[VRW]

Originally Posted by Sting

Would one of the reverbs that come with the Apollo suffice as I already have the Lexicon PCM Native Bundle?

Well, yeah, you know, you can get usable results out of the Real Verb Pro for sure.
However I would highly recommend you to just demo several reverbs of their range.
Maybe you find one that suits your needs perfectly?
At least it doesn't cost you anything to just try them all out.

Me personally use the AKG BX20 and the EMT 140 from the UAD list because I also
already have the Lexicon PCM Bundle and several others from Waves to Valhalla.
I mainly use the UA reverbs during recording inserted on an Aux Track in the UA console
2 for monitoring. That's where you cannot use the Lexicon Bundle actually.

However I have to say the UA Lexicon, the Ocean Way as well as the EMT 250 are all
very well sounding plug ins indeed. Great for recording and mixing.

Just demo all the stuff yourself and check out if there's anything you would like to
have finally.

Originally Posted by Sting

Checked the price of ram on Crucial and it is indeed much cheaper than using Apple so have ordered that as well.

Yeah, it is indeed and I can confirm that the Crucial Ram is reliable, good stuff.
I have used it myself on several systems successfully.

Originally Posted by Sting

Have noted advice concerning external backup so I wonder if you or anyone else could recommend a particular HDD unit that is compatible?

If you are on a budget this one might be an interesting option.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/LaCie-Rugge...=Lacie+7200rpm

If you would need a lot of storage space this one might be a good solution finally.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OBHW2...ing=UTF8&psc=1
...I have got such a one myself and I have to say it has done a really good job so far.

If you want it really fast and modern and compatible to your iMacs ports without any
adapters.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Por...70_&dpSrc=srch

As mentioned before HDDs may be more durable as backup drives than SSDs however
you can use SSDs as well of course. They are good and reliable drives as well these days.

These are just 3 examples you may consider for your backup drive. You may find yourself
other ones of course. Just make sure it´s an 7200rpm HDD and USB 3 at least.

The best of success to you.

Cheers.