Universal Audio Arrow User manual

Thunderbolt 3-Powered Audio Interface

Arrow Manual

UAD Software Version 9.4

Manual Version 171130

www.uaudio.com

Table Of Contents

Tip: Click any section or page number

to jump directly to that page.

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

Introducing Arrow ................................................................................. 9

Welcome! .......................................................................................................... 9

Arrow Software Features ................................................................................... 12

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

About Arrow Documentation .............................................................................. 15

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

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

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

Arrow System Requirements ............................................................................. 17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arrow System Overview ........................................................................ 34

Arrow Hardware ............................................................................................... 34

Arrow Software ................................................................................................ 35

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

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

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

UA Account & Store ......................................................................................... 40

UA Website ..................................................................................................... 40

Arrow Manual Table Of Contents2

Working With Arrow ............................................................................. 41

Essential Arrow Concepts .................................................................................. 42

Setting the DAW to use Arrow I/O ...................................................................... 44

Accessing Arrow’s I/O in the DAW ...................................................................... 47

Input Monitoring with the DAW ......................................................................... 49

Using Console with the DAW ............................................................................. 53

UAD Plug-Ins: Console versus DAW ................................................................... 55

Virtual I/O ....................................................................................................... 57

Using Arrow for System Sound I/O ..................................................................... 60

Using Arrow Without Audio Software .................................................................. 63

Console Overview ................................................................................ 64

What is Console? ............................................................................................. 64

Console Functions ........................................................................................... 65

Global Functions ............................................................................................. 65

When To Use Console ....................................................................................... 66

Interactions Between Console and Arrow ........................................................... 66

Accessing Console ........................................................................................... 67

Console Layout ................................................................................................ 68

Global Window Elements .................................................................................. 70

Meter Bridge Overview ...................................................................................... 71

Info Bar Overview ............................................................................................ 72

Current Bank Overview ..................................................................................... 73

View Column Overview ...................................................................................... 74

Monitor Column Overview ................................................................................. 76

Channel Strips Overview ................................................................................... 77

Console Plug-In Inserts Overview ....................................................................... 78

Insert Effects Overview ..................................................................................... 79

Popover Windows ............................................................................................. 80

HP Cue Overview ............................................................................................. 81

Sends Overview ............................................................................................... 82

Console Sessions Overview ................................................................................ 85

Console Settings Overview ................................................................................ 86

I/O Matrix Overview .......................................................................................... 87

Multiple Undo/Redo ......................................................................................... 88

Keyboard Focus & Control ................................................................................. 89

Adjusting Console Controls ............................................................................... 90

Controls Shortcuts ........................................................................................... 90

Keyboard Shortcuts .......................................................................................... 91

Arrow Manual Table Of Contents3

Console Reference .............................................................................. 92

Meter Bridge ................................................................................................... 92

View Column ................................................................................................... 95

View Options ................................................................................................... 98

Info Bar ........................................................................................................ 104

Channel Input Controls ................................................................................... 107

Sends Popover ............................................................................................... 110

Monitor Mix Controls ...................................................................................... 111

Aux Returns .................................................................................................. 117

Monitor Column ............................................................................................. 120

Cue Outputs Popover ...................................................................................... 124

Control Room Column .................................................................................... 126

Console Sessions ........................................................................................... 128

Sessions Manager Popover .............................................................................. 130

Window Title Bar ............................................................................................ 134

Application Menus ......................................................................................... 135

Console Plug-In Inserts ..................................................................... 139

Insert Types................................................................................................... 139

Inserts Signal Flow ........................................................................................ 140

Inserting UAD Plug-Ins ................................................................................... 140

Removing UAD Plug-Ins ................................................................................. 140

Editing UAD Plug-Ins ..................................................................................... 140

Insert Assign Popover ..................................................................................... 140

Inserts Display ............................................................................................... 141

Insert State Indicators .................................................................................... 142

