Universal Audio Apollo Quad Firewire User manual
Apollo FireWire Hardware Manual
Manual Version 150421
Customer Service & Technical Support:
+1-877-MY-UAUDIO (+1-877-698-2834)
International: +1-831-440-1176
www.uaudio.com
H I GH- R ESO L U T I O N IN TER F A C E
with Realtime UAD Processing
Apollo FireWire Hardware Manual Welcome
ii
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 FireWire Hardware Manual Table Of Contents
iii
Table Of Contents
!
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr. ................................................................................................................................. ii!
Table Of Contents ................................................................................................................................................ iii!
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 4!
Features ............................................................................................................................................................... 5!
About Apollo Documentation ................................................................................................................................. 7!
Apollo Manual Files .......................................................................................................................................... 7!
Installed Documentation Location .................................................................................................................... 8!
Technical Support ................................................................................................................................................. 9!
Additional Resources ....................................................................................................................................... 8!
Front Panel ......................................................................................................................................................... 10!
Rear Panel .......................................................................................................................................................... 15!
Analog I/O ...................................................................................................................................................... 15!
Digital I/O ...................................................................................................................................................... 16!
Host I/O .......................................................................................................................................................... 18!
Installation & Configuration ............................................................................................................................... 19!
System Requirements .................................................................................................................................... 19!
Software Installation ...................................................................................................................................... 19!
Registration and Authorization ...................................................................................................................... 19!
Apollo System Configuration .......................................................................................................................... 19!
Console Application ....................................................................................................................................... 19!
Multi-Unit Cascading ..................................................................................................................................... 19!
Interconnections ................................................................................................................................................. 20!
Installation Notes ........................................................................................................................................... 20!
Basic Setup .................................................................................................................................................... 20!
Typical Setup ................................................................................................................................................. 20!
Advanced Setup ............................................................................................................................................. 22!
FireWire Basics ................................................................................................................................................... 23!
Specifications ..................................................................................................................................................... 26!
Hardware Block Diagram .................................................................................................................................... 30!
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................................. 31!
Notices ............................................................................................................................................................... 32!
Important Safety Information ......................................................................................................................... 32!
Warranty ........................................................................................................................................................ 33!
Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................. 33!
Repair Service ................................................................................................................................................ 33!
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 35!
!
Apollo FireWire Hardware Manual Introduction
4
Introduction
Apollo FireWire Audio Interface w/ QUAD Processing
Apollo FireWire is one of the world’s most popular professional audio interfaces — delivering the sound, feel,
and flow of analog recording to music creators everywhere. A perfect centerpiece for studios running original
Mac Pro towers and Windows 7 machines, this 18 x 24 FireWire 800-equipped interface features analog design
based on UA’s 50-year heritage, along with gold-standard Apollo A/D and D/A conversion for impeccable audio
resolution.
Apollo FireWire further distinguishes itself with Realtime UAD Processing and Unison™ technology, letting you
record with 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.*
With its elegant workflow and world-class audio quality, Apollo FireWire is the perfect interface for music
producers seeking classic analog sound.
The Gold Standard in 24-bit/192 kHz Sound Quality
Designed to play a central role in studios running original Mac Pro towers or Windows 7 machines, Apollo
FireWire delivers an uncompromising approach to audio quality. Building upon decades of UA hardware
heritage, it offers extremely high-resolution sound, with the lowest THD and highest dynamic range in its class.
Apollo FireWire’s four premium mic preamps and converters translates into recordings with astounding
accuracy and depth — whether you’re tracking and overdubbing, or mixing and mastering.
Realtime UAD Plug-In Processing for Tracking, Mixing, and Mastering
While Apollo FireWire’s “natural” sound is exceedingly open and transparent, it can quickly deliver a wide range
of classic analog tones and color via its Realtime UAD Processing. Featuring powerful onboard QUAD
processing, Apollo FireWire’s DSP Acceleration allows for recording through UAD Powered Plug-Ins — with as
low as sub-2ms latency, regardless of buffer settings — letting you monitor and “print” audio with classic
analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more.*
The Apollo FireWire’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 LA-2A, 1176, and Fairchild compressors, Pultec
EQs, and more, so you have a rack full of bonafide audio classics, right out of the box.
