Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition Review

The Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition is the latest audio interface offering from Universal Audio. As the newest member of the Apollo interface family, it brings UA’s respected analog modeling and DSP plugins to more home studio owners and project studio engineers through its lower price point.

In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features, sound quality, software bundle, and overall value proposition of the Apollo x4 Heritage to see how it stacks up to the competition for those looking to purchase a Thunderbolt audio interface in this price range.

Overview and Features

The Apollo x4 Heritage Edition is a 4-in/4-out Thunderbolt 3 audio interface that offers low latency monitoring and Realtime UAD Processing so you can track and mix with flagship UA analog emulations like the 1176 and LA-2A compressors without taxing your computer’s CPU.

Some of the key features of the Apollo x4 Heritage include:

• 4×4 Thunderbolt 3 connectivity
• 24-bit/192 kHz conversion
• Hexa-core UAD-2 DSP chip
• Console 2.0 mixing software
• Realtime Analog Classics UAD plugins bundle
• Unison technology for UA audio interface preamps
• Low latency performing and tracking
• +24dBu operation

With four mic/line combo XLR inputs, four line outputs, ADAT I/O, two front panel headphone jacks, and alt monitoring control, the Apollo x4 Heritage provides ample I/O for recording small bands, podcasters, and home studio producers.

The highlight is of course the inclusion of UA’s Analog Classics Bundle and Console 2.0 mixing software. This allows you to track and mix through UAD plugins like the LA-2A and 1176 compressors, Pultec EQs, and more without taxing your computer’s CPU, providing reliable low-latency performance.

Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition

• A special edition of UA's acclaimed Apollo x4 interface — with a premium suite of 10 award-winning plug-in titles from Helios, Fairchild, Teletronix, Pultec, UA, and more — a $2,400 value
• Elite-class A/D and D/A conversion derived from Apollo X rackmount interfaces paired with 4 Unison mic preamps deliver stunning models of classic tube and transformer-based mic preamps and guitar amps
• 4 Unison mic preamps offer stunning models of classic tube and transformer-based mic preamps and guitar amps
• UAD QUAD Core Processing for tracking through vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, mic preamps, and guitar amp plug-ins with near-zero latency
• Produce with LUNA Recording System — a fully-integrated recording application made for Apollo (Mac only)

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Conversion and Preamps

The Apollo x4 Heritage features 24-bit/192 kHz conversion on all analog inputs and outputs. While not quite as pristine as the 24-bit/384 kHz conversion on higher end Apollos, 192 kHz still provides extremely clear conversion for most studio and live applications.

Each of the four combi inputs feature Unison-enabled preamps, allowing you to impart the unique gain staging and impedance of UA’s hardware preamp emulations for added analog character and realism while tracking and recording. This helps vocals and instruments sit right in a mix.

UAD-2 Processing

At the heart of the Apollo x4 Heritage Edition is its internal Hexa-core UAD-2 DSP accelerator. This dedicated processing chip allows you to monitor and mix through UAD plugins like compressors, EQs, reverbs, and channel strips without taxing your computer’s CPU whatsoever.

This makes it easy to track and mix with plugins that add analog character without worrying about latency or pops and clicks from an overloaded CPU. The x4 Heritage has a slightly less powerful DSP chip compared to other Apollos, but still provides excellent UAD performance.

Some of the classic UAD plugins included are the 1176 and LA-2A compressor emulations, Pultec EQP-1A, Fairchild 670, and more. In total, the x4 Heritage comes bundled with 14 UAD analog emulation plugins to get you started.

Software Bundle

The Apollo x4 Heritage Edition comes bundled with several great software titles to get your UAD-2 experience up and running quickly.

Included is Universal Audio’s Console 2 software, which lets you patch together UAD plugins and then mix and monitor through them in realtime. Console’s channel strips, drag-and-drop functionality, and visual mix layout make it easy to build mixes with UAD effects.

Also included is Luna Recording System, UA’s DAW production software. Luna is designed specifically for Apollo interfaces, integrating tightly with Console so you can record, edit, and mix projects entirely through your UAD plugins andConsole’s mixing environment.

Finally, the package includes everything you need to start recording immediately like cables, Ableton Live Lite for basic tracking, amp/guitar plugins from Softube and Brainworx, and more.

Sound Quality and Performance

In testing, the conversion quality and overall sound of the Apollo x4 Heritage Edition stands up well against competitors like the Focusrite Clarett 4Pre and PreSonus Quantum 2626 audio interfaces.

The preamps offer clean gain with plenty of headroom for dynamic mics and instruments. Engaging Unison technology adds subtle analog character to tracks that makes them sit and gel together well in a mix.

Monitoring and mixing through UAD plugins in realtime provides excellent sound quality and the lowest of latency, even at higher buffer size settings. Everything translates well out of the Apollo DSP environment into your DAW.

For smaller project studios that might not need more than 4-in/4-out I/O, the latency and rich sound quality provided by the x4 Heritage’s UAD-2 integration makes it more than capable as a core interface. With the potential to greatly reduce reliance on your computer’s CPU for mixing and monitoring, it’s a great bang-for-buck interface option.

Who is the Apollo x4 Heritage Edition For?

