Universal Audio APTWD User manual
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual
Manual Version v140114
Customer Service & Technical Support:
USA Toll-Free: +1-877-698-2834
International: +1-831-440-1176
www.uaudio.com
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr.
Thank you for deciding to make the Apollo Twin High-Resolution Interface part of your
music making experience. We know that any new piece of gear requires an investment
of time and money — and our goal is to make your investment pay off. The fact that we
get to play a part in your creative process is what makes our efforts meaningful, and we
thank you for this.
In many ways, Apollo, Apollo 16, and Apollo Twin represent the best examples of what
Universal Audio has stood for over its long history; from UA’s original founding in the
1950s by my father, through our current vision of delivering the best of both analog and
digital audio technologies.
Starting with its high-quality analog I/O, Apollo Twin’s superior sonic performance serves
as its foundation. This is just the beginning however, as Apollo Twin is the only desktop
audio interface that allows you to run UAD plug-ins in real time. Want to monitor yourself
through a Neve® console channel strip while tracking bass through a classic Fairchild or
LA-2A compressor? Or how about tracking vocals through a Studer® tape machine with
some added Lexicon® reverb?* With our growing library of more than 90 UAD plug-ins,
the choices are limitless.
At UA, we are dedicated to the idea that this powerful technology should ultimately serve
the creative process — not be a barrier. These are the very ideals my father embodied as
he invented audio equipment to solve problems in the studio. So as you begin to incorporate Apollo Twin into your creative process, we hope that the excitement and pride
that we’ve built into it comes through. We believe Apollo Twin will earn its way into your
creative workflow by providing stunning fidelity, great ease-of-use, and rock-solid reliability for years to come.
As always, please feel free to reach out to us via our website www.uaudio.com, and via
our social media channels. We look forward to hearing from you, and thank you once
again for choosing Universal Audio.
Sincerely,
Bill Putnam Jr.
*All trademarks are recognized as property of their respective owners.
Individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins sold separately.
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual Welcomeii
Table Of Contents
to jump directly to that page.
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr. ................................................................. ii
Chapter 1: Introduction ......................................................................... 6
Welcome to Apollo Twin ...................................................................................... 6
High-Resolution Desktop Music Production with Classic Analog Sound ...................................... 6
Apollo Twin Features .......................................................................................... 7
Key Features ........................................................................................................................ 7
All Features .......................................................................................................................... 7
System Requirements ........................................................................................ 9
Package Contents .............................................................................................. 9
Installation Software .......................................................................................... 9
Operational Overview ........................................................................................ 10
Audio Interface ................................................................................................................... 10
About Realtime UAD Processing ........................................................................................... 10
Console Software ................................................................................................................ 10
UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a DAW ..........................................................................................11
Standalone Use .................................................................................................................. 11
Tip: Click any section or page number
About Apollo Twin Documentation ..................................................................... 11
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual .............................................................................................. 12
Apollo Software Manual ....................................................................................................... 12
UAD System Manual ........................................................................................................... 12
UAD Plug-Ins Manual .......................................................................................................... 12
Direct Developer Plug-Ins .................................................................................................... 12
Host DAW Documentation .................................................................................................... 12
Hyperlinks .......................................................................................................................... 12
Glossary ............................................................................................................................. 13
Support Web Pages ............................................................................................................. 13
Technical Support ............................................................................................ 13
Telephone Support .............................................................................................................. 13
Email Support .................................................................................................................... 13
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual Table Of Contents3
Chapter 2: Quick Start ........................................................................ 14
Quick Start Overview ........................................................................................ 14
System Requirements ......................................................................................................... 14
Getting Started Videos ......................................................................................................... 14
