Universal Audio Apollo Solo Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface Apollo Solo Manual

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Thunderbolt 3-Powered Audio Interface

Apollo Solo Manual

UAD Software Version 9

Manual Version 200729

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Table Of Contents

Tip: Click any section or page number

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A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr. ................................................................. 8

Introducing Apollo Solo ......................................................................... 9

Apollo Solo Software Features ........................................................................... 12

UAD Powered Plug-In Features ......................................................................... 14

About Apollo Solo Documentation ..................................................................... 15

Technical Support ............................................................................................ 16

Getting Started ................................................................................... 17

Overview ......................................................................................................... 17

Apollo Solo System Requirements ..................................................................... 17

Hardware Setup ............................................................................................... 18

Software Setup ................................................................................................ 20

Windows Setup ................................................................................................ 21

Audio Setup .................................................................................................... 22

Setting Hardware Input/Output Levels ................................................................ 23

What Next? ..................................................................................................... 24

Hardware Controls & Connectors .......................................................... 25

Controls Overview ............................................................................................ 25

Top Panel ........................................................................................................ 28

Display Panel .................................................................................................. 31

Front Panel ..................................................................................................... 32

Rear Panel ...................................................................................................... 33

Apollo Solo System Overview ............................................................... 34

Apollo Solo Hardware ....................................................................................... 34

Apollo Solo Software ........................................................................................ 35

UAD Powered Plug-Ins ..................................................................................... 38

Apollo Audio Interfaces .................................................................................... 39

UAD Software Installer ..................................................................................... 39

LUNA Recording System .................................................................................. 40

UA Account & Store ......................................................................................... 41

UA Website ..................................................................................................... 41

Apollo Solo Manual Table Of Contents2

Working With Apollo Solo ..................................................................... 42

Essential Apollo Solo Concepts ......................................................................... 43

Setting the DAW to use Apollo Solo I/O .............................................................. 45

Accessing Apollo Solo’s I/O in the DAW .............................................................. 48

Input Monitoring with the DAW ......................................................................... 50

Using Console with the DAW ............................................................................. 54

UAD Plug-Ins: Console versus DAW ................................................................... 56

Virtual I/O ....................................................................................................... 58

Using Apollo Solo for System Sound I/O ............................................................. 61

Using Apollo Solo Without Audio Software .......................................................... 64

Console Overview ................................................................................ 65

What is Console? ............................................................................................. 65

Console Functions ........................................................................................... 66

Global Functions ............................................................................................. 66

When To Use Console ....................................................................................... 67

Interactions Between Console and Apollo Solo ................................................... 67

Accessing Console ........................................................................................... 68

Console Layout ................................................................................................ 69

Global Window Elements .................................................................................. 71

Meter Bridge Overview ...................................................................................... 72

Info Bar Overview ............................................................................................ 73

Current Bank Overview ..................................................................................... 74

View Column Overview ...................................................................................... 75

Monitor Column Overview ................................................................................. 77

Channel Strips Overview ................................................................................... 78

Console Plug-In Inserts Overview ....................................................................... 79

Insert Effects Overview ..................................................................................... 80

Popover Windows ............................................................................................. 81

HP Cue Overview ............................................................................................. 82

Sends Overview ............................................................................................... 83

Console Sessions Overview ................................................................................ 86

Console Settings Overview ................................................................................ 87

I/O Matrix Overview .......................................................................................... 88

Multiple Undo/Redo ......................................................................................... 89

Keyboard Focus & Control ................................................................................. 90

Adjusting Console Controls ............................................................................... 91

Controls Shortcuts ........................................................................................... 91

Keyboard Shortcuts .......................................................................................... 92

Apollo Solo Manual Table Of Contents3

Console Reference .............................................................................. 93

Meter Bridge ................................................................................................... 93

View Column ................................................................................................... 96

View Options ................................................................................................... 99

Info Bar ........................................................................................................ 105

Channel Input Controls ................................................................................... 108

Sends Popover ............................................................................................... 111

Monitor Mix Controls ...................................................................................... 112

Aux Returns .................................................................................................. 118

Monitor Column ............................................................................................. 121

Cue Outputs Popover ...................................................................................... 125

Control Room Column .................................................................................... 127

Console Sessions ........................................................................................... 129

Sessions Manager Popover .............................................................................. 131

Window Title Bar ............................................................................................ 135

Application Menus ......................................................................................... 136

Console Plug-In Inserts ..................................................................... 140

Insert Types................................................................................................... 140

Inserts Signal Flow ........................................................................................ 141

Inserting UAD Plug-Ins ................................................................................... 141

Removing UAD Plug-Ins ................................................................................. 141

Editing UAD Plug-Ins ..................................................................................... 141

Insert Assign Popover ..................................................................................... 141

Inserts Display ............................................................................................... 142

Insert State Indicators .................................................................................... 143

Insert Hover Options ...................................................................................... 143

Insert Options Menu ...................................................................................... 144

Channel Insert Effects .................................................................................... 145

Plug-In Editor Window .................................................................................... 146

Channel Strips ............................................................................................... 149

Presets Manager ............................................................................................ 151

Presets Manager Popover ................................................................................ 154

Save Preset Popover ....................................................................................... 156

Apollo Solo Manual Table Of Contents4

Console Settings ............................................................................... 157

Console Settings Overview .............................................................................. 157

Hardware Settings Panel ................................................................................ 159

I/O Matrix Panel ............................................................................................ 164

I/O Matrix Panel Elements .............................................................................. 165

Route Assign Popover ..................................................................................... 171

Display Panel ................................................................................................ 173

Plug-Ins Panel ............................................................................................... 175

MIDI Panel ................................................................................................... 177

Unison............................................................................................. 179

What is Unison? ............................................................................................ 179

Unison Plug-Ins ............................................................................................. 180

Activating Unison .......................................................................................... 181

Unique Behavior of Unison Inserts .................................................................. 182

Controlling Unison Plug-Ins with Apollo Solo .................................................... 183

Gain Stage Mode ........................................................................................... 186

Unison Load/Save Behaviors ........................................................................... 189

Unison Operation Notes .................................................................................. 190

Console Recall Plug-In ...................................................................... 192

Console Recall Controls .................................................................................. 193

How To Use Console Recall ............................................................................. 194

UAD Meter & Control Panel ............................................................... 196

Launching the Application .............................................................................. 196

UAD Meter Window ........................................................................................ 197

UAD Control Panels ....................................................................................... 200

System Information Panel ............................................................................... 201

Plug-Ins Panel ............................................................................................... 204

Conﬁguration Panel ........................................................................................ 206

Help Panel .................................................................................................... 211

Using UAD Plug-Ins .......................................................................... 212

Loading UAD Plug-Ins .................................................................................... 212

The UAD Plug-In Interface .............................................................................. 212

UAD Toolbar .................................................................................................. 213

LiveTrack Mode ............................................................................................. 216

Adjusting Parameters ..................................................................................... 217

Shortcuts ...................................................................................................... 218

DSP Loading Notes ........................................................................................ 219

Mono (m) UAD plug-ins .................................................................................. 220

Apollo Solo Manual Table Of Contents5

Tempo Sync ..................................................................................... 221

Tempo Sync Plug-Ins ..................................................................................... 221

Sync Activation ............................................................................................. 222

Available Note Values ..................................................................................... 222

Entering Values ............................................................................................. 223

Precision Delay Modes with Tempo Sync .......................................................... 224

Galaxy Tape Echo & Roland RE-201 Sync ........................................................ 224

UA Account & Store .......................................................................... 225

Account Overview .......................................................................................... 225

Store Overview ............................................................................................... 226

UAD Authorization Overview ............................................................................ 227

Demo Mode ................................................................................................... 228

Buying UAD Plug-Ins ..................................................................................... 229

UAD Authorization Procedure .......................................................................... 230

Ofﬂine UAD Authorization ............................................................................... 231

Expanded UAD Systems .................................................................... 233

Latency & Apollo Solo ....................................................................... 234

Delay Compensation with Apollo Solo .............................................................. 234

Minimizing UAD Input Latency When Software Monitoring ................................. 236

Latency Basics .............................................................................................. 237

Device Drivers .................................................................................. 239

Driver I/O Table.............................................................................................. 240

Troubleshooting ................................................................................ 241

Glossary ........................................................................................... 242

Speciﬁcations .................................................................................. 249

Hardware Block Diagram ................................................................... 252

Universal Audio History ..................................................................... 253

Pioneering audio recording for more than 50 years. ........................................... 253

Bill Putnam Sr. .............................................................................................. 255

Pros Talk UA ................................................................................................. 262

Thank You ..................................................................................................... 266

Apollo Solo Manual Table Of Contents6

Notices ............................................................................................ 267

Warranty ....................................................................................................... 267

Repair Service ............................................................................................... 267

Maintenance ................................................................................................. 267

Important Safety Information .......................................................................... 268

Technical Support ............................................................................. 271

Universal Audio Knowledge Base ..................................................................... 271

YouTube Support Channel ............................................................................... 271

Universal Audio Community Forums ................................................................ 271

Contact Universal Audio Support ..................................................................... 271

Apollo Solo Manual Table Of Contents7

A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr.

Thank you for choosing the Apollo Solo Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface as 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.

Universal Audio’s family of audio interfaces represent the best examples of what UA has stood for over its long history; from its original founding in the 1950s by my father, to our current vision of delivering the best of both analog and digital audio technologies.

Starting with its high-quality analog I/O, Apollo Solo’s superior sonic performance serves as its foundation. This is just the beginning however, as Apollo Solo is the only buspowered Thunderbolt 3 audio interface that allows you to run UAD plug-ins in real time. Want to monitor yourself through a Neve® channel strip while tracking bass through a classic Fairchild or LA-2A compressor? Or track vocals through a Studer® tape machine with some Lexicon® reverb?* With our growing library of more than 100 UAD plug-ins, the choices are limitless.

At UA, we are dedicated to the idea that technology should serve the creative process — not be a barrier. These are the very ideals my father embodied as he invented audio equipment. We believe Apollo Solo will earn its way into your creative workﬂow by providing stunning ﬁdelity and rock-solid reliability for years to come.

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 Solo Manual Welcome8

Introducing Apollo Solo

Shape your Recordings Into Records with Genuine UA Conversion and Classic Studio Sounds.

Apollo Solo is the world’s ﬁnest Thunderbolt 3-powered desktop recording audio interface for Mac and Windows — delivering class-leading audio conversion, two Unison™ mic preamps, and a suite of onboard UAD plug-ins for recording album-quality results, in real time.

This compact 2x4 interface starts with esteemed Apollo A/D and D/A conversion to sonically outperform anything in its class. And with its Unison technology and built-in UAD-2 processing, you can record through classic studio tools including the UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, LA-2A and 1176 compressors, and more — with near-zero latency.

Now You Can:

• Record with class-leading A/D and D/A conversion — as heard on hundreds of hit records

• Track with near-zero latency through mic preamp and guitar amp emulations from Neve,® API,® Fender,® and more using Unison™ technology*

• Mix with included UAD plug-ins like the Teletronix® LA-2A and 1176 compressors, Pultec® EQs, and more

• Includes LUNA Recording System — a fully-integrated and inspiring music production application (Mac only)

• Create on-the-go with a sonically superior, bus-powered interface with rugged allmetal construction

• Enjoy clear, detailed monitoring with the best-sounding headphone ampliﬁer in its class

Unison™ Technology for Stunning Mic and Guitar Preamp Emulations

Apollo Solo’s Unison technology gives you the tone, touch, and “feel” of the world’s most sought-after preamps. These include the bundled UA 610-B Tube Preamp, plus authentic mic preamp emulations from Neve® and API,® plus guitar amp emulations from Fender® and Marshall® — complete with their signature impedance, gain stage “sweet spots,” and component-level circuit behaviors.*

The secret to Unison is its hardware-software integration between Apollo Solo’s mic preamps and its onboard UAD-2 processing. Simply place a Unison preamp plug-in on your mic input in Apollo Solo’s Console software, and it physically reconﬁgures Apollo Solo’s impedance and gain staging — giving you the classic tube and transformer sounds of the world’s most recorded mic preamps and guitar amps.

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

Apollo Solo Manual Introducing Apollo Solo 9

A Full Suite of Classic Studio Processing Onboard

Right out of the box, Apollo Solo provides a suite of incredible analog emulation plug-ins including the world’s only authentic Teletronix LA-2A and 1176LN compressors, Pultec EQs, and much more. From the tube warmth of the Pultec EQ on guitars, to the gentle limiting of the LA-2A on vocals, your recordings will take a giant leap forward in rich, sonically complex analog sound.

Access the World of UAD Powered Plug-Ins

Beyond the included Realtime Analog Classics plug-ins, Apollo Solo lets you tap into the full library of award-winning UAD Powered Plug-Ins — including vintage EQs, Compressors, Reverbs, Tape Machines, Auto-Tune and more — in real time. With exclusive emulations from Neve, Ampex, Lexicon, Fender, Antares, Moog, and more,* the creative possibilities are nearly endless.

Vintage Guitar and Bass Amps

For guitarists and bassists, Apollo Solo includes Unison technology on its front panel instrument input — giving you access to dead-on emulations of amps like the Fender® ‘55 Tweed Deluxe, Ampeg® B-15N Bass Ampliﬁer, and the included Marshall® Plexi Classic — all available at near-zero latency for songwriting and recording.

Create with a Fast, Natural Workﬂow in LUNA

Apollo Solo is the ideal entry point to LUNA, UA’s groundbreaking music production application. Whether you’re exploring the analog sounds and workﬂow of Neve summing and Studer tape Extensions or creating with inspiring LUNA Instruments like Moog Minimoog and Ravel grand piano, LUNA transforms Apollo Solo into a fully-integrated recording system.

Best-in-Class Headphone Ampliﬁer

Apollo Solo’s onboard headphone output is louder and punchier, with lower noise and ﬂatter frequency response versus any interface in its class. This means you can conﬁdently track and mix using headphones, knowing you’re hearing every sonic detail.

Ready to Go

With its robust all-metal construction and bus-powered Thunderbolt 3 operation, Apollo Solo is the only “clutter-free” portable audio interface that truly delivers album-quality results. It’s like having a virtual analog studio that ﬁts onto any desktop, and easily travels in your laptop bag.

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

Apollo Solo Manual Introducing Apollo Solo 10

Apollo Solo Hardware Features

Key Features

• Best in class audio quality with 24-bit/192 kHz conversion

• Realtime UAD Processing — track through vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, and guitar amp/pedal plug-ins with near-zero latency

• 2 premium mic/line preamps, 2 monitor outputs, front-panel Hi-Z instrument input and stereo headphone output

• Unison™ technology for stunning models of classic mic preamps and guitar amps

• UAD-2 DSP accelerator processing onboard

• Thunderbolt 3 connection for blazing-fast PCIe speed on modern computers

• Bus-powered design provides portability and less cable clutter

• Uncompromising analog design, superior components, and premium build quality throughout

Audio Interface

• Sample rates up to 192 kHz at 24-bit word length

• 2 x 4 simultaneous input/output channels

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

• Two balanced mic/line inputs

• One Hi-Z instrument input

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

• Stereo monitor outputs

• Stereo headphone output

Microphone Preampliﬁers

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

• Unison technology for stunning models of classic mic preamps and guitar amps

• Front panel and software control of all preamp parameters

• Low cut ﬁlter, 48V phantom power, 20 dB pad, polarity inversion, and stereo linking

Monitoring

• Stereo monitor outputs

• ¼” stereo headphone output

• All outputs are independently addressable

Apollo Solo Manual Introducing Apollo Solo 11

UAD-2 Inside

• Onboard UAD-2 DSP Accelerator with SHARC® SOLO core processing

• Realtime UAD Processing on all inputs

• Same features and functionality as other UAD-2 devices and plug-ins when used with a DAW

• Complete UAD Powered Plug-Ins library is available online

Other

• Attractive and durable desktop form factor

• Easy ﬁrmware updates

• One year limited warranty

Package Contents

• Apollo Solo Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

• Getting Started URL card

Apollo Solo Software Features

Console Application

General:

• Enables tracking and/or monitoring with Realtime UAD Processing and Unison technology

• Analog-style mixer for low-latency monitoring and tracking with UAD plug-ins

• Remote control of Apollo Solo hardware features and functionality

• Console sessions can be saved/loaded for instant recall of any conﬁguration

• Virtual I/O for routing DAW channels into Console and Console channels into DAW

• Multiple Undo/Redo for edit operations

Realtime UAD Processing:

• UAD plug-in processing on Apollo Solo inputs with indiscernible latency

• Up to ﬁve UAD plug-ins can be serially chained on each input and aux return

• UAD insert processing can be monitored while recording wet or dry

• Sub-2ms round-trip latency with ﬁve serial UAD plug-ins at 96 kHz sample rate

Channel Inputs:

