HIGH-RESOLUTION INTERFACE with Realtime UAD Processing Apollo 8 Hardware Manual Manual Version 171101 www.uaudio.
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr. Thank you for deciding to make an Apollo High-Resolution Interface part of your music making experience. We know that any new piece of gear requires an investment of time and money — and our goal is to make your investment pay off. The fact that we get to play a part in your creative process is what makes our efforts meaningful, and we thank you for this.
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 Welcome to Apollo 8!.......................................................................................... 4 Apollo 8 Features..........................................................................................
Introduction Welcome to Apollo 8! Next-Generation Audio Conversion with Classic Analog Sound Apollo 8 is an elegant update to one of the world’s most popular professional audio interfaces — delivering enhanced sound with the tone, feel, and flow of analog recording. This 18 x 24 Thunderbolt 2 interface offers genuine UA analog design, and nextgeneration A/D and D/A conversion, putting class-leading audio quality in a sleek new package.
Four Mic Preamps with Unison™ Technology Apollo 8 comes equipped with four Unison-enabled mic preamps, letting you track projects with colorful mic preamp sounds from Neve, API, and Universal Audio. An Apollo breakthrough, Unison technology nails the tone of these sought-after tube and solid state mic preamps — including their impedance, gain stage “sweet spots,” and component-level circuit behaviors.
Apollo 8 Features Key Features • • • • • • • • Next-generation Apollo A/D and D/A conversion for professional music production Onboard UAD-2 QUAD or DUO Core DSP allowing Realtime UAD Processing 4 Unison™-enabled mic preamps for tracking through preamp emulations from Neve, API, and Universal Audio* 18 x 24 Thunderbolt 2 audio interface with powerful Console 2.
Monitoring • • • • • • • • • Stereo monitor outputs (independent of the eight line outputs) Digitally-controlled analog monitor outputs maintains highest fidelity 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
Apollo 8 Documentation Overview Documentation for Apollo 8 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 www.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.
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.
Front Panel This section describes the features and functionality of all controls and visual elements on the Apollo 8 front panel. Note: 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.
(2) 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 enters/exits Unison Gain Stage Mode.
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 (#11) 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.
Preamp State Indicator In addition to the channel’s relative preamp gain, the ring also indicates the current state of the preamp channel: Green (variable) – The preamp is in default operating mode with variable gain Green (fixed at maximum) – LINE is selected for the channel (#4) and LINE INPUT GAIN is set to BYPASS in the Hardware panel within the Console Settings window Unlit – The preamp gain is set to its minimum value Orange – A Unison plug-in is active in Console’s dedicated Unison insert for the cha
(7) Pad When enabled, the channel’s XLR input signal level is attenuated by 20 dB. Pad does not effect the Line or Hi-Z inputs. Pad can be used to reduce signal levels when overload distortion is present at low preamp gain levels, such as when particularly sensitive microphones are used on loud instruments, and/or if the A/D converter is clipping. (8) Polarity When enabled, the polarity (aka “phase”) of the input channel’s signal is inverted. Polarity affects the Mic, Line, and Hi-Z inputs.
(12) Channel Level Meters The 10-segment LED channel meters display the input or output signal peak levels for analog channels 1 – 8. Input or output metering is selected with the METER switch (#19), and the input/output state is shown by the METER indicators (#15). The dB values of the meter LEDs are indicated between the meters for channels 4 and 5. When digital clipping occurs in input (when 0 dBFS is exceeded), the red “C” (clip) LED illuminates.
(14) 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 8 can use an external clock from the Word Clock, S/PDIF, or ADAT inputs.
(18) Monitor Output Level Meters The 10-segment LED meters display the signal peak output levels of the rear panel Left & Right Monitor outputs at the output of the D/A converters. These meters are before the Monitor Level control (pre-fader) and reflect the D/A converter levels regardless of the current Monitor Level and Headphone Level knob settings. The dB values of the monitor meter LEDs are indicated between the left and right channel meters.
(21) Monitor Function Switch (FCN) This is an assignable switch that can be configured to control one of three monitoring functions. The function of the switch is configured with the FCN SWITCH ASSIGN menu in the Hardware panel within the Console Settings window. See the Apollo Software Manual for details. The amber LED within the switch flashes when the monitoring function is active. The function is toggled with the switch is pressed again.
Monitor Output Gain Bypass By default, monitor output levels are continuously variable. However, the monitor outputs can be set to completely bypass the monitor level circuitry and operate at a fixed reference level. This feature is set with the MONITOR OUTPUT GAIN menu in the Hardware panel within the Console Settings window.
