Russ Long takes a look at Universal Audio’s new offering and successor to the Twin SOLO, the Apollo Twin DUO:

After falling in love with the Universal Audio Apollo QUAD while reviewing it a few years back, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the Apollo Twin, released earlier this year. The small footprint Twin provides 24-bit/192kHz sound and, according to UA, has the highest dynamic range and lowest noise of any desktop interface currently available. Its mic preamps, input stage and converters are identical to those in the other Apollo models. The Twin has two variations, the Twin SOLO and the Twin DUO. The only difference is that the DUO utilises two SHARC DSP processors and the SOLO utilises one, meaning the DUO, which I review here, has the ability to run twice as many plug-ins as the SOLO.

The Apollo Twin is a 10 x 6 Thunderbolt desktop interface that incorporates two analog inputs, eight digital inputs and six analog outputs. Analog input is through two digitally controlled mic/line inputs. Channel 1 can alternatively be set to use the front panel’s Hi-Z instrument input, which sounds great! Analog output is through two balanced line outputs, two digitally controlled analog monitor outs, and one dedicated stereo headphone output. The optical digital input allows either eight additional channels of ADAT or two channels of S/PDIF input. Weighing 2.35 lb, the Twin measures 6.2 inches deep by 6.3 inches wide by 2.6 inches high.

The majority of the small computer interfaces I’ve encountered are poorly made, feeling somewhat cheap and even disposable. This is not the case with the Twin, which feels robust and solid like something that you will likely still be using a decade from now. The power supply’s cable includes a twist-lock mechanism that secures the cable into the Twin so it doesn’t accidentally get removed. This is the first time I’ve seen this and it’s a brilliant idea that should be incorporated by all manufacturers utilising wall-wart power supplies, especially hard drive manufacturers.

To read the rest of this review, please visit our sister title Pro Audio Review here: www.prosoundnetwork.com/article/par-studio-review-universal-audio-apollo-twin-duo-by-russ-long/18446