Universal Audio Introduces Apollo Expanded Software at NAMM 2015

As part of UAD Software v8.0, Universal Audio is bringing new compatibility options into 2015 with their Apollo Expanded software – exclusively for Apollo interfaces.

This will allow users to daisy chain up to four Apollo interfaces via Thunderbolt, and combine up to six total UAD-2 devices. At long last, expanded UAD I/O and DSP at our own pace.

Apollo Expanded software will be available March 2015.

The introduction also includes Console 2.0 software that includes numerous updates like Channel Strip presets, new monitoring options, and multi-level undo and redo for plug-in parameters.

UAD Software v8.0 will also be bringing a few new plug-ins along with it:

• Sound Machine Wood Works Plug-In
• UA Distortion Essentials Plug-In Bundle
• Antares Auto-Tune Live Plug-In
• Friedman Amplifiers Plug-In Collection by Brainworx

UA’s Apollo Expanded software will be available in March 2015. UAD Software v8.0 is compatible with Mac (including Yosemite), and PC. Here are more details from Universal Audio:

With Apollo Expanded, users of Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin, Apollo DUO, Apollo QUAD, and Apollo 16 audio interfaces can freely combine up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices — adding I/O and DSP as their studio grows. Apollo Expanded also marks the introduction of Console 2.0 software, giving Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo users dynamic new workflow options, with more than 25 new user-requested features.

Apollo Expanded — Key Features:

• “Mix and Match” up to four Apollos (any model) over Thunderbolt (Mac)
• Simple Thunderbolt cable connection between units
• Combine up to six UAD-2 devices per system
• New Flex Driver lets users customize Core Audio I/O — name, save, and share presets for different hardware setups and DAWs
• Star clocking over Thunderbolt distributes high-quality clock to all Apollos
• Add an Apollo Twin for desktop monitor control as well as additional DSP and connectivity

Console 2.0 Software — Key Features:

• New high-resolution / Retina-compatible 64-bit software interface for Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos
• Channel Strip presets lets users see, save, and recall UAD plug-in chains
• Numerous monitoring improvements including Alternate Monitors, new Control Room functions, and enhanced headphone cue management
• New UAD plug-in categories and individual Show/Hide functionality
• Enhanced plug-in features such as preset auditioning and drag & drop functionality
• Per-input Record/Monitor effect switching
• Multi-level Undo and Redo for plug-in assignments and parameters

Apollo Expanded is part of upcoming UAD Software v8.0, which, in addition to Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite compatibility, also adds all-new plug-in categories to the UAD Powered Plug-Ins platform. Following are the new UAD v8.0 plug-ins:

Sound Machine® Wood Works® Plug-In — $299

• Lets acoustic guitar piezo pickups sound like a studio-miked acoustic
• Get rich acoustic sounds in noisy environments or when high-quality miking is not possible
• Re-voice the source guitar’s resonance and acoustic properties live or at mixdown
• Freedom to re-mic during mixing, changing and adding microphones as needed

UA Distortion Essentials Plug-In Bundle — $249

• Features the legendary Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808, Raw Distortion™ (based on the vintage early-80s Pro Co Rat), and Bermuda Triangle (based on the early 70s-era) Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi) plug-ins*
• Harnesses Unison™ technology to precisely emulate the circuit interaction, gain range, and clip points of the original stompboxes

Antares Auto-Tune Live Plug-In — $249

• Realtime pitch correction and manipulation with iconic Auto-Tune effect
• Incredibly low latency for instant response, onstage or in the studio

Friedman Amplifiers Plug-In Collection by Brainworx — $249

• Includes spot-on emulations of the industry-leading Friedman DS40 and Friedman BE100 guitar amplifiers
• Audition 66 different Recording Chains to match the perfect tone to the part
• Fine-tune sounds with an onboard FX Rack that includes a noise gate, EQ filter controls, and host-syncable lo-fi delay
• Developed by Brainworx exclusively for UAD-2 hardware and Apollo Audio Interfaces

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