• Input channels for hardware and virtual inputs

• Level, pan, solo, and mute controls on all inputs

• Two stereo auxiliary sends with level and pan controls on all inputs

• Virtual inputs accept any outputs from DAW

• Stereo headphone cue sends with level and pan controls on all inputs and auxes

• Adjacent input pairs can be linked for convenient stereo control

Apollo Solo Manual Introducing Apollo Solo 12

Monitoring:

• Stereo monitor mix bus with level, mute, solo, dim, and source select controls

• Separate stereo headphone cue mix bus

• Independent monophonic sum controls for both mix buses

Auxiliary Buses:

• Two stereo auxiliary send/return buses with independent level, mute, and mono sum controls

• Four plug-in inserts per auxiliary return for Realtime UAD Processing on auxes

• Auxiliary buses can be routed to main monitor mix and/or headphone outputs

• Independent pre/post switching on each auxiliary bus

Metering:

• Signal level meters with peak hold and clip indicators on all inputs

• Dual peak hold meters with signal peak LEDs display monitor bus levels

• Input meters are globally switchable to display pre or post fader signal levels

• Independently selectable peak/clip hold times and global clear clips button

Console Recall plug-in

• Convenient access to Console’s monitor controls via DAW plug-in

• Saves Apollo Solo conﬁgurations inside DAW sessions for easy recall of settings

• VST, AAX 64, and Audio Units plug-in formats

UAD Powered Plug-Ins

• Award-winning audio plug-ins for monitoring, tracking, mixing, and mastering

• UAD plug-ins can be used simultaneously within Console and/or DAW

• All UAD plug-ins include fully-functional 14-day demo period

• Complete UAD plug-ins library is available online at www.uaudio.com

UAD Meter & Control Panel application

• Conﬁgures global UAD settings

• UAD-2 resource gauges for DSP and Memory usage

• Facilitates automatic authorization of UAD plug-in licenses

Device Drivers

• All hardware inputs and outputs can be individually addressed by DAW

• All of Console’s mix buses can be routed to DAW inputs for recording

• I/O Matrix feature for customizing Core Audio & ASIO I/O routes and names

Apollo Solo Manual Introducing Apollo Solo 13

UAD Powered Plug-In Features

• Run UAD plug-ins with Apollo Solo’s integrated UAD-2 DSP Accelerator

• Apollo Solo includes the Realtime Analog Classics UAD plug-ins bundle

• Over 100 UAD plug-ins available at the UA online store

• Fully functional 14 day demo available for all UAD plug-ins

• Realtime UAD Processing via Console allows monitoring and tracking through UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency, regardless of DAW’s I/O buffer setting

• Includes VST, AAX 64, and Audio Units plug-in formats for compatibility with all major DAWs including Cubase, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and more

Some of the UAD plug-ins included with Apollo Solo

Apollo Solo Manual Introducing Apollo Solo 14

About Apollo Solo Documentation

Documentation for Apollo Solo and UAD Powered Plug-Ins are separated by areas of functionality, as described below. The user manuals are placed on the system drive during software installation. They can also be downloaded at help.uaudio.com.

Note: All manual ﬁles are in PDF format. PDF ﬁles require a free PDF reader application such as Preview (included with macOS) or Edge (included with Windows 10).

Apollo Solo Manual

The Apollo Solo user manual includes everything about Apollo Solo except the descriptions of, and operating instructions for, individual UAD plug-in titles.

Hardware – Complete details about the Apollo Solo hardware, including detailed descriptions of all hardware features, controls, connectors, and speciﬁcations.

Software – Detailed information about how to integrate Apollo Solo’s functionality into the DAW environment and conﬁgure and operate all Apollo Solo software features using the Console application, Console Settings window, and Console Recall plug-in.

System – Detailed information about the overall Apollo Solo/UAD-2 system, the UAD Meter & Control Panel application, buying optional plug-ins at the UA online store, and more.

UAD Plug-Ins Manual

The features and functionality of all individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins developed by Universal Audio are 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 title developed by UA.

Direct Developer Plug-In Manuals

UAD plug-ins include titles 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.

Accessing Installed Documentation

Either of these methods can be used to access the installed documentation ﬁles:

• Choose Documentation from the Help menu within the Console application

• Click the Product Manuals button in the Help panel within the UAD Meter & Control Panel application

• Manuals are also available online at help.uaudio.com.

Apollo Solo Manual Introducing Apollo Solo 15

Host DAW Documentation

Each host DAW software application has its own particular methods for conﬁguring and using audio interfaces and plug-ins. Refer to the host DAW documentation for speciﬁc instructions about using audio interface and plug-in features within the DAW.

Glossary

This manual uses technical terms and acronyms that may be unfamiliar. Refer to the

Glossary for the deﬁnitions of many of these terms.

Hyperlinks

Links to other manual sections and web pages are highlighted in blue text. Click a hyperlink to jump directly to the linked item.

Tip: Use the back button in the PDF reader application to return to the original page after clicking a hyperlink.

Technical Support

For additional resources, or if you need to contact Universal Audio for assistance, see the

Technical Support page.

Apollo Solo Manual Introducing Apollo Solo 16

Getting Started

Overview

Before you can use Apollo Solo, you need to complete these steps:

1. Connect Apollo Solo to your computer with a Thunderbolt™ 3 cable (not included)

2. Download and install the latest UAD software

3. Register your Apollo Solo hardware

4. Authorize your UAD plug-ins

Additionally, you'll want to learn these essential Apollo Solo operations:

• Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System – How to connect your audio gear.

• Setting Hardware Input/Output Levels – Learn how to adjust Mic/Line/Instrument input gain levels and monitor/headphone output volume levels.

This chapter will guide you through these procedures. For assistance, see the Technical

Support page.

Apollo Solo System Requirements

Note: For operating system and storage requirements, and complete compatibility information, please visit help.uaudio.com.

• Mac or Windows computer with available Thunderbolt 3 port

• Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included)

• Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins

• Quad Core i7 or better processor recommended

Apollo Solo Manual Getting Started 17

Hardware Setup

Choose a Suitable Location

• Locate Apollo Solo on a ﬂat surface.

• The location should be sturdy enough to securely hold its weight and withstand the pressure of operating the top panel controls.

• Leave enough room at the front and rear of the unit for connecting cables.

Connect Apollo Solo to the Computer

Caution: Before connecting Apollo Solo to the computer, lower the volume of the

monitor speakers (if connected) and remove headphones from your ears.

1. Connect a Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included) to the Thunderbolt 3 port on Apollo Solo's rear panel.

2. Connect the other end of the Thunderbolt 3 cable to a Thunderbolt 3 port on the computer.

About Thunderbolt 3 Power

• Apollo Solo is bus powered by its Thunderbolt 3 connection to the computer. A power cable, external power supply, or Thunderbolt 2 cable cannot be used to power Apollo Solo.

• When using Apollo Solo with notebook computers, connecting the computer to AC power is suggested to conserve the computer's battery resources.

• When notebook computers are sleeping, power events such as connecting/ disconnecting Thunderbolt devices, USB-C devices, and/or power adapters may cause peripheral devices (including Apollo Solo) to brieﬂy power on.

Apollo Solo Manual Getting Started 18

About Thunderbolt 3 Ports and Cables

Important: Although Thunderbolt 3 always uses USB-C connectors, not all USB-C

ports are Thunderbolt 3 ports. Similarly, not all USB-C cables are Thunderbolt 3 cables. Always connect Apollo Solo to a Thunderbolt 3 port with a Thunderbolt 3 cable.

USB-C is not Thunderbolt 3

Thunderbolt 3 uses USB-C connections to transfer data and power. However, USB-C is simply a connector type; it doesn't determine the type of data used by the connector. For example, USB-C connections can be used for Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1, and other data protocols, so USB-C connections are not always interchangeable.

Does your USB-C connector support Thunderbolt 3?

To determine if a USB-C port or cable connector supports Thunderbolt 3, look for the Thunderbolt icon. The Thunderbolt icon on a USB-C port or cable means the connector supports Thunderbolt 3. Alternately, conﬁrm Thunderbolt 3 compatibility with the device and/or cable manufacturer.

Thunderbolt icon on USB-C cable (left) and USB-C port (right)

Apollo Solo Manual Getting Started 19

Software Setup

The Apollo Solo software must be installed to use Apollo Solo and UAD plug-ins. The UAD Powered Plug-Ins Installer places the software onto the computer’s startup drive. After software installation, you'll register your Apollo Solo hardware and authorize your UAD plug-ins.

Our Web Pages Guide You

The Universal Audio website guides you through the process of UAD software installation, Apollo Solo hardware registration, and UAD plug-in authorization. The procedure you'll follow to complete this process is detailed below, but the web pages can guide you.

To begin the installation, registration, and authorization process, visit:

www.uaudio.com/register

If you've already registered your Apollo Solo and simply want to update to a newer version of UAD software, the latest UAD software is available at www.uaudio.com.

Installation, Registration, and Authorization Procedure

Note: For optimum results, connect Apollo Solo to the computer before installing the UAD software.

1. Visit www.uaudio.com/register and follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Connect Apollo Solo to a Thunderbolt 3 port on the computer with a Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included) then download the UAD software installer.

3. Open the downloaded UAD installer application. The software installer will guide you. Be sure to restart the computer when prompted.

Note: If prompted to update the Apollo Solo ﬁrmware, see the procedure below.

4. After restarting, your web browser launches and connects to the Universal Audio website. Follow the instructions on our web pages to complete registration of your Apollo Solo hardware and claim your bundled UAD plug-ins.

5. After registration is complete, authorize your UAD system by following the guidance on the registration web pages (or see the UAD Authorization Procedure).

Note: On Windows computers, see Windows Setup for additional steps. On Mac computers, Apollo Solo is ready for use.

Firmware Update Procedure

If the "Apollo Solo Firmware Update" dialog window appears:

1. Click "Load" to begin the process. The "ﬁrmware is updating" window appears.

2. Wait for the "Power Off Apollo Solo" window, which appears after the ﬁrmware is updated.

3. Disconnect Apollo Solo from the computer for several seconds to power off Apollo Solo. After reconnecting to the computer, the ﬁrmware update is complete.

Apollo Solo Manual Getting Started 20

Windows Setup

Disable Windows Notiﬁcation Sounds

Windows notiﬁcation sounds (such as a "ding" when an alert window appears) can interfere with DAW audio. Follow the procedure below to disable all notiﬁcation sounds.

1. Open the Sound control panel. Sound can be accessed by right-clicking the Windows Start Menu and selecting Control Panel from the contextual menu, clicking Hardware and Sound, then clicking Sound within the Hardware and Sound window.

2. Click the Sounds tab within the Sound control panel window. The Windows notiﬁcation sounds options are displayed.

3. Click the "Sound Scheme" drop menu to display the menu items.

4. Select "No Sounds" from the Sound Scheme drop menu.

5. Click the Apply button to activate the new setting.

Important: Ensure the "Play Windows Startup sound" box is unchecked.

Click Tab

Choose “No Sounds”

Click Apply

Uncheck

Correct setting shown — "No Sounds" scheme is selected in Sound control panel

Important: See Windows WDM System Sound Notes for important related

information when using Apollo Solo for system sound I/O.

Additional Windows Optimizations

• Visit the Apollo Solo Knowledge Base at help.uaudio.com for updated technical news and system optimization information.

Apollo Solo Manual Getting Started 21

Audio Setup

Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System

One typical Apollo Solo audio setup is illustrated below. For complete details about all of Apollo Solo's connectors and controls, see the Hardware Controls & Connectors chapter in this manual.

Instrument

Speaker

System

Audio Connection Notes

Headphones

Microphone

Typical Apollo Solo audio connections

• Important: When plugging into a rear panel combo jack input, the input source

jack (either XLR or ¼” phone) must be manually selected with the top panel INPUT button while in PREAMP Mode. Select MIC when connecting XLR plugs, and LINE when connecting ¼" phone plugs. See Controls Overview for details.

• When an instrument is plugged into the front panel Hi-Z jack, channel 1 automatically switches to the Hi-Z input. To use a MIC or LINE input with channel 1, the Hi-Z instrument jack must be disconnected.

• The main outputs are line level. Connect the main outputs to the line level inputs of powered monitors or an ampliﬁer+speaker system. Balanced TRS or unbalanced TS cables with ¼" plugs may be used.

• In the illustration above, the microphone is plugged into input 2 so the mic (channel 2) can be used at the same time as the Hi-Z instrument (channel 1).

• For optimum sonic performance, always use high-quality shielded audio cables.

Apollo Solo Manual Getting Started 22

Setting Hardware Input/Output Levels

This section explains how to set input gain levels for the hardware inputs (mic, line, and Hi-Z instrument) and adjust volume levels for the stereo hardware outputs (monitor speakers and headphones). Refer to the Top Panel and Display Panel illustrations for the control names and numbers mentioned below.

Important: Before proceeding, lower the volume of the monitor speakers and

remove headphones from your ears.

Set Input Gains

1. Select the input channel to be adjusted by pressing the PREAMP button (4) until the Channel Selection Indicator (7) displays the channel (CH1 or CH2).

2. Select the input jack (MIC or LINE) by pressing the Input Select button (5-a) until the Input Selection indicator (9) displays the desired input jack* (see note below).

3. Adjust the channel's gain by increasing the LEVEL knob (1) until the input meter for the channel (8) approaches maximum, but does not reach the red clip LED when the loudest input signal is present. If the level is too high to avoid clipping (if the red “C” LED illuminates) when the LEVEL knob is all the way down, enable the attenuation PAD (5-d).

4. To set the input gain for the other input channel, repeat steps 1 – 3.

Adjust Output Volumes

1. Select the output volume to be adjusted (monitor or headphone) by pressing the MONITOR button (3) until the Monitor Selected (10) or Headphone Selected (12) indicator is lit.

2. Set the volume level by carefully increasing the LEVEL knob (1) until the desired volume is reached (you might need to adjust the volume of the speaker system).

3. To set the volume for the other output (monitor or headphone), repeat steps 1 – 2.

Mute (and Unmute) Monitor Outputs

1. Select the Monitor outputs by pressing the MONITOR button (3) until the Monitor Selected (10) indicator is lit.

2. Press the LEVEL knob (1) to mute the monitor outputs. The Volume Level Indicator LEDs (2) are red when the monitors are muted and MONITOR is selected (10).

3. To toggle the monitor mute state, press the LEVEL knob (1) whenever MONITOR (10) is selected.

Notes:

• *The Hi-Z input is automatically selected and overrides the channel 1 MIC and LINE inputs when a ¼” mono TS (tip-sleeve) plug is connected to the Hi-Z Instrument jack (14) on the front panel.

• To control both channels simultaneously when a stereo source is connected, press the LINK button (5-f) when an input is selected (9).

Apollo Solo Manual Getting Started 23

What Next?

After the initial setups in this chapter are complete, Apollo Solo is ready to be used with the included Console application, your DAW (digital audio workstation) software, and UAD Powered Plug-Ins. To learn how to operate Apollo Solo, refer to the areas of functionality below.

Hardware Controls & Connectors

To learn how to use the controls on Apollo Solo's top panel and how the front and rear connections can be used, see Hardware Controls & Connectors.

Apollo Solo System Overview

Reviewing the Apollo Solo System Overview is especially recommended for those that are unfamiliar with digital audio workstation environments.

Using Apollo Solo's Unique Features

Apollo Solo has unique features in addition to those of a typical audio interface. To take advantage of Apollo Solo’s low-latency input monitoring, Realtime UAD Processing, and UAD-2 DSP accelerator features, there are some core differences in how to operate the DAW with Apollo Solo versus most audio interfaces.

To learn how to integrate Apollo Solo and Console within a DAW environment and related information, see the Working With Apollo Solo chapter.

Console Application

The included Console application is the software interface for the Apollo Solo hardware. Console controls Apollo Solo's mixing, low-latency input monitoring, and Realtime UAD Processing features. Console is also used to conﬁgure various Apollo Solo settings.

For an overview of Console's features and functions, see Console Overview. For complete details about how to operate every Console function and setting, see Console Reference.

Operating UAD Plug-Ins

To learn how to load, edit, and remove UAD plug-ins within Console, see Console Plug-In

Inserts. To learn how to use UAD plug-ins within the DAW, see the DAW documentation.

The features and functions of individual UAD plug-in titles are detailed in the UAD

Plug-Ins Manual. Refer to these manuals to learn about the operation, controls, and user

interface of each individual UAD plug-in.

Technical Support

For additional resources such as setup and operation videos, the UA Knowledge Base, user community forums, or if you need to contact Universal Audio for assistance, see the

Technical Support page.

Apollo Solo Manual Getting Started 24

Hardware Controls & Connectors

Complete details about all Apollo Solo hardware controls and connector jacks are provided in this chapter.

