Universal Audio’s Apollo Solo is a standout desktop audio interface, powered by Thunderbolt 3, that combines amazing professional sound quality with portability.

 Designed for both Mac and Windows, the Apollo Solo offers exceptional audio conversion, two Unison-enabled mic preamps, and a suite of powerful UAD plugins.

With its compact, rugged design, this interface is perfect for podcasters and creators who need studio-quality sound wherever they go.

N.B.: We don’t participate in any affiliate programs: the links to the manufacturer’s site are purely to provide more information, with no financial benefit for us. What truly matters to us is your trust.

Key Technical Specifications

• Thunderbolt 3 Connection: The Apollo Solo (it connects) through Thunderbolt 3. This allows for high-speed, reliable compatibility across both Mac and Windows platforms. However, some users find it tricky to set up at first. Although it works great, a few might experience issues because of their specific system configurations. But once it’s working, there's nothing like it!

• High-Quality Unison Preamps: Boasting two Unison Preamps™, this interface allows users to connect the legendary Neve, API, and Manley tones from hardware to professional analog warmth in recording.

• Versatile Input Options: With two XLR/Combo Jack inputs and a Hi-Z input on the front panel, the Apollo Solo makes it easy to plug in microphones and instruments, both now and later.

• Multiple Output Options: Apollo Solo features two balanced TRS line outputs and one high-quality headphone output.

• Dedicated SHARC DSP Chip: Offering the core of this interface, the SHARC DSP chip powers UAD plugins for real-time processing across the Apollo lineup to record with near-zero latency.

• Flexible Sample Rates: The Apollo Solo supports sample rates up to 192 kHz, thereby allowing high-resolution audio fidelity with any type of project. You can support a wide range of sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz.

• DAW Compatibility with Exclusive LUNA Integration: Compatible with all major DAWs, the Apollo Solo makes for an exceptional system with exclusive integration for UA's LUNA Recording System on Mac for extended workflow.

Robust Metal Build: Apollo Solo boasts metal construction that's designed to withstand tough handling, whether you use it every day on location or in heavy studio use, as a workhorse for mobile recording systems.

- Unison™ Preamps and Classic Hardware Emulation:

Apollo Solo’s two Unison-enabled mic preamps provide unmatched sonic versatility.

Unison technology lets you record through emulations of legendary mic preamps, such as Neve, API, and Manley, capturing the unique analog character and response of the original hardware.

This feature transforms the Apollo Solo into a virtual analog studio, allowing artists to dial in the perfect tone.

- Integrated UAD Plugins for Real-Time Processing:

Out of the Box: The Apollo Solo comes with a suite of UAD's Real-Time Analog Classics plug-ins, including the Teletronix LA-2A compressor and UA 610-B tube preamp.

The plug-ins run on the interface's DSP, freeing computer processing power and allowing near-zero-latency monitoring.

With access to the extensive UAD library, you can add high-quality reverbs, EQs, and amp simulations directly to your recordings.

Table: Included UAD Plugins

• UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ: The Solo preamp/_EQ combo that brings the warm, rich sound of classic tube preamplification to your recordings, complete with vintage-style EQ options for shaping tones with precision and character.

• Teletronix LA-2A Legacy Compressor: Known for its smooth, natural-sounding optical compression, the Teletronix LA-2A Legacy has had few, if any, better ways to add warmth and control to vocals and instruments so that they sit just right in the mix.

• Marshall Plexi Classic Amp Simulation: A classic British tone, the Marshall Plexi amplifier is emulated with this plugin. Here, punchy, rich guitar sounds are alike, reminding of rock's golden era, for both rhythm and lead guitar tracks.

• Precision Channel Strip: Comprising an EQ, compressor, and filter, this all-in-one channel strip provides complete processing with easy mixing and tone shaping in just a single interface.

• RealVerb Pro Reverb: Designed for high-quality spatial effects, RealVerb Pro delivers realistic room and hall reverb emulations, adding depth and ambiance to tracks with customizable room characteristics and decay.

Best-in-Class Headphone Amplifier

Apollo Solo offers a high-performance headphone amp with low noise and a flat frequency response.

This feature ensures that every minimal detail is captured during recording and mixing.

This quality makes it a top choice for podcasters, musicians, vocalists, and producers who rely on headphone monitoring.

LUNA Recording System Integration:

While Apollo Solo is compatible with all major DAWs, it provides exclusive integration with UA’s LUNA Recording System (Mac only).

This seamless pairing offers features like Neve summing, API console emulations, and Studer tape extensions, transforming the Apollo Solo into a powerful analog-inspired recording system.

Portable and Durable Design

With its lightweight under two pounds, the Apollo Solo is highly portable: this makes it a great choice for for podcasters into mobile recording.

Its all-metal construction provides durability, and since it’s powered entirely by Thunderbolt 3, there's no need for an external power source. Just know that you will need to purchase a Thunderbolt 3 cable separately.

Performance and Sound Quality

Apollo Solo’s audio performance is exceptional, featuring 24-bit/192 kHz conversion. The clarity, dynamic range, and tonal depth set it apart from other interfaces in its class.

