kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Jul 16, 2024 13:21:41 GMT -6
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Post by kcatthedog on Jul 16, 2024 13:29:46 GMT -6
Not clear if it has improved converters, only references DA?
Seems to have the 6 chip dsp?
Other then being Dante, unclear how much of a hardware step forward this is, but apparently a new console.
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Post by doubledog on Jul 16, 2024 14:10:34 GMT -6
I'll be honest, I'm kind of unsure why anyone would want to pay the UA price for what is essentially a Dante bridge? Ok, it has DSP (which we all know is getting long in the tooth). I haven't seen a price, but assuming it is in the $3K range like other UAD "16" devices, that seems like a lot for no I/O or preamps. So that means you still would need an A/D converter with 16 analog inputs (and Dante), or a "live" mixer with Dante (and that seems like the only logical place this unit makes sense). And it still seems like there are better options out there, or is there huge demand for UAD-2 in the live mixing world?
edit - just saw the price. right where I suspected...
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Post by drsax on Jul 16, 2024 14:25:05 GMT -6
There’s no AD. So I think this is pretty much for live usage. It seems a bit of an odd choice for UA IMO. But I guess for live mix engineers it provides some cool possibilities. Now, if existing Apollo interfaces can be hooked into these via Thunderbolt providing networked IO, then that could provide some pretty cool options for studios with multiple rooms.
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Jul 16, 2024 14:27:03 GMT -6
br]Also , seems you are forced to buy one of two software bundles.
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Post by doubledog on Jul 16, 2024 14:41:27 GMT -6
so just more proof that they are trying to compete with Waves again (Soundgrid this time...)?
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jul 16, 2024 15:54:43 GMT -6
so just more proof that they are trying to compete with Waves again (Soundgrid this time...)? Let’s see if this lasts longer than the last attempt! The hard part for UA is going to be that one of the firmware Hacks for DIY Soundgrid lets you run just about any VST plugin. I have heard a rumor that it even supports UAD cards, but Why bother if I can run UA native plugins. |
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Post by Dan on Jul 16, 2024 17:34:43 GMT -6
so just more proof that they are trying to compete with Waves again (Soundgrid this time...)? Let’s see if this lasts longer than the last attempt! The hard part for UA is going to be that one of the firmware Hacks for DIY Soundgrid lets you run just about any VST plugin. I have heard a rumor that it even supports UAD cards, but Why bother if I can run UA native plugins. Use dysfunctional UAD circuit models live just like you can use CLA 76 live now with Soundgrid. |
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Post by BenjaminAshlin on Jul 17, 2024 1:23:18 GMT -6
Essentials+: Priced at $2,999 MAP
Ultimate+: Priced at $3,999 MAP, includes over 100 UAD plug-ins
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Post by veggieryan on Jul 17, 2024 1:30:53 GMT -6
sigh... another 16 channel Apollo being sold with anemic 6-core sharc dsp and its almost the year 2025. It's not even enough dsp for my x6.
Honestly how are UAD not embarassed? Are they trying to run their company into a ditch on purpose?
Even worse is the antiquated 2 aux mixer with 4 cues. What use is that to any serious live sound application? Compare it to even the low level digital mixers of a decade ago and it's just ridiculous.
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Post by roundbadge on Jul 17, 2024 1:55:35 GMT -6
its for live music mixers who want to use UA plugins.
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Jul 17, 2024 4:21:05 GMT -6
If they have a computer in their rig, they could run ua native too, if authorizations are on ilok or in computer no cloud problems.
Seems pricy for essentially a 2 channel apollo with Dante?
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Post by Quint on Jul 17, 2024 8:57:52 GMT -6
The FPGA in the current Apollo line is a joke. It's been a complaint I've been making to UA for years. The FPGA is why the Apollo is so limited on auxes/cues/general routing.
But UA (Drew) will gas light you and tell you that the number of auxes/cues currently available in the Apollo is all anyone should need...
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Post by doubledog on Jul 17, 2024 9:08:30 GMT -6
Now if they had put Dante connectivity (instead of TB or FW with 16 I/O, then THAT might have been interesting. Hell I'd even be interested in USB 3 (or USB4) connectivity to 16 or more I/O (Antelope did that what, 11 years ago?). Luckily, others are coming around...
