The New Apollo Solo USB Demonstrated and Compared to Scarlett 2i2 and Motu M2! (FOR VOICE OVER)

Рет қаралды 22,051

Күн бұрын

3 USB audio interfaces compared by how they sound. This is for VOICE OVER applications. In this demonstration, I don't get into the technicals too much, or at all. I'm simply demonstrating all three against each other so that you can decide how they sound. Let me know your favorite!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro
02:16 - Scarlett Dry Sample
02:28 - Motu Dry Sample
02:37 - Apollo Dry Sample
03:26 - Scarlett Voice Over Mix
03:42 - Motu Voice Over mix
03:57 - Apollo Voice Over Mix
04:30 - Rambling On And Wrapping Up
Thanks for watching! If you're into audio production, microphones, voice over, podcasting, or anything audio, it would be dope if you subscribed!
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MOTU M2 - bit.ly/373G7Rb
SCARLETT 2i2 - bit.ly/2HxaHtP
UA APOLLO SOLO - bit.ly/3nktIyS
SE ELECTRONICS X1-S - bit.ly/2JaClNr
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Пікірлер: 119

@chriss.3335 3 жыл бұрын

Really nice video. Keep making more! Thank you.

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Chris! Thanks a bunch, man. Will do 🤘

@jas8012 3 жыл бұрын

MOTU is fantastic! Love how so many in the comments are trying to justify the Apollo price point when in reality MOTU is close. Very close.

@billesposito2112 2 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't pay the money for it for the USB version . But the thunderbolt version ALL DAY LONG! Getting LUNA is worth it right there along with console that has tons of preset chains from all the best producers/Enginners. And the Unison Tech is unmatched. I went from a Focusrite Clarett on a PC and that interface is roughly the same price as the UA Apollo Solo. To a Solo on a MAC using Luna and it took my recordings to the next level and then some. And it's not in my head . I got compliments from numerous people that know better. Couldn't be happier with my purchase.

@MichaelW.1980 3 жыл бұрын

I just now got my MOTU M4. No, didn’t wait since back then when you made this video! I just waited and thought a lot about wether or not to get the M4, the M2 or maybe something else entirely. For month and month. But in the end, I went with the Interface, that caught my eye. I got the parcel right before I had to go to work! I can’t wait to work this beauty!

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic! Let me know how it works out!

@musi-vids2350 2 жыл бұрын

Ur not dumb bro that's the best video on interfaces I've watched and I've seen a lot lol big ups brother. Good shit. Love from nz

@MintGreenAudio 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, man! Appreciate the love!

@97HawksFly 3 жыл бұрын

Great objective comparison!

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Hey, thanks a bunch!!!

@militarydolphin 3 жыл бұрын

Changed my Scarlett 2i2 Gen 2 to Motu M2, I am loving it

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

That's fantastic!!!

@jpcpamies 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video!!

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jordi!

@aidinashoorimusic 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Tod. Thanks for the review. How would you describe the difference between the Apollo Solo and M2 purely in terms of the sound output quality (eg, headphone amp) for critical listening/mixing? Do you think it justifies the price difference?

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry for the late reply on this... First of all, I don't consider myself to really have a keen sense of what's "superior" when it comes to sound quality for critically mixing. But honestly, it's a pleasure just listening to Spotify through this headphone amp compared to the M2. I LOVE IT.

@FirstClassVO 3 жыл бұрын

The Apollo hands down. Cleaner pre, a lot less saturation, adding EQ, compression, etc is much more transparent.

@billesposito2112 2 жыл бұрын

Not to mention Unison Tech and LUNAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

@cicibaybe7125 3 жыл бұрын

Wich soundkart is better for me ihave 2020 MacBook 💻 pro Iwill buy ? Scarlet motu or appolo please help 🙏😍

@LDdrums20 3 жыл бұрын

I died laughing with the hello at the mic

@sascha1913 Жыл бұрын

MOTU M4 or M6 is my choice, especially for mobile use, but also in project studios, it simply sounds great.

