Universal Audio Launches Next-Gen Apollo Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interfaces, Marshall “Plexi” Super Lead Plug-In for Apollo and UAD-2

Universal Audio has announced four new Apollo interfaces and the industry’s first and only Marshall-branded amplifier plug-in at Musikmesse 2015.

Available today is the Apollo 8 – A single rack interface with onboard UAD-2 DUO processing, with an available UAD-2 QUAD option. Along with the complete line of new Apollo interfaces, the Apollo 8 comes equipped with Unison-enabled mic preamps for tracking through preamp emulations from Neve, API, and Universal Audio. The Apollo 8 retails for $1,999 w/ UAD-2 Duo Processing; $2,499 MSRP w/ UAD-2 QUAD Processing.

The Apollo 8 comes equipped with 4 Unison preamps.

The remaining Apollo interfaces will be available in Q2 of 2015. Check below for a brief overview from UA.

The new interfaces all come equipped with ‘next-generation’ A/D D/A converters, Thunderbolt for chaining up to 4 Apollo intefaces and 6 UAD devices, and includes “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle with 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, Softube Amp Room, legacy LA-2A, 1176, and Fairchild compressors, Pultec EQs, and more.

Universal Audio’s Marshall “Plexi” Super Lead plug-in was created in collaboration with Softube. It is modeled after the original 1959 guitar amp provided directly from Marshall, with an era-correct 1960BHW speaker cabinet. The plug-in will be available in May of 2015 for $199 MSRP.

Here are more release details form Universal Audio:

Next-Generation Apollo Thunderbolt 2 Interfaces 

Apollo 8p comes equipped with 8 Unison mic preamps.

Shipping in Q2, Apollo 8p (US$2,999 w/ UAD-2 QUAD Processing) features eight Unison-enabled mic preamps, allowing recordists to track larger projects through classic preamp emulations from Neve, API, and Universal Audio. Apollo 8p also includes new convenient front panel monitoring functions such as Alt Speakers, Dim, and Mono.

Apollo 16 comes equipped with 16 x 16 analog I/O via DB-25 Connectors.

Also shipping in Q2, Apollo 16 (US$2,999 w/ UAD-2 QUAD Processing) features 16×16 analog I/O via DB-25 connectors, dedicated XLR monitor outs, and stereo AES/EBU digital I/O — ideal for producers and engineers needing Realtime UAD Processing and world-class A/D and D/A conversion for their recording consoles and outboard preamps.

Apollo Firewire is equipped with FireWire connection and 4 Unison mic preamps.

Finally, Universal Audio is pleased to announce Apollo FireWire (US$1,999 w/ QUAD Processing). Shipping in Q2, Apollo FireWire continues to offer Windows and legacy FireWire Macs Apollo’s gold-standard A/D and D/A conversion, Realtime UAD processing, and 4 Unison-enabled mic preamps for tracking through preamp emulations from Neve, API, and Universal Audio.

Marshall “Plexi” Super Lead 1959 Guitar Amp Plug-In

The 100-watt Marshall Super Lead Model 1959, commonly referred to as the “Plexi,” is one of the world’s most celebrated guitar amps. Softube worked with Marshall and recording engineer Tony Platt (AC/DC’s Highway to Hell and Back in Black) to craft a stunningly faithful emulation of Marshall’s own reference Super Lead Model 1959 amp, built in 1967 and captured using an era-correct 1960BHW speaker cabinet in Kore Studios, London.

Now users of Universal Audio’s Apollo audio interfaces can get the dead-on Marshall Super Lead tone as they record in real time, while users of UAD-2 hardware can re-amp previously recorded tracks through this amazingly accurate plug-in.

Marshall Plexi Key Features:

• Faithful emulation of Marshall’s own reference Super Lead Model 1959 amp, built in 1967 with an era-correct 1960BHW speaker cabinet
• Perfect for mixing and reamping with UAD-2 hardware, or tracking in real time with Apollo audio interfaces
• Microphone selections and placements by Tony Platt (AC/DC), captured in Kore Studios, London
• 3 different microphone combinations available — FET, Valve, and Dynamic — with three separate mics per setting
• Channel strip includes pans and volume faders for each mic, plus two band EQ
• Available in May for $199 in the UA Online Store

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