Universal Audio Apollo X16 User manual

Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

Apollo x16 Hardware Manual

Manual Version 080828

www.uaudio.com

A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr.

Thank you for choosing this Apollo X Series 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 X 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 ultra high-quality I/O and superior A/D and D/A conversion, Apollo X is designed to set new benchmarks in sonic performance. Breakthrough fidelity is just

the beginning, however, as Apollo X’s onboard HEXA Core processing lets you power the full range of UAD plug-ins, 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 X.

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.

Apollo x16 Hardware Manual

Welcome

Table Of Contents

Tip: Click any section or page number to jump directly to that page.

A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr...................................................................	2
Introduction..........................................................................................	4
Apollo x16 Features............................................................................................	6
Apollo x16 Documentation Overview.....................................................................	8
Additional Resources..........................................................................................	9
Front Panel.........................................................................................	10
Rear Panel..........................................................................................	16
Digital I/O........................................................................................................	17
Analog I/O.......................................................................................................	19
Interconnections.................................................................................	22
Installation Notes.............................................................................................	22
Connection Notes.............................................................................................	22
Typical Setup...................................................................................................	24
Apollo Expanded: Multi-Unit Thunderbolt 3 Wiring..............................................	25
Software Setup...................................................................................	26
Specifications.....................................................................................	27
Hardware Block Diagram......................................................................	30
DB25 Wiring.......................................................................................	31
Troubleshooting...................................................................................	32
Notices..............................................................................................	33
Warranty..........................................................................................................	33
Repair Service..................................................................................................	33
Maintenance....................................................................................................	33
Important Safety Information.............................................................................	34
Technical Support...............................................................................	37
Universal Audio Knowledge Base.......................................................................	37
YouTube Support Channel.................................................................................	37
Universal Audio Community Forums...................................................................	37
Contact Universal Audio Support........................................................................	37

Apollo x16 Hardware Manual

Table Of Contents

Introduction

16 Channels of Elite Audio Conversion, HEXA Core Processing and Surround Sound Monitoring.

The flagship Apollo x16 allows music producers, project, and post-production studios to track, overdub, and mix with new world-beating A/D and D/A conversion, HEXA Core

UAD plug-in processing, and 7.1 surround sound monitoring† — all in a sleek rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for Mac or PC.

Built upon UA’s 60-year heritage of audio craftsmanship, this 18 x 20 interface boasts the widest dynamic range (133 dB) and lowest THD+N (-129 dB), of any integrated audio interface on the market. Plus, with all-new HEXA Core processing, you’ll get 50% more DSP for running acclaimed UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time.

In addition to its elite-class audio conversion, Apollo x16 features selectable operating level for compatibility with professional +24 dBu gear, as well as an integrated monitor controller and built-in talkback mic.

•Experience elite-class A/D and D/A conversion with the widest dynamic range and lowest signal to noise of any integrated audio interface available

•Track and mix with powerful HEXA Core processing, featuring 6 UAD DSP chips for running more award-winning UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time

•Easily connect to professional studio gear with 16 x 16 analog I/O via DB-25 connections, plus switchable +24 / +20 dBu headroom settings

•Work in surround formats up to 7.1†, complete with speaker calibration and folddown

†Surround sound support for Apollo X will be in a future software release. For the latest Apollo X software, visit www.uaudio.com.

Elite-Class A/D and D/A Conversion

With thousands of chart-topping songs and hundreds of Grammy-winning albums under their belt, Apollo interfaces are no strangers to tracking stellar-sounding records. To improve on the previous generation Apollo interface’s class-leading audio conversion, UA engineers obsessively auditioned the latest A/D and D/A converters — ultimately pairing elite-class 24-bit/192 kHz converters with all-new analog circuitry for an ultra-pristine signal path.

With 133 dB dynamic range and THD+N of -129 dB, the Apollo x16’s open, natural sound quality bests every interface in its class — regardless of price — and is the perfect starting point for applying UAD processing.

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

Apollo x16 Hardware Manual

Introduction

Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing

Apollo x16 features new HEXA Core processing, with six DSP chips and 50% more UAD plug-in processing power than previous Apollos. This lets you run more UAD plug-ins, whether you’re tracking in real time with channel strips from Neve, Manley, Helios, or API, or running high UAD plug-in counts when mixing in your DAW.

From the tube warmth of Pultec EQs on guitars to the musical tube limiting of the LA-2A on vocals, or the pump of a genuine 1176 or Fairchild 670 tube compressor on drums, your recordings will take a giant leap forward with a rich, three-dimensional analog sound that UAD plug-ins provide.