Tip: To learn how to set input gain levels (Mic, Line, and Hi-Z instrument) and output volumes (monitors and headphones), see Setting Hardware Input/Output

Levels in the Getting Started chapter.

Controls Overview

Some Apollo Solo controls have multiple functions. The function of each control depends on the current operating mode and the current settings within that mode. To control a particular function, the control must be activated.

Operating Modes

Apollo Solo’s top panel has two operating modes: PREAMP and MONITOR. The function and availability of the top panel controls vary depending on the active operating mode. The active mode is selected with the PREAMP and MONITOR buttons. Press the button to activate the mode. Each mode is explained in greater detail below.

Tip: All top panel functions can be operated at the same time (without switching modes) from within the companion Console software application.

PREAMP Mode

When Apollo Solo is in preamp mode, the top panel controls adjust the input functions only. To adjust any input function, press the PREAMP button to enter preamp mode and activate the input channel controls.

Important: Apollo Solo must be in PREAMP mode to adjust input channel

settings with the hardware controls. Input settings can be adjusted with the Console software application when Apollo Solo is not in preamp mode.

Preamp Channels

Apollo Solo has two independent analog input channels. Each input channel has a preampliﬁer. Both input channels can be independently controlled and used at the same time for A/D conversion.

Preamp Controls

Apollo Solo has one set of input channel preamp controls. The input channel controls adjust all preamp functions for the currently selected input channel. The other input channel preamp can be adjusted by changing the selected channel.

Apollo Solo Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 25

Selected Channel

The currently selected input channel is shown by the CH1 and CH2 indicators at the upper left of the main display panel, above the input meters, as shown at right. The top panel controls adjust the functions of the currently selected channel only.

Important: To adjust an input channel’s settings, that input channel

must be selected. The currently selected channel may need to be

Selected channel

indicators

changed to the other channel.

Changing Channels

When in preamp mode, press the PREAMP button to change the selected input channel so its controls can be adjusted. Press PREAMP again to switch the selected channel back to the other channel.

Tip: When in PREAMP mode, pressing the main LEVEL knob also changes the selected channel.

Input Source

The Mic, Line, or Hi-Z inputs are routed into the input channel’s preampliﬁer. The active input source is shown by the indicators below the input meters, as shown at right.

Input source indicators

The Mic or Line input source is selected by the pressing the INPUT button when the channel is selected. The Hi-Z input (available on channel 1 only) is automatically selected when an instrument cable is plugged into the Hi-Z input on the front panel.

Note: Only one input source at a time (Mic, Line, or Hi-Z) can be used as the channel’s input source.

Preamp Gain

When an input channel is selected, its input gain is adjusted with the main LEVEL knob. Preamp gain is applied to the Mic, Line, or Hi-Z input of the selected channel.

Preamp Options

Each input channel has six preamp options. The preamp options for the currently selected input channel are enabled using the row of six buttons at the bottom of the top panel when in PREAMP mode.

Preamp options display

The current state of the preamp options is displayed by the six options indicators (shown above) at the bottom of main display. Available options are dim when inactive, bright when enabled, and unlit when unavailable.

Note: Not all preamp options are available with all input types. For speciﬁc details, see the Top Panel section later in this chapter.

Apollo Solo Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 26

MONITOR Mode

When Apollo Solo is in monitor mode, all top panel controls are related to output functions only. To adjust any output function, press the MONITOR button to enter monitor mode and activate the monitor controls.

Important: Apollo Solo must be in MONITOR mode to adjust the volume

of the monitor and headphone outputs with the hardware controls. Monitor volume can be adjusted with the Console software application when Apollo Solo is not in monitor mode.

Stereo Outputs

Apollo Solo has two stereo outputs that can be controlled with the top panel hardware: MONITOR and HEADPHONE. These two stereo outputs are independently controlled.

Output Volume

The LEVEL knob is used to set the volume level for each stereo output independently. The LEVEL knob adjusts the volume of the currently selected output only.

Output Selection

The currently selected output is shown by the MONITOR and HEADPHONE indicators at the right of the main display, above and below the output meters.

When in monitor mode, press the MONITOR button to change the selected output. Press MONITOR again to switch back to the other output.

Monitor Mute

When MONITOR is selected, press the LEVEL knob to mute (silence) the stereo monitor outputs. Press the LEVEL knob again to unmute the monitor outputs. The green level indicators (the ring of LEDs around the LEVEL knob) and the monitor output selection indicator are RED when the monitor outputs are muted.

LED ring showing monitor outputs unmuted (left) and muted (right)

Output selection

indicators

Apollo Solo Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 27

Top Panel

Refer to the illustration below for descriptions in this section.

Top panel elements

(1) LEVEL Knob & Switch

The LEVEL knob & switch controls multiple functions. The knob’s current function is selected with the MONITOR (3) and PREAMP (4) buttons.

Monitor Mode

When in MONITOR Mode (3), rotate clockwise to increase the monitor output level or headphone output level, depending on which output (10 or 12) is selected with the MONITOR (3) button.

When MONITOR (10) is selected in monitor mode, press to mute/unmute the monitor outputs.

Note: MUTE does not apply to the headphone output.

Preamp Mode

When in PREAMP Mode (4), rotate the knob clockwise to increase the amount of preamp gain for the currently selected input channel.

Tip: When in preamp mode, press to toggle between selection of channels 1 & 2.

Unison Integration

The LEVEL knob can be used to control Unison-enabled UAD preamp plug-ins. See the Unison chapter for complete details.

Apollo Solo Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 28

(2) PREAMP Gain & Volume Level Indicator LEDs

a b c d e f

The LEDs around the LEVEL knob indicate the relative level of the selected function (input preamp gain or monitor/headphone volume).

Note: The indicator LEDs are RED when MONITOR (3) is selected and MUTE is active.

(3) MONITOR Button

Press this button to enter MONITOR mode for controlling the monitor and headphone functions. Press again to alternate between control of MONITOR and HEADPHONE volumes with the LEVEL knob (1).

Tip: Indicators (10) and (12) determine which volume (monitor or headphone) is being controlled with the LEVEL knob (1).

(4) PREAMP Button

Press this button to enter PREAMP mode and activate the input channel controls. Press again to alternate between channels 1 & 2.

Tip: When in preamp mode, press the LEVEL knob (1) to toggle between selection of channels 1 & 2.

(5) Preamp Option Buttons

These six buttons control the Preamp Options (a through f on following page) when the input channel is selected (7). The preamp option is active when its indicator is lit. When MONITOR (10) or HEADPHONE (12) is selected, the preamp options cannot be modiﬁed and the options display (13) is unlit. See the next page for preamp option descriptions.

Preamp option buttons

Unison Integration

In PREAMP mode, the option buttons can be used to control Unison-enabled UAD plug-ins. See the Unison chapter for complete details.

(6) Display Panel

This panel displays the status of various Apollo Solo functions. See Display Panel for detailed descriptions of all panel elements.

Apollo Solo Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 29

Preamp Options

The option buttons control the PREAMP options (labeled a through f below) for an input channel when that channel is selected (7) with the PREAMP button (4). A preamp option is active when its indicator (13) in the display is lit, and inactive when the indicator is dim. If the indicator is unlit, the option is unavailable.

Note: In MONITOR Mode, the preamp options cannot be modiﬁed and all preamp options in the display are unlit.

a b c d e f

Preamp options

(a) INPUT Select

Selects the active input source jack for the channel. Press to alternate between the mic and line inputs. The current selection is displayed by the input source indicators (7).

The Hi-Z input is selected automatically whenever a ¼” mono (tip-sleeve) plug is connected to the front panel’s Hi-Z Instrument jack (14).

Note: Hi-Z instrument input is available for channel 1 only.

(b) FILTER

Enables a low cut (high pass) rumble ﬁlter with a cutoff frequency of 75 Hz.

Enables +48 Volt phantom power for the mic input. Phantom power is typically needed for condenser microphones. +48V is available for the microphone inputs only.

Caution: To avoid potential equipment damage, disable +48V phantom power on

the channel before connecting or disconnecting its XLR input.

(d) PAD

Attenuates (lowers) the mic input signal level by 20 dB. Pad is unavailable for the line inputs and the Hi-Z instrument input.

(e) POLARITY Ø

Inverts the polarity (aka phase) of the input signal. Polarity inversion can help reduce phase cancellations when more than one microphone is used to record a single source.

(f) LINK

Links input channels 1 and 2 as a stereo pair. When the inputs are stereo linked, all input control adjustments are applied to both input channels equally.

Note: The Hi-Z instrument input cannot be linked to a mic or line input. Therefore, LINK cannot be activated when a plug is inserted in the Hi-Z jack (14).

Apollo Solo Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 30

Display Panel

Refer to the illustration below for descriptions in this section.

Display panel elements

(7) Channel Selection Indicators

The currently selected input channel is indicated by the lit channel name above its input meter (CH1 or CH2). Press the PREAMP button (4) to switch between channels 1 & 2.

(8) Input Meters

These meters display the incoming signal level for input channels 1 & 2. Reduce the channel’s preamp gain (see Setting Hardware Input/Output Levels) if its red clip LED illuminates.

(9) Input Source Indicators

These indicators show which input source (MIC, LINE, or HI-Z) is active for the selected channel. Use the Input Select button (5-a) to change the input source.

Note: Hi-Z instrument input is available for channel 1 only.

(10) Monitor Selected Indicator

When lit, the LEVEL knob (1) controls volume the monitor outputs (17). Press the MONITOR button (3) to activate the monitor controls if this indicator is not already lit.

Note: The MONITOR indicator (10) is RED when the monitor outputs are muted.

(11) Stereo Output Meters

These meters display the main stereo signal output levels.* Output meter levels are independent of monitor and headphone volume levels. If a red “C” (clip) LED at the top of the Output Meters illuminates, reduce levels feeding the output(s).

*Exception: If HEADPHONE is currently selected (12) and the Headphone Source within the CUE OUTPUTS window in the Console software application is set to HP, these output meters indicate the level being sent to the headphone bus via Console’s headphone sends and/or the DAW.

Apollo Solo Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 31

(12) Headphone Selected Indicator

When lit, the LEVEL knob (1) controls the volume of the headphone output (15). Press the MONITOR button (3) to light this indicator and activate headphone volume control (you may need to push it twice).

(13) Preamp Options Display

This area displays the status of the six preamp options, which are controlled by the six preamp option buttons (5). Three status indications are possible:

Bright – The preamp option is active.

Dim – The preamp option is inactive.

Off – The preamp option is not available.

Front Panel

Refer to the illustration below for descriptions in this section.

Front panel connectors

(14) Hi-Z Instrument Input

Connect any guitar, bass, or other high impedance instrument here. This jack automatically overrides the channel 1 mic and line inputs on the rear panel.

Levels for the Hi-Z instrument input are set using the same method as the mic and line inputs.

Note: This jack accepts a ¼” mono (tip-sleeve) plug only.

(15) Headphone Output

Connect ¼” stereo headphones here. Volume is set with the LEVEL knob (1) when HEADPHONE (12) is selected with the MONITOR button (3).

Apollo Solo Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 32

Rear Panel

Refer to the illustration below for control descriptions in this section.

Note: All rear panel ¼” jacks can accept unbalanced TS (tip-sleeve) or balanced TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) connections.

16 17 18

Rear panel connectors

(16) Thunderbolt 3 Port

Connect the Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included) here. A Thunderbolt 3 connection to the host computer is required to use Apollo Solo.

Thunderbolt 3 Port Notes:

• Apollo Solo requires a built-in Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C port for the computer connection.

• Although Thunderbolt 3 always uses USB-C connectors, not all USB-C computer ports are Thunderbolt 3 ports.

• Apollo Solo is incompatible with Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 computer ports, even if an adapter is used.

• See About Thunderbolt 3 Power and About Thunderbolt 3 Ports and Cables for related information.

(17) Monitor Outputs

Connect powered monitor speakers (or an ampliﬁer+speaker system) here. Volume is set with the LEVEL knob (1) when MONITOR is selected (10) with the MONITOR button (3).

Caution: Before powering Apollo Solo, lower the volume of the monitor speakers

and remove headphones from your ears.

(18) Mic/Line Inputs 1 & 2

The female combo jacks for channels 1 & 2 accept either a male XLR plug for connecting to the mic input, or a ¼” phone plug for connecting to the line input.

The input jack that is used for the channel (MIC or LINE) is speciﬁed with the Input Select button (5-a).

Caution: To avoid potential equipment damage, disable +48V phantom power on

the channel before connecting or disconnecting its XLR input.

Apollo Solo Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 33

Apollo Solo System Overview

To get the most from your Apollo Solo and UAD plug-ins, it helps to have an understanding of the overall Apollo Solo system. This chapter provides an overview of the Apollo Solo hardware and software components.

Apollo Solo Hardware

Thunderbolt 3 Bus Powered Audio Interface for Mac & Windows

First and foremost, Apollo Solo is a premium 2 x 4 bus-powered Thunderbolt 3 desktop audio interface with best-in-class 24-bit/192 kHz conversion. Apollo Solo connects to the inputs and outputs of other audio gear to perform analog-to-digital (A/D) and digitalto-analog (D/A) audio conversion of the gear’s signals. The converted digital audio signals are routed into and out of a Thunderbolt 3 host computer via the high-speed PCIe protocol, which is carried over a single Thunderbolt 3 cable along with power for the unit.

Apollo Solo leverages Universal Audio’s expertise in DSP acceleration, UAD plug-ins, and analog hardware design by integrating the latest cutting edge technologies in highperformance A/D–D/A conversion, DSP signal reconstruction, and connectivity.

Integrated UAD-2 DSP Accelerator

Apollo Solo includes a built-in SOLO core UAD-2 DSP accelerator that performs digital signal processing using Universal Audio’s acclaimed UAD Powered Plug-Ins. UAD plug-ins provide the world’s best emulations of vintage and modern analog and digital hardware.

UAD plug-ins can run in Apollo Solo’s Console software for realtime signal processing with indiscernible latency, delivering the ultimate sonic experience to artists while monitoring and/or tracking. UAD plug-ins can also be used within a DAW during mixdown and mastering.

Note: As with other UAD-2 and Apollo devices, Apollo Solo can only load UAD plug-ins, which are speciﬁcally designed to run on UAD-2 DSP accelerators. Native (host CPU-based) plug-ins cannot run on Apollo Solo’s UAD-2 DSP.

System Expansion

Apollo Solo is compatible with Universal Audio’s family of UAD-2 DSP Accelerator and Apollo audio interface products, allowing you add UAD DSP and I/O as your needs grow.

Various Universal Audio products are available to accommodate your particular computer system, processing needs, and budget. For the complete product lineup, visit the UA website at www.uaudio.com.

Apollo Solo Manual Apollo Solo System Overview 34

Apollo Solo Software

Apollo Solo has several software components that are part the complete Apollo Solo system. A brief description of each component is provided below, along with a link to complete details about the component.

Console Application

The included Console application is Apollo Solo’s software interface. Console controls Apollo Solo’s input monitoring, Realtime UAD Processing, Unison technology, audio interface hardware settings, and more. Console’s analog-style workﬂow is designed to provide quick access to the most commonly needed features in a familiar, easy-to-use mixer interface.

Console is the key to unleashing the power of Apollo Solo. For an overview of the application, see Console Overview. For complete details about every available function, see Console Reference.

Important Fundamental Concept: The primary function of Console is to control

Apollo’s low-latency hardware input monitoring, Unison plug-ins, and Realtime UAD Processing with third-party DAWs (such as Pro Tools or Cubase). Console or LUNA Recording System must be used to take advantage of these features.

Console application

Apollo Solo Manual Apollo Solo System Overview 35

Realtime UAD Processing

Apollo Solo can process UAD Powered Plug-Ins with sub-2ms latency, delivering the ultimate sonic experience while monitoring and/or tracking your performance. This feature is named Realtime UAD Processing.

Realtime UAD Processing is a special function that is only available within Console. This function is completely independent of the DAW’s I/O hardware buffer size setting, so even when the I/O buffer setting is high — where any plug-ins in a DAW have noticeable latency — UAD plug-in latency is still indiscernible.

With Realtime UAD Processing, up to ﬁve UAD plug-ins can be stacked in series without

any increase in latency, for ﬂexible and complex signal processing chains. Realtime UAD

Processing is automatically active with every UAD plug-in that’s inserted in Console. To learn more, see Console Plug-In Inserts.

Unison Technology

Unison™ is an exclusive analog/digital integration system built into Apollo Solo’s microphone preampliﬁers. Unison is an audio processing breakthrough that starts right at the source, the input stage, allowing Apollo Solo’s mic preamps to sound and behave like the world’s most sought-after tube and solid state preamps, guitar amps, and pedals — including their all-important impedance, gain stage “sweet spots,” and component-level circuit behaviors.

