Apogee vs Apollo: Which One Should You Choose?

Audio interfaces are becoming more and more popular, and consequently, there are a bunch of different brands that are leading the charge.

If you’re interested in purchasing an audio interface to improve the quality of your music output, switching to a desktop audio interface could be one of the best things you do. Two of the best models in the market include Apogee and Apollo.

But, to better understand the key similarities and the differences between these models, it’s vitally important that you have a clear idea about what audio interfaces can do for you so that you can better understand which one to get.

What Is an Audio Interface?

When it comes to making the right music for the genre of your liking, then having an audio instrument is critical. This is because they convert all microphonic and instrumental signals into data that your computer and its software understand.

Furthermore, the equipment will transfer all the sounds to headphones and into the studio monitors allowing you to hear the tunes you are producing. So if you really want to judge the music you are producing, a good audio interface is mandatory.

The best thing about interfaces is that they connect with your computers through a portable USB; however, some of them also use thunderbolt or even ethernet.

Comparing the Apogee vs Apollo

Now, here’s a direct comparison of both the Apogee and Apollo.

Specs	Apollo	Apogee
Os	Windows and iOS	Windows and iOS
Connectivity	USB and Thunderbolt	USB- C
Inputs	2 mic – XLR – ¼”	2 mic – XLR – ¼”
Outputs	2 Monitors 1/4” ; 2 Line Out ¼”	2 Monitor ¼”
Headphones	¼”	1/4 “ & 1/8”
Dynamic Range	127 dB	129 dB
Mic Preamp Gain	65 dB	75 dB
FX	Preamp Technology	Mic Preamp Model
A/D & D/A Resolution	24-bit/192kHz	24-bit/192kHz
Pros	Best Unison preamps along with USB-C options for windows and UAD DSP	Superior display, great Apple integration, great preamps
Cons	It has one DSP chip	Pricey and not always affordable, it needs a separate ADAT expander to get the right input
Price	Budget Friendly	Not budget friendly

Apogee

If you are into the music industry, then you will surely be aware of Apogee Electronics. This is because they have one of the leading reputations of being the best music instrument manufacturers.

They have successfully changed the industry’s landscape by offering high-quality products. The company was formed in December 1985 and has produced over a hundred audio-related devices helping musicians to drop their best beats in a studio.

Its headquarters is situated in Santa Monica, California. With a total of 36 years of experience creating some of the finest audio equipment, you will never expect anything bad from them.

However, when it comes to their devices, they are not always available everywhere; because the company is a mid-sized one, they are available in only a few jurisdictions, making it hard for musicians to get their hands on the devices.

That means if you are looking to buy an Apogee audio device, you have to ensure you know where to source this equipment.

Furthermore, due to the availability issue, you may also find it a bit tricky to get your hands on the support team or any stores that will assist you in the device’s annual repair or maintenance.

However, the brand may have some problems with being too available for the masses, but it does not mean that its performance falls short.

The experience you will get with playing an Apogee is second to none and will definitely transform how you listen to the tunes you make. They say once you go to Apogee, you can never go back.

Apollo

If you want to talk about the leading brands that make some of the world’s most powerful audio interference, then Apollo takes the title.

A brand created by Universal Audio, a company that has an endless list of products; however, their audio interface line is named Apollo, and there are many models you can get your hands on.

All their devices have proven to have an outstanding track record of producing some of the best tunes in the music industry.

These equipment are known to have amazing features on them, giving them the edge in the entire industry. Furthermore, in an Apollo device, you get multiple processors allowing you to connect the equipment with various devices all at one time.

Furthermore, there are no accessibility issues with Universal Audio products; this is because they have established themselves in a way where their distribution reaches the masses.

You can find their products from third-party dealers or the brand’s own distribution channels. Then the competition is fierce; this is because both of them are the go-to options when it comes to having the best audio experience.

However, if you really want to make a choice, then you should get into the minor details of the specs and the pros and cons of each device. Perhaps that will help you make the right decision based on your requirements.

The Model Comparison

When it comes to the interface of the two brands, they are neck to neck with each other. Apollo interfaces are available in many different models. You can get your hands on the latest Apollo Solo if you want to drop the best tunes in your studio.

However, if you want to go with a bang, you can go as far as having an 18 x 20 Apollo 16, designed for larger-scale studios with many running mics all at once. However, note that the bigger you go, the prices will also increase.

When it comes to Apogee, you can go for one of their most popular interface devices Apogee Duet 3, which is strictly a 2-in/4-out USB-C device that comes along with 2 microphone preamps; furthermore, it also comes with a hardware DSP.

This means you cannot have the pick you want with a Duet 3 even if you have I/O options just like you can with Apollo devices.

However, the Duet device has gotten some fab reviews getting the attention of all the musicians around the world. This is mainly also because the singers do not need more than a 2-in/4 out interface.

The Aesthetics and The Feel

When it comes to the look of the brand’s audio interface, you know there is not much comparison because both are stellar. The brands have typically aimed to keep the devices look super simple with a basic look.

You will find both Apogee and Apollo devices to have a large circular dial in the middle of the device. Furthermore, both of them have LEDs which tell the musician about the input and the output levels.

However, when it comes to Apollo, it takes the cake by offering many more buttons and signal meters which are super impressive to look at.

You will definitely be successful in showing off your Apollo audio interfaces since it has everything you need to please the eyes. An Apogee is known for its simplistic, humble, minimalistic look.

Conclusion

If you are a musician looking to create some of the best tunes for the world flawlessly, you have a tough choice to make while selecting the audio interfaces.

The only two brands that can help you create some of the best sounds are Apollo and Apogee; furthermore, if you want to get the best of everything, then Universal Audio have a lot to offer to you through their dynamic range of products.

Hence, no matter what kind of genre you are playing, Apollo has got you.