Insert Hover Options ...................................................................................... 142

Insert Options Menu ...................................................................................... 143

Channel Insert Effects .................................................................................... 144

Plug-In Editor Window .................................................................................... 145

Channel Strips ............................................................................................... 148

Presets Manager ............................................................................................ 150

Presets Manager Popover ................................................................................ 153

Save Preset Popover ....................................................................................... 155

Arrow Manual Table Of Contents4

Console Settings ............................................................................... 156

Console Settings Overview .............................................................................. 156

Hardware Settings Panel ................................................................................ 158

I/O Matrix Panel ............................................................................................ 163

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

Route Assign Popover ..................................................................................... 170

Display Panel ................................................................................................ 172

Plug-Ins Panel ............................................................................................... 174

MIDI Panel ................................................................................................... 176

Unison............................................................................................. 178

What is Unison? ............................................................................................ 178

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

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

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

Controlling Unison Plug-Ins with Arrow ............................................................ 183

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arrow Manual Table Of Contents5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Latency & Arrow ............................................................................... 234

Delay Compensation with Arrow ....................................................................... 234

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

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

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

Arrow Drivers Overview ................................................................................... 239

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arrow Manual Table Of Contents6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UAD Community Forums ................................................................................ 271

Contact UA Support ....................................................................................... 271

Arrow Manual Table Of Contents7

A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr.

Thank you for choosing the Arrow Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface as part of your music making experience. We know that any new piece of gear requires an investment of time and money — and our goal is to make your investment pay off.

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

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

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

Please feel free to reach out to us via our website www.uaudio.com, and via our social media channels. We look forward to hearing from you, and thank you once again for choosing Universal Audio.

Sincerely,

Bill Putnam Jr.

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

Arrow Manual Welcome8

Introducing Arrow

Welcome!

Superior Desktop Audio Conversion with Classic Analog Sound

Arrow is a bus-powered Thunderbolt 3 desktop recording interface 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, Arrow starts with two Unisonenabled mic preamps and stellar next-generation A/D and D/A conversion derived from UA’s ﬂagship Apollo interfaces. Thanks to Realtime UAD Processing, you can monitor and track through the included bundle of UAD analog emulation plug-ins in real time, with near-zero latency.

Now You Can:

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

• Mix with UAD plug-ins like the included Legacy Teletronix® LA-2A and UA 1176LN compressors, Pultec® EQs, and UA 610-B Tube Preamp

• Track with near-zero latency through preamp emulations from Neve®, SSL®, API®, Manley®, and more using Unison technology*

• Cascade up to 4 Universal Audio interfaces and 6 UAD-2 devices over Thunderbolt, adding DSP and I/O as your studio grows

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

Arrow features two Unison-enabled mic preamps, letting you track through exacting mic preamp emulations from Neve, SSL, API, Manley, 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 Arrow’s mic preamps and its onboard UAD-2 DSP Acceleration. Simply place a Unison preamp plug-in on your mic input in Arrow’s companion Console application, and tap into the classic sounds of the world’s most recorded mic preamps.

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

Arrow Manual Introducing Arrow 9

A Full Suite of Classic Analog Processing Onboard

Right out of the box, Arrow 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, Arrow 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. Arrow gives you increased dynamic range and ultra-low THD, resulting in breathtaking clarity, depth, and accuracy in your recordings.

Vintage Amps and Stompboxes

Arrow also includes Unison technology on its front panel instrument input, giving you dead-on emulations of guitar and bass amps like the Fender ‘55 Tweed Deluxe, Marshall Plexi Super Lead 1959, and Ampeg B-15N Bass Ampliﬁer, as well as iconic stompboxes.

A Sleek, Low-latency App

Console 2.0 is Arrow’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.

Build a Networked Studio

Arrow is compatible with Universal Audio’s line of UAD-2 DSP Accelerators and Apollo Thunderbolt audio interfaces, allowing you add I/O and DSP as your studio grows.

