Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface Apollo x8 Hardware Manual Manual Version 180828 www.uaudio.
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.
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..............................................................................................
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.
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 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.
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.
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 T
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 applicatio
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.
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 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) 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.
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.
(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.
(6 – 11) Preamp Options This set of six switches control the preamp options for input channels 1 – 4. Press the switches to toggle the setting. The current state of each preamp option is indicated by the LED within each switch. Each switch function is detailed below. (6) Input (Mic/Line) This switch determines which rear panel input jack, either Mic (XLR) or Line (¼”), is active for the channel.
(11) Stereo Link This switch links the preamp controls of adjacent preamp channels together (1+2 or 3+4) to create stereo input pairs. When channels are linked as a stereo pair, any preamp control adjustments will affect both channels of the stereo signal identically. Note: Only the same type of inputs can be linked (Mic/Mic or Line/Line). The Hi-Z inputs cannot be linked.
(13) Channel 1 – 4 Select Indicators The currently selected preamp channel is indicated by the illuminated numbers above level meters 1 – 4. When a preamp channel (or channels, when stereo linked) is selected, its channel number is illuminated. The currently selected channel increments when the PREAMP knob (#4) is pressed. (14) Channel Level Meters The 10-segment LED channel meters display the input or output signal peak levels for analog channels 1 – 8.
13 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 HP 1 METER 1 2 3 4 25 27 HP 2 MONITOR POWER ALT FCN 14 OFF 22 17 26 Apollo x8 front panel (right portion) (15) HOST Indicator The HOST indicator displays the status of the Thunderbolt connection to the host computer system. The possible states are: 34 5 3 36 37 Lit –35The unit is communicating with the host computer and operating normally. 1 Unlit – The unit is starting up or it is not recognized by the host computer.
(17) METER Indicators These indicators show the current state of the Channel Level Meters (#14). The current state is changed with the METER switch (#20). IN – When IN is illuminated, the channel meters display analog input signal levels. OUT – When OUT is illuminated, the channel meters display analog output signals levels. (18) Sample Rate Indicators These indicators display the current sample rate setting for A/D and D/A conversion.
(21) Monitor ALT Switch When ALT monitoring is configured in the Hardware panel within the Console Settings window (when ALT COUNT is set to a non-zero value), this switch toggles between the main monitor outputs and the ALT 1 outputs (line outputs 1 & 2). When the ALT switch is engaged: • The monitor signals are routed to outputs 1 & 2 instead of the main monitor outputs. • The orange LED within the switch is illuminated. • The Monitor Level Indicator (#24) is orange instead of green.
(23) Monitor Level & Mute Knob This rotary encoder serves two functions. Rotating the knob adjusts the monitor output level, and pressing the knob mutes the monitor outputs. Monitor Level Rotating the knob clockwise increases the signal level at the Left & Right Monitor Outputs on the rear panel. If ALT monitor outputs are configured and active, this knob controls the signal level at the ALT monitoring line outputs.
(25) Headphone Level Knobs 1 & 2 These knobs control the volume of Headphone Outputs 1 & 2 on the front panel. Each headphone output has its own volume control. (26) Headphone Outputs 1 & 2 These ¼” stereo TRS phone jacks are for stereo headphones. Headphone outputs 1 & 2 are individually addressable. By default, both headphone outputs mirror the monitor outputs.
3 8 10 11 14 Rear Panel 28 POWER IN 29 30 ADAT S/MUX 31 S/PDIF 75 Ω TERM UNIVERSAL AUDIO, INC. 32 34 7 5 L 2 R OUTPUT (ALT/SURROUND) 6 33 Apollo x8 rear panel (digital portion) (28) Power Input The included external power supply connects to this 4-pin locking XLR jack. Apollo x8 requires 12 volts DC power and draws a maximum of 72 watts (30 watts typical). To eliminate risk of circuit damage, connect only the factory-supplied power supply.
Digital I/O (29) ADAT S/MUX Optical Ports These TOSLINK 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.
(30) 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 x8’s termination switch should only be engaged when Apollo x8 is set to sync to external word clock and it is the last device at the receiving end of a word clock cable.
(32) 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. SR Convert 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.
31 8 10 11 14 17 22 26 Analog I/O 32 S/PDIF 34 7 5 3 35 1 36 7 L 5 37 3 1 MIC INPUT 4 OUTPUT (ALT/SURROUND) 3 2 1 LINE INPUT MONITOR D CLOCK 6 4 2 R 8 6 4 2 Apollo x8 rear panel (analog portion) (34) 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 are DC coupled. Line Output Headroom By default, the operating level of the line outputs is +20 dBu.
(35) 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 Monitor Outputs are DC coupled. The signal levels and muting at these outputs are controlled with the Monitor Level & Mute knob (#23). The Monitor Outputs can be configured to use an operating level of +4 dBu (default value) or -10 dBV.