@Kashfrmdaway 3 жыл бұрын

I Got The Focusrite Solo, Audient Evo 4 and Apollo Solo Is Otw 💪🏾🔥

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Nice!!! 🔥

@AlexAguilar18 3 жыл бұрын

Do you have videos on your post production workflow for beginners? Even the Scarlett 2i2 sounds pretty good with post processing.

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

I do not have vids on production yet. I use Adobe Audition, though. So stay tuned, as I'm happy to make some vids on how I edit in post!

@ROVARBAND 3 жыл бұрын

Great video man, thank you! Do you remember which USB cable you bought for the Apollo solo? I tried a couple of cables and none of them work. 😭 Greets from Germany

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!! Here you are! Yeah I had to wait a couple days too to get the right cord. This is the one I use www.amazon.com/dp/B074PHNQDN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_uyl7Fb31KSBN2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

@ROVARBAND 3 жыл бұрын

🙏🙏🙏

@ndogg7618 3 жыл бұрын

@@ROVARBAND I had the same issue. It cannot be just a regular USB A to USB C, it has to have SS on the USB cord. Any other USBA-C that doe not have SS on it, will not work.

@francoisberkinjr5088 3 жыл бұрын

Apollo all the way! And of course I’m biased bcuz I own one 😄🙌🏽

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Same here!

@Triumphinchrist1 Жыл бұрын

Thanks.Are you using the interfaces with the built in preamps or are they just going dry?

@MintGreenAudio Жыл бұрын

This was dry!

@GoldenDeathMusic 2 жыл бұрын

Im thinking about buying a solo myself, currently using the UAD volt 276 but its just good enough that it makes me want to go up to the next level. In some of the demos though, it seems like theres a harshness or almost mild distortion in the upper mids. Like in the sibilant parts of the speaking of this video...would you say you have found that to be the case in your use? Im wondering if its part of the inherent sound of the solo or just revealing that characteristic of the mic due to more detailed preamps. Also, have you had any issues with it since making this video?

@MintGreenAudio 2 жыл бұрын

I'd be more worried about the mic creating undesired sounds than the interface itself. The only problems I've ever had with the Solo is it losing connection briefly. This happens, but very seldomly, so it's not much of an inconvenience to me.

@GoldenDeathMusic 2 жыл бұрын

@@MintGreenAudio thanks for the response! I actually ended up getting one and I want to like it so bad, but there is just something about the sound that is fatiguing on the ears. Something about the midrange or something... I use it for recording music, so your results probably differ, but of all the demos I have listened to of the apollo interfaces, the solo usb definitely has a bit of a harsher sound to it. I got it for a really good deal and want to love it, AD conversion is amazing at least, and all my direct tracks are sounding clearer than the volt but much harsher, much like in the various demos I listened to before purchase. Just not for me, I guess.

@MintGreenAudio 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting to know! Anything you've got your eye on now?

@Mak933 3 жыл бұрын

Is there not a mute button on the Apollo? What happens when you push the preamp volume dial in?

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

When I push the dial, it changes inputs! Idk!

@thadmatson4754 3 жыл бұрын

Scarlet sounded thinner to me. Through my iPhone speakers. Lol. I want that apollo!

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Haha it's pretty great!

@thevisi0naryy 3 жыл бұрын

Are you using these on a PC? I’ve been trying to decide if the Apollo Solo TB3 and it’s drivers would be inherently more stable on a MacBook Pro because of the thunderbolt compliance.

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, PC. I'm not using the thunderbolt version. USB version, but it's been great so far. No problems at all!

@mfbeatz 2 жыл бұрын

Hi and thks for your vid! I hesitate between the motu ans apollo. I m a hip hop/trap/electro pop beatmaker using 99% of vst on a powerfull PC. I d like to record elec guitar directly through the interface, in both case, a DI is it necessary (motu or apollo)? And i almost never record voice, but maybe more in 2022. Which one could be the most effective for my workflow? even if i work only with vst, will i hear a big difference in terms of warmess or dynamic? Thks a lot man!