This is particularly evident with the Unison-enabled mic preamps, which faithfully reproduce the tonal qualities of renowned analog gear.

The interface also features a SHARC DSP processor for running UAD plugins in real time, enhancing workflow speed and quality.

Table: Apollo Solo vs. Competitors

1. Apollo Solo: The Solo connects via a Thunderbolt 3 and allows for sample rates up to 192 kHz with onboard DSP processing, supporting real-time use of UAD plugins. It features Unison preamps, which emulate analog hardware and open up to a great library of various UAD plugins. This unit ranges between $699-$799 and is be among the higher-end options in terms of professional sound quality for podcasters, solo artists and small studios.

2. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: Popular among beginner podcasters, Scarlett 2i2 uses a USB connection. It also allows sample rates up to 192 kHz. This one lacks processing through DSP but carries a compact design at a more decent price in the bracket of $149-$199. This interface is ideal for users who need basic recording functionality without additional processing power.

3. Steinberg UR28M: The UR28M is also a USB-connected interface that allows for samples of up to 96 kHz. It has a good range of both inputs and outputs and features two headphone jacks, useful for collaborations. Its cost ranges between $299-$399, placing it in the middle range but still offering a realistic functionality for a home studio.

4. Apollo Twin X: Similarly Thunderbolt 3-powered, the Apollo Twin X boasts sample rates up to 192 kHz and dual DSP processing for extensive UAD plugin use and a larger Unison preamp setup. Priced from $899-$1,099, it does provide a wide expansion to input and output options for professional studios and advanced users that need extra processing capability.

Choosing the ideal interface depends on multiple factors. To learn more, read our guide

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional Sound Quality: Class-leading audio conversion and Unison preamps.

• Real-Time Processing: Near-zero latency with UAD plugin integration.

• Portable Design: Durable and compact, bus-powered for mobile use.

• LUNA Integration: Offers exclusive features on Mac, enhancing analog workflow.

Cons

• Limited I/O: Only two inputs and one headphone output, which may be restrictive.

• DSP Capacity: Single DSP limits plugin instances for larger, more complex sessions.

• No Power Switch: Depends on computer power management, which some users find inconvenient.

Final Verdict: Is Apollo Solo Worth It?

The Apollo Solo is well worth the investment for any podcaster, musician, or producer looking for professional sound quality in a portable package.

It may not be ideal for those users who require extensive I/O or expanded DSP capabilities.

However, for studio-grade audio conversion and real-time processing on the go, it's hard to find fault with the Apollo Solo.

The integrated UAD plugins and Unison technology provide the flexibility of analog emulations with digital convenience, making it a valuable tool for solo artists and mobile recording setups.

Online Reviews: What Users Are Saying

Based on reviews from a popular platform, where the Apollo Solo has amassed around 300 reviews, users are overwhelmingly positive about the interface performance and build quality.

However, 15% of users disagree. Let's see why:

1. Compatibility and Connectivity Problems: Many users, especially on Windows, experienced issues with connectivity, such as frequent disconnections, clipping, and audio dropouts. These problems persisted despite trying multiple cables, updating drivers, and following UAD's troubleshooting suggestions. The interface often required frequent restarts and was described as unreliable on Windows systems.

2. Poor Windows Driver Support: Users mentioned ongoing issues with UAD's WDM drivers, which caused crackling sounds and poor performance. This appears to be a long-standing issue that the company has not fully resolved, leading to frustration for Windows users seeking stable Thunderbolt 3 or USB connectivity.

3. Installation and Setup Difficulties: Installation was noted as complex, with unclear documentation that made setup challenging, even for users experienced in audio software. The instructional materials were seen as difficult to follow, and the support resources, such as YouTube videos, were described as overly promotional rather than practical. However, please note that the user manual is available for download on the manufacturer’s website if needed

4. Additional Software Requirements and Upsells: To use the interface with a DAW, users must run a separate proprietary software in the background, which often prompts users to purchase additional plugins. Many found this constant upsell irritating, as the plugins are pre-installed but require payment to be activated, which also clutters DAW plugin menus and consumes disk space.

5. Lack of Essential Accessories: The Apollo Solo does not include the necessary Thunderbolt or USB cables, forcing users to purchase these separately, which some found inconvenient and frustrating, especially considering the product's price point.

6. Quality Issues with Thunderbolt Connections: Several users experienced connection instability with the Thunderbolt 3 model, where even slight cable movements caused disconnections. This detracted from the overall reliability, particularly for those using it as a mobile or portable solution.

7. Misleading Advertising: Some buyers felt that the product's advertising overstated its Windows compatibility, leaving them disappointed when the interface failed to perform as expected on that platform.

From what we’ve gathered, this interface is a product better suited for experienced users.

This factor, combined with the significant price, has led some buyers to express a certain level of dissatisfaction, while the majority remain enthusiastic about the product.

Personally, I recommend checking it out and evaluating it in a brick-and-mortar store before ordering, and making sure its level of complexity is manageable for you.

Still unsure how to choose the best headphones or mics for your podcast? If so, read our guides:

How to choose the best podcast headphones (2024)

How to Choose the Best Microphone for your Podcas

Author's note:

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