About Registration and Authorization .................................................................................... 14
Hardware Setup ............................................................................................... 15
Select a Suitable Location ................................................................................................... 15
Connect to Computer and Power ........................................................................................... 15
Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System ....................................................................... 15
Software Installation ........................................................................................ 16
Preparation ........................................................................................................................ 16
Software Updates................................................................................................................ 16
Installation Procedure ......................................................................................................... 16
Registration & Authorization ............................................................................. 17
Registration & Authorization Procedure ................................................................................. 17
Setting Hardware I/O Levels .............................................................................. 19
Set Input Gains .................................................................................................................. 19
Adjust Output Volumes ........................................................................................................ 19
Mute (and Unmute) Monitor Outputs .................................................................................... 19
Chapter 3: Controls & Connectors ......................................................... 20
Controls Overview ............................................................................................ 20
Operating Modes ............................................................................................................... 20
PREAMP Mode ................................................................................................................... 20
MONITOR Mode ................................................................................................................. 21
Top Panel ........................................................................................................ 22
Front Panel ..................................................................................................... 25
Side Panel ...................................................................................................... 25
Rear Panel ...................................................................................................... 26
Chapter 4: Specifications .................................................................... 28
Specification Tables ......................................................................................... 28
Hardware Block Diagram .................................................................................. 32
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual Table Of Contents4
Chapter 5: Notices .............................................................................. 33
Important Safety Information ............................................................................ 33
Maintenance ................................................................................................... 34
Warranty ......................................................................................................... 34
Repair Service ................................................................................................. 34
FCC Compliance .............................................................................................. 35
Disclaimer ...................................................................................................... 36
Trademarks ..................................................................................................... 36
Copyright ........................................................................................................ 36
Hardware Terms and Conditions ........................................................................ 37
End User License Agreement ............................................................................ 39
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual Table Of Contents5
Chapter 1: Introduction
Welcome to Apollo Twin
High-Resolution Desktop Music Production with Classic Analog Sound
Apollo Twin reinvents desktop recording by delivering legendary analog studio sound, feel, and flow to
music creators everywhere. This 2x6 Thunderbolt
audio interface for Mac combines the same impeccable 24/192 kHz audio conversion of Universal
Audio’s acclaimed Apollo series with onboard Realtime UAD SOLO or DUO Processing. Plus it introduces new Unison™ technology, a breakthrough in
classic mic preamp emulation. Record your music
in real time (at near-zero latency) through the full
range of UAD plug-ins — from Neve, Studer, Manley, Lexicon, API and more* — putting racks of
vintage EQs, compressors, mic preamps, tape machines, reverbs, and guitar amps at your fingertips.
A Universal Audio breakthrough, Apollo Twin’s
Unison technology gives you the tone of the world’s
most sought-after tube and solid state mic preamps
— including their all-important impedance, gain
OPTICAL IN
POWER
OFF ON
12VDC
LINE OUT MONITOR
3 L
4 R
MIC/LINE 2
MIC/LINE 1
stage “sweet spots,” and component-level circuit
behaviors. Based on unprecedented hardware-software integration between Apollo’s mic preamps and
its onboard UAD plug-in processing, Unison lets
you record through stunning emulations like the
bundled UA 610-B Tube Preamp plug-in.
Note: For complete Unison details, see the
Apollo Software Manual.
Apollo Twin’s smart feature set includes two class-leading mic/line preamps, two analog
line outputs, two digitally controlled analog monitor outputs for full resolution at all listening levels, and up to eight additional channels of digital input via Optical connection.
Onboard UAD SOLO or DUO Processing lets you use UAD plug-ins both during realtime
tracking and for mixing within Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic, Ableton Live, and more.
With its ergonomic desktop design, rugged aluminum construction, and front panel headphone and instrument connections, Apollo Twin has all the right tools, all in the right
place.