(23) Monitor Level & Monitor State Indicator Tip: The Monitor Level and Monitor State indications are reflected in the Monitor column within the Console application. Monitor Output Level Indicator The relative signal level at the rear panel monitor outputs (and ALT monitor outputs, if configured) is indicated by the illuminated ring surrounding the Monitor Level knob. This indicator is after the Monitor Level control (post fader).
Rear Panel 27 28 29 ADAT S/MUX 75 Ω TERM 30 33 31 S/PDIF 7 5 3 1 8 6 4 2 WORD CLOCK WORD CLOCK UNIVERSAL AUDIO, INC. 32 Apollo 8 rear panel (digital portion) (27) Power Input The included external power supply connects to this 4-pin locking XLR jack. Apollo 8 requires 12 volts DC power and draws approximately 50 Watts. To eliminate risk of circuit damage, connect only the factory-supplied power supply. Use the Power switch on the front panel to power the unit on and off.
Digital I/O (28) ADAT S/MUX Optical Ports These ports use the ADAT Lightpipe Optical Interface protocol for interconnecting with other audio hardware devices in the digital domain. Two ADAT inputs and two ADAT outputs are provided, routing a total of eight channels of digital audio. The channels routed by these ports depend on the current system sample rate. At sample rates of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz, the original ADAT protocol is used, and eight audio channels are routed on one ADAT port.
(29) 75 Ohm Word Clock Termination Switch This switch provides internal 75-ohm word clock input signal termination when required. Word clock termination is active when the switch is engaged (depressed). Apollo 8’s termination switch should only be engaged when Apollo 8 is set to sync to external word clock and it is the last device at the receiving end of a word clock cable.
(31) S/PDIF Ports The S/PDIF ports provide two channels of digital I/O with resolutions up to 24-bit at 192 kHz via female phono (RCA) connectors. For optimum results, use only high-quality 75-ohm cables specifically designed for S/PDIF digital audio. Sample rate conversion can be performed on the S/PDIF input; this setting is enabled within the S/PDIF channel’s input strip in the Console application.
Analog I/O 33 31 S/PDIF 7 5 34 3 1 L 36 35 7 5 MIC/LINE IN 4 3 2 1 1 LINE IN 8 6 4 2 R 8 6 Apollo 8 rear panel (analog portion) (33) Line Outputs 1 – 8 The individually addressable line-level analog outputs use balanced ¼” TRS phone jacks. Unbalanced ¼” TS cables can also be used. The Line Outputs can be configured in adjacent pairs to use –10 dBV or +4 dBu reference levels. This function is configured in the Hardware panel within the Console Settings window.
(34) Left & Right Monitor Outputs These balanced ¼” TRS phone jacks are line-level analog outputs typically used for connection to a stereo loudspeaker monitoring system. Unbalanced ¼” TS cables can also be used. The signal levels and muting at these outputs are controlled with the Monitor Level & Mute knob (#22).
(36) Mic/Line Inputs 1 – 4 Analog preamp inputs 1 – 4 use XLR/TRS combination jacks. XLR plugs are routed to the channel’s microphone input, and TRS plugs are routed to the channel’s line input. Inputs 1 – 4 are switched between the XLR and Line connections using the front panel switch (#4) or the Console application. Note: The Hi-Z inputs override the Mic/Line inputs on channels 1 & 2. Adjacent inputs 1 & 2 and/or 3 & 4 can be stereo linked via the front panel Link switch (#9) or the Console application.
Interconnections Installation Notes • • Apollo 8 may get hot during normal operation if it doesn’t receive adequate airflow circulation around its chassis vents. For optimum results when mounting Apollo 8 in a rack, leaving at least one empty rack space above the unit to allow adequate airflow for cooling is recommended. As with any sound system, the following steps are recommended to avoid audio spikes in your speakers and headphones: 1.
Basic Setup This diagram illustrates a simple Apollo 8 setup that could be used by an individual musician/engineer for recording and mixing. It shows an electric guitar connected to the Hi-Z input of channel 1 and a microphone connected to the XLR input of channel 2 so they can both be recorded simultaneously.
Typical Setup This diagram illustrates an Apollo 8 setup that could be used to record two musicians simultaneously. In this setup, only analog devices are connected; digital I/O is not used. The example shows an electric guitar and electric bass connected to the Hi-Z inputs. Microphones are connected to XLR inputs of channel 3 and 4, and a stereo keyboard is connected to line inputs 5 and 6.
Advanced Setup This diagram illustrates a more complex Apollo 8 setup that could be used for recording an entire ensemble, utilizing both analog and digital I/O. In addition to the connections in the previous example, four additional microphones are connected to Universal Audio’s 4-710d Four-Channel Tone-Blending Mic Preamp w/Dynamics. The 4-710d performs A/D conversion on these mics and the signals are digitally routed into Apollo via the ADAT optical interface.
