Apollo 16 Hardware Manual
H I GH- R ESO L U T I O N I N TER FA C E
with Realtime UAD Processing
Apollo 16 Hardware Manual
Manual Version 150702
Customer Service & Technical Support:
USA Toll-Free: +1-877-698-2834
International: +1-831-440-1176
www.uaudio.com
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr.
Thank you for deciding to make an Apollo High-Resolution Interface part of your music making experience. We
know that any new piece of gear requires an investment of time and money — and our goal is to make your
investment pay off. The fact that we get to play a part in your creative process is what makes our efforts meaningful, and we thank you for this.
In many ways, the Apollo family of audio interface products represent the best examples of what Universal
Audio has stood for over its long history; from UA’s original founding in the 1950s by my father, through our current vision of delivering the best of both analog and digital audio technologies.
Starting with its high-quality analog I/O, Apollo’s superior sonic performance serves as its foundation. This is
just the beginning however, as Apollo products are the only audio interfaces that allow you to run UAD plug-ins
in real time. Want to monitor yourself through a Neve® console channel strip while tracking bass through a
classic Fairchild or LA-2A compressor? Or how about tracking vocals through a Studer® tape machine with
some added Lexicon® reverb?* With our growing library of more than 90 UAD plug-ins, the choices are limitless.
At UA, we are dedicated to the idea that this powerful technology should ultimately serve the creative
process — not be a barrier. These are the very ideals my father embodied as he invented audio equipment to
solve problems in the studio. So as you begin to incorporate Apollo into your creative process, we hope that
the excitement and pride that we’ve built into it comes through. We believe Apollo will earn its way into your
creative workflow by providing stunning fidelity, great ease-of-use, and rock-solid reliability for years to come.
As always, please feel free to reach out to us via our website www.uaudio.com, and via our social media channels. We look forward to hearing from you, and thank you once again for choosing Universal Audio.
Sincerely,
Bill Putnam Jr.
*All trademarks are recognized as property of their respective owners. Individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins sold separately.
Apollo 16 Hardware Manual Welcomeii
Table Of Contents
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr. ................................................................................................................................ii
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................... 4
What is Apollo 16? ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Apollo 16 Features ......................................................................................................................................... 5
About Realtime UAD Processing .................................................................................................................... 7
Combining with other UAD-2 devices ............................................................................................................ 7
About Apollo 16 Documentation .................................................................................................................... 8
Technical Support .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Front Panel ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Rear Panel.......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Analog I/O.................................................................................................................................................... 13
Digital I/O .................................................................................................................................................... 14
Host I/O ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
Installation & Configuration ............................................................................................................................... 17
System Requirements .................................................................................................................................. 17
Software Installation ................................................................................................................................... 17
Registration and Authorization .................................................................................................................... 17
System Configuration .................................................................................................................................. 17
Console Application ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Multi-Unit Cascading .................................................................................................................................. 17
Interconnections................................................................................................................................................. 18
Installation Notes ........................................................................................................................................ 18
FireWire Basics................................................................................................................................................... 22
Digital Clocking Basics ...................................................................................................................................... 26
Specifications..................................................................................................................................................... 28
Hardware Block Diagram.................................................................................................................................... 31
DB25 Wiring ....................................................................................................................................................... 32
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................................. 33
Notices ............................................................................................................................................................... 34
Important Safety Information ...................................................................................................................... 34
Warranty ...................................................................................................................................................... 35
Maintenance................................................................................................................................................ 35
Repair Service ............................................................................................................................................. 35
Index .................................................................................................................................................................. 37
Apollo 16 Hardware Manual Table Of Contentsiii
Introduction
What is Apollo 16?
Apollo 16 is a high-resolution audio interface with Realtime UAD Processing onboard that gives recording engineers a no-compromise monitoring, tracking, and mixing solution. The combination of Apollo 16’s high quality
converters, cue mixing, and digital signal processing help you achieve the goal of making music without the
common latency and potential processor shortcomings of an all-native system. Apollo 16 leverages Universal
Audio’s expertise in DSP acceleration, UAD Powered Plug-Ins, and analog hardware design by integrating the
latest cutting edge technologies in high-performance A/D-D/A conversion, DSP signal reconstruction, and host
connectivity. Apollo 16 acts as both an audio interface with integrated DSP effects for tracking and monitoring
as well as a fully integrated UAD-2 DSP accelerator for mixing and mastering.