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

Arrow Manual Introducing Arrow 10

Arrow Hardware Features

Key Features

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

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

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

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

• UAD-2 DSP accelerator processing onboard

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

• Bus-powered design provides portability and less cable clutter

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

• Cascade up to four Thunderbolt-equipped Universal Audio interfaces and six total UAD-2 devices — adding I/O and DSP as your studio grows

Audio Interface

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

• 2 x 4 simultaneous input/output channels

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

• Two balanced mic/line inputs

• One Hi-Z instrument input

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

• Stereo monitor outputs

• Stereo headphone output

Microphone Preampliﬁers

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

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

• Front panel and software control of all preamp parameters

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

Monitoring

• Stereo monitor outputs

• ¼” stereo headphone output

• All outputs are independently addressable

Arrow Manual Introducing Arrow 11

UAD-2 Inside

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

• Realtime UAD Processing on all inputs

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

• Complete UAD Powered Plug-Ins library is available online

Other

• Attractive and durable desktop form factor

• Easy ﬁrmware updates

• One year limited warranty

Package Contents

• Arrow Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

• Getting Started URL card

Arrow Software Features

Console Application

General:

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

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

• Remote control of Arrow hardware features and functionality

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

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

• Multiple Undo/Redo for edit operations

Realtime UAD Processing:

• UAD plug-in processing on Arrow inputs with indiscernible latency

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

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

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

Channel Inputs:

• Input channels for hardware and virtual inputs

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

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

• Virtual inputs accept any outputs from DAW

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

• Adjacent input pairs can be linked for convenient stereo control

Arrow Manual Introducing Arrow 12

Monitoring:

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

• Separate stereo headphone cue mix bus

• Independent monophonic sum controls for both mix buses

Auxiliary Buses:

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

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

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

• Independent pre/post switching on each auxiliary bus

Metering:

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

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

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

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

Console Recall plug-in

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

• Saves Arrow conﬁgurations inside DAW sessions for easy recall of settings

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

UAD Powered Plug-Ins

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

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

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

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

UAD Meter & Control Panel application

• Conﬁgures global UAD settings

• UAD-2 resource gauges for DSP and Memory usage

• Facilitates automatic authorization of UAD plug-in licenses

Device Drivers

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

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

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

Arrow Manual Introducing Arrow 13

UAD Powered Plug-In Features

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

• Arrow includes the Realtime Analog Classics UAD plug-ins bundle

• Over 90 UAD plug-ins available at the UA online store

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

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

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

Some of the UAD plug-ins included with Arrow

Arrow Manual Introducing Arrow 14

About Arrow Documentation

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

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

Arrow Manual

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

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

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

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

UAD Plug-Ins Manual

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

Direct Developer Plug-In Manuals

UAD plug-ins include titles created by our Direct Developer partners. Documentation for these 3rd-party plug-ins are separate ﬁles written and provided by the plug-in developers. The ﬁle names for these plug-in manuals are the same as the plug-in titles.

Accessing Installed Documentation

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

• Choose Documentation from the Help menu within the Console application

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

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

Host DAW Documentation

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

Arrow Manual Introducing Arrow 15

Glossary

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

Glossary for the deﬁnitions of many of these terms.

Hyperlinks

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

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

Technical Support

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

Technical Support page.

Arrow Manual Introducing Arrow 16

Getting Started

Overview

Before you can use Arrow, you need to complete these steps:

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

2. Download and install the latest UAD software

3. Register your Arrow hardware

4. Authorize your UAD plug-ins

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

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

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

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

Support page.

Arrow System Requirements

Note: For complete compatibility information, visit help.uaudio.com.

• Mac or PC computer with available built-in Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C port

• Thunderbolt 3 cable (sold separately)

• (Mac) macOS 10.12 Sierra or 10.13 High Sierra

• (Win) Windows 10 w/Anniversary Update (64-Bit Edition)

• 6 gigabytes available storage

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

• Quad Core i7 or better processor recommended

Arrow Manual Getting Started 17

Hardware Setup

Choose a Suitable Location

• Locate Arrow on a ﬂat surface.