Apollo Expanded: Multi-Unit Wiring The diagram below illustrates how to interconnect multiple Apollo units and the host computer via Thunderbolt. Important: For complete details about system operation when multi-unit cascading, see the Apollo Software Manual.
Software Setup Note: Items on this page are detailed in the Apollo Software Manual. See the Apollo 8 Documentation Overview for related information. System Requirements All system requirements must be met for Apollo 8 to operate properly. Before proceeding with installation, see the system requirements in the Apollo Software Manual. Software Installation The software must be installed to use the hardware and UAD plug-ins.
Specifications All specifications are typical performance unless otherwise noted, tested under the following conditions: 48 kHz internal sample rate, 24-bit sample depth, 20 kHz measurement bandwidth, with balanced output.
ANALOG I/O Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB Microphone Inputs 1 – 4 Connector Type XLR Female, pin 2 positive (Combo XLR/TRS) Phantom Power +48V (switchable per mic input) Dynamic Range 120 dB (A–weighting) Signal-to-Noise Ratio 120 dB (A–weighting) Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise –110 dBFS Equivalent Input Noise –126 dBu Common-Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) 73 dB (10’ cable) Default Input Impedance 5.
ANALOG I/O (continued) Line Inputs 5 – 8 Connector Type ¼” Female TRS Balanced Dynamic Range 120 dB (A–weighting) Signal-to-Noise Ratio 120 dB (A–weighting) Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise –110 dBFS Common-Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) 60 dB (10’ cable) Input Impedance 10K Ohms Gain (selectable per input) +4 dBu or –10 dBV Maximum Input Level (+4 dBu setting) +20.2 dBu Maximum Input Level (–10 dBV setting) +6.
DIGITAL I/O S/PDIF Connector Type Female Phono (RCA) Format IEC958 Supported Sample Rates (kHz) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 ADAT Connector Type Optical TOSLINK JIS F05 Format ADAT Digital Lightpipe with S/MUX Supported Sample Rates (kHz) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 Channel Assignments @ 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz Port 1 = Channels 1 – 8, Port 2 = 1 – 8 (mirrored) Channel Assignments @ 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz Port 1 = Channels 1 – 4, Port 2 = Channels 5 – 8 Channel Assignments @ 176.
Apollo 8 Hardware Manual Unison™ IMPEDANCE SWITCHING (HI-Z) PAD 38 PAD PAD LINE IN PAD IN/OUT Unison™ IMPEDANCE SWITCHING (MIC) MIC/LINE SELECT Unison™ IMPEDANCE SWITCHING (MIC) PGA INPUT GAIN PGA 10 – 65 dB BYPASS A/D A/D 75 Ω WC TERM ON/OFF ø LOW-CUT POLARITY ON/OFF CONTROL ø LOW-CUT POLARITY ON/OFF CONTROL ø LOW-CUT POLARITY ON/OFF CONTROL PGA = PROGRAMMABLE-GAIN AMPLIFIER A/D HI-Z AUTOMATICALLY SELECTED IF PLUG INSERTED IN HI-Z JACK PGA MIC/LINE MIC-LINE/HI-Z INPUT GAIN PGA 10
Troubleshooting If Apollo 8 isn’t behaving as expected, here are some common troubleshooting items to confirm. If you are still experiencing issues after performing these checks, contact Technical Support.
Notices Important Safety Information Before using this unit, be sure to carefully read the applicable items of these operating instructions and the safety suggestions. Afterwards, keep them handy for future reference. Take special care to follow the warnings indicated on the unit, as well as in the operating instructions. Water and Moisture – Do not use the unit near any source of water or in excessively moist environments.
Warranty Universal Audio provides a warranty on all hardware products. To learn more, please visit www.uaudio.com/support/warranty.html or contact Technical Support. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary by state or country. Maintenance Apollo 8 does not contain a fuse or any other user-replaceable parts. The unit is internally calibrated at the factory. No internal user adjustments are available.
Disclaimer The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Universal Audio, Inc. makes no warranties of any kind with regard to this manual, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Universal Audio, Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
Technical Support Universal Audio Knowledge Base The UA Knowledge Base is your complete technical resource for configuring, operating, and troubleshooting UA products. You can watch helpful support videos, search the Knowledge Base for answers, find updated technical information that may not be available in other publications, and more. • help.uaudio.com YouTube Support Channel The Universal Audio Support Channel at youtube.com includes helpful support videos for setting up and using UA products.
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