Apollo 16 has four SHARC™ DSPs for running UAD Powered Plug-Ins during tracking or mixing. You have an
amazing sounding interface that can achieve the professional sound quality of any era in recording history by
using UAD Powered Plug-Ins.
Apollo 16 uses FireWire or Thunderbolt for computer connectivity. FireWire 800 doubles the performance of
FireWire 400 and ensures the ability to use all of Apollo 16’s I/O as well as its DSP processing. Thunderbolt is a
high-speed data transmission protocol that provides faster throughput than FireWire. The Thunderbolt Option
Card (not included) can be easily installed in Apollo 16’s expansion bay allowing Apollo 16 to connect with
Thunderbolt-enabled computers.
To fully realize the low latency potential of Apollo 16, the Console application is included, providing a familiar
analog mixing console interface where you can load your favorite combination of realtime UAD plug-ins. Configuring up to four unique cue mixes is quick and intuitive and you can also set up reverbs and delays (or any
other UAD effects) on two auxiliary buses for comfortable tracking of live microphones and instruments.
Achieving deep integration of Apollo 16’s features with your favorite audio workstation software is simple
thanks to the Console Recall plug-in that is compatible with VST, Audio Units, RTAS, and AAX 64 host software.
Simply place the Console Recall plug-in into any session and you have instant control over Apollo 16’s monitoring options. A single “Sync” button on the plug-in will automatically recall the Console configuration within the
DAW session without having to manage separate Console preset files, so you can be sure that the Console mix
you are working with today will be accurately recalled tomorrow.
Done tracking? Use Apollo 16 just like any other UAD-2 device for mixing in the DAW. The full UAD Powered
Plug-Ins library works with Apollo 16, offering the best analog emulation plug-ins available from the best companies in pro audio such as Neve, SSL, Pultec, Teletronix, Studer, Lexicon, DBX, Roland, MXR, Harrison, Empirical Labs, Manley, Ampex, and many more.* A single button in the Console lets you decide to “print” or “monitor” Realtime UAD Processing – so if you want the sound of your favorite console and tape machine committed
into your DAW, you can print those effects on the way in.
Quite simply, Apollo 16 delivers the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording with all the conveniences of modern digital equipment.
*All trademarks are recognized as property of their respective owners. Individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins sold separately.
Apollo 16 Hardware Manual Introduction 4
Apollo 16 Features
• Superior-sounding 18 x 20 audio interface with uncompromising UA analog design
• Realtime monitoring and tracking with premium UAD Powered Plug-Ins
• Additional mixing and mastering DSP horsepower for your sessions
• FireWire 800 built-in; user-installable Thunderbolt Option Card (not included)
Audio Interface
• Sample rates up to 192 kHz at 24-bit word length
• 16 x 18 simultaneous analog input/output channels:
• 16 channels of analog-to-digital conversion via line inputs on dual DB25 connectors
• 18 channels of digital-to-analog conversion:
• 16 line outputs via dual DB25 connectors
• Stereo monitor outputs via dual XLR connectors
• Adjustable reference levels for all analog I/O (+4 dBu or -10 dBV)
• Two channels of AES/EBU digital I/O with optional sample rate conversion on input
• Front panel pre-fader metering of analog signal input or output levels
• Two FireWire 800 ports for daisy-chaining other FireWire devices
• Multiple Apollo 16 units can be cascaded for increased simultaneous I/O
Monitoring
• Independently-addressable stereo monitor outputs (in addition to 16 line outputs)
• Digitally-controlled analog monitor outputs maintains highest fidelity
• Front panel control of monitor levels and muting
• Front panel pre-fader metering of monitor bus levels
• Digital AES/EBU outputs can be set to mirror the analog monitor outputs
UAD-2 QUAD Inside
• Four SHARC DSP processors
• Realtime UAD Processing on all of Apollo 16’s analog and AES/EBU inputs
• Same features and functionality as other UAD-2 products when used with DAW
