Universal Audio Intros Free Apollo Expanded Update

apollo-expanded-namm-2015

At the 2015 NAMM Show, Universal Audio introduced Apollo Expanded – an update that they call ‘the biggest evolution for the award-winning Apollo interface since its introduction in 2012’.

Apollo Expanded provides Mac users “mix and match” operation between Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo audio interfaces, as well as new plug-in types and Console 2.0, which features over 25 new user-requested features.

Now, users of Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin, Apollo DUO, Apollo QUAD, and Apollo 16 audio interfaces can harness up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices — adding I/O and DSP as their studio grows.

free-apollo-expanded-updateApollo Expanded also lets Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo users enjoy:

  • Simple Thunderbolt cable cascading between units
  • New Flex Driver allowing users to configure Core Audio I/O — name, save, and share presets for different hardware setups and DAWs
  • Star clocking over Thunderbolt, distributing high-quality clock to all Apollos
  • The ability to add an Apollo Twin for desktop monitor control as well as additional DSP and connectivity

In addition, Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo users can now let their work flow with Console 2.0 — a wholesale re-imaging of Apollo’s original Console software. Benefits include:

  • New high-resolution / Retina-compatible 64-bit software interface for Apollo Thunderbolt systems
  • Channel Strip presets let you see your signal chain in one window — save and recall your favorite UAD plug-ins
  • Monitoring improvements including ALT Monitors, Control Room, and CUE/HP management
  • Over 25 user-requested features, including:
    • Plug-in categories and individual Show/Hide
    • Drag & Drop plug-ins for quick assignment
    • New plug-in preset auditioning
    • Per-channel Rec/Mon effects switches
    • Multi-level Undo and Redo
    • Dynamically resizable, independent windows
    • Show/Hide channel strips, devices, and more

Finally, the release of Apollo Expanded coincides with a range of new plug-ins focused on realtime processing features. They include:

  • Sound Machine Wood Works
    • Allows your acoustic guitar’s piezo pickup to sound like a miked acoustic guitar.
    • Re-voice the source guitar’s resonance and acoustic properties in real time or at mixdown
  • Distortion Essentials Bundle
    • This trio of classic stompboxes features UA’s groundbreaking Unison™ technology, giving you the true tone, feel, and response of the original hardware when you plug in to an Apollo Twin, DUO, or QUAD. The Bundle includes:
    • Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808
    • Raw Distortion (based on a vintage Pro Co Rat)
    • Bermuda Triangle (based on a vintage Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi)
  • Antares Auto-Tune Live
    • Realtime pitch correction and manipulation with iconic Auto-Tune effect
    • Supports incoming MIDI notes and scales
    • Incredibly low latency for instant response, onstage or in the studio
  • Friedman Amplifiers Plug-In Collection
    • Features two of Friedman’s coveted high-powered boutique amplifiers — the DS40 and BE100
    • Bundle includes the Brainworx bx_tuner

Apollo Expanded is shipping March 2015 and is free to Apollo owners. See the UA site for more info.

2 thoughts on “Universal Audio Intros Free Apollo Expanded Update

  1. Stop doing crapy updates and update that F*ìng Apollo Twin for Windows compatibility !! amm ! and i forgot ! drop the price someday !

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