Apollo x4 Hardware Manual
Manual Version 190912
www.uaudio.com
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr.
Thank you for choosing this Apollo x4 audio interface to become a part of your studio. 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 interfaces like Apollo x4 exemplify a commitment to craftsmanship that we’ve forged over the past 60 years — from our original founding in the 1950s by my father, Bill Putnam Sr., to our current mission combining the best of both classic analog and modern digital audio technologies.
Starting with its high-quality I/O and superior A/D and D/A conversion, Apollo x4’s superior sonic performance serves as its foundation.
This is just the beginning however, as Apollo x4 lets you power the full range of UAD plug-ins in real time, including classic mic preamps, EQs, dynamics processors, reverbs, guitar amps, and much more. With more than 100 acclaimed UAD plug-ins at your fingertips, the sonic choices are limitless.*
At UA, we are dedicated to the idea that technology should serve the creative process, inspiring our customers to go further. These are the ideals my father embodied with his classic designs, and we like to think this spirit lives on today in products like Apollo x4.
Please feel free to reach out to us via our website www.uaudio.com, and via our social media channels. We look forward to hearing from you, and thank you once again for choosing Universal Audio.
Sincerely,
Bill Putnam Jr.
*All trademarks are recognized as property of their respective owners. Individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins sold separately.
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Welcome |
Table Of Contents
Tip: Click any section or page number to jump directly to that page.
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr................................................................... |
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Introduction.......................................................................................... |
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Apollo x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface .............................................................. |
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Apollo x4 Features.............................................................................................. |
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Operational Overview.......................................................................................... |
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About Apollo x4 Documentation......................................................................... |
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Additional Resources........................................................................................ |
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Quick Start......................................................................................... |
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Installation Notes............................................................................................. |
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Connection Notes............................................................................................. |
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Hardware Setup............................................................................................... |
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Software Setup................................................................................................ |
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Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System.................................................... |
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Setting Hardware I/O Levels.............................................................................. |
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Controls & Connectors......................................................................... |
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Controls Overview............................................................................................. |
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Top Panel........................................................................................................ |
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Front Panel...................................................................................................... |
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Side Panel....................................................................................................... |
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Rear Panel....................................................................................................... |
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Specifications..................................................................................... |
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Hardware Block Diagram................................................................................... |
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Troubleshooting................................................................................... |
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Notices.............................................................................................. |
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Warranty.......................................................................................................... |
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Maintenance.................................................................................................... |
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Repair Service.................................................................................................. |
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Important Safety Information............................................................................. |
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Technical Support............................................................................... |
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Universal Audio Knowledge Base....................................................................... |
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YouTube Support Channel................................................................................. |
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Universal Audio Community Forums................................................................... |
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Contact Universal Audio Support........................................................................ |
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Apollo x4 Hardware Manual |
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Table Of Contents |
Introduction
Apollo x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
World-Class Conversion. Timeless Analog Sound.
UA Audio Interfaces are the world’s most acclaimed professional recording interfaces for Mac and Windows — delivering enhanced audio conversion with the tone, feel, and flow of analog recording.
Built upon UA’s 60-year heritage of audio craftsmanship, Apollo x4 starts with four Unison™- enabled mic preamps. Together with its included bundle of UAD analog emulation plug-ins — which you can track through in real time with UAD-2 QUAD Core processing — Apollo x4 is born to make records.
Now You Can:
PREAMP |
MONITOR |
OPTICAL |
LINE OUT |
LINE OUT |
MONITOR |
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OUT |
IN |
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MIC/LINE 4 |
MIC/LINE 3 |
MIC/LINE 2 |
MIC/LINE 1 |
POWER |
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OFF |
ON |
12VDC |
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•Record with world-class Apollo A/D and D/A conversion — as heard on hundreds of hit records
•Cascade up to 4 Apollo interfaces and 6 UAD-2 devices over Thunderbolt, adding DSP and I/O as your studio grows
•Mix with UAD plug ins like the included Teletronix® LA 2A and 1176 compressors, Pultec® EQs, and 610 B Preamp
•Track with near-zero latency through preamp emulations from Neve®, API®, Manley® and more using Unison™ technology*
Unison Technology: The Genuine Sound of Neve, API & Manley Preamps
Apollo x4 features four Unison-enabled mic preamps, letting you track through exacting mic preamp emulations from Neve, SSL, API, Manley, and Universal Audio. An Apollo exclusive, Unison technology nails the tone of these sought-after tube and solid state mic pres — including their input impedance, gain stage “sweet spots,” and the componentlevel circuit behaviors of the original hardware.
The secret to Unison is its hardware-software integration between Apollo’s mic preamps and its onboard UAD-2 QUAD Core DSP Acceleration. Simply place a Unison preamp plug-in on your mic input in Apollo Console software, and it physically reconfigures the Apollo interface’s impedance — so you can tap into the classic sounds of the world’s most recorded mic preamps.
*Includes the “Realtime Analog Classics” UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately.