@MintGreenAudio 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, thanks for watching! In my opinion, the Apollo is fantastic, because of the plugin options. They do provide a handful of plugins for free. But I've since purchased plugins through them which have helped me improve my sound with things! I know they have a whole guitar suite for recording directly though the interface, as opposed to recording with a mic. However, I've yet to record guitar. But yeah, you just get so much more with the Apollo, hints the price tag. But I'm curious to see what these new, more affordable, retro looking UA interfaces are like! I have to imagine that they, too have the capability of purchasing guitar plugins as well.

@mfbeatz 2 жыл бұрын

@@MintGreenAudio thks for your response 🙏🏼

@danielrains2055 3 жыл бұрын

First time I've heard different interfaces compared back to back. Amazingly different sound from each. Scarlet was last place then apollo then motu sounded best. Ty. So an interface isnt just an interface? Like to hear the behringer uphoria umc204hd in the comparison.

2 жыл бұрын

Apollo and Motu are pretty close. Great and smooth sound! But Scarlett is faaar below them. Not clean at all and it seems that it can get saturation very easily. Thank you for this!!!

@MintGreenAudio 2 жыл бұрын

For sure, thanks for watching!

@eddiebaez2093 3 жыл бұрын

I thought this case is not about sound at all..the apollo show no latency and make the computer run lighter due the DPS inside and include Luna...besides the UAD plugins...

@Fitzliputzli23 3 жыл бұрын

I sent my Apollo Solo USB back. 1.The additional mixer software you have to run ("Console") freezes my DAW as soon as I touch one of the faders. 2.VST drums in my DAW emulate a horrible digital clipping even when all the faders are down (no such problems with my Focusrite) 3. The PC sound can be routed to the monitor only, you cannot route it back to your DAW (so you cannot record spotify or anything running inside of your PC). 4. Input No2 occasionally dies in the middle of the process. I had to cold start the Interface one or two times to get it back to live (Input 1 works fine) Yes, vocals do sound fantastic in the Apollo. Way better than with the Focusrite. But what is this worth with all the above problems?

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Bummer, man! Did you get in touch with UA? I haven't had any of those problems that you mention, luckily. I can also record from my computer with no problems!

@jwi5898 Жыл бұрын

I need an interface only for Synthesizer Plugins / 2 Output. Which should I buy?

@MintGreenAudio Жыл бұрын

Depends on your budget. All three options in this video are great!

@RollieRood 3 жыл бұрын

Apollo sounds like is all the way better, but Motu M2 is very strong opponent. But if u take a look on the prices, i think the Motu M2 is more than great, with apollo youll get all of those great UAD plugins, but its so much pressure for the processor (just noticed in some videos). Personally ive got Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 (very similiar to Scarlett) and i want to change. I think the best ways are Apollo, Arrow or MOTU M2, But im not sure what is the greatest choice, what do u think? Is the Apollo worth that money?

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

I think so! And with all the plugins, it's great to know you can upgrade your sound with a click of a button. A lot of these plugins are very pricey, but they have sales sometimes.

@JR-el5pt 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, Go for the Apollo or Arrow (wich is also Universal Audio) .., if you have good room, good mic, good pres (like Motu) but the converter is crap.., your audip will sound crap. This Scarlett, Motu, SSL + 2 and others, have good pres.., some have good chip converters.., but they don't put it all (conectors, or using to many digital chips in the circuit board etc) little things that all of them put together make the high end audio gear sound like it sound and, hence the high price. Audio quality is a chain and ANY chain is only as good as its weakest link.., so this cheaper options, even though they have some good specs, they will be weak at the end for the better quality you are looking for. In a maybe little less expensive than Universal Audio, but close in quality, thanks to its converters, you could check Audient interfaces. They have better converters than Motu, SSL and Focusrite.

@tyrellmiller778 2 жыл бұрын

Latency is a big issue when recording music tracks to DAW how do they compare?

@MintGreenAudio 2 жыл бұрын

UA does best with latency for sure!

@dmytrogarastovych7684 3 жыл бұрын

is there any workaround to use Motu with 2 headphones?