Unison is activated when a UAD Unison plug-in is loaded in Console’s dedicated Unison insert slot. To learn more, see Unison.

Console Recall Plug-In

Console Recall is a special DAW plug-in supplied in VST, Audio Units, and AAX 64 formats. Console Recall offers additional convenience when using Apollo Solo and/or the Console application in conjunction with a DAW.

The Console Recall plug-in does not process audio. Instead, the primary function of Console Recall is to store complete Console conﬁgurations within the DAW project ﬁle. It also provides access to key Console functions (monitor volume, mono, and mute) without leaving the DAW. To learn more, see Console Recall Plug-In.

Console Recall plug-in

Apollo Solo Manual Apollo Solo System Overview 36

UAD Meter & Control Panel Application

The UAD Meter & Control Panel application is used to conﬁgure global UAD-2 system functions and monitor UAD-2 DSP resources (including multiple devices, if connected). The application also facilitates authorization of UAD plug-ins and UAD-2 devices.

The application consists of two components: The UAD Meter, and the UAD Control Panels. To learn more, see UAD Meter & Control Panel.

UAD Meter

The UAD Meter displays the current UAD plug-in DSP and memory loads of all active UAD-2 hardware. These meters are also present at the bottom of the Console application window.

Note: Apollo Solo uses DSP and memory for its internal DSP mixer. Therefore, the UAD meter displays DSP and memory usage even when UAD plug-ins are not in use.

UAD Meter

UAD Control Panels

The UAD Control Panel window has multiple panels that display, and enable control of, the various UAD-2 system, plug-in, and global conﬁguration parameters.

The screenshot below shows the System Info panel, one of four control panel windows in the UAD Meter & Control Panel application.

UAD Control Panel with System Info panel selected

Apollo Solo Manual Apollo Solo System Overview 37

UAD Powered Plug-Ins

UAD plug-ins are the software titles containing audio signal processing algorithms such as compressors, equalizers, mic preamps, guitar amps, and special effects. Each UAD plug-in contains various control parameters that can be adjusted to achieve the desired sonic results.

The Authentic Sound of Analog

From project studios to multi-platinum mix engineers, UAD Powered Plug-Ins have been winning over audio professionals for more than 15 years with their stunning analog sound. The UAD library now features more than 90 plug-ins, co-created with the biggest brands in audio. Developed by UA’s world-renowned team of DSP engineers, UAD plug-ins set the standard by which all other audio plug-ins are judged.

Typical UAD plug-in interface

Plug-In Host Applications

UAD plug-ins are loaded within a host application (such as Apollo Solo’s Console or a DAW) for signal processing of the host’s audio signals on Apollo Solo’s integrated UAD-2 DSP accelerator. UAD plug-ins are typically used in Console for Realtime UAD Processing when monitoring and tracking, and in a DAW when mixing and mastering. UAD plug-ins are provided in VST, AAX-64, and Audio Units formats for compatibility with all major DAWs.

Tip: When loaded in Apollo Solo’s Console application, UAD plug-ins run in real time, with indiscernible latency, completely independent of the DAW’s I/O buffer size setting.

Bundled & Optional Plug-Ins

Apollo Solo includes a variety of UAD plug-ins bundled with the device, and optional UAD plug-in licenses can be purchased at the UA online store.

Try Before You Buy

All optional UAD plug-ins UAD plug-ins can be evaluated without functional limitations for 14 days in trial demo mode.

Apollo Solo Manual Apollo Solo System Overview 38

Apollo Audio Interfaces

Apollo is Universal Audio’s line of high-resolution audio interfaces with class-leading sound quality, Realtime UAD Processing, and elegant hardware design and workﬂow. Apollo Thunderbolt models include the Apollo Solo, Apollo Twin X, and Apollo x4 desktop interfaces, and the Apollo X Series rackmount interfaces.

Apollo Solo can be combined with Apollo Thunderbolt interfaces to increase I/O channel counts and UAD DSP processing power as your system needs grow. Up to six UAD devices can connected in one system. See the UA Knowledge Base for speciﬁc details about multi-device compatibility for each model.

UAD Software Installer

The UAD Powered Plug-Ins software installer contains all UA audio interface and UAD-2 software components and places them on the system drive during installation. These components include the Console and UAD Meter & Control Panel applications, all UAD plug-ins (including unlicensed plug-ins, UAD drivers, and documentation.

The UAD software installer supports all variations of UA audio interface and UAD-2 products. The most recent UAD software is always recommended so you’ll have access to the latest UAD plug-ins and platform updates. The latest software is available at www.uaudio.com.

Apollo Solo Manual Apollo Solo System Overview 39

LUNA Recording System

LUNA is the ﬁrst recording platform with deep Apollo integration. LUNA transforms Apollo interfaces into the most inspiring and fully-integrated Mac-based recording systems on the planet.

LUNA gives Apollo owners the fastest recording environment for music production, editing, and mixing. In addition to its seamless hardware-software integration with Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo and Arrow interfaces, LUNA Recording System allows capturing audio through DSP-powered UAD plug-ins with no discernible latency, as well as offering new Accelerated Realtime Monitoring™ — which provides analog-style tracking and overdubbing workﬂows using Apollo’s onboard DSP acceleration.

LUNA is included FREE with your Apollo purchase. Visit the LUNA product page for more information:

www.uaudio.com/luna

Apollo Solo Manual Apollo Solo System Overview 40

UA Account & Store

UA Account

Your Universal Audio account is where all your UAD devices, and their associated UAD plug-ins, are registered and managed.

An account is required to download UAD software, register and authorize your Apollo Solo hardware, claim bundled UAD plug-ins, and receive customer support.

UA Store

The Universal Audio online store is where optional UAD plug-in licenses are purchased and UA coupons are redeemed. For related information, see UA Account & Store.

UAD Authorization

UAD plug-ins must be authorized before they will process audio. UAD plug-ins in your UA account are authorized automatically (internet connection required).

Note that UAD plug-in authorizations are stored on the UAD device, not the computer. If the device is moved to a different computer, it’s not necessary to reauthorize the device.

When an optional UAD plug-in license is purchased at the UA store, it needs to be manually authorized. The store shows you how, or see UAD Authorization Procedure for instructions.

Note: When an optional UAD plug-in license is purchased, you don’t download that individual plug-in. Instead, you reauthorize the system, which activates the UAD plug-in that is already installed.

UA Website

UA Blog

The blogs at www.uaudio.com contain a wealth of information about UA products and how to use them. In-depth artist interviews and how-to videos are routinely published.

UA Knowledge Base

UA’s Knowledge Base is your complete technical resource for the latest compatibility information, setup videos, customer support, and more. See the Technical Support page for details.

Technical Support

For additional resources such as setup/operation videos, the UA Knowledge Base, user community forums, or if you need to contact Universal Audio for assistance, see the

Technical Support page.

Apollo Solo Manual Apollo Solo System Overview 41

Working With Apollo Solo

Apollo Solo is a ﬂexible audio interface and DSP accelerator that can be used in many ways. This chapter explains how to setup and use Apollo Solo and Console in digital audio environments.

Each chapter section covers the area of functionality listed below. Click a blue page number to jump directly to the section for details.

Tip: The Apollo Solo System Overview provides an introduction to the UAD environment.

In This Chapter:

Essential Apollo Solo Concepts 43

The DAW Environment 43

Setting the DAW to use Apollo Solo I/O 45

Specifying the Audio Interface Device 45

Accessing Apollo Solo’s I/O in the DAW 48

Selecting Apollo Solo’s Inputs and Outputs 48 Available I/O 48 Default Outputs 48 Apollo Solo I/O Driver Names 49 I/O Numbers versus Names 49

Input Monitoring with the DAW 50

Use Software OR Hardware Input Monitoring 50 Disable Unused Input Monitoring System 50 How To Disable Software Input Monitoring 50 How To Disable Hardware Input Monitoring 53 Input Monitoring Tips 53

Using Console with the DAW 54

Controlling Apollo Solo’s Unique Functions 54 Sharing UAD Resources 54 Saving Console Setups Within DAW 54 Routing and Recording Console I/O 55 DAW Mixdown and Console 55

UAD Plug-Ins: Console versus DAW 56

UAD Processing in Console (Realtime) 56 UAD Processing in DAW (Buffered) 57 UAD Processing in both Console and DAW 57

Virtual I/O 58

Routing DAW Outputs to Console Inputs 59 Routing Console Outputs to DAW Inputs 59 Virtual I/O Examples 60

Using Apollo Solo for System Sound I/O .....

System Sound Routing 61 Setting System Sound I/O (Mac) 62 Setting System Sound I/O (Windows) 63 Windows ASIO versus WDM 63 Windows WDM System Sound Notes 64

Using Apollo Solo Without Audio Software ..

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 42

Essential Apollo Solo Concepts

Apollo Solo’s basic audio interface functionality with a DAW operates the same as other typical (non-DSP) interfaces. However, Apollo Solo has unique features in addition to those of a typical audio interface.

To take advantage of Apollo Solo’s unique low-latency input monitoring, Realtime UAD Processing, and UAD-2 DSP accelerator features, there are some core differences in how to operate the DAW with Apollo Solo versus most audio interfaces.

The companion Console application is used to control Apollo Solo’s unique features. Understanding the interactions between Apollo Solo, Console, and the DAW will help you optimize workﬂows.

Note: To learn how to operate the DAW with basic audio interface functionality, consult the DAW documentation.

The DAW Environment

To get the most from your Apollo Solo system and LUNA Recording System, it will help to understand the core concepts and terms below, which are integral to digital audio workstation workﬂows. These terms are used when describing how to operate Apollo Solo and Console.

Input Monitoring

Input Monitoring is the process of listening to live inputs, such as when an artist is performing with a musical instrument and/or vocals. When the artist has great input monitoring, they may deliver a more inspired performance.

Generally speaking, you’ll want to use Console or LUNA for input monitoring when working with a DAW so you can take advantage of Apollo Solo’s Realtime UAD Processing for great input sounds.

Input Latency

Various sources of audio latency (time delay) are inherent in all digital audio systems. However, latency is normally only an issue when an artist is input monitoring their performance through headphones or speakers.

If what is heard in headphones arrives later than when the sound is produced, the performance may be compromised. Using Console or LUNA eliminates input latency when monitoring, tracking, and/or overdubbing with a DAW.

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I/O Buffering

I/O buffering is the shuttling of audio data back and forth between the DAW and the audio interface. The DAW’s I/O buffer size setting determines the amount of input latency when software monitoring via the DAW. Smaller buffer sizes reduce latency, but increases CPU loading of the host computer. Lower buffer sizes do not increase UAD DSP loads.

Using Console or LUNA to control Apollo Solo’s input hardware monitoring completely bypasses DAW I/O buffering, so there is no input latency, regardless of DAW’s I/O buffer size setting.

Note: LUNA Recording System manages I/O buffer settings automatically.

Software Input Monitoring

Software input monitoring refers to using the DAW’s software mixer for monitoring live inputs instead of hardware input monitoring via the audio interface. Software input monitoring allows plug-ins (UAD or otherwise) loaded in a DAW to process live inputs, but the monitored signals are subject to the input latency caused by DAW I/O buffering.

Note: The DAW’s software input monitoring feature is enabled by default. To prevent doubled signals at Apollo Solo’s outputs when software monitoring via the DAW, Apollo Solo’s hardware monitoring must be disabled by muting Console’s inputs.

Hardware Input Monitoring

Hardware input monitoring means an audio interface’s inputs are routed directly to its outputs, which avoids discernible audio latency by eliminating DAW I/O buffering. Apollo Solo features low-latency hardware input monitoring via its internal digital mixer, which is controlled by Apollo Solo’s companion Console or LUNA applications.

Note: Apollo Solo’s hardware input monitoring is active by default. To prevent signal doubling at Apollo Solo’s outputs when hardware input monitoring via Apollo Solo’s Console, the DAW’s software input monitoring feature must be disabled.

Delay Compensation

Various sources of input and output latency are inherent in complex digital audio environments. However, when the DAW and Console are properly conﬁgured and operated, all time and phase alignment of all audio within a session is managed automatically by the DAW’s delay compensation feature. See Delay Compensation with

Apollo Solo and Latency Basics for more information.

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Setting the DAW to use Apollo Solo I/O

Apollo Solo’s Core Audio and ASIO device drivers enable the device to be used as the audio interface hardware for any compatible Core Audio or ASIO DAW. After the DAW is set to use Apollo Solo as the audio interface hardware device, the DAW can directly access and route the audio signals at Apollo Solo’s inputs and outputs.

Specifying the Audio Interface Device

To set Apollo Solo as the DAW’s audio interface, select Apollo Solo’s device driver name as the audio device in the DAW’s hardware setup preferences. The name of Apollo Solo’s device driver is Universal Audio Thunderbolt.

The methods for specifying the audio interface hardware device, and the name of the setting, are different for each DAW. Examples of how to specify the audio interface within major DAWs are provided below. For more speciﬁc details, refer to the DAW documentation.

Tip: For helpful videos that show how to setup popular DAWs with Apollo Solo, visit the UA Knowledge Base at help.uaudio.com.

Steinberg Cubase

1. Open the Device Setup window.

2. Select VST Audio System in the Devices column (left side of window).

3. Locate the ASIO Driver menu under VST Audio System (right side of window).

4. Select Universal Audio Thunderbolt from the ASIO Driver drop menu.

5. Click Apply. Cubase is now set to use Apollo Solo I/O.

Apollo Solo selected as the VST Audio System device in Cubase Device Setup

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 45

Apple Logic Pro X

1. Open the Preferences > Audio > Devices window.

2. Select Universal Audio Thunderbolt from the Output Device and Input Device drop menus.

3. Click Apply Changes. Logic Pro is now set to use Apollo Solo I/O.

Apollo Solo selected as the output and input device in Logic Pro preferences

Ableton Live

1. Open the Preferences window.

2. Select the Audio tab at left side of the Preferences window.

3. Select Universal Audio Thunderbolt from the Audio Input Device and Audio Output Device drop menus. Live is now set to use Apollo Solo I/O.

Apollo Solo selected as the audio input and output device in Ableton Live preferences

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 46

Avid Pro Tools

1. Open the Setup > Playback Engine window.

2. Select Universal Audio Thunderbolt from the Playback Engine drop menu.

3. Click OK. Pro Tools is now set to use Apollo Solo I/O.

Apollo Solo selected as the Playback Engine in Pro Tools

Universal Audio LUNA Recording System

When LUNA is launched, Apollo is detected and conﬁgured automatically.

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 47

Accessing Apollo Solo’s I/O in the DAW

After Setting the DAW to use Apollo Solo I/O/O, the DAW can access and route all of Apollo Solo’s inputs and outputs directly.

Selecting Apollo Solo’s Inputs and Outputs

The methods for selecting channel inputs and outputs are different for each DAW. One example of how to choose I/O is shown below. For instructions, refer to the DAW documentation.

Apollo Solo’s inputs (left) and outputs (right) as they appear when selecting I/O in Logic Pro X

Available I/O

Apollo Solo’s available inputs and outputs, along with their default channel names are numbers, are listed in the Driver I/O Table.

Available I/O includes Apollo Solo’s physical inputs and outputs, as well as its virtual inputs and outputs. Virtual I/O are software-only channels for digitally routing DAW audio into and out of Console. See Virtual I/O for more information.

Tip: Apollo Solo’s I/O routes and I/O channel names can be customized in the I/O Matrix panel within the Console Settings window.

Default Outputs

The main stereo outputs of a DAW usually output to channels 1 and 2 by default. Because channels 1 and 2 correspond to Apollo Solo’s main outputs, the DAW’s main outputs are sent to Apollo Solo’s main outputs by default. The channels used for DAW output can usually be changed within the DAW settings.

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 48

Apollo Solo I/O Driver Names

Each Apollo Solo input and output has a channel number and name provided by the Apollo Solo drivers to Core Audio and ASIO. Depending on the DAW (see Numbers versus Names below), these channel numbers and/or names are used when selecting and displaying Apollo Solo I/O.

I/O Numbers versus Names

Apollo Solo’s drivers describe all I/O channels by name and number, but what is actually displayed depends on each particular DAW. Names are not displayed by all DAWs (e.g., Ableton Live), or the driver name display mode can be changed within the DAW (e.g., Apple Logic Pro X).

All Apollo Solo driver default I/O numbers and names are listed in the Driver I/O Table. These values can be used to reference speciﬁc Apollo Solo inputs or outputs by name when selecting I/O in an application that does not display the driver names.

Tip: Apollo Solo’s I/O routes and I/O names can be customized in the I/O Matrix

Panel within the Console Settings window.