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 17, 2024 9:09:44 GMT -6
There’s no AD. So I think this is pretty much for live usage. It seems a bit of an odd choice for UA IMO. But I guess for live mix engineers it provides some cool possibilities. Now, if existing Apollo interfaces can be hooked into these via Thunderbolt providing networked IO, then that could provide some pretty cool options for studios with multiple rooms. Wonder if the live market is better than the studio market? |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jul 17, 2024 9:35:04 GMT -6
There’s no AD. So I think this is pretty much for live usage. It seems a bit of an odd choice for UA IMO. But I guess for live mix engineers it provides some cool possibilities. Now, if existing Apollo interfaces can be hooked into these via Thunderbolt providing networked IO, then that could provide some pretty cool options for studios with multiple rooms. Wonder if the live market is better than the studio market? For a product like this pretty limited, it’s only going to go out with tours. Soundgrid dominates that market & as I said earlier a DIY Soundgrid server will run any VST so I can run the native versions much cheaper. If I’m touring like Don & the band without production & want specific plugins I’m going to put an AVID on the rider. If it’s a one off last thing I need is IT issues, plus let’s say I am flying in and out for 1 offs, the box is just physically to big to fit in a carry on. |
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Post by veggieryan on Jul 17, 2024 12:51:57 GMT -6
just saw this genius bit of ad copy: "Track and mix with 50% more processing power than previous generation Apollos"
for a moment I thought did they finally do something right and upgraded to newer/better dual core sharcs... nope, just more clever marketing.
so at this point it seems we are at least 4 years away from any meaningful dsp upgrade on the Apollo platform given that they just released this...
I would not be surprised if in 2029 they release the next Apollo with octo-core!!! dsp and the same lame 2 aux mixer... then recycle the same line: "Track and mix with 50% more processing power than previous generation Apollos"
this x16d might be the final nail in the coffin of Apollos for me personally.
sigh.
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Post by andersmv on Jul 17, 2024 12:59:54 GMT -6
just saw this genius bit of ad copy: "Track and mix with 50% more processing power than previous generation Apollos" for a moment I thought did they finally do something right and upgraded to newer/better dual core sharcs... nope, just more clever marketing. so at this point it seems we are at least 4 years away from any meaningful dsp upgrade on the Apollo platform given that they just released this... I would not be surprised if in 2029 they release the next Apollo with octo-core!!! dsp and the same lame 2 aux mixer... then recycle the same line: "Track and mix with 50% more processing power than previous generation Apollos" this x16d might be the final nail in the coffin of Apollos for me personally. sigh. They're going to have to come up with some sort of really innovative hybrid system that lets you integrate ANY plugins into their hardware ecosystem during tracking for low latency. That's about the only thing that will keep me interested. I'm really happy with my Apollo X, I'll run this thing until it breaks down if I have to. The writing was on the wall as soon as I got my decked out Mac Studio M2 Ultra last year, the computers are winning again by a MASSIVE margin. I'm not buying into another recycled Apollo system, and I think most people that have been using them since they came out feel the same way at this point. UA knows it too, they're really going to have to innovate for this next round of interfaces. It will probably take a while... |
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Post by guitfiddler on Jul 17, 2024 13:04:29 GMT -6
They are going to have to compete with The Galaxy by Antelope and that’s a tall order especially with the current economy, most people aren’t going to be spending $3000+ on converters that sound like ass that are underpowered with less features. I personally like a unit that does one thing the best and all those other options are useless! The game is over! Sorry to be so negative, but certain pieces bring it, and most pieces fail miserably, especially when you are trying to pack all this shit into one box. I would like to customize a box that works for my setup up and workflow. They don’t make that box and probably never will. I have a lot of great ideas, I should’ve got in the manufacturing game long ago, I could’ve designed a product that would’ve killed it. Maybe if things turn around it will be worth it to delve into this madness a little deeper, but I’m busy out of the studio currently and enjoying the live stage environment more as of now while I’m focusing on tweaking my rooms
