Apollo Twin USB Hardware Manual Manual Version 171101 www.uaudio.
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr. Thank you for deciding to make the Apollo Twin 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 Twin USB!.............................................................................. 4 Apollo Twin USB Features...................................................................................
Introduction Welcome to Apollo! High-Resolution Desktop Music Production with Classic Analog Sound With the highest dynamic range and lowest noise of any desktop interface, Apollo Twin USB gives you stellar 24-bit/192 kHz sound and breathtaking clarity. Its premium mic preamps and class-leading conversion translate into rich three-dimensional recordings with exceptional depth and punch.
Professional I/O Connections Apollo Twin USB is a 2-in/6-out interface with two class-leading mic/line preamps, two analog line outputs, two digitally controlled analog monitor outputs, and up to eight additional channels of digital inputs via Optical connection. Its conveniently located Hi-Z instrument input and headphone jack allow you to capture inspiration the moment it strikes. A Sleek New App Console 2.0 is Apollo Twin USB’s software control interface.
Apollo Twin USB Features Key Features • • • • • • • • • • World-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion Realtime UAD Processing - track through vintage Compressors, EQs, Tape Machines, and Guitar Amp plug-ins with near-zero latency USB 3 connectivity for Windows-based systems Unison™ technology for stunning models of classic mic preamps and stompboxes Includes UAD-2 DUO DSP Processing onboard 2 premium mic/line preamps; 2 line outs; front-panel Hi-Z instrument input and headphone output Digitally controlled
Monitoring • • • • Digitally-controlled analog monitor outputs maintains highest fidelity Independently-addressable stereo headphone outputs Independently-addressable line outputs 3-4 can be used for additional cue mix Front panel control of monitor levels and muting UAD-2 Inside • • • • • Two (DUO) SHARC DSP processors Realtime UAD Processing on all analog and digital inputs Same features and functionality as other UAD-2 devices when used with DAW Includes UAD Powered Plug-Ins “Realtime Analog Classics”
Operational Overview Audio Interface First and foremost, Apollo Twin USB is a premium 2x6 USB 3 audio interface with world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion. Apollo Twin USB connects to the outputs and inputs of other audio gear, and performs analog-to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analog (D/A) audio conversions on the gear’s signals. The digital audio signals are routed into and out of the host computer via the high-speed USB 3 protocol, which is carried on a single USB 3 SuperSpeed cable.
UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a DAW Apollo Twin USB and UAD plug-ins can also be used within a DAW without the use of Console. UAD plug-ins loaded within the DAW operate like other (non-UAD) plug-ins, except the processing occurs on the Apollo Twin USB DSP instead of the host computer’s processor. In this scenario, UAD plug-ins are subject to the latencies incurred by I/O hardware buffering. For details about using UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a DAW, see the UAD System Manual.
About Apollo Twin USB Documentation Documentation for Apollo Twin 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 Adobe Acrobat Reader. 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: • • • • Click the Product Manuals button in the Help panel within the UAD Meter & Control Panel application Choose Documentation from the Help menu within the Console application Windows Start Menu: Start>All Programs>UAD Powered Plug-Ins>Documentation Manuals are also available online at help.uaudio.
Quick Start Quick Start Overview Apollo Twin USB hardware and software installation and setup consists of the main steps below, which are detailed in this chapter: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Hardware Setup Select a Suitable Location • • • • Locate Apollo Twin USB on a flat surface so its feet will maintain airflow beneath the unit. The location should be sturdy enough to securely hold its weight and withstand the pressure of operating the top panel controls. Leave enough room behind the unit for connected cabling. Do not block the cooling vents on the bottom or sides of the unit.
Software Setup Note: Items on this page are detailed in the Apollo Software Manual. See About Apollo Twin USB Documentation for related information. System Requirements All system requirements must be met for Apollo Twin USB 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.
Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System One typical Apollo Twin USB setup is illustrated below. For complete details about all of Apollo Twin USB's connectors and controls, see Controls & Connectors.
Setting Hardware I/O Levels This section explains how to set input gain levels for the hardware inputs (mic, line, and Hi-Z) and adjust volume levels for the hardware outputs (monitors and headphones). Refer to the top panel illustration for 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.
Controls & Connectors Complete details about the Apollo Twin USB hardware controls and all connector jacks on the front and rear panels are provided in this chapter. Note: To learn how to set input gain levels (mic, line, and Hi-Z) and output volumes (monitors and headphones), see Setting Hardware I/O Levels in the Quick Start chapter. Controls Overview Some Apollo Twin USB controls have multiple functions.