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 49

Input Monitoring with the DAW

Input monitoring is the process of listening to live inputs, such as when an artist is performing with a musical instrument and/or vocals. When using Apollo Solo with a DAW, there are two ways to monitor inputs:

Software Input Monitoring via DAW– The DAW’s software mixer is used to control input monitoring and plug-in processing. Inputs are subject to DAW I/O buffering latency.

Hardware Input Monitoring via Console or LUNA – Console or LUNA is used to control Apollo Solo’s low-latency hardware input monitoring and Realtime UAD Processing. Inputs are routed directly to outputs, bypassing DAW I/O buffering latency.

Use Software OR Hardware Input Monitoring

When monitoring live inputs, it’s important that only one input monitoring system is active. If software and hardware input monitoring are both active, the input signal(s) will be heard twice at Apollo Solo’s outputs — ﬁrst from Console’s low-latency mix, and shortly thereafter from the DAW’s I/O buffered (higher latency) software mix. Doubled signals can cause undesirable “thin” sounds or other anomalies due to phase cancellations.

Tip: Use Console for hardware input monitoring to take advantage of Apollo Solo’s low-latency monitoring and Realtime UAD Processing features.

Disable Unused Input Monitoring System

By default, the DAW’s software input monitoring and Console’s hardware monitoring are both enabled. Therefore, one of the input monitoring systems must be manually disabled to prevent doubled signals at Apollo Solo’s outputs. Instructions are provided in following sections.

Important: To prevent doubled signals at Apollo Solo’s outputs when input

monitoring via Apollo Solo’s Console, DAW software input monitoring must be disabled. Conversely, if DAW software input monitoring is enabled, Apollo Solo’s hardware input monitoring must be disabled by muting Console’s inputs.

How To Disable Software Input Monitoring

To prevent doubled signals at Apollo Solo’s outputs when hardware monitoring live inputs via Console, the DAW’s software input monitoring feature must be disabled. Note that DAW software input monitoring is usually enabled by default in the DAW’s settings.

The methods for disabling DAW software input monitoring, and the name of the setting, are different for each DAW. Examples of how to disable software input monitoring within major DAWs are provided below. For more speciﬁc details, refer to the DAW’s documentation.

Note: Some DAWs have multiple ways to disable software input monitoring.

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 50

Steinberg Cubase Auto Monitoring

Select Manual

Checked

1. Open the Preferences window.

2. Click VST in the left column of the Preferences window.

3. Select Manual from the Auto Monitoring drop menu.

Select Manual

Cubase: Set Auto Monitoring to Manual in VST preferences

Apple Logic Pro X Software Monitoring

1. Open Preferences > Audio > General.

2. Deselect (uncheck) the Software Monitoring option.

Uncheck

Logic Pro X: Uncheck Software Monitoring in audio preferences

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 51

Ableton Live Monitor Mode

1. In the View menu, ensure the Mixer and In/Out options are checked so you can see the monitoring buttons. If in Arrangement View, unfold and resize the track to see the In/Out section.

2. Click the Off button in the Monitor section within the In/Out options. The button is orange when software monitoring is disabled.

Tip: If multiple tracks are selected, pressing an Off button applies the selection to all selected tracks.

Ableton Live: Set Monitor to Off in mixer In/Out section

Avid Pro Tools Low Latency Monitoring

1. Assign each track output to either Output 1 or Output 2 (mono), or both (stereo). Only tracks assigned to these outputs use Low Latency Monitoring.

2. Record enable audio track(s) by clicking their Record Enable buttons.

3. Select Options > Low Latency Monitoring. Software monitoring is disabled when Low Latency Monitoring is checked in the Options menu.

Checked

Pro Tools: Low Latency Monitoring checked under Options menu

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 52

How To Disable Hardware Input Monitoring

To prevent doubled signals at Apollo Solo’s outputs when software input monitoring via the DAW, Apollo Solo’s hardware input monitoring feature via Console must be disabled. Note that Console input monitoring is enabled by default.

1. Open Console.

2. Mute input channels within Console by clicking the MUTE buttons so they are red.

Tip: In Console, option-click any input MUTE switch to quickly toggle the mute state of all input channels.

Console: Mute inputs when software monitoring via DAW

Input Monitoring Tips

• Use Console for front-end hardware input monitoring to eliminate I/O buffering latency caused by DAW software monitoring — regardless of the DAW’s buffer size setting.

• Prevent signal doubling at Apollo Solo’s outputs by allowing only Console’s hardware input monitoring or the DAW’s software input monitoring feature — not both at the same time. Signal doubling can make input signals sound “thin” due to phase cancellations and/or comb ﬁltering that occurs when two identical signals are mixed together and they are not phase-aligned.

• Route the DAW’s main outputs into Console’s virtual inputs via Virtual I/O when overdubbing so you can balance the levels of the DAW’s pre-recorded tracks with Apollo Solo’s live inputs — all within the Console mixer.

• If monitoring/recording a virtual software instrument in the DAW and you want to process the instrument with UAD plug-ins, route the output of the software instrument channel into Console’s virtual input(s) and apply the UAD plug-ins in Console instead of the DAW. This technique reduces latencies caused by I/O buffering.

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 53

Using Console with the DAW

The primary function of Console is the low-latency monitoring of Apollo Solo’s inputs during live performance, either with or without Realtime UAD Processing. When used with a DAW, Console controls front-end monitor mixing and signal processing, replacing the DAW’s software monitoring functions.

Important Fundamental Concept: The primary function of Console is to control

Disable DAW Input Monitoring when Input Monitoring via Console

When using Console for low-latency input monitoring and recording with a DAW, the DAW’s software input monitoring feature must be disabled to prevent doubled signals at Apollo Solo’s outputs. See How To Disable Software Input Monitoring for details and methods.

Disable Console Input Monitoring when Input Monitoring via DAW

When monitoring live inputs via the DAW’s software monitoring feature, Console’s inputs must be muted to prevent doubled signals at Apollo Solo’s outputs. See How To Disable

Hardware Input Monitoring for details and method.

Controlling Apollo Solo’s Unique Functions

Apollo Solo’s unique Unison and Realtime UAD Processing features are controlled by the Console application. These are special functions that are available only when UAD plugins are inserted within Console. To activate these features, simply insert UAD plug-ins within Console. See Console Plug-In Inserts for details.

Sharing UAD Resources

The UAD DSP resources that are available for UAD plug-in processing are shared between UAD plug-ins loaded within Console and UAD plug-ins loaded within the DAW.

To maximize UAD resources when monitoring and tracking live inputs, disable unused UAD plug-ins within the DAW. Conversely, when mixing, disable unused UAD plug-ins within Console.

Note: For important related information, see UAD Plug-Ins: Console versus DAW.

Saving Console Setups Within DAW

The Console Recall plug-in offers additional convenience when using Apollo Solo with a DAW. Console Recall is a utility plug-in that doesn’t process audio. Instead, it stores Console’s current conﬁguration within the DAW project ﬁle. When the saved DAW project is subsequently opened, the complete Console conﬁguration is restored.

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 54

The Console Recall plug-in also features Console monitor controls, enabling adjustments of level, mono, and mute without leaving the DAW. For details, see Console Recall

Plug-In.

Routing and Recording Console I/O

Recording Console Inputs

To record any Console input (physical or virtual), select the Console channel as the source for the DAW’s audio channel(s). See Accessing Apollo Solo’s I/O in the DAW for an example.

Recording Console Outputs

Console’s four stereo mix bus outputs (MON, HP, AUX 1, AUX 2) can be digitally routed into the DAW. This feature can be used, for example, to send Console’s stereo monitor mix, stereo headphone cue mix, and/or stereo AUX processing into the DAW for recording.

To record Console outputs, select the outputs as the source for the DAW’s audio channel(s). See Accessing Apollo Solo’s I/O in the DAW for details.

Route DAW Outputs Into Console

DAW output channel(s) can be digitally routed via software into Console’s virtual input channel(s). With this feature, DAW outputs can be used for routing and processing within Console, just as if they were physical inputs.

The Virtual I/O feature can be used for the DAW’s main stereo mix outputs, virtual instrument plug-in channels, or any other DAW output that can be assigned to hardware outputs.

To route DAW outputs into Console’s virtual inputs, select the virtual input as the output route for the DAW’s output channel(s). See Virtual I/O for details.

Recording Realtime UAD Processing

When monitoring Apollo Solo’s inputs with Realtime UAD Processing, those inputs can be recorded with processing (wet) or without processing (dry). This function is accomplished with the Insert Effects switch. See the Insert Effects Overview for details.

DAW Mixdown and Console

Console has less utility when mixing prerecorded tracks in the DAW. Because the DAW tracks are already recorded, input latency and I/O buffering are never an issue during mixdown, so Console’s input functions aren’t needed.

Note that Console’s conﬁguration does not need to be changed when moving between tracking and mixdown. Console simply remains idle, ready to monitor and process those last-minute takes when inspiration strikes.

Tip: The Console application can remain open or closed at any time. Console plugins and routings remain active even when the application is closed.

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 55

UAD Plug-Ins: Console versus DAW

There are important fundamental differences between using UAD plug-ins within Console versus within a DAW. Apollo Solo features two distinct methods for using UAD plug-ins:

Console processing (Realtime) – Low-latency hardware input monitoring and recording with Realtime UAD Processing via UAD plug-ins that are loaded within Console.

DAW processing (Buffered) – DSP-accelerated processing via UAD plug-ins in VST, AAX 64, or Audio Units formats that are loaded within a DAW.

These two methods are not a switched mode, but instead simply depend on which host application, either Console or a DAW, contains the UAD plug-in(s). Note that both methods can be used at the same time for maximum ﬂexibility. Each method is explained in greater detail below.

UAD Processing in Console (Realtime)

UAD plug-ins run in realtime, without discernible latency, only when used within Console. Hardware input monitoring with Realtime UAD Processing via Console is optimum for artists and engineers that need to monitor and capture performances without DAW I/O buffering latency and its associated hindrances.

Important: UAD plug-ins used within Console only run on the DSP within Apollo

Solo. If UAD-2 DSP accelerators are active in the same system, the DSP on those devices cannot be used to process UAD plug-ins in Console.

The special Realtime UAD Processing functionality is achieved via Apollo Solo’s unique ultra-low latency DSP+FPGA+Console design. Although every audio interface has undetectable latency that is inherent to the A/D–D/A process, routing Apollo Solo’s input signals through UAD plug-ins within Console does not add to this inherent latency.

Up to ﬁve UAD plug-in instances can be inserted serially (aka, stacked or chained) on each of Console’s inputs and/or auxiliary buses at the same time, without adding to the inherent A/D–D/A latency.

Console inputs and stereo mix buses (monitor, headphone, auxiliary), with or without Realtime UAD Processing, are routed into the DAW via Apollo Solo’s device drivers. These channels can be optionally recorded as either processed (wet) or unprocessed (dry) audio using the Insert Effects feature in Console (see Insert Effects Overview).

Console Processing Notes

• Console controls Apollo Solo’s Unison and Realtime UAD Processing features. These are special functions that are available only when UAD plug-ins are inserted within Console. To activate these features, simply insert UAD plug-ins within Console.

• As with all UAD devices, Apollo Solo can only load UAD plug-ins, which are speciﬁcally designed to run on UAD DSP. Host CPU-based (native) plug-ins cannot run on UAD DSP or be inserted in Console.

• Upsampled UAD plug-ins add negligible latency (usually indiscernible) when used within Console or a DAW. See Latency Basics for more information.

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 56

UAD Processing in DAW (Buffered)

When UAD plug-ins are used within compatible VST, AAX 64, or Audio Units host DAW applications (i.e., outside of Console), monitored input signals are subject to I/O buffering latency because the data must be shuttled back and forth between the DAW and the audio interface.

The amount of input latency depends on the I/O buffer size setting (including when plugins are not used, UAD or otherwise). As the buffer size is increased, more input latency is induced. At lower buffer sizes, input latency is reduced but the host computer’s CPU loads increase. With larger buffer sizes, input buffering latency makes software monitoring via the DAW mixer while recording live inputs less practical — if the sound is heard noticeably later than it is produced, it can compromise the performance.

Note that latency is not an issue during mixdown in a DAW because the performances are already captured. The beneﬁts of using Apollo Solo’s integrated DSP acceleration when mixing with UAD plug-ins in the DAW include the off-loading of plug-in processing from the host computer’s CPU, and the sonic rewards of UAD plug-ins.

DAW Processing Notes

• UAD plug-ins within a DAW are heard only when Apollo Solo and/or UAD-2 DSP accelerators are active in the system. UAD plug-ins can be loaded in a DAW when UAD DSP is unavailable, but they will not process audio.

• When monitoring or recording Apollo Solo’s inputs in a DAW, eliminate I/O buffering latency by using Console for hardware input monitoring and Realtime UAD Processing.

UAD Processing in both Console and DAW

UAD plug-ins can be used within Console and a DAW at the same time. In this scenario, Apollo Solo’s UAD DSP resources are shared between the two host applications. Realtime UAD Processing is available via Console, and I/O buffered (non-realtime) UAD processing is available via VST, AAX 64, or Audio Units plug-ins in the DAW.

Note: UAD plug-ins within a DAW can also run at the same time as native (host CPU based) plug-ins, in any combination.

Bypass UAD plug-ins within DAW when monitoring with Console

To maximize available DSP resources for UAD plug-in processing within Console when monitoring, power off or unload UAD plug-ins in the DAW.

Bypass Console plug-ins when mixing in DAW

To maximize available DSP resources for UAD plug-in processing within the DAW when mixing, power off or unload the UAD plug-ins in Console.

Tip: Use the “Disable All” feature within Console (see Channel Options) to quickly disable/enable all UAD plug-ins within Console.

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Virtual I/O

Apollo Solo’s device drivers carry various virtual (software only) input and output channels in addition to its physical hardware inputs and outputs. Virtual I/O enables digital routing of DAW signals back and forth between Console. The virtual channels consist of Console’s virtual inputs, Console’s virtual outputs, and all of Console’s MON, HP, and AUX mix bus outputs.

Flexible, Pristine Signal Routing

Virtual I/O facilitates highly ﬂexible signal routing via the DAW, without needing to reach behind gear for manual cable patching. Additionally, because the virtual I/O channel audio streams are in the digital domain, a pristine audio signal path is maintained by not requiring additional A/D–D/A conversions.

Virtual Inputs into Console

The virtual input channels enable any DAW output to be routed directly into Console’s virtual inputs so Realtime UAD Processing can be applied to the DAW signal(s).

Tip: This feature is particularly useful when performing live with virtual software instruments inserted in the DAW, because the throughput latency associated with I/O buffering is reduced in this conﬁguration.

Virtual Outputs into DAW

Virtual outputs enable any (or all) of Console’s virtual input channels, and the stereo MON, HP, and AUX mix bus outputs, to be directly routed to any DAW input so they can be recorded. With virtual outputs, it’s easy to capture Console signals, with or without Realtime UAD Processing.

Pro Tools screen shots showing signals being digitally routed from the

DAW into Console for monitoring and/or Realtime UAD Processing (left)

and from Console into the DAW for recording and/or further processing (right)

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Routing DAW Outputs to Console Inputs

To route a DAW output signal into Console for monitoring and/ Realtime UAD Processing, assign any Console virtual channel (or channel pair, when the DAW source is stereo) as the output device for any DAW track, bus, or output.

That DAW output signal then appears in the associated virtual input channel(s) in Console, and it can be processed or routed the same as Apollo Solo’s hardware inputs.

At Right: A stereo DAW channel’s outputs

assigned to Console’s virtual inputs

Routing Console Outputs to DAW Inputs

To route a Console output signal into the DAW so it can be recorded, assign any Console virtual channel (or channel pair, when the Console source is stereo) as the input source for any DAW input.

That Console signal can then be recorded or routed by the DAW as if it were a hardware input.

Tip: This technique can be used to re-capture and record (bounce) a software instrument performance that was virtually routed from the DAW into Console for Realtime UAD Processing.

At right: Console’s virtual outputs assigned to a DAW

channel’s input. Note that any output listed here

(including Console’s stereo MON, HP, and AUX mix

buses) can be used for DAW input.

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Virtual I/O Examples

Adjust DAW Levels Within Console

By default, the DAW’s main stereo outputs (the playback mix) is routed to Apollo Solo’s main outputs and blended with Console’s inputs, and the DAW playback level is adjusted with the DAW’s outputs controls.

By digitally routing the DAW playback mix into Console’s virtual input(s) with Virtual I/O, the DAW playback level can be adjusted with Console’s virtual input faders. This is particularly useful when overdubbing — you can balance the DAW playback level along with the live input levels without leaving Console.

Reduce UAD Processing Latency on Virtual Instruments

When playing a virtual software instrument plug-in via the DAW, the monitored performance is subject to I/O buffering latency. If the live instrument is processed by a UAD plug-in in the DAW, latency is further increased due to additional buffering to and from Apollo Solo’s DSP.