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Definitely! Search for "dual adapter". You can decide the size you need from there👍

@refugioflores2226 3 жыл бұрын

hey which apollo solo is better usb or thunderbolt is there any differences? latency?

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

I'm assuming that thunderbolt is the newer technology and that perhaps the latency is better? Not totally sure because I only have the USB version. But I'm still loving it!

@refugioflores2226 3 жыл бұрын

@@MintGreenAudio oh i have a PC thundebolt 3 capable with a pcle . i was looking on reviews of the apollo but i dont like much usb because the external supply i was wondering if there would be more performance on the thunderbolt 3 . i kinda want to get the thunderbolt 3 . but still good to know that usb works good on windows

@filippetrucha5422 3 жыл бұрын

LOL scarlet is distorting :D motu sounds ok, apollo is the best obviously, but motu surprised..it's good too.

@encode84 3 жыл бұрын

Wrong gain with Scarlett here?

@filippetrucha5422 3 жыл бұрын

@@encode84 OOoo you, killed that, actually could be.. no way I can Find out tho. can you?

@filippetrucha5422 3 жыл бұрын

*killed potentially, like, but could be. :)

@saltypancreas5866 3 жыл бұрын

Would you say I can get away with the Apollo solo, since it has 1 dsp chip I want to know if I’m gonna have any issues with it being overwhelmed All I need to do is EQing de-easing compressor etc

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry for the late reply! What are you going to be recording?

@saltypancreas5866 3 жыл бұрын

@@MintGreenAudio a single track recording I actually just got the Apollo twin duo, I’m going to be EQ-ing my voice, etc Which plugins would you recommend for me to use. And do u think I would have enough DSP for editing my audio how I would want to, n how many plugins do you think I would need for EQ, Compressor etc ? Sorry for the loaded question and if I may humbly ask for a loaded response that would be real nice of you

@goaheadandshoot Жыл бұрын

Do you still think the headphone amp is the best out of all these three?

@MintGreenAudio Жыл бұрын

Definitely!

@gunterkeegan670 3 жыл бұрын

I admit to being a bit of a label snob with my equipment. I remember focusritre as a substandard brand and refuse to try them. I bought the m2 and then the m4. It's budget friendlier, but I will definitely get an UA in time.

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

For sure, they all served a great purpose for me! Still loving the UA!

@gunterkeegan670 3 жыл бұрын

@Wayne Brown True enough, I only know I'm biased towards their products. Admittedly, I have to admire their product placement, since Foscurite is often in stock when alternatives including Motu need to be ordered. I still think Motu sounds better.

@gunterkeegan670 3 жыл бұрын

@Wayne Brown I suppose that explains the price; Cheap,cheap cheap.

@gunterkeegan670 3 жыл бұрын

@Wayne Brown Internet communication is cheap conversation. No I couldn't care less about a cheap substitute. While UA is over priced it is superior to anything at it's price. Again my opinion; I don't understand why my singular opinion matters to you. So what if Gunter hates foscurite products, I also don't buy American, German or Korean cars. If you want to have a real conversation we can do that.

@loyalacademic8319 3 жыл бұрын

I heard no different but... I know a little when it comes to mastering... U will notice everything difference.

@Decenium 2 жыл бұрын

you remind me of Chris Redd from SNL for some reason.... also on the vid, the focusrite sounded the best imo, the M2 sounded very empty and the apollo was a bit in between

@EddieInzauto 2 жыл бұрын

Haha. They literally all sound exactly the same on my Bluetooth speaker. Gotta listen again with headphones. The most important factor to me right now is the amount of gain each provides.

@EddieInzauto 2 жыл бұрын

With headphones they’re still very similar to my ears, but Apollo is slightly best, with the smoothest sound, followed by Motu, followed by the more trebly/airy (and most different from the other two) Scarlett.

@MintGreenAudio 2 жыл бұрын

It takes quite the keen ear to hear!!!

@applecrazy1 3 жыл бұрын

you got a windows pc? does the apollo work fine there?

