen 2 ESS is a Universal Audio Apollo audio interface with onboard DSP for realtime UAD plug-in processing while you record. Priced at $1499.00, sold brand-new by Victory Musical Instruments, a veteran-owned authorized UA dealer in Miami, FL. Questions? Call 844-687-4208.

Four SHARC processors. More UAD plug-ins. Same Twin X form factor. The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X QUAD Gen 2 Essentials+ Edition doubles the DSP horsepower of the DUO version — letting you run more plug-ins per session, more processors per channel, and bigger Unison chains while tracking.

At a Glance

Overview

If you frequently run out of DUO Core DSP — stacking Unison preamps, parallel compressors, and reverb sends while tracking — QUAD is the upgrade that pays for itself in workflow speed. Same 10 In / 6 Out desktop form factor, same elite-class 24-bit / 192 kHz Apollo X Gen 2 conversion, same Essentials+ plug-in bundle. The difference is four SHARC DSP processors instead of two, which translates to roughly twice the realtime UAD plug-in capacity.

Key Features

• Elite-Class Apollo X Gen 2 Conversion — 24-bit / 192 kHz with up to 129 dB dynamic range, the widest of any desktop Apollo.
• Two Unison Mic Preamps — Authentic emulations of Neve, API, Manley, SSL, Avalon, Fender, and more, with circuit-level impedance modeling.
• QUAD Core DSP — Runs UAD plug-ins in realtime, independent of your computer's CPU.
• 10 In / 6 Out I/O — two Unison preamps, Hi-Z instrument input, 2 monitor outs, 2 line outs, headphone out, 8-channel ADAT input
• Apollo Monitor Correction by Sonarworks® — Calibrate main monitors and headphones for accurate playback in any room (available add-on).
• Updated UAD Console — Auto-Gain, Plug-In Scenes, Bass Management, immersive audio support, integrated talkback, and Monitor Controller.
• Optical Toslink I/O — ADAT or S/PDIF for digital expansion.
• Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) — Mac and Windows compatible.

Connectivity

• Analog Inputs — 2 x XLR-1/4" combo on rear panel + 1 x 1/4" Hi-Z instrument input on front panel.
• Analog Outputs — 2 x 1/4" monitor outs + 2 x 1/4" line outs.
• Headphones — 1 x 1/4" TRS.
• Digital — Optical ADAT input (up to 8 channels at 44.1/48 kHz).
• Computer — Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).
• Power — External power supply (included).

Essentials+ Plug-In Bundle

Includes a comprehensive starter library covering every essential studio process:

• Channel Strips & Preamps — Century Tube, CS-1, Helios Type 69, Precision Channel Strip, UA 610-A and 610-B.
• Compressors — Fairchild 670 Legacy, Teletronix LA-2A (Classic / Gray / Silver / Legacy), UA 1176LN Legacy, UA 1176SE Legacy.
• EQs — Helios Type 69, full Pultec suite (EQP-1A, HLF-3C, MEQ-5).
• Effects & Instruments — Auto-Tune Realtime Access, Oxide Tape Recorder, Galaxy Tape Echo, Pure Plate Reverb, PolyMAX Synth, Ampeg SVT-VR, Marshall Plexi, and more.

DUO vs QUAD: Which Is Right for You?

DUO Core (two SHARC processors) handles tracking sessions with one to four UAD plug-ins per channel comfortably. QUAD Core (four SHARC processors) doubles that headroom — and matters most for engineers who track through heavy Unison preamp chains, run mix-bus processing in realtime, or use plug-ins with high DSP demand like the Lexicon 224 reverb or Manley Massive Passive EQ. If you've ever seen a "DSP overload" warning in UAD Console, QUAD is the answer.

What's in the Box

• Apollo Twin X QUAD Gen 2 audio interface
• External power supply
• Thunderbolt 3 cable (USB-C)
• Essentials+ UAD plug-in bundle (digital via UA Connect)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this Apollo work on Windows, Mac, or both?

This Thunderbolt Apollo works on both Mac and Windows computers that have a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port.

Can I run UAD plug-ins in realtime while tracking?

Yes. Apollo's onboard DSP runs UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency, so you can print or monitor through analog emulations of classic preamps, compressors, EQs, and amps as you record.

What plug-ins are included with the Essentials edition?

The Essentials edition includes a UAD plug-in bundle selected by Universal Audio covering compressors, EQs, reverbs, tape, and preamps. Higher tiers include more titles; current contents are published by UA.

What's included in the box?

Your purchase includes: Apollo Twin X QUAD Gen 2 audio interface, External power supply, Thunderbolt 3 cable (USB-C), Essentials+ UAD plug-in bundle (digital via UA Connect).

Is the Apollo Twin X QUAD Gen 2 ESS a genuine Universal Audio product?

Yes. Victory Musical Instruments is a veteran-owned, authorized Universal Audio dealer based in Miami, FL. Every unit is brand-new, factory-sealed, and covered by the full UA manufacturer warranty.

Can I get help choosing or setting it up?

Absolutely. You'll talk to real people, not a call center. Call us at 844-687-4208 and we'll help you spec the right gear and get it running.

Why Buy from Victory Musical Instruments

Victory Musical Instruments — veteran-owned, Miami-based, authorized UA dealer. We trust the gear we sell and back it with real support, not a call center. Active duty, veterans, reservists, and eligible family save through our ID.me military discount program.