By digitally routing the live software instrument channel into Console’s virtual input(s) with Virtual I/O, the UAD plug-in(s) can be used inside Console for Realtime UAD Processing instead of the DAW’s buffered UAD plug-in processing. This setup reduces monitored input latency by more than half.

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Using Apollo Solo for System Sound I/O

Apollo Solo’s I/O can be used for the computer’s system sound audio. System sound audio I/O is used by music players, web browsers, system software alert sounds, and similar applications — essentially, any audio application that doesn’t access Apollo Solo’s Core Audio or ASIO drivers directly.

If an audio application doesn’t have its own setting for accessing an I/O device directly, it uses the device speciﬁed within the Sound control panel in the operating system. When Apollo Solo is set as the audio I/O device in the OS, any audio software that uses system sound will use Apollo Solo for I/O.

Important: To prevent system sounds from being inadvertently routed into Apollo

Solo’s outputs and/or DAW recordings, setting Apollo Solo as the output device for system sounds is generally not recommended when using a DAW.

System Sound Routing

When the OS is set to use Apollo Solo for system sound I/O, audio levels are controlled by the audio application, Apollo Solo, or both, as described below.

System Sound Output

Audio from the application is routed to Apollo Solo’s main outputs and mixed with Apollo Solo’s input signals. The application’s audio level is controlled from within the audio application, while Apollo Solo’s input levels are controlled within Console.

Note: To adjust the level of system audio at Apollo Solo’s outputs, use the output level control within the audio application.

System Sound Input

The level of Apollo Solo’s input signals being routed into the audio application are adjusted with the preamp controls — and UAD plug-ins, if any — in Console. In this scenario, Console’s input faders don’t control levels routed to the audio application. Signals routed to audio applications are always pre-fader (Console’s input faders control monitoring levels only, not recording levels).

Tip: It’s usually best to keep Console metering set to pre-fader (in Console Settings>Display Panel) so the input meters accurately represent the signal level at the audio application’s inputs.

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Setting System Sound I/O (Mac)

To use Apollo Solo I/O for system sound:

1. Open macOS System Preferences > Sounds.

2. In the Output panel, select Universal Audio Thunderbolt.

3. In the Input panel, select Universal Audio Thunderbolt.

Apollo Solo selected for system sound output in macOS System Preferences

Apollo Solo selected for system sound input in macOS System Preferences

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Setting System Sound I/O (Windows)

To use Apollo Solo I/O for system sound:

1. Open Windows Control Panel > Sounds.

2. In the Playback tab, select Universal Audio Thunderbolt WDM. Click Apply, then click Set Default.

3. In the Recording tab, select Universal Audio Thunderbolt WDM. Click Apply, then click Set Default.

Important: See Windows WDM System Sound Notes for important information

when using Apollo Solo for system sound I/O.

Apollo Solo selected for WDM system audio output (left) and input (right) in the Sound control panel

Windows ASIO versus WDM

On Windows systems, ASIO and WDM are different subsystems that are conﬁgured and operated separately. ASIO is typically used for DAW setups, while WDM is typically used for system sound I/O.

ASIO system settings are conﬁgured in the Apollo Solo Console Settings>Hardware panel and within the DAW preferences. WDM system settings are conﬁgured in the Sound control panel within the Windows OS.

Important: When using Apollo Solo for WDM system sound I/O, the sample rate of

both subsystems must be set the same rate to be heard in both subsystems. See

Windows WDM System Sound Notes for related information.

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Windows WDM System Sound Notes

Windows WDM system audio is used for audio input and playback in media players, web browsers, audio conference, and similar programs.

To ensure proper audio system functionality, follow these guidelines when using Apollo Solo as the input and/or output device for Windows WDM system audio.

• Disable system notiﬁcation sounds. Turn off all Windows system alert sounds

using the procedure detailed on the previous page.

• ASIO and WDM sample rates must match. All sample rate values in ASIO DAW

programs and WDM audio programs must be set to the same sample rate. If the ASIO and WDM sample rates are not the same, audio from one or more programs will not be heard correctly.

• WDM sample rate changes. Set the sample rate in Apollo Solo’s Console before

changing sample rates in the Sound>Playback or Sound>Recording control panels within Windows. Note that WDM programs may need to be closed then reopened to be heard correctly if the sample rate is changed in the Sound control panel within Windows.

• DAW sample rate changes. If the DAW sample rate is changed, WDM audio will no

longer be heard correctly because the sample rates no longer match. In this case, the WDM sample rate must be changed in the Windows Sound>Playback panel to match the DAW sample rate.

Additional Windows Optimizations

• Visit the Apollo Solo Knowledge Base at help.uaudio.com for updated technical

news and system optimization information.

Using Apollo Solo Without Audio Software

Apollo Solo and Console can be used without a DAW or any other audio software. For example, Apollo Solo can be used as a signal processor for live performance when a DAW’s recording and playback features are not needed. In this scenario, Console controls Apollo Solo’s digital mixing, monitoring, and Realtime UAD Processing features.

To use Console by itself for input monitoring and Realtime UAD Processing, there aren’t any special considerations — simply launch Console and start using it.

Note: Because Apollo Solo is powered by the computer’s Thunderbolt 3 bus, standalone use without a computer is not possible. Apollo Solo can only be used when connected to a Thunderbolt 3 computer.

Apollo Solo Manual Working With Apollo Solo 64

Console Overview

What is Console?

The included Console application is the companion software interface for the Apollo Solo audio interface hardware. Console’s analog-style workﬂow is designed to provide quick access to the most commonly needed features in a familiar, easy-to-use application.

Console’s function is to control the Apollo Solo hardware unit and its digital mixing and low-latency monitoring capabilities. Console is where Realtime UAD Processing and Unison UAD plug-ins are conﬁgured and operated.

Important Fundamental Concept: The primary function of Console is to control

Console remotely controls the digital mixing and signal processing functions that are performed within the Apollo Solo hardware. Although Console runs on the host computer, the computer’s CPU is not performing these audio functions. All audio mixing and signal processing occurs on the SHARC DSP inside the hardware unit.

Console can be used at the same time as a DAW for front-end signal processing and lowlatency monitoring and/or tracking. Complete Console sessions can be saved as presets for easy recall of the entire conﬁguration, or individual channel strips can be save and recalled using Channel Strip Presets. Console can also be used to conﬁgure Apollo Solo’s audio interface I/O settings such as sample rate, clock source, and reference levels.

Note: Apollo Solo interfaces use UAD DSP and memory resources for its internal DSP mixer. Therefore, the UAD Meters will show DSP and memory usage when Apollo Solo is connected, even if Console and/or UAD plug-ins are not currently loaded.

Console’s application icon and main window

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 65

Console Functions

Console enables the following functionality when used with Apollo Solo:

• Hardware control. All of Apollo Solo’s front panel hardware controls (except

headphone volume) can be software controlled using Console, facilitating easy hardware manipulation even if Apollo Solo is placed out of reach of the computer operator.

• Low-latency monitoring. Using Console eliminates the latency associated with DAW

I/O buffering that makes monitoring problematic for the performer. By removing the DAW’s software input monitoring feature from the monitoring signal ﬂow altogether, the need to adjust I/O buffer sizes and latency is no longer an issue.

• Realtime UAD Processing. UAD Powered Plug-Ins can be inserted into all Console

inputs and/or auxiliary returns (within available DSP resources), for the ultimate latency-free sonic experience while monitoring and/or tracking live performance. All processed (or unprocessed) inputs and stereo mix buses, including the monitor, auxiliary, and headphone buses, can be optionally routed into the DAW for recording.

• Unison. Apollo Solo’s Unison™ technology gives you the tone of the world’s

most sought-after tube and solid state mic preamps, guitar amps, and pedals — including their all-important impedance, gain stage “sweet spots,” and component-level circuit behaviors.

• Send/Return auxiliary buses. Console has two stereo aux buses, with independent

send levels per input, for grouped signal processing (conserving UAD DSP resources) or routing to the DAW.

• Flexible cue monitor mixing. A separate stereo headphone cue mix bus is available

with per-input sends to ensure performers are able to hear “more me” if desired.

• Session management. Complete Console conﬁgurations can be saved and loaded

to/from disk as presets, for convenient and unlimited session management. Console sessions can also be stored/recalled within the DAW project using the Console Recall plug-in.

Global Functions

Parameters within Console Settings are available for conﬁguring various global behaviors:

• Hardware. Global interface settings such as sample rate and reference levels.

• Software. Global software settings for Console such as metering and plug-in

window behaviors.

• I/O Matrix. This powerful feature enables customized signal routing and I/O

naming at the Core Audio (Mac) and ASIO (Windows) driver level. Custom driver routing tables can be saved and recalled as presets.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 66

When To Use Console

Console can be used without a DAW, simultaneously in conjunction with a DAW, or not at all. These scenarios are covered in greater detail in Working With Apollo Solo.

Note: Console processing is always active, even after the application is quit. Console can be launched or quit at any time, whether or not a DAW is already running.

Console without DAW. Console can be used by itself without the use of a DAW or any other audio software. Using Console without a DAW provides access to all Apollo Solo functionality and simpliﬁes the use of Apollo Solo’s digital mixing, monitoring, and Realtime UAD Processing features when a DAW’s recording and playback features are not needed.

Console with DAW. Console is used at the same time as a DAW when low-latency monitoring and/or recording of Apollo Solo’s inputs with (or without) Realtime UAD Processing is desired. In this scenario, Console is used as a front end to control input monitoring when recording, and the DAW’s software input monitoring feature is disabled. This workﬂow completely eliminates the I/O buffering latencies associated with using software monitoring via the DAW.

Important: To eliminate doubled signals, software monitoring in the DAW must be

disabled when Console is used for input monitoring. Conversely, Console inputs must be muted if the DAW’s software monitoring feature is enabled.

UAD plug-ins can be used within Console and a DAW at the same time. In this scenario, Apollo Solo’s DSP resources are shared between the two host applications. Realtime UAD Processing is available via Console, and buffered (non-realtime) UAD processing is available via VST, AAX 64, or Audio Units plug-ins in the DAW. See UAD Plug-Ins:

Console versus DAW for more details about this workﬂow.

Interactions Between Console and Apollo Solo

Console’s settings mirror the Apollo Solo hardware. Changes made to one are also made on the other, and vice versa. If changes are made to Console when Apollo Solo is not connected, and then Apollo Solo is subsequently connected, the Console settings are sent to the hardware.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 67

Accessing Console

Any of the methods below can be used to open the Console application.

Mac

• Click the Console application icon in the macOS Dock

• Select Console from the drop menu after clicking the blue UA logo diamond in the

macOS Menu Bar (at upper right of screen)

Accessing Console from the macOS Menu Bar

Windows

• Access the program from the Windows Start Menu

• Right-click the blue UA diamond logo in the Windows System Tray (in taskbar at

lower right of screen), then select Console from its contextual menu

3. Click

2. Right-click

1. Click

Accessing Console from the Windows System Tray

Quitting Console

Console can be closed using any of these methods:

Mac

• Select Quit from the macOS Application Menu (upper left of screen) when

Console is the foreground application

• Use the standard macOS keyboard shortcut (Command+Q)

• Close all Console windows (main Console window and Console Settings window)

by clicking the Close (X) button in the Window Title Bar)

Windows

• Close all Console windows (main Console window and Console Settings window)

by clicking the Close (X) button in the Window Title Bar

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 68

Console Layout

Console’s visual and control elements are grouped according to functionality, with a layout similar to that found on typical analog mixers. These groups are illustrated below.

Detailed explanations of all the Console control functions are similarly grouped and presented later in the Console Reference chapter.

Window

Title Bar

Info Bar

View

Column

Console’s main window and controls layout

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 69

Channel

Input Strips

Auxiliary

Return Strips

Monitor

Controls

Dynamic Window Size

The size of Console’s window can be dynamically adjusted to ﬁt any workspace. To adjust the window size, click+drag any corner or edge of the window.

Width

Reducing the Console window width may reduce the number of visible input channels. Use the Bank Bar in the

Meter Bridge to view input channels that may be currently

out of view.

Height

When Console’s window size is vertically adjusted, displayed elements are dynamically modiﬁed to ﬁt available space. As the height is increased, some elements are enlarged for easier viewing and manipulation. As height is decreased, some elements are reduced to ﬁt in the available space.

Note: All display and control elements are always available regardless of window size.

Drag any corner or edge

to dynamically re-size

the Console window

Partial screenshots showing how control and

display elements are changed with window

Above: The elements shown at left are more

compact when vertical size is reduced.

Multiple Windows (Mac only)

On Mac systems, more than one Console window can be open at the same time, and each open window can have unique views and sizes.

To open another window, choose New Console Window from the drop menu under the UA icon in the macOS Menu Bar at upper right of screen.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 70

size adjustments.

Opening an additional

Console window on Mac

Global Window Elements

Some visual and control elements are always displayed in the Console window, while others depend on the current selection(s) in the View Column and Monitor Column, as illustrated below.

An brief overview of each global element is provided in this chapter. Detailed descriptions of all functions are provided in a later chapter.

The following elements are always visible in the Console window:

View Column Meter Bridge Monitor Column Current Bank Info Bar Bank Bar (if channels out of view)

VIEW

settings

View

Column

Current Bank

(visible channels)

Bank Bar

(gray)

Elements in this area

depend on current VIEW

settings

Monitor Column

Meter Bridge

(all unhidden channels)

Auxiliary &

Control Room

columns appear

here when SHOW

button(s) are

enabled

Info Bar

Console elements that are always visible

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 71

Meter Bridge Overview

The Meter Bridge (illustrated below) is always visible at the top of the Console window. It displays all non-hidden input channels (those that are not hidden with the Show/Hide Inputs feature), signal activity at these inputs, and the Bank Bar, which is used to scroll inputs that are out of horizontal view.

For detailed descriptions of all Meter Bridge elements, see Meter Bridge.

Channel

Input

Meters

Stereo

Meter

(dual)

Mono

Meter

(single)

Bank Bar

(gray area)

Non-Hidden Input Channels

Device Name

(optional via

right-click)

Channel not in

Current Bank

Meter Bridge elements

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 72

Info Bar Overview

The Info Bar (illustrated below) is always visible at the bottom of the Console window. It displays and provides access to several important functions.

Note: For detailed descriptions, see Info Bar.

Console Tempo

Display & Menu

Sample Rate

Display & Menu

Info Bar elements

Clock Source

Display & Menu

UAD Resource Gauges

(Display only)

Tempo

Console’s current tempo is displayed here in beats per minute (BPM). The value is used by UAD plug-ins within Console that are set to use Tempo Sync. Click this area to enter or tap a different tempo.

Sample Rate

Apollo Solo’s current sample rate is displayed here. Click this area to select a different sample rate from the drop menu when using Console without a DAW.

Note: When using a DAW, the sample rate is managed within the DAW.

UAD Resource Gauges

This area displays DSP and memory resource loads used by all loaded UAD plug-ins (within both Console and DAW). UAD loads can be monitored as needed, for example when deciding which UAD plug-ins to load, based upon how much DSP is available.

Values displayed here are mirrored in the UAD Meter & Control Panel application. More detailed (per-SHARC) display of DSP usage is available in the System panel within the UAD Meter & Control Panel application.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 73

Current Bank Overview

An important navigational concept in Console is the Current Bank. The Current Bank is all input channels that are currently visible in the main body of the Console window (below the Meter Bridge) as shown in the illustration below. Sliding the gray Bank Bar changes the Current Bank so the other inputs can be seen.

Note: The Bank Bar only appears when the Console window is too nApollo Solo to display all input channels.

This feature is especially useful when the system is expanded with additional I/O by connecting one or more Universal Audio Apollo interfaces. For complete details, see

Current Bank.

Bank Bar

(gray area)

Meter

Bridge

Slide gray Bank Bar

to change Current Bank

Input outside

Bank Bar

Current Bank

(visible inputs)

Input outside

Bank Bar

Conceptual illustration of the Current Bank. In this example, inputs Analog 2 and Virtual 1

are in the Current Bank, while Analog 1 and Virtual 2 are not visible.

Sliding the Bank Bar brings the other inputs into view.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 74

View Column Overview

The View Column (illustrated at right) is always visible at the left side of the Console window. The View Column contains the Application Menu, View selectors, View Options, Clear switches, and Settings switch, as shown at right.

For detailed descriptions, see View Column.

Views

Four Views are available in Console: Overview, Inputs, Inserts, and Sends. Each View displays related elements and associated functionality in the main area of the Console window.

View Selectors

Any of these methods can be used to change the current View:

• Click the View Selectors in the View Column

• Select the View from the Application Menu

• Use the Keyboard Shortcuts

View Options

Application

Menus

(global)

View

Selectors

(global)

View

Options

(can vary

with View)

The View Column Options activate various control functions within each View. The displayed View Options are contextual; some options change when a different View is selected.