*Apollo Twin includes the “Realtime Analog Classics” UAD plug-in bundle. All other plug-ins are sold separately at
www.uaudio.com. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual Chapter 1: Introduction 6
Apollo Twin Features
Key Features
• Desktop 2x6 Thunderbolt audio interface with world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion
• Realtime UAD Processing for tracking through vintage Compressors, EQs, Tape Machines, Mic Preamps, and Guitar Amp plug-ins with near-zero (sub-2ms) latency
• Thunderbolt connection for blazing-fast PCIe speed and rock-solid performance on
modern Macs
• Unison™ technology offers stunning models of classic tube and transformer-based
mic preamps
• Two premium mic/line preamps; Two line outputs; front-panel Hi-Z instrument input
and headphones output
• Two digitally controlled analog monitor outputs for full resolution at all listening levels
• Up to eight channels of additional digital input via Optical connection
• Uncompromising analog design, superior components, and premium build quality
• Runs UAD Powered Plug-Ins via Audio Units, VST, RTAS & AAX64 in all major DAWs
All Features
Audio Interface
• Sample rates up to 192 kHz* at 24-bit word length
• Up to 10 x 6 simultaneous input/output channels
• Two channels of analog-to-digital conversion via:
• Two balanced mic/line inputs
• One Hi-Z instrument input
• Six channels of digital-to-analog conversion via:
• Digitally-controlled stereo monitor outputs
• Stereo headphone outputs
• Line outputs 3-4
• Up to eight channels of digital inputs via:
• Eight channels ADAT optical with S/MUX for high sample rates, or
• Two channels S/PDIF optical with sample rate conversion
• 64-bit device drivers
• PCIe audio drivers
*96 kHz maximum on S/PDIF digital inputs
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual Chapter 1: Introduction 7
Microphone Preamplifiers
• Two high-resolution, ultra-transparent, digitally-controlled analog mic preamps
• Front panel and software control of all preamp parameters
• Low cut filter, 48V phantom power, 20 dB pad, polarity inversion, and stereo linking
Monitoring
• Digitally-controlled analog monitor outputs maintains highest fidelity
• Independently-addressable stereo headphone outputs
• Independently-addressable line outputs 3-4 can be used for additional cue mix
• Front panel control of monitor levels and muting
UAD-2 Inside
• One (SOLO) or two (DUO) SHARC DSP processors
• Realtime UAD Processing on all analog and digital inputs
• Same features and functionality as other UAD-2 devices when used with DAW
• Includes UAD Powered Plug-Ins “Realtime Analog Classics” bundle
• Complete UAD Powered Plug-Ins library is available online
Software
Console application:
• Enables tracking and/or monitoring with Realtime UAD Processing
• Remote control of Apollo Twin features and functionality
• Virtual I/O for routing DAW tracks through Console
• Two independent stereo Auxiliary busses
Console Recall plug-in:
• Saves Apollo Twin configurations inside DAW sessions for easy recall
• Facilitates control of Apollo Twin monitoring features from within the DAW
• VST, RTAS, AAX 64, and Audio Units plug-in formats
UAD Meter & Control Panel application:
• Configures global UAD settings and monitors system usage
Other
• Attractive and durable desktop form factor
• Locking power supply prevents accidental disconnection
• Easily updateable firmware
• One year warranty includes parts and labor
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual Chapter 1: Introduction 8
System Requirements
• Apple Mac computer with available Thunderbolt port
• Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or 10.9 Mavericks
• Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
• Compatible VST, Audio Units, RTAS, or AAX 64 plug-in host application software
• 2 gigabytes available disk space
• Thunderbolt cable (sold separately)
Package Contents
• Apollo Twin unit
• Power supply with (4) AC connectors
(Changeable AC connectors for USA, Europe, UK, Australia, and China)
• URL card
Installation Software
For installation software, quick start videos, and other info, visit:
• www.uaudio.com/twin/start
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual Chapter 1: Introduction 9
Operational Overview
Audio Interface
First and foremost, Apollo Twin is a premium 2x6 Thunderbolt audio interface with world-class
24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion. Apollo Twin connects to the outputs and inputs of other audio
gear, and performs analog-to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analog (D/A) audio conversions on the
gear’s signals. The digital audio signals are routed into and out of the host computer via the
high-speed PCIe protocol, which is carried on a single Thunderbolt cable.
