Hey Apollo-ites, I'm torn between the UFX and Apollo. Yes, I've listened to the shootout, and honestly, it really wasn't a game changer for me. The dilemma on which unit to buy stems from these differences:

UFX's direct recording via USB (no computer=good) and future (according to RME) usb class compliant mode (which enables recording to an ipad) vs Apollo's UAD plugins.

So my question to you is: would the UAD plug-ins be a game changer for an acoustic folk-blues musician? Things like Fatso, Studer, 1176, LA2A...all interest me.

Or can I happily fill all those banks with native plug-ins of comparable quality?

What say you?

Yes go with the UFX.. It's the future!

PERFECT GIFT 4 U!

Official ATLAS SHRUGGED Movie T - Who is John Galt T-shirt from Zazzle.com

@Besotted- Congrats on the job. Right place, right time, right skill set! I Love API 550a HW eqs May be a bit pricey but they're musical as heck. You can crank em ridiculous and they won't make things SSL harsh.

@Dr Music- Man I love the isa's too! I had the chance to play with a Foucusrite console in London at Metropolis studios. It was easily the best sounding console I've ever heard. Too bad what they've become.

@Cowboy- Man, that song is beautiful. Nice job. One thing though, I'm asking this because I have no clue regarding the Country music scene. Could a song like that- a real song with real emotions- have a life on Country radio? Would anyone buy and record this song? What type of artist? I couldn't do a similar song but in the style of an Al Green, Prince, Stevie Wonder type song and try to sell it to, say Usher, Beyonce or, Frank Ocean, etc. I'd have to sell it to an older artist or an underground act. No A&R or cousin would ever even imagine giving a listen to it. I'd be impressed if this were the case in country music.

Guys;
So far, I'm getting 3 of this 6
Massive- for sure getting this one.

Studer for sure. Was gonna get the Ampex for the dsp but...the price is right! I'm splurging.

Neve 33609-Love it! Damn you Cowboy!!!

Fatso- Love the hardware Fatso and the HW distressor & I'm real good with this plug demo.(Hey UAD what about the Distressor & the UBK version as a cool bundle?)

Shadow Hills- Probably the only luxury item on my list of 1st go to plugs but....
224 Lexicon- I grew up on a 480L so lex is my favorite and most familiar water. (hey UAD what's up with the 480?)

I've got EMT-140, Pultec, and the free stuff. Plus a ton of waves stuff. Gonna fill up my Apollo.


Also, I have the Rupert Neve satallite on my next to buy - hardware list but the Tonelux 16 is recommended by a couple of friends and now, thanks to you guys the Dangerous Dbox.
I have a Rupert neve Portico II and love it so the satillite is calling me!! Still deciding but the Neve is 3x the price. (GASP)

Maybe you guys can help me with this.. I'm new to apollo and trying out monitoring using console. Problem is.. The volume of what I hear my singer doing is super low even though its a nice fat waveform. When I playback through logic it's loud and clear, but during monitoring its inaudible. Can't figure out how to raise her up in the monitoring mix-- her faders at 0 already.. Help?

Was the same decision for me originally.

I mulled over the idea of recording to USB stick/ipad, but for me, i think it's all a bit of a gimmick for the sake of promotion. I wouldn't feel at ease recording to something like that of any importance (which is basically pretty much everything i do apart from my own stuff). However, im sure it does work as intended, but its something i wasn't too fussed about paying for.

The Apollo swayed it for me because it is a newer product and has more of the features i like to see in an interface. I know a few folks got annoyed at the lack of dual ADAT input's, but again for me, i know i won't ever use more than the extra 10 I/O of ADAT/SPDIF i could use, so its no big deal for me.

Only real issue with the Apollo for me that is annoying me is the routing capabilities. It's very basic and doesnt really allow for the same kind of flexible routing that i was used to using prior. Not normally a problem and ive found ways around it, but it would be simpler with totalmix thats for sure.

The UAD platform has completely changed the way i mix. I couldn't be without it anymore. The plugins have such a nice vibe to them that i dont feel they destroy the audio like many other native plugins do. They add and compliment the source and can give you really professional results. The conversion quality is also top notch and every bit as good as the RME stuff, just different sounding.

Are you familiar with the sound of RME units in general and like that sound? Do you need all the routing capabilities of the UFX, or are you likely to be using this for your own recording needs? Do you have the UAD2 platform already and have you considered the expense for plugins?

