Universal Audio Apollo X8 User manual

Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

Apollo x8 Hardware Manual

Manual Version 180828

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 x8 Hardware Manual Welcome 2

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 x8 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface .............................................................. 4

Apollo x8 Features ............................................................................................. 7

Apollo x8 Documentation Overview .................................................................... 10

Additional Resources ....................................................................................... 11

Front Panel ........................................................................................ 12

Rear Panel ......................................................................................... 24

Digital I/O ....................................................................................................... 25

Analog I/O ...................................................................................................... 28

Interconnections ................................................................................. 31

Installation Notes ............................................................................................ 31

Connection Notes ............................................................................................ 31

Typical Setup .................................................................................................. 33

Apollo Expanded: Multi-Unit Thunderbolt 3 Wiring .............................................. 34

Software Setup ................................................................................... 35

Speciﬁcations .................................................................................... 36

Block Diagram .................................................................................... 40

Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 41

Notices .............................................................................................. 42

Warranty ......................................................................................................... 42

Repair Service ................................................................................................. 42

Maintenance ................................................................................................... 42

Important Safety Information ............................................................................ 43

Technical Support ............................................................................... 46

Universal Audio Knowledge Base ....................................................................... 46

YouTube Support Channel ................................................................................. 46

Universal Audio Community Forums .................................................................. 46

Contact Universal Audio Support ....................................................................... 46

Apollo x8 Hardware Manual Table Of Contents3

Introduction

Apollo x8 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

Elite-Class Audio Conversion with Four Unison Mic Preamps, HEXA Core Processing, and Surround Sound Monitoring.

Apollo x8 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 24 interface distinguishes itself with four Unison™-enabled mic preamps, providing authentic emulations of preamps from Neve, API, Manley, Helios, SSL and more, plus all-new HEXA Core processing — yielding 50% more DSP for running UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time.

In addition to its elite-class audio conversion, Apollo x8 features selectable operating level for compatibility with professional +24 dBu gear, as well as integrated monitor controller features and a built-in talkback mic.

• Experience elite-class A/D and D/A conversion nearing the widest dynamic range and lowest signal to noise available — at any price

• 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

• Record with near-zero latency through preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Fender, and more using Unison™ technology*

• Easily connect to pro-level studio gear with switchable +24 / +20 dBu headroom settings

• Work in surround formats up to 7.1,† complete with speaker calibration and fold-down monitoring

• Integrated talkback and built-in cues for easy communication and slating takes

†

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 x8 Hardware Manual Introduction 4

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 129 dB dynamic range and -118 dB THD+N, Apollo x8’s open, natural sound quality rivals any dedicated high-end converter on the market — regardless of price — and is the perfect starting point for applying UAD processing.

Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing

Apollo x8 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, 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.

Unison™ Technology: The Genuine Sound of Neve, API, & Manley Preamps

Perfect for musicians, engineers, producers, and sound designers, Apollo x8 features four Unison-enabled mic preamps, letting you track through exacting mic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, Helios, and Universal Audio.* A Universal Audio 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 component-level circuit behaviors of the original hardware.

The secret to Unison is its hardware-software integration between Apollo’s mic preamps and its onboard Realtime UAD processing.

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 x8 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, the Unison-enabled UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, and guitar and bass amps from Marshall and Ampeg.

Access the World of UAD Powered Plug-Ins

Going beyond the included Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-ins, Apollo x8 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.

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

Apollo x8 Hardware Manual Introduction 5

With exclusive emulations from SSL, Neve, Studer, Manley, API, Ampex, Lexicon, Fender, Helios, 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 +24 dBu Operation

With comprehensive surround monitoring support for formats up to 7.1†, Apollo x8 is a boon for engineers and producers working on audio and music for video games, television, and the web. In addition, Apollo x8 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 x8 offers 18 x 24 simultaneous inputs/outputs (8 x 8 analog I/O) and two built-in Thunderbolt 3 ports. 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 x8 Hardware Manual Introduction 6

Apollo x8 Features

Key Features:

• 18 x 24 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 KHz conversion (backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac)

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

• Record through 4 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps — giving you fully authentic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and more*

• Surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format

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

• UAD 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

• 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

†

Surround sound support for Apollo X will be in a future software release.

For the latest Apollo X software, visit www.uaudio.com.

