Universal Audio Apollo 16 MKII User manual
H I GH- R ESO L U T I O N I N TER F A C E
with Realtime UAD Processing
Apollo 16 mkII Hardware Manual
Manual Version 150408
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 mkII Hardware Manual Welcome 2
Table Of Contents
Tip: Click any section or page number
to jump directly to that page.
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr. ................................................................. 2
Introduction ......................................................................................... 4
What is Apollo 16 mkII? ..................................................................................... 4
Apollo 16 mkII Features ..................................................................................... 5
About Apollo 16 Documentation .......................................................................... 7
Web Documentation ........................................................................................... 8
Technical Support .............................................................................................. 9
Front Panel ........................................................................................ 10
Rear Panel ......................................................................................... 15
Installation & Configuration ................................................................. 19
Interconnections ................................................................................. 20
Installation Notes ............................................................................................ 20
Typical Setup .................................................................................................. 21
Apollo Expanded: Multi-Unit Wiring ................................................................... 22
Specifications .................................................................................... 23
Hardware Block Diagram ..................................................................... 26
DB25 Wiring ...................................................................................... 27
Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 28
Notices .............................................................................................. 29
Important Safety Information ............................................................................ 29
Warranty ......................................................................................................... 30
Maintenance ................................................................................................... 30
Repair Service ................................................................................................. 30
Table Of Contents3Apollo 16 mkII Hardware Manual
Introduction
What is Apollo 16 mkII?
Thunderbolt Audio Interface with QUAD Processing
The new Apollo 16 is an elegant update to UA’s premium audio interface — delivering
enhanced sound with the tone, feel, and flow of analog recording. Perfect for professional
studios, this 18 x 20 Thunderbolt interface offers twice the analog connectivity of the
Apollo 8/8p, making it ideal for pairing with mixing consoles and outboard processors.
Apollo 16 further distinguishes itself with Realtime UAD Processing, letting you record
at near-zero latency through the full range of UAD plug-ins from Neve, Studer, Manley,
Lexicon, and more.* Apollo Expanded software now allows cascading up to four Apollos
and six total UAD-2 devices in a single system over Thunderbolt (Mac), so you can scale
up your studio as your needs grow.
With its powerful onboard UAD-2 QUAD processing, genuine UA analog design, and nextgeneration A/D and D/A conversion, Apollo 16 puts class-leading audio performance in a
sleek new package.
Next-Generation Apollo A/D and D/A Conversion
Apollo 16 improves upon the original Apollo’s gold-standard audio quality with completely redesigned, class-leading digital conversion — giving you increased dynamic range and
even lower THD. This results in breathtaking clarity, depth, and accuracy in your recordings, from tracking and overdubbing, to mixing and mastering.
Realtime UAD Plug-In Processing for Tracking, Mixing, and Mastering
While Apollo 16’s “natural” sound is very open and transparent, it can quickly deliver a
stunning range of classic analog tones and color via its Realtime UAD Processing. Available with generous UAD-2 QUAD processing onboard, Apollo’s DSP Acceleration allows
for recording through UAD Powered Plug-Ins — with as low as sub-2ms latency — letting
you monitor and “print” audio using classic analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon,
Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more.*
The Apollo 16’s bundled “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” suite of UAD plug-ins gives
you the UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, Raw Distortion, Softube Amp Rooms, legacy LA2A, 1176, and Fairchild compressors, Pultec EQs, and more, so you have a rack full of
bonafide audio classics, right out of the box.
Using Apollo, UAD plug-ins are also available during mixing and mastering, putting UAD
plug-ins (VST, RTAS, AU, AAX 64) at your disposal throughout the creative process.
*All trademarks are recognized as property of their respective owners. Individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins
sold separately.
Introduction 4Apollo 16 mkII Hardware Manual
Apollo Expanded and Console 2.0
Thanks to Apollo Expanded software, users of Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin, Apollo
16, Apollo 16p, and Apollo 16 audio interfaces can combine up to four Apollos and six
total UAD-2 devices — adding I/O and DSP as their studio grows. Apollo Expanded also
provides seamless integration with previous generation Apollos over Thunderbolt.
With Apollo 16’s Console 2.0 application — a complete re-imagining of Apollo’s original
Console software — you can take advantage of over 25 user-requested features such as
Channel Strip presets, Drag & Drop functionality, dynamically resizable windows, and
more.
Apollo 16 mkII Features
Key Features
• Next-generation Apollo A/D and D/A conversion for professional music production
• Onboard UAD-2 QUAD Core DSP allows Realtime UAD Processing — record
through plug-ins from Neve, Lexicon, Studer, Manley, Ampex, and more*
• 18 x 20 Thunderbolt 2 audio interface for Mac with powerful Console 2.0 software control
• 16 x 16 analog I/O via DB-25 connectors — ideal for pairing with mixing consoles, outboard preamps, etc.