Line Input Reference Levels Line Inputs 5 – 8 can be individually configured to use –10 dBV or +4 dBu reference levels. This option is set in the channel input strips within the Console application. See the Apollo Software Manual for details. Variable Gain Line inputs 1 – 4 can be routed into the channel’s preamplifier for variable gain adjustments, or the preamp circuitry can be completely bypassed for the purest path directly into the A/D converter.
Interconnections Installation Notes • • • Apollo X may get hot during normal operation if it doesn’t receive adequate airflow circulation around its chassis vents. For optimum results when mounting Apollo X in a rack, leaving at least one empty rack space above the unit to allow adequate airflow for cooling is strongly recommended. If Apollo X is installed near other heat generating equipment, external cooling (such as a fan) may be needed to keep the ambient temperature below 104ºF (40ºC).
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 Apollo x8 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.
ADAT S/MUX POWER IN S/PDIF 75 Ω TERM 7 5 3 1 7 L 5 3 1 MIC INPUT 4 OUTPUT (ALT/SURROUND) UNIVERSAL AUDIO, INC. MONITOR 3 2 1 LINE INPUT WORD CLOCK 6 +12VDC 9.0A 4 2 R 8 6 4 2 Typical Setup Thunderbolt 3 Mic Mic Computer The diagram below illustrates an Apollo x8 setup example that could be used for recording an ensemble. ALT monitors are connected for comparing different speakers.
Apollo Expanded: Multi-Unit Thunderbolt 3 Wiring The diagram below illustrates an example of how to interconnect multiple Apollo units and the host computer via Thunderbolt 3. Important: For complete details about system operation when multi-unit cascading, see the Apollo Software Manual. Thunderbolt 3 Computer Expander Unit ADAT S/MUX POWER IN L 75 Ω TERM LINE OUT 1-8 (ALT SURROUND) 8 MONITOR UNIVERSAL AUDIO, INC. MIC/LINE INPUT 7 6 5 4 WORD CLOCK 2 1 R +12VDC 9.
Software Setup Note: Items on this page are detailed in the Apollo Software Manual. System Requirements All system requirements must be met for Apollo X 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. The UAD Powered Plug-Ins software installer contains the Apollo X software, drivers, and UAD plug-ins.
Specifications All specifications are typical performance unless otherwise noted. Tested with the Audio Precision APx555 Audio Analyzer under the following conditions: 48 kHz internal sample rate, 24-bit sample depth, 20 kHz measurement bandwidth, +24 dBu headroom, balanced output, and internal clock.
ANALOG I/O Microphone Inputs 1 – 4 Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.05 dB Dynamic Range 122 dB (A–weighted) Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise Ratio (1 kHz @ 4.9 dBu) -114 dB (0.00020%) Maximum Input Level (PAD on) 26 dBu Default Input Impedance 5.
DIGITAL I/O S/PDIF Connector Type Female Phono (RCA) Format IEC 958 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.
ELECTRICAL Power Supply External AC-to-DC Power Supply, Level VI compliant AC Input Connector Type IEC Male AC Requirements 100V – 240V AC, 50 – 60 Hz DC Connector Type XLR 4-Pin Locking Male (Neutrik P/N NC4MDM3-H) DC Requirements 12 VDC, 6A Maximum Power Consumption 72W (30W typical) ENVIRONMENTAL Ambient Temperature Range 32º to 104º F (0º to 40º C) MECHANICAL Dimensions Width 19 in (48,26 cm) Height (1U rack space) 1.75 in (4,45 cm) Depth, Chassis Only 12.
Apollo x8 Hardware Manual Unison™ IMPEDANCE SWITCHING (HI-Z) PAD 40 PAD PAD +4dBu / -10dBV SELECT Unison™ IMPEDANCE SWITCHING (MIC) MIC/LINE SELECT Unison™ IMPEDANCE SWITCHING (MIC) PGA INPUT GAIN PGA 10 – 65 dB BYPASS A/D A/D ø AUDIO CLOCKS CLOCK OSCILLATORS VCO ø INTERNAL TALKBACK MIC ø Global Setting 75 Ω WC TERM ON/OFF +20dBu / +24dBu HEADROOM SELECT LOW-CUT POLARITY ON/OFF CONTROL +4dB Global Setting +20dBu / +24dBu HEADROOM SELECT LOW-CUT POLARITY ON/OFF CONTROL +4dB Global
Troubleshooting If Apollo x8 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 Warranty Universal Audio provides a limited warranty on all UA hardware products. To learn more, visit help.uaudio.com. The limited warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary by state or country. Repair Service If you are having trouble with Apollo X, first check all system setups, connections, and operating instructions. If that doesn’t help, contact our technical support team. To learn about repair service, or for technical support, visit help.uaudio.com.
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. 1) Read these instructions. 2) Keep these instructions. 3) Heed all warnings. 4) Follow all instructions. 5) Do not use this apparatus near water. 6) Clean only with dry cloth.
FCC Compliance Federal Communications Commission United States Class A Manual Statements Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
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, troubleshooting, and repairing UA products. You can watch helpful support videos, search the Knowledge Base for answers, get updated technical information that may not be available elsewhere, and more. UA Knowledge Base 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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