Universal Audio Apollo 8 Duo User manual

H I G H - R E S O L U T I O N I N T E R F A C E with Realtime UAD Processing

Apollo 8 Hardware Manual

Manual Version 150408

Customer Service & Technical Support:

USA Toll-Free: [phone]

International: [phone]

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.

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Welcome

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 8?...............................................................................................	4
Apollo 8 Features...............................................................................................	6
About Apollo 8 Documentation............................................................................	8
Web Documentation...........................................................................................	9
Technical Support............................................................................................	10
Front Panel.........................................................................................	11
Rear Panel..........................................................................................	22
Digital I/O........................................................................................................	23
Analog I/O ......................................................................................................	26
Installation & Configuration..................................................................	29
Interconnections.................................................................................	30
Installation Notes.............................................................................................	30
Basic Setup.....................................................................................................	31
Typical Setup...................................................................................................	32
Advanced Setup...............................................................................................	33
Apollo Expanded: Multi-Unit Wiring...................................................................	34
Specifications.....................................................................................	35
Block Diagram....................................................................................	39
Troubleshooting...................................................................................	40
Notices..............................................................................................	41
Important Safety Information.............................................................................	41
Warranty..........................................................................................................	42
Maintenance....................................................................................................	42
Repair Service..................................................................................................	42

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Table Of Contents

Introduction

What is Apollo 8?

Thunderbolt Audio Interface with UAD-2 Processing

Apollo 8 is an elegant update to one of the world’s most popular professional audio interfaces — delivering enhanced sound with the tone, feel, and flow of analog recording. This 18 x 24 Thunderbolt interface features powerful UAD-2 DUO or QUAD processing, genuine UA analog design, and next-generation A/D and D/A conversion, putting classleading audio quality in a sleek new package.

Apollo 8 further distinguishes itself with Realtime UAD Processing and Unison™ technology, letting you record at near-zero latency through the full range of UAD plug-ins from Neve, Studer, Manley, Lexicon, and more — including new mic preamp emulations from Neve, API and Universal Audio.* Apollo Expanded software now allows cascading up to four Apollos in a single system over Thunderbolt (Mac), so you can scale up your studio as your needs grow.

Next-Generation Apollo A/D and D/A Conversion

Apollo 8 improves upon the original Apollo’s gold-standard audio quality with completely redesigned, class-leading A/D and D/A 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 8’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 UAD-2 DUO or 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 8’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 with a DAW, 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.

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Introduction

Four Mic Preamps with Unison™ Technology

A Universal Audio breakthrough, Apollo 8’s Unison technology gives you the tone of the world’s most sought-after tube and solid state mic preamps — including their impedance, gain stage “sweet spots,” and component-level circuit behaviors.

Based on unprecedented hardware-software integration between Apollo’s mic preamps and its onboard UAD plug-in processing, Unison lets you record through stunning emulations like the bundled UA 610-B Tube Preamp plug-in, or exclusive preamp emulations from API and Neve.

Unison technology is further enhanced in Apollo 8 to include its front panel Hi-Z instrument inputs, giving you dead-on impedance and gain matching for new stompbox models.

Apollo Expanded and Console 2.0

Thanks to Apollo Expanded software, users of Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin, Apollo 8, Apollo 8p, 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 8’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 re-sizable windows, and more.

Improved Monitoring and Workflow

Apollo 8 features a host of front-panel upgrades over the original Apollo, including Alt Speakers, Dim, and Mono functions as well as input and output metering capabilities via the new Meter button. These features combine with Apollo’s system scalability to make it the new standard in professional multi-channel audio recording.

DSP Complement

Apollo 8 is available in two different configurations, which are differentiated by their SHARC® DSP complement: Apollo 8 DUO with two DSPs, and Apollo 8 QUAD with four DSPs. Apollo 8 DUO and QUAD have identical I/O features and functionality; the only difference is how much UAD plug-in processing power is available for tracking and mixing. Either way, 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.

Quite simply, Apollo 8 delivers the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording with all the conveniences of modern digital equipment.

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Introduction

Apollo 8 Features

Key Features

•Next-generation Apollo A/D and D/A conversion for professional music production

•Onboard UAD-2 DUO or QUAD Core DSP allows Realtime UAD Processing — record through plug-ins from Neve, Lexicon, Studer, Marshall, Ampex, and more*

•4 Unison™-enabled mic preamps for tracking through preamp emulations from Neve, API, and Universal Audio*

•18 x 24 Thunderbolt 2 audio interface (Thunderbolt 1 compatible) for Mac with powerful Console 2.0 software control

•Cascade up to 4 Apollo interfaces and 6 UAD devices total over Thunderbolt

•Convenient front panel monitoring functions including Alt Speakers, and assignable Alt 2, Dim, or Mono

