Motu vs UA Apollo

[Merman]

I have an apollo twin duo, silverface. So its getting a bit dated now.

I’m looking for a simpler bus powered interface to take on the road, and have read good things about the Motu M4. Even with some claiming conversion is better than the apollos.

Has anyone compared these two? How do you think the conversion compares? Could the Motu actually be an improvement on my older apollo?

 

[DVDdoug]

I really don't know...

Even with some claiming conversion is better than the apollos.

A lot of "claims"... You'd have to find honest "apples-to-apples" measurements. Usually the A/D and D/A are fine and if there is a difference it's noise in the microphone preamp stage. It's not easy to find comparable measurements for noise either. With USB-powered interfaces, sometimes noise gets into the analog preamp through the power supply so the computer makes a difference (USB power tends to be notoriously noisy).

Or some other characteristic like maximum gain, or higher/lower headphone output, etc.

 

[Blumlein 88]

Amir has reviewed the Motu M2.

Motu M2 Review (Audio Interface)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Motu M2 Audio Interface (DAC, ADC and headphone amplifier). It is on kind loan from a local member and costs US $179. I previously reviewed Motu M4 which is its larger brother. The M2 has the look of other Motu products: I like the color...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Some measurements of your Apollo.

UAD Apollo Twin Duo / thunderbolt interface: quick measurements

This is some quick REW measurements of UAD Apollo Twin Duo thunderbolt interface (this is for Mk I. Mk II has somewhat better specs reported by UAD). The interface was measured in loop-back mode, with line output being fed into the instrument input. 1.434v on line out, 1kHz @ 44.1k/24bit sine...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I rather agree with DVDdoug, mostly these are similar with maybe some differences in the microphone pre EIN and noise levels.

For more money the RME Babyface Pro runs off USB power. It can be a little frustrating with inputs available. Otherwise it works very nicely.

Likely the Motu M2 would work for you.

 

[enricoclaudio]

I had a RME UCX-II which I replaced with an UA VOLT476P and I have zero regrets. The UA VOLT276 is bus powered and it has the same pre amps as the 476P. If you like the Apollo Twin then you are going to like any of the UA VOLTS.

 

[Hemi-Demon]

I had a RME UCX-II which I replaced with an UA VOLT476P and I have zero regrets. The UA VOLT276 is bus powered and it has the same pre amps as the 476P. If you like the Apollo Twin then you are going to like any of the UA VOLTS.

Why did you choose the 476P volt series over the Apollo Twin series?