• Can be combined with other UAD-2 devices for increased mixing DSP
• Includes UAD Powered Plug-Ins “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” bundle
• Complete UAD Powered Plug-Ins library is available online
Apollo 16 Hardware Manual Introduction 5
Software
• Console application:
• Enables Realtime UAD Processing
• Controls Apollo 16’s DSP mixer for realtime monitoring and/or tracking with UAD plug-ins
• Four independent stereo Cue buses
• Two independent stereo Auxiliary buses
• Remote control of Apollo 16 features and functionality
• Console Recall plug-in:
• Saves Apollo 16 configurations inside DAW sessions for easy recall
• VST, RTAS, AAX 64, and Audio Units plug-in formats
• UAD Meter & Control Panel application:
• Configures global UAD-2 and UAD Powered Plug-Ins settings and monitors system usage
Other
• Easy firmware updates
• 1U rack-mountable form factor
• One year warranty includes parts and labor
Apollo 16 Hardware Manual Introduction 6
About Realtime UAD Processing
Apollo 16 has the ability to run UAD Powered Plug-Ins in realtime. Apollo 16’s groundbreaking DSP + FPGA
technology enable UAD Powered Plug-Ins to run with latencies in the sub-2ms range, and multiple UAD plugins can be “stacked” in series without incurring additional latency. Realtime UAD Processing facilitates the
ultimate sonic experience while monitoring and/or tracking.
Note: Apollo 16, like other UAD-2 devices, can only load UAD Powered Plug-Ins which are specifically
designed to run on UAD-2 DSP accelerators. “Native” plug-ins cannot run on the UAD-2 DSP.
Console
Realtime UAD Processing is a special function that is available only within the Console application. All of
Apollo 16’s analog and AES/EBU inputs can perform Realtime UAD processing simultaneously, and Console
inputs with (or without) Realtime UAD Processing can be routed into the DAW for recording.
For complete details about Console and Realtime UAD Processing, refer to the Apollo Software Manual (see
“About Apollo 16 Documentation” on page 8).
UAD plug-ins in the DAW
UAD Powered Plug-Ins can also be used within the digital audio workstation without the use of Console. UAD
Powered Plug-Ins loaded within the DAW operate like other (non-UAD) plug-ins, except the processing occurs
on the Apollo 16 DSP instead of the host computer’s processor. In this scenario, UAD plug-ins are subject to the
latencies incurred by I/O buffering.
For complete details about using UAD Powered Plug-Ins in the DAW, refer to the UAD System Manual (see
“About Apollo 16 Documentation” on page 8).
Combining with other UAD-2 devices
Apollo 16 can be used simultaneously with UAD-2 devices in the same host computer system. Apollo 16 simply
adds to the DSP availability when used with other UAD-2 devices, increasing the DSP processing power so more
UAD Powered Plug-Ins can be used. Up to six UAD-2 devices can be combined in the same system.
Apollo 16 Hardware Manual Introduction 7
About Apollo 16 Documentation
Documentation for all Apollo 16 components is extensive, so instructions are separated by area of functionality, as detailed below. All documentation is copied to the computer during software installation. Documentation
can also be downloaded from our website: www.uaudio.com/support/manuals.html
Note: All manuals are in PDF format. PDF files require a free PDF reader application such as Adobe
Reader (Windows) or Preview (Mac).
Apollo 16 Hardware Manual
The Apollo 16 Hardware Manual contains complete information about the audio interface hardware. Included
are detailed descriptions for all Apollo 16 hardware features, control functions, and connections. Refer to this
hardware manual to learn about interfacing the hardware with other devices, operating the panel controls,
clocking, specifications, and related information.
Apollo Software Manual
The Apollo Software Manual is the companion guide to the Apollo Hardware Manuals. It contains detailed
information about how to configure and control the software features of all Apollo models using the Console application and Console Recall plug-in. Refer to the Apollo Software Manual to learn how to operate the software
tools and integrate Apollo’s audio interface functionality into the DAW environment.