Apollo Twin leverages Universal Audio’s expertise in DSP acceleration, UAD Powered Plug-Ins,
and analog hardware design by integrating the latest cutting edge technologies in high-performance A/D-D/A conversion, DSP signal reconstruction, and host connectivity. Apollo Twin acts
as both an audio interface with integrated DSP effects for tracking and monitoring as well as a
fully integrated UAD-2 DSP accelerator for mixing and mastering.
About Realtime UAD Processing
Apollo Twin has the ability to run UAD Powered Plug-Ins in realtime. Apollo Twin’s groundbreaking DSP + FPGA technology enable UAD plug-ins to run with latencies in the sub-2ms range,
and multiple plug-ins can be stacked in series without additional latency.
Realtime UAD Processing facilitates the ultimate sonic experience while monitoring and/or
tracking.
Note: Apollo Twin, like other UAD-2 devices, can only load UAD Powered Plug-Ins, which
are specifically designed to run on UAD-2 DSP accelerators. Native (host-based) plug-ins
cannot run on the UAD-2 DSP.
Console Software
The Console software application runs on the host computer and is used to control Apollo Twin
mixing and monitoring with Realtime UAD Processing, access the audio interface I/O 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.
Realtime UAD Processing is a special function that is available only within Console. All of
Apollo Twin’s analog and digital inputs can perform Realtime UAD processing simultaneously,
and Console inputs with (or without) Realtime UAD Processing can be routed into the DAW for
recording.
Console controls Apollo Twin’s digital mixer so you can monitor Apollo Twin’s inputs (with or
without Realtime UAD Processing) without using any other audio software such as a DAW.
Console is integral to unleashing the power of Apollo Twin. For complete details about how to
use Console and Realtime UAD Processing, refer to the Apollo Software Manual.
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual Chapter 1: Introduction 10
UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a DAW
Apollo Twin and UAD plug-ins can also be used within a DAW without the use of Console.
UAD plug-ins loaded within the DAW operate like other (non-UAD) plug-ins, except the
processing occurs on the Apollo Twin DSP instead of the host computer’s processor. In
this scenario, UAD plug-ins are subject to the latencies incurred by I/O buffering.
For details about using UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a DAW, see the UAD System Manual.
Standalone Use
Although the Console application is required to utilize all Apollo Twin features, the hardware unit can be used as a digital mixer with limited functionality without a Thunderbolt
connection to a host computer.
All currently active I/O assignments, signal routings, and monitor settings are saved to internal firmware when Apollo Twin is powered down and persist when power is re-applied.
Therefore the last-used settings are always available even when a host computer is not
connected.
Note that UAD plug-in instantiations are not retained on power down, because the plugin files reside on the host computer. However, if UAD plug-ins are active when Apollo
Twin’s connection to the host system is lost (if the Thunderbolt cable is unplugged), the
current UAD plug-in configurations remain active for processing until Apollo Twin is powered down.
About Apollo Twin Documentation
Documentation for all Apollo components is extensive, so instructions are separated by
areas of functionality, as detailed below. All documentation is copied to the computer
during software installation (documentation can also be downloaded from our website).
All manuals are in PDF format. PDF files require a free PDF reader application such as
Preview (included with Mac OS X). After software installation, all documentation can be
found on the startup drive at the following location:
• Macintosh HD/Applications/Universal Audio
Tip: Documentation can also be accessed by clicking the “View Documentation”
button in the Help panel within the UAD Meter & Control Panel application.
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual Chapter 1: Introduction 11
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual
The Apollo Twin Hardware Manual contains complete information about the audio interface hardware. Included are detailed descriptions for all Apollo Twin hardware features,
control functions, and connections. Refer to this hardware manual to learn about interfacing the hardware with other devices, operating the panel controls, specifications, and
related information.