Input Type Each input channel has one preamplifier. The input source used by the preamp can be the mic input or the line input. The input source is determined by the pressing the INPUT button when the channel is selected. The input type is shown by the indicators below the input meters. On channel 1 only, the Hi-Z instrument can be used as the input type. The Hi-Z input is selected automatically when an instrument cable is plugged into the front panel Hi-Z input.
Top Panel Refer to the illustration below for control descriptions in this section. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Apollo Twin USB’s top panel elements (1) Level Knob & Switch The Level knob & switch controls multiple functions. The knob’s current function is selected with the Preamp (9) and Monitor (10) buttons. Rotate clockwise to increase level of the selected function. When Monitor is selected (6), press to mute/unmute the monitor outputs.
(3) Channel Selection Indicators The currently selected input channel is indicated by the lit channel name above its input meter (CH1 or CH2). Press the Preamp button (9) to switch between channels 1 & 2. Tip: You can also switch between channels 1 & 2 by pressing the Level knob (1), but only when in Preamp Mode (when the input controls are active). (4) Input Meters These meters display the incoming signal level for input channels 1 & 2.
(11) Preamp Option Buttons These six buttons control the preamp options (labeled a – f below) when the input channel is selected (3). The preamp option is active when its indicator is lit. When Monitor (6) or Headphone (8) is selected, the preamp options cannot be modified and this portion of the display is unlit. Unison Integration: The Preamp Options can also be used to control Unisonenabled UAD preamp plug-ins. See the Apollo Software Manual for complete Unison details.
Front Panel Refer to the illustration below for control descriptions in this section. 12 13 Apollo Twin USB’s front panel elements (12) Hi-Z Instrument Input Connect any guitar, bass, or other high impedance instrument here. This jack automatically overrides the channel 1 mic and line inputs. Levels for the Hi-Z input are set using the same method as the mic and line inputs. Note: This jack accepts a ¼” mono (tip-sleeve) plug only. (13) Headphone Output Connect ¼” stereo headphones here.
Rear Panel Refer to the illustration below for control descriptions in this section. Note: All rear panel ¼” jacks can accept unbalanced TS (tip-sleeve) or balanced TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) connections.
(18) Power Switch This rocker switch applies power to Apollo Twin USB. Switch to OFF when not in use. Caution: Before powering Apollo Twin USB, lower the volume of the monitor speakers and remove headphones from your ears. (19) Optical In This is a TOSLINK input for connection to other gear with an optical ADAT or S/PDIF output. Note: The connection protocol to be used (ADAT or S/PDIF) is specified within the companion Console software application.
Specifications Specification Tables All audio 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 inputs and outputs.
ANALOG I/O Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB Line Inputs 1 & 2 Connector Type ¼” Female TRS Balanced (Combo XLR/TRS) Dynamic Range 117.5 dB (A–weighting) Signal-to-Noise Ratio 117.5 dB (A–weighting) Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise –108 dBFS Input Impedance 10K Ohms Gain Range +10 dB to +65 dB Reference Level +4 dBu Maximum Input Level +20.
ANALOG I/O Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB Connector Type ¼” Female TRS Balanced Dynamic Range 118 dB (A–weighting) Signal-to-Noise Ratio 118 dB (A–weighting) Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise –107 dBFS Stereo Level Balance ±0.05 dB Output Impedance 600 Ohms Maximum Output Level 20.
DIGITAL INPUT S/PDIF Connector Type Optical TOSLINK JIS F05 (shared with ADAT) Format IEC958 Supported Sample Rates (kHz) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 S/PDIF Input Channels Two (Stereo L/R) ADAT Connector Type Optical TOSLINK JIS F05 (shared with S/PDIF) Format ADAT Digital Lightpipe with S/MUX Supported Sample Rates (kHz) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 ADAT Input Channels @ 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz 1–8 ADAT Input Channels @ 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz 1 – 4 (S/MUX) ADAT Input Channels @ 176.
Apollo Twin USB Hardware Manual 29 PAD MIC/LINE SELECT INPUT GAIN 10 – 65 dB HI-Z/MIC HI-Z/MIC-LINE INPUT GAIN 10 – 65 dB SELECT SELECT A/D A/D DSP ø LOW-CUT POLARITY ON/OFF CONTROL DSP ø LOW-CUT POLARITY ON/OFF CONTROL Apollo Twin USB Hardware Block Diagram v02 9/23/2015 TYPE B USB 3.
Troubleshooting If Apollo Twin USB isn’t behaving as expected, some common troubleshooting items to confirm are below. 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 Twin USB 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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