UAD System Manual
The UAD System Manual is the complete operation manual for Apollo 16’s UAD-2 functionality and applies to
the entire UAD product line. It contains detailed information about installing and configuring UAD devices, the
UAD Meter & Control Panel application, how to use UAD Powered Plug-Ins within a DAW, obtaining optional
plug-in licenses at the UA online store, and more. It includes everything about UAD except Apollo-specific information and individual UAD Powered Plug-In descriptions.
UAD Plug-Ins Manual
The features and functionality of all individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins is detailed in the UAD Plug-Ins Manual.
Refer to this document to learn about the operation, controls, and user interface of each UAD plug-in that is
developed by Universal Audio.
Direct Developer Plug-Ins
UAD Powered Plug-Ins includes plug-ins from our Direct Developer partners. Documentation for these 3rd-party
plug-ins are separate files that are written and provided by the plug-in developers themselves. The filenames
for these plug-ins are the same as the plug-in title names.
Host DAW Documentation
Each host DAW application has its own particular methods for configuring audio interfaces and using plug-ins.
Refer to the host DAW company’s documentation for specific instructions about using audio interface and plugin features within the DAW.
Apollo 16 Hardware Manual Introduction 8
Thunderbolt Option Card
All user documentation for Apollo 16’s Thunderbolt Option Card is located on the Thunderbolt Support Page on
our website (there is no separate manual). Please review the information on the page carefully before installing
or using the device:
• www.uaudio.com/support/thunderbolt
Support Pages
The latest technical information about Apollo 16 is posted on the Universal Audio support website. Our support
pages may contain updated, late-breaking information that is not available in other publications. The URL of
our support site is:
• www.uaudio.com/support
Technical Support
Universal Audio provides free customer support to all registered Apollo 16 users. Our support specialists are
available to assist you via email and telephone during our normal business hours, which are from 9am to 5pm,
Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time.
Email Support
To request online support via email, click the link below for a direct link to the help ticket form:
• https://www.uaudio.com/my/support/create/
Alternately, visit the main support page at www.uaudio.com/support, then click the blue “Submit Support
Ticket” button on the right side of the web page to create a help ticket.
Telephone Support
USA toll-free: +1-877-698-2834 (1-877-MY-UAUDIO)
International: +1-831-440-1176
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Benelux: +31 (0) 20 800 4912
Information & Software Updates
The latest technical information and software for Apollo 8 is posted on the Universal Audio website. The Apollo
Thunderbolt support page may contain updated, late-breaking information that is not available in other publications. Please visit the Apollo Thunderbolt support page:
• www.uaudio.com/support/thunderbolt
Users Forum
The unofficial UAD users forum, for the exchange of tips and information, is online at:
• www.uadforum.com
Apollo 16 Hardware Manual Introduction 9
Front Panel
This section describes the features and functionality of all controls and visual elements on the Apollo 16 front
panel. Note that most front panel functions can be controlled remotely with the Console software application.
1
METER
2 4 5 6 7 93 8
HOST
CLOCK
INT
EXT
METER
OUT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
RATE
44.1
48
88.2
96
IN
176.4
192
C
0
-3
-6
-9
-12
-15
-18
-21
-27
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
C
0
-3
-6
-9
-12
-15
-18
-21
-27
1 2
-12
-15
-18
-21
-27
C
0
-3
-6
-9
MONITOR
POWER
METER I/O
OFF
(1) Meter
The METER button determines which signals, either input or output, are displayed by the Channel Meters (4).
Push the switch to toggle the meter display state between Input and Output. The current meter state is displayed by the METER indicators (2).
(2) Status Indicators
These indicators display the status of the host computer connection, clock, and signal meters, as described
below.
Host
The HOST indicator displays the status of the connection to the host computer system. The indicator is illuminated when Apollo 16 is connected to, and properly communicating with, the host computer system via FireWire
or Thunderbolt. The indicator is off when the host computer is not detected.
The Apollo 16 software must be properly installed and configured on the host computer to enable communication, and the HOST indicator must be illuminated to use Apollo 16 with all computer operations. The only time
the HOST link is not required is when Apollo 16 is used without a computer (see “” on page 7).
Clock
The CLOCK indicator displays the status of the Apollo 16 clock. When Apollo 16 is using its internal clock as the
master clock source, the INT indicator is illuminated.