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

PC, Apollo works fantastically!

@applecrazy1 3 жыл бұрын

@@MintGreenAudio nice jsut cause alot people say this doesnt work on windows

@rylandweet7750 3 жыл бұрын

Motu was the smoothest and most clear

@DAFFONEOFFICIAL 2 жыл бұрын

Focus its the best .

@nabeelakbarofficial3433 3 жыл бұрын

I use to own focusrite 2nd gen now I have a motu M2 motu M2 to is clearly way better sounding than Scarlett but apollo sounds even better than motu although itself have a really good sound but I think it's the sweetness in the voice with the apollo than my ears noticed. BTW motu headphone amps and even outputs are really really good but if apollo has even better headphone amps than must be special I'm sure.

@PeterHiggins 3 жыл бұрын

Motu and Apollo sounds almost the same, but those plugins make the apollo worth it.

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Agreed!

@Kayonardo 3 жыл бұрын

To my ears the Scarlett sounds neutral and a bit "cheap" in comparison, Motu has the "thickest" sound, almost as if it adds some own character to it, and Apollo also sounds kind of "neutral" as the Scarlett but much more high-end. Upgraded from Scarlett to Motu, as I wanna protect myself from spending too much money in the UA world :-)

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Nice, I don't think you can go wrong with the Motu!

@alinik4737 3 жыл бұрын

My greatest wish is that Zoom would have produced an audio interface with the nice looks and portability of the Zoom H5, with much lower preamps noise (+55 db gain, and -128 to -130 DBU(A) self noise) and with a phantom power switch on the top of the device. Wow! Zoom why arent you considering to work on that instead of ugly looking Podtrak P4??!!

@visionaryentertainment1431 2 жыл бұрын

98 perfect of people judge the sound base on the price and budget they can afford.

@colaboytje 3 жыл бұрын

It's not Apollo, it's Universal Audio.

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Thats correct, its made by Universal Audio. The model is the Apollo Solo. I guess I don't understand what you're saying? But im not the smartest so....

@colaboytje 3 жыл бұрын

@@MintGreenAudio Yeah, I was a little too precise and obnoxious. My bad. I just watched a video with a spokeperson of UA, and he emphasized that it's not called 'the Apollo', but the Univeral Audio Apollo. Anyhow, my bad for being too obnoxious.

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

No worries, it's all about their branding!

@777wisdom7 3 жыл бұрын

Can you test it with an IOS device

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, I do not have access to an IOS device. But I'm thinking that if it works fantastically on my PC, it's performance with a MAC will be just as great.

@ferdearmas8732 3 жыл бұрын

@@MintGreenAudio Hi friend, and what about MOTU performance with Android smartphones?...

@8-364 3 жыл бұрын

Ну фокусрайт посасывает, это очевидно, но она и стоит не дорого. Это было очевидно

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Наверняка. Я считаю, что focusrite подходит для интерфейса начального уровня, но у каждого свое мнение! Спасибо за просмотр!

@8-364 3 жыл бұрын

@@MintGreenAudio Lol dude u really answerd me. Thank you.

@DavideBonfantino 3 жыл бұрын

The apollo is a cleaner and has better highs.

@Mike_Genisys 3 жыл бұрын

The refraction off your glasses is distracting

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

Haha, tell me about it! I paid out the ass for these stupid glasses too that are supposed to have fancy "anti glare" technology. I'd take them off, but I'm even uglier with them off :(

@Secondheartbeat5 3 жыл бұрын

Apollo destroy the Focusrite, it is way more detailed than the scarlett.

@MintGreenAudio 3 жыл бұрын

I love it!

@Secondheartbeat5 3 жыл бұрын

@@MintGreenAudio I would love to upgrade my audio interface, the Scarlett doesn't seem to fit my exigencies anymore, the Apollo looks the best option to go with 😎

@bighousemusic628 3 жыл бұрын

Yes bro you are right but which one of the Scarlett line definitely not the 18i20 because the I've seen reviews where the 18i20 blows away the Apollo x