Apollo Software Manual
The Apollo Software Manual is the companion guide to the Apollo Twin Hardware manual. It contains detailed information about how to configure and control Apollo’s software
features using the Console application and Console Recall plug-in. Refer to the Apollo
Software Manual to learn how to operate these software tools and integrate Apollo’s audio
interface functionality into the DAW environment.
UAD System Manual
The UAD System Manual is the complete operation manual for Apollo’s UAD-2 functionality and applies to the entire UAD product line. It contains detailed information about
installing and configuring UAD devices, the UAD Meter & Control Panel application, how
to use UAD plug-ins within a DAW, obtaining optional plug-in licenses at the UA online
store, and more. It includes everything about UAD except Apollo Twin-specific information and individual UAD Powered Plug-In descriptions.
UAD Plug-Ins Manual
The features and functionality of all the individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins is detailed in
the UAD Plug-Ins Manual. Refer to that document to learn about the operation, controls,
and user interface of each plug-in that is developed by Universal Audio.
Direct Developer Plug-Ins
UAD Powered Plug-Ins includes plug-ins from our Direct Developer partners. Documentation for these 3rd-party plug-ins are separate files that are written and provided by
the plug-in developers themselves. The filenames for these plug-ins are the same as the
plug-in title names.
Host DAW Documentation
Each host DAW application has its own particular methods for configuring audio interfaces and using plug-ins. Refer to the host DAW’s documentation for specific instructions
about using audio interface and plug-in features within the DAW.
Hyperlinks
Links to other manual sections and web pages are highlighted in blue text. Click any
hyperlink to jump directly to the linked topic.
Tip: The PDF reader’s “back” function can be used to return to the previouslyviewed page.
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual Chapter 1: Introduction 12
Glossary
This manual uses technical terms and acronyms that may be unfamiliar. Refer to the
Glossary in the Apollo Software Manual for the definitions of many of these terms.
Support Web Pages
The latest technical information about Apollo Twin is posted on our website. Our support pages contain updated, late-breaking information that may not be available in other
publications. To access the main Apollo Twin support page, go to:
• www.uaudio.com/support/twin
Technical Support
Universal Audio provides free customer support to all registered Apollo Twin users. Our
support specialists are available to assist you via email and telephone during our normal
business hours, which are from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard
Time.
Telephone Support
USA toll-free: +1-877-698-2834
International: +1-831-440-1176
Email Support
To request online support via email, click the URL below:
• www.uaudio.com/my/support/index.php?pg=request
Alternately, visit our main support page at the URL below, then click the “Submit Support Ticket” button on the right side of the loaded page to create a help ticket.
• www.uaudio.com/support
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual Chapter 1: Introduction 13
Chapter 2: Quick Start
Quick Start Overview
Apollo Twin hardware and software installation and setup consists of the main steps below. These steps are detailed in this chapter.
1. Connect and power the Apollo Twin hardware
2. Download and install the Apollo Twin software
3. Update the Apollo Twin firmware (if prompted)
4. Register the hardware and authorize UAD plug-ins
5. Learn how to adjust Apollo Twin's input and output levels
System Requirements
All system requirements must be met for the Apollo Twin system to operate properly. Before proceeding with installation and authorization, see the System Requirements.
Getting Started Videos
Helpful videos are available to assist you with installation and setup. Visit the Apollo
Twin start page to view the videos online:
• www.uaudio.com/twin/thanks
About Registration and Authorization
The Apollo Twin hardware must be registered and authorized at my.uaudio.com to unlock
UAD Powered Plug-Ins that are bundled with the product. Registration only needs to be
completed once, however authorization should be completed each time the Apollo Twin
software is updated.
The Apollo Twin hardware stores its authorization and UAD licenses in the device itself,
so the unit can be connected to a different computer without repeating the authorization
process. UAD plug-ins that were not bundled with the product can be evaluated without
functional restriction during a demonstration mode that expires after 14 days.
Apollo Twin Hardware Manual Chapter 2: Quick Start 14
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