• Cascade up to 4 Apollo interfaces and 6 UAD devices total over Thunderbolt
• Includes “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle with 610-B Tube
Preamp & EQ, Raw Distortion, Softube Amp Rooms, legacy LA-2A, 1176, and
Fairchild compressors, Pultec EQs, and more
• World class UA analog design, superior components, and premium build quality
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 Thunderbolt 2 ports for daisy-chaining other Thunderbolt devices
Introduction 5Apollo 16 mkII Hardware Manual
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 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
• Complete UAD Powered Plug-Ins library is available online
Software
Console application:
• Analog-style control interface for realtime monitoring and tracking
• Enables Realtime UAD Processing with UAD plug-ins
• Remote control of Apollo 16 mkII features and functionality
• Virtual I/O for routing DAW tracks through Console
Console Recall plug-in:
• Saves Console configurations inside DAW sessions for easy recall
• Convenient access to Console’s monitor controls via DAW plug-in
• VST, RTAS, AAX 64, and Audio Units plug-in formats
UAD Meter & Control Panel application:
• Configures global UAD settings and monitors system usage
Other
• Easy firmware updates
• 1U rack-mountable form factor
• One year warranty includes parts and labor
Introduction 6Apollo 16 mkII Hardware Manual
About Apollo 16 Documentation
Documentation for all Apollo components is extensive, so instructions are separated by
areas of functionality. Each functional area has a separate manual file. An overview of
each file, and how they are accessed, is provided in this section.
Note: Extensive Web Documentation, including technical information not available
in other publications, is also available.
Apollo Manual Files
Note: All manual files are in PDF format. PDF files require a free PDF reader application such as Preview (included with Mac OS X) or Adobe Reader.
Apollo Hardware Manuals
Each Apollo model has a unique hardware manual. The Apollo hardware manuals contain
complete hardware-related details about one specific Apollo model. Included are detailed
descriptions of all hardware features, controls, connectors, and specifications.
Note: Each hardware manual contains the unique Apollo model in the file name.
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 all Apollo software features for all Apollo models using the Console application, Console Settings window, and
Console Recall plug-in. Refer to the Apollo Software Manual to learn how to operate the
software tools and integrate Apollo’s functionality into the DAW environment.
Note: All Apollo models have the same software manual.
UAD System Manual
The UAD System Manual is the complete operation manual for Apollo’s UAD-2 functionality and applies to the entire UAD-2 product family. It contains detailed information
about installing and configuring UAD devices, the UAD Meter & Control Panel application, buying optional plug-ins at the UA online store, and more. It includes everything
about UAD except Apollo-specific information and individual UAD 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 created by our Direct Developer partners. Documentation for these 3rd-party plug-ins are separate files written and provided by the
plug-in developers. The file names for these plug-in manuals are the same as the plug-in
titles.
Introduction 7Apollo 16 mkII Hardware Manual
Installed Documentation Location
All documentation is copied to the startup disk during software installation:
• Macintosh HD/Applications/Universal Audio
Accessing Installed Documentation
Any of these methods can be used to access installed documentation:
• Navigate the file system within the Mac OS X Finder
• Choose “Documentation” from the Help menu within the Console application
• Click the “View Documentation” button in the Help panel within the UAD Meter &
Control Panel application
• Manuals are also available online: www.uaudio.com/support/manuals.html
Web Documentation
UA Support Videos
Many informational videos are available online to help you get started with Apollo:
• www.uaudio.com/support/thunderbolt
Apollo Support Page
The latest technical information for Apollo is posted on the Universal Audio website. The
Apollo Thunderbolt support page contains updated, late-breaking information that is not
available in other publications. Please visit this page for the latest news:
• www.uaudio.com/support/thunderbolt
UAD Users Forum
The unofficial UAD users forum, for the exchange of tips and information, is online at:
• www.uadforum.com
Introduction 8Apollo 16 mkII Hardware Manual
Technical Support
Universal Audio provides free customer support to all registered Apollo 16 users. Support
specialists are available to assist you via email and telephone during normal business
hours, which are from 9 AM to 5 PM, 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: +3-120-800-4912
Introduction 9Apollo 16 mkII Hardware Manual
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
METER I/O
Apollo 16 mkII front panel elements
(1) Meter
This switch determines whether the Channel Level Meters (#4) are displaying input
levels or output levels. Pressing the switch toggles the state of the channel meters and
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
POWER
OFF
The HOST indicator displays the status of the Thunderbolt connection to the host
computer system. The possible states are:
Lit – The system is connected to the host computer and operating normally.
Unlit – The unit is starting up or it is not recognized by the host computer. Verify
software installation and Thunderbolt connections.
Red – System error. Please contact technical support if the issue persists.
Front Panel 10Apollo 16 mkII Hardware Manual
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