Application Menus

Clicking the Menu switch presents the Application Menus, where various Console functions are accessed.

The Application Menus

View Column

Clear

as it appears

in Sends View

The Clear Switches are used to reset all signal clipping indicators and turn off/on the solo function on all channels.

Settings

The Settings switch opens the separate Console Settings window, where various global Apollo Solo functions are deﬁned.

Switches

(global)

Settings

(global)

Clear

Switch

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 75

View Elements

Each View displays related elements and associated functionality in input channel strips within the main area of the Console window.

Note: The main monitor mix controls (input labels, faders, solo, mute, pan) are the same in all views unless speciﬁcally hidden in Sends view.

The channel input elements of each view are shown below. Complete details for all elements are described in Console Reference.

Each View displays different elements in the input channel strips

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 76

Monitor Column Overview

The Monitor Column (illustrated at right) is always visible at the right side of the Console window. The Monitor Column contains elements related to monitor outputs, cue (HP) outputs, insert effect printing, and session ﬁle management.

For detailed descriptions, see Monitor Column.

Monitor Meters

These meters display the signal levels of the monitor mix bus just before the monitor level control. Levels displayed here mirror the state of the dual Monitor LED meters on Apollo Solo’s top panel.

Global Insert Effects

These switches globally switch all Console inputs to either pass UAD insert effect processing to the DAW (print wet) or not (monitor wet but print dry).

Insert Effects can also be individually switched on a perchannel basis (see Channel Insert Effects). The Global Insert Effects switches override the individual channel settings.

Show Strips

These switches show and hide the visibility of the auxiliary return strips and/or the control room options strip. Each strip is visible when its SHOW switch is lit.

Cue Outputs Popover

Clicking this switch opens the Cue Outputs Popover, where the headphone output source (either the main monitor mix or the HP cue mix) is selected.

Monitor

Meters

Global

Insert Effects

Show/Hide

Strips

Open

Cue Outputs

Popover

Monitor

Output

Options

Monitor

Level

Monitor Output Options

The main monitor outputs can be muted and/or set to monophonic with these switches.

Monitor Level

Monitor Column

This is the master level control for Apollo Solo’s main outputs. It performs the same function as the MONITOR knob on Apollo Solo’s top panel. When the ring around the knob is RED, the monitor outputs are muted.

Open Sessions Manager

Sessions Menu

Clicking this switch opens the Session Manager popover window, where Console conﬁguration ﬁles are managed.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 77

Channel Strips Overview

Each Console input channel strip (illustrated at right) controls a corresponding Apollo Solo input. The output of all Console channel input strips are always routed to Console’s monitor outputs (except when muted).

Console’s input channel strips are essentially the same for all inputs, however there are some differences among the analog and virtual inputs, as noted below.

Note: For detailed descriptions, see Channel Input

Controls.

Signal Flow

Audio signals in a Console channel ﬂow through the inserts serially from top to bottom. Therefore, if more than one plug-in is inserted in a channel, the location of a plug-in within the inserts can impact the sound of the channel. Plug-ins can be reordered by dragging them to change the serial processing order.

Preamp

Controls &

Unison Insert

Standard

Channel Plug-In

Inserts

Aux & Cue

Sends Display

Input Types

Console has analog and virtual inputs. The controls that are available in each strip depends on the type of input.

Preamp Inputs

Inputs 1 and 2 are analog preamp channels that have multiple physical inputs (mic, line, Hi-Z) that can be selected with the preamp controls.

The analog inputs are switched between mic and line inputs manually via Console or Apollo Solo’s top panel. Channel 1 is automatically switched to Hi-Z input when a ¼” mono (tip-sleeve) cable is plugged into Apollo Solo’s front panel Hi-Z input jack.

Virtual Inputs

The virtual input channels do not control Apollo Solo’s hardware inputs. Instead, they receive digital signals from DAW outputs via Apollo Solo’s device drivers, enabling Realtime UAD Processing on any DAW output. This feature is especially useful when playing virtual software instruments live through UAD plug-ins because it reduces I/O buffered input latency. For complete details about this feature, see Virtual I/O.

Monitor Mix

Controls

Input Label

Input channel strip

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 78

Console Plug-In Inserts Overview

The UAD plug-in inserts within each input and auxiliary strip is where UAD Powered Plug-Ins are selected and used for Realtime UAD Processing within Console.

Both of Apollo Solo’s analog preamp inputs have a special dedicated Unison insert in addition to four standard inserts. Both virtual inputs, and both auxiliary returns, also have four standard inserts each. Therefore, up to ﬁve UAD plug-ins can be serially chained (stacked) per channel within the constraints of available DSP resources.

Note: For complete details, see Console Plug-In Inserts.

Inserts

Display

Inserts Rec/Mon

Channel Strip Presets

(click for popover)

Standard

(non-Unison)

Insert Slots

1 – 4

Indicator

(click to switch)

Active Plug-In

(click to edit)

Disabled Plug-In

(gray background)

Offline Plug-In

(red background)

Empty Insert

(click to assign)

Record/Monitor Indicator

(INSERTS view only)

Channel Inserts

Channel Insert Effects Switch

(INSERTS view only)

Unison Insert

Apollo Solo’s Unison technology is activated when a Unison-enabled UAD plug-in is loaded in the special dedicated Unison insert slot located above the preamp options (as shown at right, outlined in red).

Note: Audio on preamp channels is processed by the Unison insert (if populated) before the channel inserts.

The special dedicated Unison insert is only available on Apollo Solo preamp channels. However, Unison inserts are operated exactly the same way as standard channel inserts. See the Unison chapter for related information.

Unison Insert

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 79

Insert Effects Overview

The Insert Effects settings are used to specify whether or not Realtime UAD Processing in Console is recorded (printed) in the DAW.

• Console inputs are recorded with processing (wet) when Insert Effects is enabled. The UAD-processed signals are heard and recorded.

• Console inputs are recorded without processing (dry) when Insert Effects are disabled. The UAD-processed signals are heard, but not recorded.

Important: UAD plug-in processing in Console’s Unison insert and auxiliary inserts

are always routed to the DAW, regardless of the current Insert Effects setting (Unison and aux insert processing is always recorded).

Function of the Insert Effects Switch

The Insert Effects switch determines if the DAW records Console’s inputs with or without Realtime UAD Processing, regardless of the actual wet or dry state of the monitor mix. This is accomplished by routing Console’s inputs into the DAW from before the plug-in inserts (dry recording) or after the plug-in inserts (wet recording).

Record With Effects

When Insert Effects are record-enabled (UAD REC lit), Apollo Solo’s channel input signals are processed by Console’s standard UAD plug-in inserts before being routed into the DAW.

In this mode, the post-insert (wet) state of all Console inputs with Realtime UAD Processing is routed to the DAW inputs.

Tip: This setting is used to record “wet” with Realtime UAD Processing.

Monitor With Effects

When Insert Effects is not record-enabled (UAD MON lit), Apollo Solo’s channel input signals are routed directly into the DAW before being processed by Console’s standard UAD plug-in inserts.

In this mode, the pre-insert (dry) state of all Console inputs is routed to the DAW inputs, even if Realtime UAD Processing is occurring in the monitor mix.

Tip: This setting is used to record “dry” when Realtime UAD Processing is active.

Individual Channel Insert Effects

Insert Effects can be recorded wet or dry on a per-channel basis. For details, see Channel

Insert Effects.

Global Insert Effects

Insert Effects for all channels can be globally switched to override the individual channel insert effect switches. For details, see Global Insert Effects.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 80

Popover Windows

Some Console functions that are not visible in the main window are accessed in popover windows. Popovers are a special type of window that automatically close when any area outside of the popover is clicked.

Note: The size of popover windows cannot be adjusted.

Typical popover window — in this example, the rename/link popover

To close any popover, click anywhere outside of the popover, press the X button at upper right of the window, or type the esc (escape) key on the computer’s keyboard.

The following functions are accessed via popover windows:

Cue output assign Channel presets Rename/link input channels Console session presets Sends (Aux & Cue) Console Tempo Plug-in insert assign I/O Matrix assign Plug-in presets I/O Matrix presets

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 81

HP Cue Overview

A cue mix bus is used to create a unique mix that is separate from the main monitor mix. Cues are typically used for performers that want to hear a headphone mix that is different from the main monitor mix (“more me”), sending separate mixes to other rooms or audio equipment, and similar applications.

In addition to the main monitor stereo mix bus and the two auxiliary stereo mix buses, Apollo Solo features one stereo cue mix bus that can be routed to the headphones or a DAW.

HP Cue Label

Apollo Solo’s cue mix bus is labeled HP (headphones) to reﬂect the available hardware outputs on the device.

Cue Components

The complete HP cue system is comprised of the cue mix bus, the cue sends, and the cue outputs.

Cue Mix Bus – The HP cue mix bus is the summed stereo mix of individual audio signals. Signals are routed into the cue mix bus via the cue send controls, and returned from the cue mix bus via the cue output controls in the CUE OUTPUTS popover.

Cue Sends – The cue sends adjust the individual channel signals going into the cue mix bus. Each input channel and aux return contains individual level, pan,* and mute controls for the cue mix bus. All cue sends are pre-fader and pre-mute so they are not affected by adjustments to the main monitor mix.

*Exception: If two input channels are stereo-linked, the cue sends on the stereo pair cannot be panned. Sends for stereo channels are hard-panned left and right.

Cue Outputs – The cue mix bus is returned via the CUE OUTPUTS popover, which optionally routes the cue to Apollo Solo’s headphones output.

Note: By default, the main monitor mix is routed to the headphones. To hear the cue mix, HP must be selected as the source in the CUE OUTPUTS popover.

Cue Monitoring – The HP cue output can be selected as a source for the main monitor outs via the Monitor Source Select switch, enabling the HP cue bus to be heard in the main monitor speakers.

Cue Count

Apollo Solo has one HP cue mix bus. Other Apollo models have up to four separate cue mixes available.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 82

Sends Overview

Apollo Solo has four stereo mix buses that are conﬁgured and adjusted within Console: Monitor, auxiliary 1, auxiliary 2, and HP cue. Each Apollo Solo input has independent level, pan, and mute controls for each of the stereo mix buses. These controls are used to “send” signals into the mix bus.

Stereo Mix Buses

In addition to the main monitor mix, the following stereo mix buses are available:

AUX 1 & AUX 2

The two stereo auxiliary buses are typically used for shared effect processing (to reduce UAD resource usage) for realtime monitoring with time-based effects such as reverb and/ or delay. The aux mixes are adjusted via each input’s two aux send controls.

By default, the aux sends are post-fader and post-mute. The aux sends can be switched to be pre-fader and pre-mute. The Aux Pre / Aux Post function switch for each aux is located in its respective auxiliary bus return strip.

HP Cue

The HP cue bus is for creating a stereo mix that is different from the main monitor mix. Cues are typically used for performers that want to hear a headphone mix that is different from the main monitor mix, or for routing individual channels or mixes to other equipment.

The HP cue mix is adjusted via the HP send on each input and aux strip. All HP sends are pre-fader and pre-mute so they are not affected by adjustments to the main monitor mix.

Mix Bus Returns

The stereo mix bus returns are used to route the mix to available outputs.

AUX

The auxiliary mixes are routed to the aux return strips. HP sends are available on the aux returns for routing aux effects to the HP cue mix bus.

See Aux Returns for details.

HP Cue

The HP cue mix is heard via the selections in the monitor controls section. To hear the HP cue mix in the headphones, HP must be manually routed to the HP output via the

Cue Outputs Popover.

The Monitor outputs can be switched to output the HP cue mix instead of the monitor mix.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 83

Sends Access

The Sends can be accessed and adjusted in the Overview and Sends views.

Note: Sends are not visible in the Inputs and Inserts views.

Overview View

An overview of an input’s sends state is shown in each input channel strip, as shown below. Clicking this overview opens the Sends Popover, where the send levels can be adjusted. If the Console window is vertically re-sized tall enough, individual send knobs appear in place of the sends overview.

Tip: If the HP output source is currently assigned to the main monitor mix in the Cue Outputs popover, the HP bus color is gray.

Click area to open Sends popover

Send Level

Indicator

Send Mute

Indicator

The Sends Display within each input channel strip in Overview view

Send Fader

Indicator

Send Bus

Name & Color

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 84

Sends View

A single send is displayed for all channels simultaneously in Sends View. The displayed send is selected with the SHOW switches in the View column. Sends view offers longthrow faders for ﬁner control resolution.

Tip: To increase the Send control’s resolution when in Sends view, increase the vertical size of the Console window and/or deactivate the MIX switch within the View column’s SHOW area.

In Sends view, the same send is visible on all inputs.

Clicking the available SHOW switches displays the different sends.

Show All Sends Option

All sends can be viewed simultaneously by holding the Option (Mac) or Windows (PC) key on the computer keyboard while clicking any AUX or HP SHOW switch in Sends View.

All sends are visible at the same time when an AUX or HP SHOW switch is option-clicked

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 85

Console Sessions Overview

The controls within the Sessions Manager popover provide methods for managing complete Console conﬁgurations as session preset ﬁles. When a Console session ﬁle is saved, the current Console conﬁguration is written to disk.

When a session ﬁle is subsequently reloaded, Console is returned to the exact same conﬁguration state, regardless of any changes to Console that were made in the interim.

Note: Monitor settings and hardware settings are global parameters that are not saved in Console session ﬁles.

For complete details, see Console Sessions.

Active Session Name

Session Files

Selected Sub-Folder (blue)

Current Session (gray)

Other Sub-Folder

(click to reveal contents)

Function Buttons

Session Column

(top-level sessions & folders)

Load

New

Session

Load

Existing

Session

Save Current Session

Sub-Folder Column

(sessions within sub-folders)

Create

New

File

Load

Selected

Session

Popover

Selected

Session

(blue)

Sessions Manager popover

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 86

Console Settings Overview

Global parameters for Apollo Solo and Console are conﬁgured in the separate Console Settings Window.

Note: For complete details, see Console

Settings.

Console Settings Panels

Controls within the Console Settings window are arranged according to related functions. Each set of related controls are contained within a single panel.

Five panels are available in the Console Settings window:

Hardware – Settings related to Apollo Solo hardware device setup

I/O Matrix – Settings related to Core Audio/ASIO and custom driver I/O mapping

Display – Settings related to how and what items are displayed in Console

The Hardware panel within

the Console Settings window

Plug-Ins – Settings related to UAD plug-ins used within Console

MIDI – Settings for conﬁguring MIDI control of Tap Tempo within Console

Accessing Console Settings

The Console Settings window can be opened using any of these methods:

• Choose View>Settings from the Application Menus

• Click the SETTINGS button at the bottom of the View Column

• Use the command+comma (Mac) or ctrl+comma (Windows) keyboard shortcuts

• (Mac) Choose Console Settings under the UA icon drop menu in the macOS Menu Bar

• (Windows) Right-click the blue UA diamond logo in the Windows System Tray (at lower right of screen), then choose Console Settings from the contextual menu

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 87

I/O Matrix Overview

Apollo Solo’s powerful I/O Matrix enables virtual mapping of I/O routes, channel counts, and labels at the Core Audio / ASIO driver level. For complete I/O Matrix details, see I/O

Matrix Panel.

Important: Custom driver I/O routing changes the driver I/O complement. Quit all

audio applications before changing driver I/O assignments.

Custom I/O Maps – With the I/O Matrix, it’s possible to remap Apollo Solo’s driver inputs/ outputs to any Core Audio / ASIO inputs/outputs, offering the ultimate in I/O routing ﬂexibility when using any DAW.

Custom I/O Names – The driver labels for Apollo Solo’s I/O can be renamed so DAW inputs and outputs can use custom names. With the I/O Matrix, channel input and output selectors within a DAW can be (for example) “Electric Guitar” instead of “Input

1.”

Custom I/O Presets – Customized I/O tables can be saved and loaded to or from disk as presets for future recall and/or sharing with other Apollo Solo users.

I/O Matrix Panel – The I/O Matrix panel is the software interface for all I/O Matrix features. This is where Apollo Solo’s I/O can be renamed, remapped, and saved for future use.

I/O Matrix features are conﬁgured in the I/O Matrix settings panel

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 88

Multiple Undo/Redo

Console supports multiple levels of Undo and Redo for all edit operations. Undo and Redo operations can be performed repeatedly to step backwards and forwards through edit operations as long as the current session is open.

• To step backwards and undo (revert) edit operations, choose Undo from the Edit

Menu or type command-z.

• To step forwards and re-execute the edit, choose Redo from the Edit Menu or type command-shift-z.