Run me through your setup chain.

What have you got your headphones plugged into? (presume HP/1 and HP/2 on the front).

-On the console, what are your headphone outputs currently monitoring? (HP1/HP2 or Monitor).

-What kind of levels are you getting into the Apollo? (Look at the front metering).

-What kind of volume are your headphones at? (and also what headphones are you using? Are they the same for you and the vocalist?)

Ok so I'm learning as I go bare with me. Right now I have headphones for singer plugged into hp1 and I'm listening through my monitor speakers. When you say headphone outputs you mean the section that says "hp1 master" and "hp2 master" I'm assuming? Both set to mon.

I'm getting a good level into the apollo and when I listen back to what's been recorded its at a nice volume-- good sized waveform. I've got the headphone volume pretty loud-- I can hear all of the bands music coming from logic very loudly and clearly. She has ath m50 phones on

Hey guys , Im thinking of taking advantage of the 3 for 399 deal at Uad I have a pretty good selection of plugs but what would you guys think I should maybe go for?? Obviously the best saving come from buying expensive plugs with this.. I still want the emt 140 which I dont have for instance but dont see it being a good value with this deal

Here is what I have currently


1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection Compressor Review this Product Manual
1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier Plug-In Compressor Review this Product Manual
1176SE Classic Limiting Amplifier Plug-In Compressor Review this Product Manual
Ampex® ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In Special Review this Product Manual
CS-1 Channel Strip Plug-In Ch. Strip Review this Product Manual
EMT® 250 Classic Electronic Reverb Plug-In Reverb Review this Product Manual
FATSO™ Jr./Sr. Tape Sim. & Compressor Plug-In Special Review this Product Manual
Little Labs® Voice Of God Bass Resonance Plug-In Special Review this Product Manual
Manley® Massive Passive EQ Plug-In EQ Review this Product Manual
Pultec EQP-1A Plug-In EQ Review this Product Manual
Pultec Pro EQ Plug-In EQ Review this Product Manual
RealVerb Pro Custom Room Modeler Plug-In Reverb Review this Product Manual
Roland® Dimension D Plug-In Chorus & Delay Review this Product Manual
Roland® RE-201 Space Echo Tape Delay Plug-In Chorus & Delay Review this Product Manual
SSL E Series Channel Strip Plug-In Ch. Strip Review this Product Manual
Studer® A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In Special Review this Product Manual
Teletronix® LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Plug-In Compressor Review this Product Manual
Teletronix® LA-3A Classic Audio Leveler Plug-In Compressor Review this Product Manual

Yes, the section just below that controls what mix the performer will hear. If its MON, then its the large row of faders at the bottom that you also use to hear inputs through your speakers. If you set this to HP1, then everything you want them to hear has to go via HP1.

In the console above the fader for the channel you are recording into, can you see a HP1/HP2 section, with a black panner and white level send as well as a power on/off button. Use that to send them their own vocal without it affecting your mix. Then in your DAW of choice, using sends, send some of what they want to hear via outputs HP1, preferably, pre-fader, so you can adjust the mix if you want and it not affect her balance.

There is a good chance that your music is overpowering her vocal monitoring level. If you have this at full for her headphones, then globally raise the volume of her cans (i use m50's and go about 75%), and then adjust the music up till the balance feels right.

Ok I'm with you. The music is overpowering everything and her volume on the white level send is all the way up. I think what I don't understand is how to lower the music?

Also, I never used actual mixing desks/real consoles so as cool and intuitive as this setup is for people familiar with that its still a new language for me. In logic it's easy you just adjust volumes you don't need any prerequisite knowledge, but I definitely want to learn what's going on.

From your original post on this you indicated that your wav form was nice and "FAT". I'm a bit concerned with this "fatness". My guess is, your trying to balance your cue mix with the pre amp. Set your input level from your pre to around -15 average (or less). Then bring the cue mix tracks in around that. THEN crank the monitors knobs. Should be plenty of gain. A mix (all tracks) should be bouncing around at no more than -10 or so during playback while mixing. Stay well away from 0 when tracking and mixing

Thanks man you are correct. What I'm not getting is how to even adjust the level of the music she's singing over

Simply pull the faders back in the DAW.