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Post by veggieryan on Jul 17, 2024 13:05:55 GMT -6
Agreed, its so sad. Just look at this convoluted mess trying to integrate this x16d with a modern digital mixer, setting up a bunch of inserts, separate computer to control the UAD console, midi to control the scenes.... blah, blah, blah:  |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jul 17, 2024 13:18:34 GMT -6
Agreed, its so sad. Just look at this convoluted mess trying to integrate this x16d with a modern digital mixer, setting up a bunch of inserts, separate computer to control the UAD console, midi to control the scenes.... blah, blah, blah: Yeah was just talking to a dealer who is trying to figure this out, now some consultant will probably be specing these in Mega Churches. |
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Post by andersmv on Jul 17, 2024 13:48:38 GMT -6
Agreed, its so sad. Just look at this convoluted mess trying to integrate this x16d with a modern digital mixer, setting up a bunch of inserts, separate computer to control the UAD console, midi to control the scenes.... blah, blah, blah: Yeah was just talking to a dealer who is trying to figure this out, now some consultant will probably be specing these in Mega Churches.  Yup... |
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Jul 17, 2024 15:16:26 GMT -6
As I consider this, I think back to how impressive the 2192 was: now , ua is even recycling old marketing :
“just saw this genius bit of ad copy: "Track and mix with 50% more processing power than previous generation Apollos"
the 6 chip card is like what 5-6 years old?
I just find it sad, but, I can’t wait for UA’s new tuning fork to drop, man, I’ll be all over that bold innovation:(
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Post by Quint on Jul 17, 2024 15:28:17 GMT -6
just saw this genius bit of ad copy: "Track and mix with 50% more processing power than previous generation Apollos" for a moment I thought did they finally do something right and upgraded to newer/better dual core sharcs... nope, just more clever marketing. so at this point it seems we are at least 4 years away from any meaningful dsp upgrade on the Apollo platform given that they just released this... I would not be surprised if in 2029 they release the next Apollo with octo-core!!! dsp and the same lame 2 aux mixer... then recycle the same line: "Track and mix with 50% more processing power than previous generation Apollos" this x16d might be the final nail in the coffin of Apollos for me personally. sigh. They're going to have to come up with some sort of really innovative hybrid system that lets you integrate ANY plugins into their hardware ecosystem during tracking for low latency. That's about the only thing that will keep me interested. I'm really happy with my Apollo X, I'll run this thing until it breaks down if I have to. The writing was on the wall as soon as I got my decked out Mac Studio M2 Ultra last year, the computers are winning again by a MASSIVE margin. I'm not buying into another recycled Apollo system, and I think most people that have been using them since they came out feel the same way at this point. UA knows it too, they're really going to have to innovate for this next round of interfaces. It will probably take a while... The DSP for realtime tracking is still worth something to me, even with its long in the tooth status. Not having to ever worry about latency, or buffers is very nice. But I totally agree that the DSP is old as shit, and could use some updating. I still think the new Apollos, whenever they come, will be ARM based DSP, just like in the UA pedals. |
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Post by Quint on Jul 17, 2024 15:31:46 GMT -6
They are going to have to compete with The Galaxy by Antelope and that’s a tall order especially with the current economy, most people aren’t going to be spending $3000+ on converters that sound like ass that are underpowered with less features. I personally like a unit that does one thing the best and all those other options are useless! The game is over! Sorry to be so negative, but certain pieces bring it, and most pieces fail miserably, especially when you are trying to pack all this shit into one box. I would like to customize a box that works for my setup up and workflow. They don’t make that box and probably never will. I have a lot of great ideas, I should’ve got in the manufacturing game long ago, I could’ve designed a product that would’ve killed it. Maybe if things turn around it will be worth it to delve into this madness a little deeper, but I’m busy out of the studio currently and enjoying the live stage environment more as of now while I’m focusing on tweaking my rooms I've always wished that they would just make a DSP box, sans converters. Basically, their version of a HDX card. Then run whatever converters you want, connected to said DSP box via whatever connection protocol makes sense (TB, Dante, whatever). |
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Yup...