The Apollo x4 Heritage hits a sweet spot of I/O count, UAD integration, and price point that makes it appealing for a few key user types:

Home Studio Owners

For home studio producers and engineers, the x4 Heritage provides pro-level I/O and integration with UA’s coveted analog sound in a compact interface at an attainable price point compared to other Apollos.

Podcasters

With four clean mic preamps and UAD suites for dialing in rich vocal chains, the interface has plenty of I/O for professional podcast production and on-the-go recording.

Project Studios

For professional but budget-conscious project studios, the Apollo x4 Heritage can provide sufficient I/O for tracking smaller bands, singers, etc. when eight inputs aren’t necessarily required.

Alternatives to Consider

The Apollo x4 Heritage faces competition from several other Thunderbolt 3 audio interfaces in the same price range:

• Focusrite Clarett 4Pre – Similar I/O and price but no UAD processing
• PreSonus Quantum 2626 – Offers more I/O but no UAD integration
• SSL 2+ Interface – Less I/O but has SSL’s signature analog sound
• Apogee Duet 3 – Two channels but excellent sound quality

So while the Apollo x4 Heritage is a strong pick, there are other options depending on your specific needs in terms of I/O count, form factor, and workflows.

Universal Audio Arrow

Within UA’s own interface lineup, the Arrow is the most affordable option below the x4 Heritage if your budget is tight. You still get Unison technology and Realtime UAD processing, just with 2 inputs instead of 4.

Higher-End Apollos

For more professional studios that need increased I/O, the Apollo Twin X or Apollo x8p Thunderbolt interfaces add more ins/outs and more powerful UAD-2 chips. But they come at almost double the price of the x4 Heritage.

Conclusion and Recommendation

With its great balance of I/O, rich UAD analog sound, realtime DSP monitoring, and more affordable price point for a Thunderbolt 3 Apollo, the Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition is an excellent audio interface for home studio producers and project studio owners.

For those seeking greater I/O flexibility, you may want to consider the Apollo x8p or another Thunderbolt 3 interface with more inputs and outputs.

But for smaller studios that want the clarity and analog tone of UA’s UAD plugins while tracking and mixing, the x4 Heritage hits a sweet spot in terms of size, performance, and pricing. For under $1,000, it’s a powerful creative tool for applying UA’s iconic analog sound to your recordings.

Pros

• UAD-2 integration provides realtime DSP and rich analog tone
• Bundled analog emulation plugins sound excellent
• Clean 24-bit/192 kHz conversion
• Unison preamps add character and body
• Excellent UAD interface option for smaller studios

Cons

• Fewer I/O options compared to other Apollos
• Less powerful UAD-2 chip than higher-end models
• No digital connectivity like ADAT or AES

Frequently Asked Questions

What comes included in the box with the Apollo x4 Heritage?

The Apollo x4 Heritage Edition comes packaged with the 4×4 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface unit, an external power supply, USB-C to USB cable, one standard XLR cable, Turtle Beach Amigo II USB microphone, Softube amp and guitar plugins, Ableton Live Lite, UA Console 2.0, UA Luna, and 1 year all-access UAD plugin bundle subscriptions to get you started.

What specific UAD plugins are included in the bundle?

The x4 Heritage interface comes with 14 UAD analog emulation plugins: 1176LN and LA2A compressors, Pultec EQs, 610-B tube preamp, Fatso Jr tape emulation, Realverb Pro reverb, DreamVerb reverb, Plate 140 reverb, and more.

Does the x4 Heritage work with both Mac and Windows?

Yes, it’s compatible with both Mac/OSX and Windows 10 64-bit operating systems. You’ll need Thunderbolt 3 ports to connect it.

What is Unison technology?

Unison is UA’s exclusive preamp modeling technology that lets Apollo interfaces perfectly match the unique gain staging, impedance, and component-level circuit behaviors of iconic analog hardware. This imparts true analog tone and character to your tracks.

Can you use the x4 without a DAW?

Absolutely. With Console 2.0, you can monitor, process, and mix entirely through the Apollo x4 Heritage and UAD plugins in real time without needing to use a DAW like Pro Tools or Logic Pro. But of course, it integrates tightly with most DAWs too.

Conclusion

The Apollo x4 Heritage Edition interfaces brings the power of UA’s UAD-2 processing to more producers and project studios through its lower price, compact size, and extensive analog tone shaping. For those seeking big analog sound on a budget, it’s a great option to consider that provides ample I/O, rich UAD plugins for monitor and tracking, and a streamlined workflow.

Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition

• A special edition of UA's acclaimed Apollo x4 interface — with a premium suite of 10 award-winning plug-in titles from Helios, Fairchild, Teletronix, Pultec, UA, and more — a $2,400 value
• Elite-class A/D and D/A conversion derived from Apollo X rackmount interfaces paired with 4 Unison mic preamps deliver stunning models of classic tube and transformer-based mic preamps and guitar amps
• 4 Unison mic preamps offer stunning models of classic tube and transformer-based mic preamps and guitar amps
• UAD QUAD Core Processing for tracking through vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, mic preamps, and guitar amp plug-ins with near-zero latency
• Produce with LUNA Recording System — a fully-integrated recording application made for Apollo (Mac only)

Check Price on Amazon