Really? So you can't control the level of the music from console?

I don't see the direct to USB recording as a gimmick. I see it as a way to track without a computer. The unit (UFX) can be right next to me and will not make a sound. Wish I could say the same for my macbook.

What is this "RME sound" you speak of?

I've never used UAD plug-ins. And I suppose that's the problem. If they are going to make a significant difference, then I'll lean to Apollo. I will say that one of my favorite native plugs is psp's vintage warmer (in moderation). That one has made a big difference. And I like Vahalla's new vintage verb.

And so the UAD plugs are that much (let's just say) 'better'?

Regards...

The console controls inputs but the music is already recorded right? If so then bring your faders down... evenly if you need to preserve your mix. This way, you get more room to turn your voc track up.

The USB recording is useful for making a backup copy of your recording (i.e if its really important) or for recording a gig or something without a laptop, sure. However, i don't believe you can overdub a track because there is no sequencer built in. It just records audio to a disk, and i think, plays it back to you. If you want to record (traditionally) then i do believe you will have to use a DAW.

Is your macbook pro that loud? Mine is a few years old (quite slow) but actually is pretty silent unless its really hot. Idle, it's almost silent, even next to me. I've never had a noise issues to be honest, i think you'll be alright unless your mic's are about 2 ft away from it, and pointing straight at it!

RME sound is something i've become somewhat accustom to over the years of using primarily RME units. (ADI, Fireface's etc). Like Apogee, it has a certain sound, quite hard to describe, but its very neutral and flat. A little sterile, but the Apollo is actually really quite similar. I think the Apollo is slightly more hyped in the top end than RME, but its really really subtle. I could work with either no problem.

Aside from slate digital products, i personally don't think the sound of UAD's line up can't be matched for authenticity. It took me about 5 years to get on the bandwagon and i wish i'd done it sooner. Some of the reverbs and effects have an incredible fatness and warmth like the hardware. They are expensive and use UAD cards to run, so are limited in usage, but they sound incredibly good when you have a decent audio chain going into your DAW (mic > pre etc).

Ah ok that makes sense. Thanks

Not a snow balls chance in hell. Country music is in a nose dive right now. All that's released is beer drinkin', bonfire, having sex with a girl on a tailgate party shit. The only shot at getting serious music cut is maybe an album cut (album filler). And hell, nobody cares about albums anymore cause only a handful still buys them. Everything's cash and carry singles now thanks to digital. That combined with the fact that so called "artists" are writing their own drivel about the aforementioned topics. Only a handful of real deal artists remain in Country today, Paisely, Church, Shelton who all paid their dues in spades. These guys are pros and stay as true as they can to the roots of the music, but even they have to sell out and write toward bullshit sometimes. It's a sad state of affairs down there I'll tell you. I can't listen to it anymore. Most of it is absolutely laughable if not straight out embarrassing.

These are my opinions and I'm entitled to them, in case anyone is in a mood to argue.

So, just like us huh?

Ever notice how there are no fat artists anymore? The US population is gaining pounds by the hour, yet all the artists are ALL pretty and fit. They all sing with perfect pitch (thanks to us and mr. A.T. Melodyne.) No such thing as a slightly homely artist. Even the rappers, who can be ugly but are ripped like the Hulk with washboard abs.

Young Leto Atredies II was walking in the desert with Duncan Idaho. "Ever notice how beautiful the women are now?" he said. Next thing you know, they're destroying whole cities with giant worms.

I guess everyone being beautiful is a definite sign that the culture is dying.

OK HERE'S an old song that Scott Dupree and I wrote back in the Jheri curl days. It's a complete remix. all new instruments and drums using Reason 6.5 with a healthy dose of their wonderful RE rack extensions. The vocals are a scratch voc from approx 1997 or so using Tascam DA88s. The original track was crap, dated and not worth using.
There was a bridge but I killed that off too. it was originally a Boyz to Men style song.

I'm gonna completely redo the Vocs with a Female artist who's a singer/Rapper. I will have to change the words from "have you seen her" to "him". Plus the rap donut will be filled. She's a wonderful rapper and a good singer with a sexy style.