Better still, Apollo FireWire’s UAD plug-ins are also available during mixing and mastering, so you can use UAD
plug-ins (VST, RTAS, AU, AAX 64) throughout the creative process.
Unison™ Technology
A Universal Audio breakthrough, Apollo FireWire’s Unison technology gives you the tone of the world's most
sought-after tube and solid state mic preamps — including their all-important 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.
Elegant Hardware Design and Workflow
One key feature of Apollo FireWire isn’t really a “feature” at all. It’s the numerous design details that give you a
fast, natural workflow — and better results. There are physical front-panel controls for all the most commonly
used features, including Preamp and Monitor level knobs, channel selection, mic pad and low cut, phantom
power, and dual headphone outs with independent level control. Smart Hi-Z inputs on the front panel detect
when you've connected your guitar or bass. Sonically, Apollo's Monitor outputs are digitally controlled analog,
so you don't lose audio resolution when you adjust gain.
* All trademarks are recognized as property of their respective owners. Individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins sold separately.
Apollo FireWire Hardware Manual Features
5
Features
Key Features
• Worldwide standard in professional A/D and D/A conversion for music production
• Onboard UAD-2 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 FireWire audio interface for Mac and Windows 7
• Cascade two Apollos for 16 analog I/O channels and 12 digital I/O channels
• 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
• Upgradeable to Thunderbolt via Thunderbolt 2 Option Card (Mac only; sold separately)
• World class UA analog design, superior components, and premium build quality
* All trademarks are recognized as property of their respective owners. Individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins sold separately.
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 FireWire 800 ports for daisy-chaining other FireWire devices
Microphone Preamplifiers
• Four high-resolution, ultra-transparent, digitally-controlled analog mic preamps
• Front panel and software control of all preamp parameters
• Switchable low cut filter, 48V phantom power, pad, polarity, and stereo linking
• Unison™ technology for deep integration with UAD preamp and pedal plug-ins
Monitoring
• Stereo monitor outputs (independent of 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 analog 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
Apollo FireWire Hardware Manual Features
6
UAD-2 Inside
• QUAD Core DSP with four SHARC® processors
• Realtime UAD Processing on all of Apollo’s 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
• Complete UAD Powered Plug-Ins library is available online
Software
Console application:
• Analog-style mixer for realtime monitoring and tracking with UAD plug-ins
• Enables Realtime UAD Processing
• DSP mixer for realtime monitoring and tracking
• Remote control of Apollo 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
Apollo FireWire FireWire Hardware Manual Documentation
7
About Apollo 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 documentation, including technical information not available in other publications, is also
available online at: www.uaudio.com/support/apollo
Apollo Manual Files
Note: All manuals are in PDF format. PDF files require a free PDF reader application such as Adobe Reader
(Windows and Mac) or Preview (included with Mac OS X).
Apollo Hardware Manual
Each Apollo model has a unique hardware manual. The Apollo hardware manuals contain complete hardwarerelated 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.
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 manufacturer’s documentation for specific instructions about using audio interface and
plug-in features within the DAW.
Apollo FireWire FireWire Hardware Manual Documentation
8
Installed Documentation Location
All documentation is copied to the startup disk during software installation:
Mac OS X
• Macintosh HD/Applications/Universal Audio
Windows 7
• Start>All Programs>UAD Powered Plug-Ins>Documentation
Accessing Installed Documentation
Any of these methods can be used to access installed documentation:
• Navigate the file system within the computer’s operating system
• 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
Additional Resources
UA Support Videos
Many informational videos are available online to help you get started with Apollo:
• www.uaudio.com/support/apollo
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/apollo
UAD Users Forum
The unofficial UAD users forum, for the exchange of tips and information, is online at:
• www.uadforum.com
Thunderbolt Option Card
All documentation for using Apollo’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
Apollo FireWire Hardware Manual Technical Support
9
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:
• 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 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
Apollo FireWire Hardware Manual Front Panel
10
Front Panel
This section describes the features and functionality of all controls and visual elements on the Apollo front
panel. Note that all front panel functions, except the headphone volume knobs and power switch, can be
controlled remotely with the included Console software application.
