I have an older iMac (Thunderbolt 2) that would not work with an Apollo 圆, UNLESS, I got this adapter.
#Universal audio apollo twin mkii quad upgrade#
I wanted to upgrade my audio interface from a Focusrite 18i8 to an Apollo 圆 (Thunderbolt). Visit for details.* (i can't find the article i think they're references at ) \Note: With Mac computers only, Apollo Twin X can be connected to Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 computer ports via the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter. There's reference to this in the user manual, and also reference to it in the customer reviews of the adapter on the sweetwater site. Then you connect the computer to the adapter with a thunderbolt 2 cable. To do this you buy the Apple Thunderbolt 3/USB-C -> Thunderbolt 2 adapter ($50) and plug that adapter into the Apollo interface. Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII QUAD 2圆 Thunderbolt Audio Interface with UAD DSP 1,199. This doesn't work in windows, but on a Mac you can run any of the thunderbolt 3 interfaces with a thunderbolt 2 or thunderbolt 1 capable computer. If they're functionally identical otherwise i can use that to make a decision. UPDATE: The only obvious downside that i can see - and i don't think it'll affect me much - is that on a new computer i'll have to eat one of the USB-C ports with a dongle (or get a USC-C hub) to attach the Thunderbolt 2 Apollo. I'm not locked in on the dual or quad unit yet either. If i buy a Duo MKII Quad now will i regret not waiting a few years down the line? I'm a home user and tend to record acoustic or mic a cabinet every once in a while. They appear to be basically the same in the published specs I can't really figure out the differences in processing and capability between the Duo MKII Quad vs the Twin X Quad (aside from Thunderbolt 2 or 3). The buttons are well thought out and positioned in a manner that makes for a very intuitive. The sound quality and ease of use makes the unit a dream to work with.
#Universal audio apollo twin mkii quad pro#
You truly feel the connection between your DAW (Logic Pro X in my case) and the interface.
My question is with regard to the Apollo interfaces. The apollo twin mkii quad has been the most significant upgrade to my studio hands down. Still a desktop-format 2-in/-6-out audio interface with 24-bit/192kHz capabilities, the Apollo Twin MkII would be almost indistinguishable from the original were it not now black. The computer still meets my needs otherwise. The new Apollo Twin MkII is essentially more of the same, but with a few minor improvements, and an optional DSP upgrade. I was planning on getting a new computer with Thunderbolt 3 maybe later this year but i don't have a pressing need to do it - aside from eventually getting aged out of MacOS updates. I've been wanting to upgrade to a UA interface for a while now.
Motu walked away from supporting that interface with MacOS Catalina - it still works but driving it from the front panel is a real drag. My current computer (iMac 2013) has Thunderbolt 2 and i use a ~12 year old Motu Ultralite FW400 interface.