When Apollo 16 is set to use an external clock as the master clock source and a valid clock signal is detected at
the specified port, the EXT indicator is illuminated and white.
If the EXT indicator is illuminated and red, Apollo 16 is configured to use an external clock but it cannot lock
to the specified source, and the internal clock remains active instead. In this situation, if/when the specified
external clock becomes available, Apollo 16 switches back to the external clock, and the EXT indicator is illuminated and white.
Note: Apollo 16 can be configured to use its internal clock, or an external clock from the Word Clock or
AES/EBU inputs. The clock setting is configured in the Interface panel of the Console Settings window;
see the Apollo Software Manual for details.
Apollo 16 Hardware Manual Front Panel 10
Meter
The METER indicator reflects the state of the Channel Meters (4). The I/O state of the Channel Meters is
switched with the METER button (1).
When IN is illuminated, the Channel Meters display levels at the analog inputs. When OUT is illuminated, the
Channel Meters display levels at the analog outputs.
(3) Sample Rate Indicators
The Apollo 16 sample rate is indicated in this area. The active sample rate is illuminated.
(4) Channel Meters
The sixteen 10-segment LED meters display the signal peak levels for analog channels 1 – 16. The Channel
Meters can display either the input or output levels, as determined by the METER button (1).
Signal levels are displayed at the input to the A/D converters (IN mode) or the output of the D/A converters (OUT
mode). The dB values of the meter LEDs are indicated between the meters for channels 4 & 5 and 12 & 13.
“0” indicates a level of 0 dBFS. When digital clipping occurs, the red “C” LED illuminates. Avoid digital clipping at the channel’s A/D converter by reducing the channel’s level at its source.
(5) Power Indicator (UA Logo)
The Universal Audio logo illuminates when the external power supply is properly connected to an AC outlet and
the power input on the rear of the unit, and the POWER switch (9) is in the up position.
(6) Monitor Output Level Meters
These dual 10-segment LED meters display the signal peak output levels for the monitor outputs at the output
of the D/A converters. These meters are before the Monitor Level control (pre-fader) and reflect the D/A converter levels regardless of the current Monitor Level knob setting (7).
The dB values of the monitor meter LEDs are indicated between the left and right channel meters. “0” indicates
a level of 0 dBFS. When digital clipping occurs, the red “C” LED illuminates. Avoid clipping at the monitor D/A
converters by reducing the monitor bus output level and/or the channels feeding the monitor output bus.
(7) Monitor Level and Mute Knob
This “endless” rotary encoder serves two functions. Rotating the knob adjusts the monitor output level, and
pushing the knob mutes the monitor outputs, as described below.
Monitor Level
The control knob adjusts the signal level at monitor outputs on the rear panel. Although this is a digital control,
the monitor volume is attenuated in the analog domain, after D/A conversion (digitally-controlled analog
volume). This method provides the utmost monitoring fidelity, in contrast to digital volume controls that reduce
levels by truncating the word length (“dropping bits”). The available range is from -INF dBFS (no output)
to 0 dBFS.
Apollo 16 Hardware Manual Front Panel 11
Monitor Mute
Pushing the Monitor knob toggles the mute state of the signals at monitor outputs on the rear panel. When the
monitor outputs are muted, the Monitor Level Indicator (8) is red. When the monitor outputs are not muted, the
Monitor Level Indicator is green.
(8) Monitor Level Indicator
The signal level at the rear panel monitor outputs is displayed with the illuminated indicator ring surrounding
the Monitor Level knob (7). The ring is green when the monitor outputs are active, and red when the monitor
outputs are muted. This level indicator is after the Monitor Level control (post fader).
Note: This feature indicates relative levels only and is not calibrated to any specific dB values.
(9) Power Switch
This switch applies power to Apollo 16. When the unit is powered on, the Universal Audio logo is illuminated.
The external power supply must be properly connected for this switch to function.
As with any sound system, to avoid audio spikes in your speakers, the following steps are recommended:
• Apply power to the speakers last, after all other devices (including Apollo 16) are powered on.
• Turn off the speakers first, before all other devices (including Apollo 16) are powered off.
Apollo 16 Hardware Manual Front Panel 12
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