Apollo x8 Hardware Manual Introduction 7

Audio Interface Features

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

• 18 x 24 simultaneous input/output channels

• Eight channels of analog-to-digital conversion via mic, line, or high-impedance inputs

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

• Eight mono line outputs

• Stereo monitor outputs

• Two stereo headphone outputs

• 10 channels of digital I/O via:

• Eight channels ADAT Optical I/O with S/MUX for high sample rates

• Two channels coaxial S/PDIF I/O with sample rate conversion

• Two Thunderbolt 3 ports facilitates daisy-chaining of other Thunderbolt devices

Microphone Preampliﬁers

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

• Unison™ technology for deep integration with UAD preamp, amp, and pedal plug-ins

• Front panel and software control of all preamp parameters

• Switchable low cut ﬁlter, 48V phantom power, pad, polarity inversion, and stereo linking

Monitoring

• Stereo monitor outputs (independent of the eight line outputs)

• Front panel control of monitor levels and muting

• Two stereo headphone outputs with independent mix buses

• Independent front panel volume controls for headphone outputs

• Front panel pre-fader metering of monitor bus levels

• S/PDIF outputs can be set to mirror the monitor outputs

• Up to two alternate stereo monitor outputs selectable via front panel or Console software

• Assignable front panel monitor function switch for alternate speakers, dim, & mono

UAD-2 Inside

• HEXA DSP featuring six SHARC® processors

• Realtime UAD Processing on all analog and digital inputs

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

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

• Includes UAD Powered Plug-Ins “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” bundle

• Complete UAD Powered Plug-Ins library is available at the UA online store

Apollo x8 Hardware Manual Introduction 8

Software

Console application:

• Analog-style control interface for realtime monitoring and tracking

• Enables Realtime UAD Processing with UAD plug-ins

• Remote control of Apollo x8 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 x8 Hardware Manual Introduction 9

Apollo x8 Documentation Overview

Documentation for Apollo x8 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.

Apollo Manual Files

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 System Manual

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

UAD Plug-Ins Manual

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

Direct Developer Plug-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.

Apollo x8 Hardware Manual Introduction 10

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 x8 Hardware Manual Introduction 11

Front Panel

INPUT

MONITOR

HI-Z 2

HI-Z 1

PAD

INPUT

+48V

Ø LINK

METER

ALT

FCN

16 18 19 20

This section describes the features and functionality of all controls and visual elements on the Apollo x8 front panel.

Tip: All front panel functions (except the METER switch, headphone volume knobs, and power switch) 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.

3 11

4 5 72

2 3 4

Apollo x8 front panel (left portion)

(1) Power Indicator (UA Logo)

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 (#27) 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.

Apollo x8 Hardware Manual Front Panel 12

(3) Hi-Z Inputs 1 & 2

The Hi-Z (high impedance) JFET direct inputs are for connecting low-level passive devices such as electric guitar and bass instruments into channels 1 & 2 for A/D conversion. Hi-Z input gain levels are adjusted with the Preamp control for the associated channel.

The Hi-Z inputs have a default input impedance of 1M Ohms. The input impedance may vary when Unison plug-ins are inserted on the channel within the Console application. For details, see the Unison chapter in the Apollo Software Manual.

Important: Connect only ¼” unbalanced TS mono phone plugs to the Hi-Z inputs.

TRS stereo plugs cannot be used.

Automatic Input Detection

Hi-Z inputs 1 & 2 use the same A/D converter channels as the corresponding Mic 1 & 2 and Line 1 & 2 inputs. When a device is plugged into a Hi-Z input, the Mic and Line inputs for the channel are overridden, the Mic/Line switch for the channel has no effect, and the stereo link is severed (if active).

Important: To use Mic or Line inputs 1 or 2, its corresponding Hi-Z input must be

disconnected.

(4) Preamp Gain & Channel Select Knob

This rotary encoder with integrated switch has three functions:

Rotate – Rotating the knob adjusts the preamp gain for the selected input channel. Press – Pressing the knob selects which preamp channel (1 – 4) is adjusted by the

front panel preamp controls. Press+Hold – When a Unison plug-in is active in the channel’s dedicated Unison

insert within the Console application, pressing and holding the knob for two seconds enters/exits Unison Gain Stage Mode.

Each of these three functions above is explained in greater detail below.

Preamp Gain

The preamp gain of analog inputs 1 – 4 is adjusted with the rotary control. The preamp channel to be adjusted is set with the Channel Select (press) function. The input to be adjusted (Mic, Line, or Hi-Z) is determined by the state of the channel’s Mic/Line input switch (#6) or Hi-Z input (if connected).

Rotating the knob clockwise increases the preamp gain for the selected channel. The available gain range for the preamp channels is 10 dB to 65 dB for the Mic, Line, and Hi-Z inputs.