A Full Suite of Classic Analog Processing Onboard

Of course, a hallmark feature of Apollo is its Realtime UAD Processing, letting you run the full library of UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency. Apollo x16 includes the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, so you can record and mix with the world’s only authentic Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN, and Fairchild compressors, Pultec EQs, and many more.

Access the World of UAD Powered Plug-Ins

Going beyond the included Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-ins, Apollo x16 lets you tap into the full UAD Powered Plug-In library of name-brand vintage EQs, compressors, reverbs, tape machines, channel strips, 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 SSL, Neve, Studer, Manley, API, Ampex, Lexicon, Fender, and more,* it’s like having a studio full of iconic analog gear, in a single rack space. And unlike competing interfaces, these award-winning DSP-powered plug-ins are also available in your DAW for mixing.

Surround Sound Monitoring† and +24dBu Operation

With comprehensive surround monitoring support for formats up to 7.1, Apollo x16 is a boon for engineers and producers working on audio and music for video games, television, and the web. In addition, Apollo x16 offers selectable +24 dBu operation for out-of- the-box compatibility with professional mixing consoles and other high-end pro audio equipment.

Build a Networked Studio System Over Thunderbolt

Apollo x16 offers 18 x 20 simultaneous inputs/outputs (16 x 16 analog I/O) and two builtin Thunderbolt 3 ports, which are backwards-compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Macs via adapter (sold separately). This allows users of any Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin or Apollo rackmount audio interfaces to easily combine up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices — adding fast, high-bandwidth I/O and DSP as your studio grows.

†Surround sound support for Apollo X will be in a future software release. For the latest Apollo X software, visit www.uaudio.com.

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

Apollo x16 Hardware Manual

Introduction

Apollo x16 Features

Key Features:

•18 x 20 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 KHz conversion

•HEXA Core Realtime UAD Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at nearzero latency, regardless of audio buffer size

•Surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format†

•Includes “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle featuring UA 610 B Tube Preamp; Legacy Pultec EQ, LA-2A, and 1176 compressors; Marshall Plexi Classic; Ampeg SVT-VR Classic and more

•UAD-2 HEXA Core processing onboard for additional mixing horsepower for Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, and other major DAWs

•Combine up to 4 Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos and 6 total UAD devices; backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 via optional adapter

•Selectable +24 dBu operation for easy compatibility with professional mixing consoles and tape machines

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

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

•Free, industry-leading technical support — on the phone and online — from knowledgeable audio engineers

Audio Interface

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

•16 x 18 simultaneous analog input/output channels:

•16 channels of analog-to-digital conversion via line inputs on dual DB25 connectors

•18 channels of digital-to-analog conversion:

•16 line outputs via dual DB25 connectors

•Stereo monitor outputs via dual XLR connectors

•Adjustable reference levels for all analog I/O (+4 dBu or -10 dBV)

•Two channels of AES/EBU digital I/O with optional sample rate conversion on input

•Front panel pre-fader metering of analog signal input or output levels

•Two Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy-chaining other Thunderbolt devices

†Surround sound support for Apollo X will be in a future software release. For the latest Apollo X software, visit www.uaudio.com.

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

Apollo x16 Hardware Manual

Introduction

Monitoring

•Independently-addressable stereo monitor outputs (in addition to 16 line outputs)

•Front panel control of monitor levels and muting

•Front panel pre-fader metering of monitor bus levels

•Digital AES/EBU outputs can mirror the analog monitor outputs

UAD-2 HEXA Inside

•Six SHARC® DSP processors

•Realtime UAD Processing on all of Apollo x16’s analog and AES/EBU inputs

•Same features and functionality as other UAD-2 products when used with DAW

•Can be combined with other UAD-2 devices for increased mixing DSP

•Complete UAD Powered Plug-Ins library is available online

Software

Console application:

•Analog-style control interface for realtime monitoring and tracking

•Enables Realtime UAD Processing with UAD plug-ins

•Remote control of Apollo x16 features and functionality

•Virtual I/O for routing DAW tracks through Console

Console Recall plug-in:

•Saves Console configurations inside DAW sessions for easy recall

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

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

UAD Meter & Control Panel application:

•Configures global UAD settings and monitors system usage

Other

•Easy firmware updates

•1U rack-mountable form factor

•One year warranty includes parts and labor

Apollo x16 Hardware Manual

Introduction

Apollo x16 Documentation Overview

Documentation for Apollo x16 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, and they can be downloaded at help.uaudio.com.

Note: All manual files are in PDF format. PDF files require a free PDF reader application such as Acrobat Reader (Mac & Windows) or Preview (Mac).