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Introduction |
A Full Suite of Classic Analog Processing Onboard
Right out of the box, Apollo x4 provides a suite of incredible analog emulation plug-ins including the world’s only authentic Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN, Pultec EQs, and the Unison-enabled UA 610-B Tube Preamp. Developed by UA’s world-renowned team of algorithm engineers, these Realtime Analog Classics plug-ins set the standard by which all other hardware emulation plug-ins are judged.
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 x4 lets you tap into the full library award-winning UAD Powered Plug-Ins — including vintage EQs, Compressors, Reverbs, Tape Machines and more — at near-zero latency, regardless of your audio software’s buffer size and without taxing your computer’s CPU.
With exclusive emulations from Neve, Studer, Manley, API, Ampex, Lexicon, Fender, and more,* it’s like having an endless analog studio, right on your desktop. And unlike competing interfaces, these DSP-powered plug-ins are also available in your DAW for mixing.
Next-Generation A/D and D/A Conversion
Of course, the heart of any audio interface is the quality of its conversion. Apollo x4 improves upon the original Apollo Twin’s gold-standard audio quality with completely redesigned A/D and D/A conversion — giving you increased dynamic range and ultra-low THD. This next-generation conversion results in breathtaking clarity, depth, and accuracy in your recordings.
*All trademarks are recognized as property of their respective owners. Individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins sold separately.
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Introduction |
Apollo: The Choice of New-School Professionals
Apollo is the confirmed choice of hit-making professionals, used to record landmark albums by many famous artists. The Apollo range of interfaces has earned numerous industry awards from Sound on Sound, Future Music, and Electronic Musician — as well as the prestigious 2016 TEC Award for computer audio hardware.
Improved Monitoring and Built In Talkback Mic
The Apollo x4 offers flexible monitor functionality — with Mute, DIM, Mono, and ALT speaker switching. It also includes dedicated monitor remote controls and a built in Talkback mic for easy communication with talent and/or recording slate cues. These features, combined with Apollo x4’s scalability, make it the standard for professional desktop recording.
Build a Networked Studio
Apollo x4 offers up to 12 x 18 simultaneous input/output channels. Thanks to Apollo Expanded software, users of any Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo audio interfaces can combine up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices — adding I/O and DSP as your studio grows. Apollo x4 makes the perfect intelligent desktop controller for a full Apollo system.
Now with Vintage Amps
Apollo x4 also includes Unison technology on its front panel instrument inputs, giving you access to dead-on emulations of guitar and bass amps like the Fender ‘55 Tweed Deluxe, Marshall Plexi Super Lead 1959, and the Ampeg B-15N Bass Amplifier.
A Sleek, Low-latency App
Console is Apollo x4’s software control interface. Its intuitive, analog console-style design provides realtime tracking and monitoring with UAD Powered Plug-Ins, Channel Strip presets, Drag & Drop functionality, dynamically resizable windows, and more.
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Introduction |
Apollo x4 Features
Key Features
•Best in class audio quality with improved 24-bit/192 kHz conversion
•Realtime UAD Processing — monitor and track through vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, and guitar amp/pedal plug-ins with near-zero latency
•Four premium mic/line preamps; four line outs; two front-panel Hi-Z instrument inputs, and two stereo headphone outputs
•Unison™ technology for stunning models of classic mic preamps and guitar amps
•Built-in talkback microphone for communication and recording
•Monitor remote functions can replace dedicated monitor controllers
•UAD-2 QUAD DSP processing onboard
•Thunderbolt 3 connection for blazing-fast PCIe speed on modern computers
•Uncompromising analog design, superior components, and premium build quality throughout
•Cascade up to four Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices — adding I/O and DSP as needed
All Features
Audio Interface
•Sample rates up to 192 kHz at 24-bit word length (96 kHz max on S/PDIF I/O)
•Up to 12 x 18 simultaneous input/output channels
•Four channels of analog-to-digital conversion via:
•Four balanced mic/line inputs
•Two Hi-Z instrument inputs
•10 channels of digital-to-analog conversion via:
•Stereo monitor outputs
•Two stereo headphone outputs
•Four line outputs
•Up to eight channels of digital optical inputs and outputs via:
•Eight channels ADAT optical with S/MUX for high sample rates, or
•Two channels S/PDIF optical with sample rate conversion
Microphone Preamplifiers
•Four high-resolution, ultra-transparent, digitally-controlled analog mic preamps
•Unison™ technology for exacting emulations with Unison-enabled UAD plug-ins
•Front panel and software control of all preamp parameters
•Low cut filter, 48V phantom power, 20 dB pad, polarity inversion, and stereo linking
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Introduction |
Monitoring
•Independently-addressable stereo left/right monitor outputs
•Two independently-addressable stereo headphone outputs
•Four independently-addressable line outputs can be used for additional cue mixes
•Front panel control of level, mute, dim, mono, alternate speakers, and talkback
•Built-in talkback microphone for communication and recording
•All outputs are DC coupled
UAD-2 Inside
•Four (QUAD) SHARC® DSP processor cores onboard
•Realtime UAD Processing on all analog and digital inputs
•Same features and functionality as other UAD-2 devices when used with a DAW
•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 x4 features and functionality
•Virtual I/O for routing DAW tracks through Console
•Two independent stereo Auxiliary buses
Console Recall plug-in:
•Saves Apollo x4 configurations inside DAW sessions for easy recall
•Facilitates control of Apollo x4 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
•Easy firmware updates
•One year warranty includes parts and labor
Package Contents
•Apollo x4 unit
•Power supply with (3) region-specific AC cables
(Changeable AC cables for USA, UK, and EU)
•Getting Started URL card
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Introduction |
Operational Overview
Audio Interface
First and foremost, Apollo x4 is a premium 12 x 18 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion. Apollo x4 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 3 cable.