Undo/Redo Cache

Edits are stored in the Undo/Redo cache. Edits within a particular session can be reverted with Undo/Redo until the cache is cleared. Both of these operations will clear the Undo/Redo cache:

• Console is quit

• A different Console session is loaded

Important: Prior Undo/Redo operations cannot be performed after the Undo/Redo

cache is cleared.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 89

Keyboard Focus & Control

Many Console functions can be controlled without using a mouse. When elements on the screen have keyboard focus, they can be quickly navigated with the computer’s QWERTY keyboard.

Focus Indication

Keyboard focus in Console is indicated by a orange-colored highlight box outlining the screen elements that are targeted for keyboard control.

Focus Navigation

Focus between elements can be changed with the computer’s TAB key, or by clicking another area of the screen with the mouse.

Focus Control

Focused items can be selected by using the up/down/left/right Apollo Solo keys and/or the Return/Enter keys.

Typical focus indication. The PRESET column on the left has focus (orange outline)

and can be navigated with the up/down Apollo Solo keys on the keyboard.

The tab key alternates focus between the two columns.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 90

Adjusting Console Controls

Console uses typical software control techniques to adjust parameters.

2-state switches: Click to toggle the state.

Knobs: Click+drag to adjust, or use the Controls Shortcuts. Console’s rotary controls (and

UAD plug-in knobs) can respond to Linear, Circular, or Relative Circular adjustments modes. The CONTROL MODES preference is set in DISPLAY panel within the Console Settings window.

Faders: Click+drag to adjust, or use the Controls Shortcuts.

Drop Menus: Click to view the drop menu contents, then click an item in the drop menu

to select the item.

UAD Powered Plug-Ins: Most UAD plug-in controls use the same methods as above. However, some plug-in parameters may have custom controls that are unfamiliar or not obvious. All custom controls are detailed for individual plug-ins in the UAD Plug-Ins

Manual.

Controls Shortcuts

In addition to the keyboard shortcuts below, several other shortcuts are available to simplify Console control adjustments.

Fine Control: Continuous controls (knobs and faders) can be adjusted with increased resolution by depressing the SHIFT while adjusting these controls.

Scroll Wheel: Continuous controls (knobs and faders) can be adjusted by using the computer input device’s scroll function (e.g., mouse scroll wheel). To modify the parameter value, hover the cursor over the control and adjust the scroll wheel.

Adjust All: If the Option key (Mac) or Windows key (PC) is held down while modifying any control, the same control on all inputs (or aux returns) will be adjusted at the same time. The relative difference is maintained between the same controls until any control reaches its minimum or maximum value.

Return To Default: If the Command key is held when a control is clicked, the control will return to its default value. Command+Option+Click will return all controls of the same type to their default value.

Mute/Solo All Toggle: Option-click a Mute or Solo switch to toggle the state on all channels.

Drop Menus: Menus continue to display after a single click. The mouse button does not need to be held down to view the menu.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 91

Keyboard Shortcuts

Console supports the keyboard shortcuts listed in the table below.

Shortcut Name

New Session Command+N Ctrl+N Create a new default session

Open Session Command+O Ctrl+O

Save Session Command+S Ctrl+S Save current session ﬁle to disk

Save Session As... Command+Shift+S Ctrl+Shift+S

Hide Application Command+H Ctrl+H Hide application from view Quit Application Command+Q Ctrl+Q Quit Console application Overview Command+1 Ctrl+1 Switch main view to OVERVIEW Inputs Command+2 Ctrl+2 Switch main view to INPUTS Inserts Command+3 Ctrl+3 Switch main view to INSERTS Sends Command+4 Ctrl+4 Switch main view to SENDS Show/Hide Aux Command+A Ctrl+A Show/Hide the Auxiliary Returns

Show/Hide Inputs

Focus Navigation Tab Tab

Show Plug-In Editors Command+P Ctrl+P

Close All Editors Command+Option+W Ctrl+Option+W Close all open UAD plug-in windows Close Window Command+W Ctrl+W Close foreground window

Element Navigation

Cancel Dialog ESC (escape) ESC (escape)

Conﬁrm Dialog Return or Enter Return or Enter

Console Settings

Undo Edit Command+z Ctrl+z

Redo Edit Command+Shift+z Ctrl+Shift+z

Keyboard Command (Mac)

Command+I (the letter i)

Left/Right/Up/Down (arrow keys)

Command+, (comma)

Keyboard Command (Windows)

Ctrl+I (the letter i)

Left/Right/Up/Down (Apollo Solos)

Ctrl+, (comma)

Description

Load an existing session ﬁle from disk

Save current session as new ﬁle with optional rename

Activate Show/Hide Inputs modiﬁers

Cycle through orange-outlined areas that can be focused/controlled/ navigated with the Apollo Solo keys

Bring all open UAD plug-in windows to foreground

Select focused elements with the arrow keys

Cancel dialog functions such as Plug-In Assign, Preset Select, Save As, Popovers, etc.

Accept dialog functions such as Plug-In Assign, Preset Select, Save As, etc.

Open Console Settings window

Revert the last executed function (multiple Undo possible)

Revert the last executed Undo (multiple Redo possible)

Apollo Solo Manual Console Overview 92

Console Reference

This chapter provides in-depth descriptions of all controls within Console. For a general operational overview, see Console Overview.

Meter Bridge

The Meter Bridge is always visible at the top of the Console window. It displays all visible input channels, signal activity at these inputs, and the Bank Bar, which is used to scroll inputs that are out of horizontal view (if any).

Refer to the diagram below for descriptions in this section.

Channel

Input

Meters

Stereo

Meter

(dual)

Mono

Meter

(single)

Bank Bar

(gray area)

Non-Hidden Input Channels

Meter Bridge elements

Device Name (optional via

right-click)

Channel not in

Current Bank

Input Channels

The Meter Bridge represents all Apollo Solo USB input channels. When an input channel is hidden with the Show/Hide Inputs function, that channel is not displayed in the Meter Bridge.

Channel Meters

Each vertical green meter represents input signal activity in the channel. These small meters mirror the activity of each high-resolution Input Meter that is displayed next to each channel’s Input Fader.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Reference 93

Bank Bar

When the Console window does not have enough available horizontal space to display all available input channels, the gray Bank Bar appears within the Meter Bridge.

The Bank Bar “ﬂoats” on top of all input channels in the Meter Bridge. The Bank Bar is used to change the channels that are visible within the Current Bank.

Note: The Bank Bar only appears when the Console window is too narrow to display all input channels.

Current Bank

The Current Bank is all input channels that are currently displayed in the main body of the Console window (below the Meter Bridge) as shown in the illustration below. The gray Bank Bar is used to change the Current Bank.

Bank Bar

(gray area)

Meter

Bridge

Slide gray Bank Bar

to change Current Bank

Slide the Bank Bar or use the methods below to bring other inputs into view

Changing the Current Bank

Any of these methods can be used to change the channels within the Current Bank:

Click – Click anywhere within the Meter Bridge, but outside of the Bank Bar. The Bank Bar jumps to the channel that is clicked in the Meter Bridge.

Drag – Click-hold-drag the gray Bank Bar to slide it across available channels.

Hover Scroll – Position the mouse over the Meter Bridge then scroll horizontally with the

computer’s input device.

Arrow keys – When the Bank Bar has keyboard focus, use the computer’s left/right Apollo Solo USB keys to navigate the Current Bank.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Reference 94

Meter Bridge Menu

The Meter Bridge menu provides access to various functions related to the Meter Bridge. To view the menu, right-click or control-click within the Meter Bridge.

Show/Hide Device Names – See Show Device Names.

Show/Hide Ofﬂine Devices – By default, devices in the Hardware

panel within the Console Settings window that are not currently connected are displayed in the Meter Bridge. To show/hide ofﬂine devices, choose this item from the menu. Show/Hide Ofﬂine Devices is available exclusively within this menu.

Identify – See Identify.

Rename – See Device Name.

Note: All functions in the Meter Bridge menu except Show/Hide Ofﬂine Devices

are available elsewhere within Console.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Reference 95

View Column

Note: For an overview of Console’s View Columns, see the

View Column Overview.

The View Column is always visible at the left side of the Console window. The View Column contains the View Selectors and switches for the View Options (functions) available within each view.

Each View Column also contains several common view elements that are available in every View.

Available Views

Four Views are available in Console: Overview, Inputs, Inserts, and Sends. Each View displays related elements and associated functionality in the main area of the Console window.

Common View Elements

Most display and control elements that appear within the main Console area (see Global Window Elements) in each View are common to all the Views.

The common elements are detailed separately from the View Column descriptions.

Application

Menus

(global)

View

Selectors

(global)

View

Options

(can vary

with View)

View Selectors

Any of these methods can be used to change the current View:

• Click any View Selector in the View Column

• Choose the View from the Application Menus

• Use the keyboard shortcuts: Mac: ⌘1, ⌘2, ⌘3, ⌘4 Windows: ctrl 1, ctrl 2, ctrl 3, ctrl 4

View Column Options

The View Options activate the various control functions available

The View Column as it

appears in SENDS View

within each view. The View Options in Overview, Inputs, and Inserts Views are identical; the View Options change when Sends View is active.

View Option functions are performed using latched modiﬁers. See the Modiﬁers Overview for details on how to operate the View Option controls. See View Options for descriptions

of the individual option functions.

Clear

Switches

(global)

Settings

Switch

(global)

Apollo Solo Manual Console Reference 96

Global View Column Controls

Several controls appear in all View Columns. These controls (detailed below) have identical functionality in all Views.

Menu Switch

The MENU switch is located at the top of the View Column. Clicking the switch reveals the Application Menus, where various Console functions can be accessed.

Default Switch

When Option Latch is active with the parameters DEFAULT switch, clicking any control returns the parameter to its default value.

Note: The DEFAULT function is primarily for knob and fader values. It does not apply to any preamp settings, plug-in inserts, SOLO/MUTE switches, monitor levels, customized input names, and similar functions.

Clear Switches

The CLEAR switches are located near the bottom of all View columns.

CLEAR CLIPS

This switch clears all clip indicators and peak hold indicators on all meters.

Tip: Clip and peak hold indicators can be individually cleared by clicking any individual meter.

CLEAR SOLO

Whenever SOLO is engaged on any channel input, the CLEAR SOLO switch ﬂashes yellow. Clicking the Clear Solo switch deactivates the Solo function of any/all channel inputs.

Tip: Click Clear Solo again to return all channels to their previous Solo states.

Settings Switch

The SETTINGS switch is located at the bottom of all View columns. It opens the Console Settings window, where many global functions are deﬁned. For complete details, see Console Settings.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Reference 97

Modiﬁers Overview

The View Column Options in each View Column enable various operations to be performed on the items within the View.

View Option operations are performed by selecting an option to latch the function, executing the operation(s) using Modiﬁers, then exiting the latched function.

Option Latch

When a View Option switch is clicked, the switch ﬂashes yellow, indicating that the function is latched and ready to be executed using the Modiﬁers.

Option Unlatch

The latched option is unlatched (the switch stops ﬂashing) when:

• Any same or different option switch is clicked

• A different View is selected

• No operations are executed during the Modiﬁers Timeout period

Modiﬁers Timeout

When an option is latched, it is automatically unlatched (times out) after the Modiﬁers Timeout period to prevent inadvertent modiﬁcations.

Timeout preference

Power option

latched

The Modiﬁers Timeout is a preference set in the Display panel within the Console Settings window. The default Modiﬁers Timeout period is six seconds/ﬂashes.

Modiﬁers

Modiﬁers are icons superimposed on various elements when a View Option is latched. Modiﬁers are used to execute the operations. The speciﬁc modiﬁers that appear, and where they are located, depend upon the speciﬁc option that is latched.

Inserts modiﬁers are superimposed on insert slots for individual inserts, and the input channel names for plug-in channel strips.

Modiﬁer Swipe Shortcuts

Paste Modiﬁers

View Options can be executed extremely rapidly across many channels and/ or inserts in the Current Bank using the modiﬁers swipe shortcuts. When a View Option is latched, click+hold the mouse, then drag vertically and/or horizontally across inserts and/ or channel input names to perform the function on all locations that are swiped.

Tip: Modiﬁer swipe shortcuts are the fastest way to perform the same function on multiple inserts.

1. Click+Hold Modifier

2. Swipe Across Inserts

1. Click 2. Swipe

Swipe to rapidly perform the latched function on many inserts

Apollo Solo Manual Console Reference 98

View Options

Sends View

Options

(Apollo rack

Sends View

Options

(Apollo Twin)

The individual View Column Options are detailed in this section. See the Modiﬁers

Overview for details about how to operate the Modiﬁer controls.

Overview, Inputs, & Inserts View Options

The View Options for the Overview, Inputs, and Inserts Views are identical. Each option is described below.

Note: In the Overview View Column, the Power, Remove, Copy, and Isolate modiﬁers may not be visible if the Console window size is vertically condensed. To bring all Overview modiﬁers into view, increase the vertical window size if possible, or select a different View.

View

Options

Power Modiﬁer

This option toggles an individual plug-in’s power state within a single insert. When disabled, the plug-in no longer uses

Overview, Inputs,

& Inserts View

modiﬁer switches

UAD DSP resources.

Click the POWER modiﬁer switch to latch the option, then toggle any plug-in’s power state by clicking its modiﬁer, or swipe across multiple modiﬁers.

Note: This option performs the same function as the Plug-In Power switch in the header within the plug-in editor window.

When POWER is latched, disabled plug-ins are indicated by a gray modiﬁer icon, and active plug-ins have a green modiﬁer icon.

The POWER modiﬁer when latched. Plug-ins are shown powered (left) and disabled (right).

Because this function unloads and loads the plug-in from the DSP, audio artifacts can occur if the power state is changed while audio is being processed by the plug-in.

Tip: To disable individual plug-in processing without audio artifacts, use the power control within the plug-in interface instead, which keeps the plug-in loaded on the DSP.

Apollo Solo Manual Console Reference 99

Remove Modiﬁer

This option deletes the plug-in from the insert slot. When the REMOVE switch is latched, click any insert’s modiﬁer to delete the plug-in, or swipe across multiple modiﬁers.

The REMOVE modiﬁer when latched. Plug-ins are removed by clicking/swiping its modiﬁer.

Note: Because this function unloads the plug-in from the DSP, audio artifacts can occur if a plug-in is removed while audio is being processed by the plug-in.

Copy/Paste Modiﬁer

This option is used to duplicate individual plug-ins or channel strips, and their current settings, from one insert(s) to any other insert(s).

Copy/Paste is a two step process. First the insert or channel strip is copied with the COPY modiﬁer, then the copied data is pasted to the destination insert or channel.

Copy Individual Plug-In

When COPY is latched, click any insert modiﬁer to copy the insert’s plug-in.

The insert COPY modiﬁer when latched

Copy Channel Strip

When Copy is latched, click any input name modiﬁer (at the bottom of the input strips) to copy all plug-ins in the channel inserts.

Note: Only channels containing plug-ins will display the copy modiﬁer.

The channel strip COPY modiﬁer when latched

Apollo Solo Manual Console Reference 100

Universal Audio Apollo Solo Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface Apollo Solo Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr.

Introducing Apollo Solo

Apollo Solo Software Features

UAD Powered Plug-In Features

About Apollo Solo Documentation

Technical Support

Getting Started

Overview

Apollo Solo System Requirements

Hardware Setup

Software Setup

Windows Setup

Audio Setup

Setting Hardware Input/Output Levels

What Next?

Hardware Controls & Connectors

Controls Overview

Top Panel

Display Panel

Front Panel

Rear Panel

Apollo Solo System Overview

Apollo Solo Hardware

Apollo Solo Software

UAD Powered Plug-Ins

Apollo Audio Interfaces

UAD Software Installer

LUNA Recording System

UA Account & Store

UA Website

Working With Apollo Solo

Essential Apollo Solo Concepts

Setting the DAW to use Apollo Solo I/O

Accessing Apollo Solo’s I/O in the DAW

Input Monitoring with the DAW

Using Console with the DAW

UAD Plug-Ins: Console versus DAW

Virtual I/O

Using Apollo Solo for System Sound I/O

Using Apollo Solo Without Audio Software

Console Overview

What is Console?

Console Functions

Global Functions

When To Use Console

Interactions Between Console and Apollo Solo

Accessing Console

Console Layout

Global Window Elements

Meter Bridge Overview

Info Bar Overview

Current Bank Overview

View Column Overview

Monitor Column Overview

Channel Strips Overview

Console Plug-In Inserts Overview

Insert Effects Overview

Popover Windows

HP Cue Overview

Sends Overview

Console Sessions Overview

Console Settings Overview

I/O Matrix Overview

Multiple Undo/Redo

Keyboard Focus & Control

Adjusting Console Controls

Controls Shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts

Console Reference

Meter Bridge

View Column

View Options