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

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

Connect Arrow to the Computer

Caution: Before connecting Arrow to the computer, lower the volume of the

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

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

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

About Thunderbolt 3 Power

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

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

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

Arrow Manual Getting Started 18

About Thunderbolt 3 Ports and Cables

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

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

USB-C is not Thunderbolt 3

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

Does your USB-C connector support Thunderbolt 3?

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

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

Arrow Manual Getting Started 19

Software Setup

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

Our Web Pages Guide You

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

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

www.uaudio.com/register

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

Installation, Registration, and Authorization Procedure

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

1. Connect Arrow to a Thunderbolt 3 port on the computer with a Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included).

2. Visit www.uaudio.com/register to get the latest UAD software installer.

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

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

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

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

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

Firmware Update Procedure

If the "Arrow Firmware Update" dialog window appears:

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

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

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

Arrow Manual Getting Started 20

Windows Setup

Disable Windows Notiﬁcation Sounds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click Tab

Choose “No Sounds”

Click Apply

Uncheck

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

Important: See Windows WDM System Sound Notes for important related

information when using Arrow for system sound I/O.

Additional Windows Optimizations

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

Arrow Manual Getting Started 21

Audio Setup

Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System

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

Instrument

Speaker

System

Audio Connection Notes

Headphones

Microphone

Typical Arrow audio connections

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arrow Manual Getting Started 22

Setting Hardware Input/Output Levels

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

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

remove headphones from your ears.

Set Input Gains

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

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

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

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

Adjust Output Volumes

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

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

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

Mute (and Unmute) Monitor Outputs

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

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

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

Notes:

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

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

Arrow Manual Getting Started 23

What Next?

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

Hardware Controls & Connectors

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

Arrow System Overview

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

Using Arrow's Unique Features

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

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

Console Application

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

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

Operating UAD Plug-Ins

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

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

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

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

interface of each individual UAD plug-in.

Technical Support

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

Technical Support page.

Arrow Manual Getting Started 24

Hardware Controls & Connectors

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

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

Levels in the Getting Started chapter.

Controls Overview

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

Operating Modes

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

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

PREAMP Mode

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

Important: Arrow must be in PREAMP mode to adjust input channel

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

Preamp Channels

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

Preamp Controls

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

Arrow Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 25

Selected Channel

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

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

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

Selected channel

indicators

changed to the other channel.

Changing Channels

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

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

Input Source

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

Input source indicators

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

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

Preamp Gain

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

Preamp Options

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

Preamp options display

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

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

Arrow Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 26

MONITOR Mode

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

Important: Arrow must be in MONITOR mode to adjust the volume of the

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

Stereo Outputs

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

Output Volume

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

Output Selection

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

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

Monitor Mute

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

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

Output selection

indicators

Arrow Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 27

Top Panel

Refer to the illustration below for descriptions in this section.

Top panel elements

(1) LEVEL Knob & Switch

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

Monitor Mode

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

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

Note: MUTE does not apply to the headphone output.

Preamp Mode

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

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

Unison Integration

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

Arrow Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 28

(2) PREAMP Gain & Volume Level Indicator LEDs

a b c d e f

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

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

(3) MONITOR Button

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

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

(4) PREAMP Button

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

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

(5) Preamp Option Buttons

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

Preamp option buttons

Unison Integration

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

(6) Display Panel

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

Arrow Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 29

Preamp Options

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

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

a b c d e f

Preamp options

(a) INPUT Select

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

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

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

(b) FILTER

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

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

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

the channel before connecting or disconnecting its XLR input.

(d) PAD

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

(e) POLARITY Ø

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

(f) LINK

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

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

Arrow Manual Hardware Controls & Connectors 30

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