Universal Audio Apollo Solo TB3 Desktop Interface — main product image

Universal Audio Apollo Solo TB3 Desktop Interface

Universal Audio

Universal Audio Apollo Solo TB3 Desktop Interface

Name: Universal Audio Apollo Solo TB3 Desktop Interface
Brand: Universal Audio
SKU: Apollo Solo TB3

Record with studio-grade clarity and real-time UAD processing via Thunderbolt 3 with the Apollo Solo desktop interface.

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Overview

The Universal Audio Apollo Solo TB3 is a desktop audio interface designed for musicians, podcasters, and producers who demand professional-grade sound without a large rack-mount setup. Leveraging Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, it delivers the low-latency performance necessary for real-time monitoring through Universal Audio's acclaimed UAD plug-in ecosystem. This means you can record vocals through a vintage compressor emulation or track guitar through an amp model with virtually no perceptible delay — all processed on the Apollo Solo's dedicated hardware rather than your computer's CPU.

With its 2-in/4-out configuration, the Apollo Solo is purpose-built for solo recording sessions. The onboard preamp provides clean gain with 48V phantom power for condenser microphones, and a Hi-Z input accommodates electric guitars and basses directly. While the limited input count won't suit multi-mic drum sessions or live band tracking, it's an ideal centerpiece for a focused home or project studio where audio fidelity and real-time processing power take priority over channel count.

Specifications

Interface Type

Desktop Audio Interface

Connectivity

Thunderbolt 3

Compatibility

Mac, Windows

Brand

Universal Audio

Model

Apollo Solo TB3

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Onboard UAD processing lets you track through premium plug-ins with near-zero latency
Thunderbolt 3 connectivity provides the bandwidth needed for low-latency, high-resolution audio
Compact desktop form factor fits easily into home and project studios
Renowned Universal Audio preamp quality delivers clean, detailed recordings

👎 Cons

Requires a Thunderbolt 3 port, which limits compatibility with older computers
UAD plug-in licenses are sold separately, adding to the overall cost of ownership
Limited to 2 inputs, which isn't enough for recording a full band simultaneously
Higher price point than many competing USB audio interfaces with similar I/O counts

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Apollo Solo TB3 work with both Mac and Windows?

Yes, the Apollo Solo TB3 is compatible with both Mac and Windows systems equipped with a Thunderbolt 3 port.

Can I use UAD plug-ins in real-time while recording with the Apollo Solo?

Yes, the Apollo Solo includes onboard UAD processing that lets you monitor and record through UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency, without taxing your computer's CPU.

How many inputs and outputs does the Apollo Solo TB3 have?

The Apollo Solo features a 2-in/4-out configuration, including a mic preamp with 48V phantom power and a Hi-Z instrument input, making it suitable for solo recording sessions.

What is the difference between the Thunderbolt 3 and USB versions of the Apollo Solo?

The Thunderbolt 3 version offers lower latency and higher bandwidth than USB, which is particularly beneficial when running multiple real-time UAD plug-in instances during recording and mixing.