Universal Audio, a company known for creating some of the most revered audio equipment for musicians and recording engineers, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1958 by Bill Putnam Sr. Some of the most iconic products from the company were instrumental in recording some of the biggest selling music ever recorded. Bill Putnam Sr, the founder of the company, was a trailblazer in the industry, inventing the modern recording console, the multi-band audio equalizer, and the vocal booth, among other innovations. He was also one of the first engineers to use artificial reverberation in commercial recording.
After Bill Putnam Sr passed away in 1989, the company went through a period of suspended animation until his son, Bill Putnam Jr, revived it in 1999. Since then, Universal Audio has become a leading force in the field of recording equipment, embracing digital technology while still honoring its legacy of classic analog gear. Today, the company employs 200 people and has offices in Los Angeles, Colorado, and Amsterdam, with headquarters in Scotts Valley, California. The Universal Audio Custom Shop in Santa Cruz hand-builds classic analog gear one unit at a time.
One of Universal Audio’s standout product lines is the Apollo X range of audio interfaces, designed to deliver an authentic big studio sound in real-time using plug-ins from top brands like Neve, Moog, Lexicon, and Capitol Studios. The entry-level Apollo Solo, part of the Apollo range, is a high-end interface designed for serious musicians who want to record sound anywhere without compromising on quality. Featuring two mic/line inputs, a front-mounted Hi-Z jack, a monitor feed, and controls on the top plate, the Apollo Solo offers a compact yet powerful recording solution.
The Apollo Solo is a Thunderbolt audio interface, compatible with macOS users primarily, with a USB version available for Windows. The interface utilizes UA’s Unison modeling technology along with the UA Console software for optimal performance. Its high-quality design, featuring a large rotary knob and vibrant display panel, sets it apart from other interfaces. With features like preamp option buttons, phantom power, and high-pass filter, the Apollo Solo offers versatility and ease of use for musicians on the go.
Despite being ideal for home studios, the Apollo Solo is especially popular with musicians who travel frequently and need a portable recording solution. Its high-quality analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, along with a powerful DSP chip for real-time processing of plug-ins, ensure top-notch sound quality. For those seeking high-resolution recording capabilities and a user-friendly interface, the Apollo Solo offers a premium recording experience that rivals traditional studio setups.
In conclusion, the Universal Audio Apollo Solo Thunderbolt audio interface is a versatile and powerful tool for musicians and producers looking to record high-quality tracks on the go. With its top-notch preamps, real-time processing capabilities, and compatibility with a range of plug-ins, the Apollo Solo offers a professional recording experience in a compact and portable package. While it may be overkill for beginners, those familiar with Universal Audio’s Apollo range will appreciate the Solo’s ability to extend the power of their studio setup to almost any location. Highly recommended for musicians seeking a reliable and high-quality recording solution.