•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

•18 x 24 simultaneous input/output channels

•Eight channels of analog-to-digital conversion via mic, line, or high-impedance inputs

•14 channels of digital-to-analog conversion via:

•Eight mono line outputs

•Stereo monitor outputs

•Two stereo headphone outputs

•10 channels of digital I/O via:

•Eight channels ADAT Optical I/O with S/MUX for high sample rates

•Two channels coaxial S/PDIF I/O with sample rate conversion

•Two Thunderbolt 2 ports facilitates daisy-chaining of other Thunderbolt devices

Microphone Preamplifiers

•Four high-resolution, ultra-transparent, digitally-controlled analog mic preamps

•Unison™ technology for deep integration with UAD preamp and pedal plug-ins

•Front panel and software control of all preamp parameters

•Switchable low cut filter, 48V phantom power, pad, polarity inversion, and stereo linking

*All trademarks are recognized as property of their respective owners. Individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins sold separately.

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Introduction

Monitoring

•Stereo monitor outputs (independent of the eight line outputs)

•Digitally-controlled analog monitor outputs maintains highest fidelity

•Front panel control of monitor levels and muting

•Two stereo headphone outputs with independent mix buses

•Independent front panel volume controls for headphone outputs

•Front panel pre-fader metering of monitor bus levels

•S/PDIF outputs can be set to mirror the monitor outputs

•Up to two alternate stereo monitor outputs selectable via front panel or Console software

•Assignable front panel monitor function switch for alternate speakers, dim, & mono

UAD-2 Inside

•DUO and QUAD models featuring two or four SHARC® processors

•Realtime UAD Processing on all analog and digital inputs

•Same features and functionality as other UAD-2 devices 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 at the UA online store

Software

Console application:

•Analog-style control interface for realtime monitoring and tracking

•Enables Realtime UAD Processing with UAD plug-ins

•Remote control of Apollo 8 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

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Introduction

About Apollo 8 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.

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Introduction

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

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Introduction

Technical Support

Universal Audio provides free customer support to all registered Apollo 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:	[phone] (1-877-MY-UAUDIO)
International:	[phone]
Germany, Austria, Switzerland:	[phone]

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Introduction

Front Panel

This section describes the features and functionality of all controls and visual elements on the Apollo 8 front panel.

Note: All front panel functions (except the METER switch, headphone volume knobs, and power switch) can be controlled remotely with the included Console software application. Changes made with the front panel controls are mirrored in the Console application, and vice versa.

	2	3	4	5	7	10			11
	PREAMP			INPUT			1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
						INPUT
											0
				+48V	PAD	MIC					-3
											-6
HI-Z 1	HI-Z 2										-9
						LINE					-12
											-15
				Ø	LINK
											-18
						Hi-Z					-21
											-27
	1		6	8	9						12

Apollo 8 front panel (left portion)

(1) Hi-Z Inputs 1 & 2

The Hi-Z (high impedance) JFET direct inputs are for connecting low-level passive devices such as electric guitar and bass instruments into channels 1 & 2 for A/D conversion. Hi-Z input gain levels are adjusted with the Preamp control for the associated channel.

The Hi-Z inputs have a default input impedance of 1M Ohms. The input impedance may vary when Unison plug-ins are inserted on the channel within the Console application. For details, see the Unison chapter in the Apollo Software Manual.

Note: Connect only ¼” unbalanced TS mono phone plugs to the Hi-Z inputs. TRS stereo plugs cannot be used.

Automatic Input Detection

Hi-Z inputs 1 & 2 use the same A/D converter channels as the corresponding Mic 1 & 2 and Line 1 & 2 inputs. When a device is plugged into a Hi-Z input, the Mic and Line

inputs for the channel are overridden, the Mic/Line switch for the channel has no effect, and the stereo link is severed (if active).

Important: To use Mic or Line inputs 1 or 2, its corresponding Hi-Z input must be disconnected.

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Front Panel

(2) Preamp Gain & Channel Select Knob

This rotary encoder with integrated switch has three functions:

Rotate – Rotating the knob adjusts the preamp gain for the selected input channel.

Press – Pressing the knob selects which preamp channel (1 – 4) is adjusted by the front panel preamp controls.

Press+Hold – When a Unison plug-in is active in the channel’s dedicated Unison insert within the Console application, pressing and holding the knob enters/exits Unison Gain Stage Mode.

Each of the three functions above is explained in greater detail below.

Preamp Gain

The preamp gain of analog inputs 1 – 4 is adjusted with the rotary control. The preamp channel to be adjusted is set with the Channel Select (press) function. The input to be adjusted (Mic, Line, or Hi-Z) is determined by the state of the channel’s Mic/Line switch (#4) or Hi-Z input (if connected).

Rotating the knob clockwise increases the preamp gain for the selected channel. The available gain range for the preamp channels is 10 dB to 65 dB for the Mic, Line, and Hi-Z inputs.