More than one full revolution of the knob is needed to move through the available range. This feature increases the control resolution for more precise preamp gain adjustments.

Tip: To adjust signal levels for inputs 5 – 18, use the output level controls of devices connected to those inputs.

Apollo x8 Hardware Manual Front Panel 13

Line Input Gain Bypass

By default, line inputs 1 – 4 are routed through the channel’s preamp so that the line input level can be adjusted with the Gain knob. However, line inputs 1 – 4 can be individually set to completely bypass the channel’s preamp circuitry and instead be routed directly to the channel’s A/D converter at a ﬁxed reference level.

This feature is set with the LINE INPUT GAIN menus in the Hardware panel within the Console Settings window. See the Apollo Software Manual for details.

Tip: This feature routes the preamp channel’s line input signal directly into the A/D converter for the purest path when additional gain is not needed (for example, when connecting external mic preamps to preamp channel line inputs).

When the channel’s LINE INPUT GAIN menu is set to BYPASS in Console Settings and the input mode is set to LINE:

• The Preamp Gain Indicator ring (#5) for the channel is solid green.

• When the Preamp Gain knob (#4) is rotated, the ring ﬂashes to indicate that no gain adjustment is occurring.

• If a Unison plug-in is in the channel’s dedicated Unison insert in Console, the Unison plug-in is bypassed.

Channel Select

Pressing the PREAMP knob changes the currently selected preamp channel, which determines which input (1 – 4) is adjusted by the front panel preamp controls. A preamp channel is selected for adjustment when its Channel Select Indicator (#13) is illuminated.

Each time the knob is pressed, the selected preamp channel increments to the next preamp channel. If stereo linking is active, the stereo pairs are selected.

Gain Stage Mode

Using Gain Stage Mode, up to three gain parameters within Unison UAD plug-ins can be remotely controlled with the front panel PREAMP knob.

Gain Stage Mode is activated by pressing and holding the PREAMP knob for two seconds when a Unison plug-in is active in the channel’s dedicated Unison insert within the Console application. When Gain Stage Mode is active, pressing and holding the knob for two seconds deactivates Gain Stage Mode.

Gain Stage Mode is active when the Channel Select Indicator (#13) for the currently selected channel is ﬂashing. In this state, pressing the PREAMP knob cycles through the available gain parameters within the Unison plug-in so each gain stage in the plug-in can be adjusted with the front panel PREAMP knob. The gain stage being controlled is shown by the front panel Unison Indicators (#12).

Note: For complete details about Gain Stage Mode, see the Unison chapter within the Apollo Software Manual.

Apollo x8 Hardware Manual Front Panel 14

(5) Preamp Gain Level & State Indicator

Preamp Gain Level Indicator

The amount of preamp gain for the currently selected channel is indicated by the illuminated ring surrounding the PREAMP knob.

The ring indicates relative gain levels and is not calibrated to indicate any speciﬁc dB value. However, precise numerical dB gain values for the preamps are displayed within the Console application.

Note: If the ring is at maximum and ﬂashes when the PREAMP knob is rotated, the channel’s LINE input is selected and LINE INPUT GAIN is set to BYPASS. See Line Input Gain Bypass for additional details.

Preamp State Indicator

In addition to the channel’s relative preamp gain, the ring around the knob also indicates the current state of the preamp channel:

Unlit – The preamp gain is set to its minimum value (rotate the PREAMP knob clockwise increase gain).

Green (variable) – The preamp is in default operating mode with variable gain. Green (ﬁxed at maximum) – LINE is selected for the channel (#6) and LINE INPUT

GAIN is set to BYPASS in the Hardware panel within the Console Settings window. Orange – A UAD Unison plug-in is active in Console’s dedicated Unison insert for

the channel, and the PREAMP knob adjusts the ﬁrst gain parameter in the Unison plug-in.

Amber (Channel Select Indicator ﬂashing) – A UAD Unison plug-in is active in Console’s dedicated Unison insert for the channel, the channel is in Gain Stage Mode, and the PREAMP knob adjusts the second gain parameter in the Unison plug-in (if available).

Green (channel select indicator ﬂashing) – A UAD Unison plug-in is active in Console’s dedicated Unison insert for the channel, the channel is in Gain Stage Mode, and the PREAMP knob adjusts the clean gain parameter in the Unison plug-in.

Note: See the Unison chapter within the Apollo Software Manual for complete details about Unison operation and Gain Stage Mode.

Apollo x8 Hardware Manual Front Panel 15

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