Universal Audio Apollo X4 Heritage Edition

Fully portable, 24bit, mixing console with comprehensive library of switchable preamps, compressors, amps and dynamic, eq, reverb, and other processing plugins and emulators.

First off - I upgraded from an Arrow after approx 4 months. Not because it was not amazing but because of the quality of the UA plugins.
I cannot afford (or store) rack mounted units. I have only used them in other peoples studios so I cannot speak for how accurate these emulations are.
I can say though that I have yet to use ANYTHING that works as well as any of the UA line of plugins. Imagine doing your takes while fully mixed with imperceptive latency. And that same mix is recored direct to audio into your DAW if you choose.

Secondly, the Unit itself -
At the momnet this is the top tier of their desktop versions.
There are 4 inputs - 2 hiz/mic/line and 2 mic/line
Controls are simple but comprehensive.
Includes a talk back button with a little built in mic. A little on the heavy side of portable but totally forgivable for what it is packing.

Cons -
Does not ship with a thunderbolt cable (for the price you would think it should)
Requires it's own power source (included) which has a SOFT plastic locking mechanism. BE CAREFUL WITH IT

Questions I would have had -
QUAD core will allow you to run approx 8 to 15(maybe) dsp plugins depending on the plugin. Processing can be diverted from DSP to create additional virtual channels or vice versa.

Be aware of the additional cost of UA plugins BUT be aware that UA offer vouchers on purchases (for next purchase), offers specific to items you own and access to custom offers where stuff gets super affordable.

Lastly, I found their site FAQ on multi unit set up a bit misleading.
You CAN link multiple units but ONLY where there are 2 TB3 connections. This unit will link with their rack mounted units or DSP processors.
By and large the desktop units cannot be daisy chained or run along side each other. UA software will only connect via a single TB3 port on your Mac.

I am producer and sound engineer. I needed a better unit to record some small band sessions, because quite often I felt that my Focusrite 18i8 couldn't provide me quality I wanted. Also I am using it on my home studio as a primary audio interface and mixing console.

Step up I got with this baby is big... stop, no. It's HUMONGOUS !!!!!


Pros:
- Preamps are really good and clear, especially DI inputs !
- Amazing console software what gives tons of flexibility
- UAD plugins and unison technology !!!
- Solid build quality
- Portable
- Talkback installed
- 2 Headphone outputs
- You can get 5 plugins if you know someone who already having a UAD interface
- Great support and community for UAD users
- Suits for live situations

Cons:
- Thunderbolt 3 cable is not included, spent extra 45€ on it, since I realized that simple USB Type-C doesn't work with it 😃
- Main knob is a little bit wobbly, but it seems to be a usual thing on most UAD Apollo interfaces

I think it is the best audio interfaces out there with lots of potential for my sound engineer future. This machine is super portable and could handle a lot!

Thanks UAD and Thomann!
These kind of things are boosting my creativity and urge to work harder!

I bought this unit as part of a studio upgrade. I wanted to have the option to have a portable interface to work with my mac pro, but also be a controller for my main studio. It comes in attractive packaging (minus the thunderbolt cables). It's well contructed and the online resources are good, though some are a little dated. Installation was not hard but it is pretty lengthy. That said, a week after installing it, I really like it. I have it ADAT linked to my older soundcard (a MOTU octopre). The UAD plugins are excellent and I welcome the DSP which gives me more headroom on my ageing 2012 mac mini. The unit does get quite warm, but not hot, and is quite weighty for it's size but fits nicecly on my desk beside my keyboard and is easy to use. The marshall plexi classic amp sim is especially nice. Once installed, I created a Sonarworks profile for it and then played some music - I did immediately notice a extra smooth sheen of sweet top end detail, which I don't think I was imagining! First track was "Like Sugar" by Chaka Khan. No problems, I recommend this unit. Takes a bit of getting used to how things are done in UAD-world, but I like it.