Apollo x4 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 connectivity. Apollo x4 acts as an audio interface with integrated DSP effects for tracking and monitoring, a fully integrated UAD-2 DSP accelerator for mixing and mastering, as well as a complete monitoring controller.
About Realtime UAD Processing
Apollo x4 has the ability to run UAD Powered Plug-Ins in realtime. Apollo’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 x4, as with other UAD-2 devices, can only load UAD Powered Plug Ins, which are specifically designed to run on UAD-2 DSP accelerators. Native (host CPU-based) plug-ins cannot run on the UAD-2 DSP.
Console Software
The included Console companion software application runs on the host computer and is used to control Apollo x4 mixing and input 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 x4’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 x4’s digital mixer so you can monitor Apollo x4’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 x4. For complete details about how to use Console and Realtime UAD Processing, refer to the Apollo Software Manual.
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Introduction |
UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a DAW
Apollo x4 and UAD plug-ins can also be used with 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 x4 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 x4 features, the hardware unit can be used as a digital mixer with limited functionality without a Thunderbolt 3 connection to a host computer.
All currently active I/O assignments, signal routings, and monitor settings are saved to internal firmware when Apollo x4 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 plug in files reside on the host computer. However, if UAD plug-ins are active when Apollo x4’s connection to the host system is lost (if the Thunderbolt 3 cable is unplugged), the current UAD plug-in configurations remain active for processing until Apollo x4 is powered down.
Note: Standalone use is unavailable when cascading multiple Apollo units.
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Introduction |
About Apollo x4 Documentation
Documentation for Apollo x4 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.
Apollo Manual Files
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 Hardware Manuals
Each Apollo model has a unique hardware manual. The Apollo hardware manuals contain complete hardware-related details about one specific Apollo model. Included are detailed descriptions of all hardware features, controls, connectors, and specifications.
Note: Each hardware manual contains the unique Apollo model in the file name.
Apollo Software Manual
The Apollo Software Manual is the companion guide to the Apollo hardware manuals. It contains detailed information about how to configure and control all Apollo software
features using the Console application, Console Settings window, Console Recall plug-in, and Talkback. Refer to the Apollo Software Manual to learn how to operate the software tools and integrate Apollo’s functionality into the DAW environment.
Note: Each Apollo system connection type (Thunderbolt, FireWire, USB) has a unique software manual.
UAD System Manual
The UAD System Manual is the operation manual for Apollo’s UAD-2 functionality and applies to the entire UAD-2 product family. It contains detailed information about installing and configuring UAD devices, the UAD Meter & Control Panel application, buying optional plug-ins at the UA online store, and more. It includes everything about UAD except Apollo-specific information and individual UAD plug-in descriptions.
UAD Plug-Ins Manual
The features and functionality of all individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins 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 that is developed by UA.
Direct Developer Plug-In Manuals
UAD Powered Plug-Ins includes plug-in 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.
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Introduction |
Accessing Installed Documentation
Either of these methods can be used to access installed documentation:
•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
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’s documentation for specific instructions about using audio interface and plug-in features within the DAW.
Additional Resources
For additional resources, or if you need to contact Universal Audio for assistance, see the Technical Support page.
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Introduction |
Quick Start
Before you can use Apollo x4, you need to complete these steps:
1.Connect to your computer with a Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included).
2.Connect to AC power.
3.Download and install the latest UAD software.
4.Register your Apollo hardware.
5.Authorize your UAD plug-ins.
Additionally, you'll want to learn these essential Apollo x4 operations:
•Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System – How to connect your audio gear.
•Setting Hardware I/O Levels – Learn how to adjust Mic/Line/Instrument input gain levels and monitor/headphone output volume levels.
This chapter will guide you through these steps. For assistance, see the Technical Support page.
Installation Notes
•Locate the interface on a flat surface so its feet will maintain airflow beneath the unit.
•The location should be sturdy enough to securely hold its weight and withstand the pressure of operating the top panel controls.
•Allow space at the front and rear of the unit for cable connections.
•Do not block the cooling vents on the bottom or sides of the unit.
•As with any sound system, the following steps are recommended to avoid audio spikes in your speakers and headphones:
1.Power on the speakers last, after all other devices (including Apollo x4) are powered on.
2.Power off the speakers first, before all other devices (including Apollo x4) are powered off.
3.Remove headphones from ears before powering Apollo x4 on or off.
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Quick Start |
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