It's not a final mix. just a work mix after I just finished tracking all the instruments and I'm getting used to the new feel of the song.
The Squashyness and crackle on voc is me overdoing it with the neve 33609. I'm still playing with the plugs trying to finalize my Big Coupon purchase decisions. I'm testing them by running them through the ringer and seeing what they sound like in subtle mode and cranked out mode. and the 33609, Massive and the Studor will probably win... unless the SHMC tickles me right.


I'm using the waves super tap, the UAD emt140, the 33609, the massive passive, the pultec pro and all the instrument efx are from the Reason rack REs and got recorded wet....except there's a 33609 on the drum bus too!

If any of you guys are into midi sequencing software check out Reason 6.5. It has some wonderful plugins...err.REs(rack extensions) Check out their stuff!

Browse - Shop - Propellerhead

Listen to the best country the world has to offer, and it's right under our noses. Screw commercial bullsi*.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNWEbRnAmb4

Can anyone tell me if an Apollo would be a good first interface to get for a home studio? I want to record my ensembles live in studio as well as overdubs. I have very little gear so really looking around for the best equipment. I of course am researching heavily and looking at the Symphony setup too, but this may just be crazy for someone just getting started tracking at my home.

Lots of used gear around Portland, like RME Fireface 800 etc, but I'm thinking since the Apollo is newer the pre's/converters might be just as good as previous generation prosumer units.

I've seriously read thru every thread on the Apollo (as well as symphony and RME UFX). I'm itching to get started, but need some advice.

C//AZM, I think it needs a little more bass.

If you want to use UA plugins and don't already have a Satellite or other means to run them, the Apollo seems like an absolute no brainer in your situation. Not much else gear wise, the Apollo could be your all in one and should be more than capable of delivering pro-semi-pro results (dependent on your skills). If not - The conversion is supposedly a step up with the Apogee. The UFX has more flexible routing (and arguably slightly better conversion). The Apogee is big time expandable, and will most likely hold its value longer. Also the Apogee is customizable. If your routing needs change the Apogee can change with you (if you're willing to put more money into it)

At least that's what I can tell from much online reading.
I don't own any of them yet so... grain of salt. Not sure I need UA plugins so I'm leaning toward the UFX. I'm sure the conversion quality on all these boxes is more than good enough for my needs.

Sincerely, that's probably a good idea because the Apollo, in reality costs about $3500 the first year and keeps going up after that because once you start demoing the plugins, you'll start buying them.

Whoa nellie!

Guys, we are not mentioning UA's ongoing plug discounts and current incentives to our prospective buyer !

If you buy an apollo right now, UA gives you for free a $ 100 voucher for plugs and 3 of its best plugs for free: the lexicon reverb, the studer tape emulation and the neve channel( this includes, a very nice 4 band eq, compresser, limiter and hi and low pass filters), it may also include the classic collection of 3-4 other plugs( check on line).

Other interfaces typically come with few or no plugs. In value, UA is giving you roughly $1,100 of value.

Cowboy is likely right you may buy more Plugs but UA has regular sales and you can save 20-60% off.

I personally expect the apollo routing to be made more flexible in a software update based on surveys that clients have provided input too.

So, your decision, you do not need plugs to record but mixing will require them, and you will then have to buy them from some company, unless you are going to have your songs mixed by someone else.

You can see from the postings here that people think UA plugsxare either the best or typically some of the best. I am very pleased with my apollo and the plugs. If you buy now your getting the best deal UA has offered so far. Which competitor is offering you $1,100 of direct savings in key plugins and a great versitile interface and access to Cowboy's greatest hits volume x (all posted here for free ) ?

Good luck !

Ps off to montreal at 3:30 in the morning to grab the last pair of a7x around here, my local store finally admitted they can't guarantee my delivery this month at all : drag after waiting all this time so its off to studio ecconomik, who wants to join me ?

Kcat

Agreed. If I didn't already have so many plugs that I'm happy with and I was starting from complete scratch the Apollo would be my choice. Being that I've got a ton of good plugins already, I'm not totally in need there. For me the physical hardware routing advantages of the UFX just seems like something I'll take more advantage of. That and the fact I can use it as a stand alone recorder doesn't hurt either. If someone told me they were starting from scratch I'd probably point them in the direction of the Apollo.

Yes I agree with your point too, depends on one's situation. I hope ua makes routing more flexible with a software upgrade. I use mine simple console just for pres , everything else in my Daw, easy enough to save work by date.

I wondered if ua would come up with its own daw ?

Kcat