More than one full revolution of the knob is needed to move through the available range. This feature increases the control resolution for more precise preamp gain adjustments.

Tip: To adjust signal levels for inputs 5 – 18, use the output level controls of devices connected to those inputs.

Line Input Gain Bypass

By default, line inputs 1 – 4 are routed through the channel’s preamp so the line input level can be adjusted with the Gain knob. However, line inputs 1 – 4 can be individually set to completely bypass the channel’s preamp circuitry and instead be routed directly to the channel’s A/D converter at a fixed reference level. This feature is set with the LINE INPUT GAIN menu in the Hardware panel within the Console Settings window.

Tip: This feature routes the preamp channel’s line input signal directly into the D/A converter for the purest path when additional gain is not needed (for example, when connecting external mic preamps to preamp channel line inputs).

When the channel’s LINE INPUT GAIN menu is set to BYPASS in Console Settings:

•The Preamp Gain Indicator ring (#3) for the channel is solid green

•When the Gain knob (#2) is rotated, the ring flashes to indicate that no gain adjustment is occurring

•If a Unison plug-in is in the channel’s dedicated Unison insert in Console, the Unison plug-in is bypassed

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Front Panel

Channel Select

Pressing the Preamp knob changes the currently selected preamp channel, which determines which input (1 – 4) is adjusted by the front panel preamp controls. A preamp channel is selected for adjustment when its Channel Select Indicator (#11) is illuminated.

Each time the knob is pressed, the selected preamp channel increments to the next preamp channel. If stereo linking is active, the stereo pairs are selected.

Gain Stage Mode

Gain Stage Mode is activated by pressing and holding the Preamp knob for two seconds when a Unison plug-in is active in the channel’s dedicated Unison insert within the Console application. When Gain Stage Mode is active, pressing and holding the knob for two seconds deactivates Gain Stage Mode.

Gain Stage Mode is active when the Channel Select Indicator (#11) for the currently selected channel is flashing. In this state, pressing the Gain knob cycles through the available gain parameters within the Unison plug-in so each gain stage in the plug-in can be adjusted from the front panel.

Note: For complete details about Gain Stage Mode, see the Unison chapter within the Apollo Software Manual.

(3) Preamp Gain Level & State Indicator

Preamp Gain Level Indicator

The amount of preamp gain for the currently selected channel is indicated by the illuminated ring surrounding the Preamp knob.

The ring indicates relative gain levels and is not calibrated to indicate any specific dB value. However, precise numerical dB gain values for the preamps are displayed within the Console application.

Note: If the ring is at maximum and flashes when the Preamp knob is rotated, the channel’s LINE input is selected and LINE INPUT GAIN is set to BYPASS. See Line Input Gain Bypass for additional details.

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Front Panel

Preamp State Indicator

In addition to the channel’s relative preamp gain, the ring also indicates the current state of the preamp channel:

Green (variable) – The preamp is in default operating mode with variable gain

Green (fixed at maximum) – LINE is selected for the channel (#4) and LINE INPUT GAIN is set to BYPASS in the Hardware panel within the Console Settings window

Unlit – The preamp gain is set to its minimum value

Orange – A Unison plug-in is active in Console’s dedicated Unison insert for the channel.

Note: See the Unison chapter within the Apollo Software Manual for complete details about Unison operation.

(4–9) Preamp Options

This set of six switches control the preamp options for input channels 1 – 4. Press the switches to toggle the setting. The current state of each preamp option is indicated by the LED within each switch. Each switch function is detailed below.

(4) Mic/Line

This switch switches between the channel’s Mic (XLR) and Line (¼”) inputs on the rear panel combo jacks. This switch has no effect if the channel’s Hi–Z input is connected (the Hi-Z input must be disconnected to use the Mic/Line inputs).

Note: Line inputs 1 – 4 can be set to bypass the preamp circuitry. See Line Input Gain Bypass for additional details.

(5) Low Cut Filter

When enabled, the channel’s input signal passes through a low cut (high pass) filter. This 2nd-order coincident-pole filter has a cutoff frequency of 75 Hz with a slope of 12 dB per octave.

The Low Cut filter affects the Mic, Line, and Hi-Z inputs. Low Cut is typically used to eliminate rumble and other unwanted low frequencies from the input signal.

(6) Phantom Power (+48V)

When enabled, 48 volts of phantom power is supplied at the channel’s rear panel XLR input. Most modern condenser microphones require 48V phantom power to operate. This option can only be activated when the Mic/Line switch (#4) is set to Mic.

Note: Depending on the current configuration of the hardware and software, there may be a delay when changing the 48V state to minimize the clicks/pops that are inherent when engaging phantom power. The +48V LED will blink rapidly during any delay.

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Front Panel