(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. Connect only ¼” unbalanced TS phone
plugs to these inputs; TRS plugs cannot be used.
The Hi-Z inputs have an ultra-high input impedance of 2.2 Megohms that eliminates impedance loading,
preserving the high-frequency content of signals from sources with high impedance outputs (such as electric
guitar pickups). Hi-Z input gain levels are adjusted with the Preamp control for the associated channel.
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). To use Mic or Line inputs 1 or 2,
its corresponding Hi-Z input must be disconnected.
(2) Preamp Gain & Channel Select Knob
This rotary encoder with integrated pushbutton serves two functions. Rotating the knob adjusts the preamp
gain for the selected input channel, and pushing the knob selects which preamp channel (1 – 4) is affected by
the front panel preamp controls.
Preamp Gain
The preamp gain of analog inputs 1 – 4 is adjusted with this control. The channel to be adjusted (1 – 4) is set
with the Channel Select function. The input to be adjusted (Mic, Line, or Hi-Z) is determined by the state of the
channel’s Mic/Line switch or Hi-Z input (if connected).
Rotating the knob clockwise increases the preamp gain for the selected channel. The available gain range for
preamp channels 1 – 4 is 10 dB to 65 dB for the Mic, Line, and Hi-Z inputs.
Note that it takes more than a full revolution of the Preamp Gain Knob to move through the available range.
This increases the control resolution for more precise preamp gain adjustments.
Only analog inputs 1 – 4 have input gain adjustment via the mic preamp controls. To adjust signal levels for
inputs 5 – 18, use the output level controls of the devices that are connected to those inputs.
Apollo FireWire Hardware Manual Front Panel
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Channel Select
Pushing the Preamp Knob changes the currently selected channel, which determines which input (1 – 4) is
adjusted by the front panel preamp controls. A channel is selected for adjustment when its Channel Select
Indicator LED (located above the channel 1 – 4 input meters; see #11 on page 12) is illuminated.
Each time the knob is pushed, the selected preamp channel is incremented. If stereo linking is active, the
stereo pairs are selected.
(3) Preamp Gain Level Indicator
The amount of preamp gain for the selected channel is displayed with the ring of illuminated green indicator
LEDs surrounding the Preamp Knob.
The LEDs are relative levels and are not calibrated to indicate any specific dB value. However, precise
numerical dB gain values for the preamps are displayed in the Console application.
(4–9) Preamp Settings
This set of six buttons control the preamp options for input channels 1 – 4. Press the buttons to toggle the
setting. The current state of each preamp option button is indicated by the Preamp Options LEDs (#10 on page
12). Each button function is detailed below.
(4) Mic/Line
This button switches between the channel’s Mic and Line inputs on the rear panel. This button has no effect if
the channel’s Hi–Z input is connected (when a cable is inserted into the Hi-Z input, the Mic/Line LED turns off).
(5) Low Cut Filter ( )
When enabled, the channel’s input signal passes through a low cut (high pass) filter. This 2nd-order coincidentpole 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 to the channel’s rear panel Mic 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.
(7) Pad
When enabled, the channel’s microphone input signal level is attenuated by 20 dB. Pad does not affect the Line
or Hi-Z inputs.
Pad is used to reduce signal levels when overload distortion is present at low preamp gain levels, such as when
particularly sensitive microphones are used on loud instruments, and/or if the A/D converter is clipping.
(8) Polarity (ø)
When enabled, the polarity (aka “phase“) of the input channel’s signal is inverted. Polarity affects the Mic,
Line, and Hi-Z inputs.
Polarity inversion can help reduce phase cancellations when more than one microphone is used to record a
single source.
(9) Stereo Link
This button links the preamp controls of adjacent channels together (1 & 2 or 3 & 4) to create stereo input
pairs. When channels are linked as a stereo pair, any preamp control adjustments will affect both channels of
the stereo signal identically.
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