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, and Console Recall plug-in. Refer to the Apollo Software Manual to learn how to operate the software tools and integrate Apollo’s functionality into the DAW environment.

Note: Each Apollo connection protocol (Thunderbolt, FireWire, USB) has a unique software manual.

UAD Plug-Ins Manual

The features and functionality of all individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins is detailed in the UAD Plug-Ins Manual. Refer to this document to learn about the operation, controls, and user interface of each UAD plug-in that is developed by Universal Audio.

Direct Developer Plug-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.

UAD System Manual

The UAD System Manual is the complete operation manual for Apollo’s UAD-2 functionality and applies to the entire UAD-2 product family. It contains detailed information about installing and configuring UAD devices, the UAD Meter & Control Panel application, buying optional plug-ins at the UA online store, and more. It includes everything about UAD except Apollo-specific information and individual UAD plug-in descriptions.

Apollo x16 Hardware Manual

Introduction

Accessing Installed Documentation

Any 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.

Apollo x16 Hardware Manual

Introduction

Front Panel

This section describes the features and functionality of all controls and visual elements on the Apollo x16 front panel.

Tip: All front panel functions except METER and POWER can be controlled remotely with the included Console software application. Changes made with the front panel controls are mirrored in the Console application, and vice versa.

(1) Power Indicator (UA Logo)

1 2

The Universal Audio logo illuminates when the external power supply is properly connected to the AC outlet and the power input on the rear of the unit, and the Power switch (#14) is in the up position.

(2) Talkback Microphone

The built-in talkback mic is located inside of this hole. The talkback function is configured and operated in the included Console software application.

Caution: The talkback microphone is sensitive. To avoid equipment damage, do not insert any object into the mic hole, apply pressurized air into the mic hole, or use a vacuum over the mic hole.

Power indicator and talkback microphone

Apollo x16 Hardware Manual

Front Panel

3								4	5	7	8	9	10	12	13
													METER		MONITOR
9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16				MONITOR
													ALT
													FCN

Main Apollo x16 front panel elements

(3) Channel Level Meters

The 10-segment LED channel meters display the input or output signal peak levels for analog channels 1 – 16. Input or output metering is selected with the METER switch (#9), and the input/output state is shown by the METER indicators (#6).

The dB values of the meter LEDs are indicated between the meters for channels 4 & 5 and 12 & 13. “0” indicates a level of 0 dBFS. When digital clipping occurs (when 0 dBFS is exceeded), the red “C” (clip) LED illuminates.

Input Channel Meters

When set to INPUT, the channel meters display the signal peak input levels for analog channels 1 – 16 at the input to the A/D converters. Avoid digital clipping at the channel’s A/D converter by reducing the output level of the device connected to the channel’s input.

Output Channel Meters

When set to OUTPUT, the channel meters display the signal peak output levels for analog channels 1 – 16 at the output of the D/A converters.

(4) HOST Indicator

The HOST indicator displays the status of the Thunderbolt connection to the host computer system. The possible states are:

Lit – The unit is communicating with the host computer and operating normally.

Unlit – The unit is starting up or it is not recognized by the host computer. Verify software installation and Thunderbolt connections.

Red – System error. Please contact UA technical support if the issue persists.

Apollo x16 Hardware Manual

Front Panel

(5) CLOCK Indicators

The clock source and status are displayed with these indicators. Either internal (INT) or external (EXT) is displayed. The clock source is set within the Console application; see the Apollo Software Manual for details.

Internal Clock

When set to internal clock, the INT indicator is illuminated white.

External Clock

Apollo x16 can use an external digital clock source from the Word Clock or AES/EBU inputs. The EXT indicator has two possible states:

White – When set to external clock and a valid clock signal is detected at the specified port, the EXT indicator is illuminated white and Apollo x16 is synchronized to the external clock source.

Red – When set to external clock and a valid clock signal is NOT detected at the specified port, the EXT indicator is illuminated red and the internal clock remains active instead. In this situation, if/when the specified external clock becomes available, Apollo x16 switches back to the external clock, and the EXT indicator is illuminated and white.

Important: When set to use any external clock source, Apollo x16’s sample rate must be manually set to match the sample rate of the external clock.

(6) METER Indicators

These indicators show the current state of the Channel Level Meters (#3). The current state is changed with the METER switch (#9).

IN – When IN is illuminated, the channel meters display analog input signal levels.

OUT – When OUT is illuminated, the channel meters display analog output signals levels.

(7) Sample Rate Indicators

These indicators display the current sample rate setting for A/D and D/A conversion. The sample rate is set within the Console application or the host DAW; see the Apollo Software Manual for details.

Apollo x16 Hardware Manual

Front Panel

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