Universal Audio Apollo User manual

Hardware Manual
UA Part Number 65-40424
Revision A
Customer Service & Technical Support:
+1-877-MY-UAUDIO ([phone])
International: [phone]
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H I GH- R ESO L U T I O N INTER F A C E
with Realtime UAD Processing

Apollo Hardware Manual Welcome
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A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr.
Thank you for deciding to make Universal Audio’s Apollo High-Resolution Interface with Realtime UAD
Processing part of your music making experience. We know that any new piece of gear requires both an
investment in time and money — our goal is to make your investment pay off. The fact that we get to play a
part in the creativity of folks like yourself is what makes our efforts at UA meaningful, and for your part in this
and your faith in us we thank you.
In many ways, Apollo represents the single best example of what UA has stood for over its long history; from
UA’s original founding in the 1950s by my father, up through our current vision of delivering the best of both
analog and digital audio technology. During these many years, UA has produced some of the most coveted
pieces of analog recording equipment. Additionally, we have pioneered cutting edge digital signal processing
which has allowed us to offer the most exacting digital versions of classic analog hardware. Our unique
expertise and experience across both analog and digital have allowed us to make something that we think is
very special.
Starting with a high-quality analog front end, Apollo’s sonic performance serves as the foundation. This is just
the start however, as Apollo is the only audio interface that allows you to run UAD plug-ins in realtime, allowing
you to track and monitor using any of our plug-ins. Want to monitor yourself through a Neve console channel
strip while tracking your bass through a Fairchild or LA-2A compressor? Or how about tracking vocals through
an SSL Channel Strip with some added Lexicon reverb? No problem — this is something only Apollo offers.
At UA we have a firm belief and dedication to the idea that technology ultimately should serve the creative
process — not be a barrier. These are the very ideals my father embodied as he invented audio equipment to
solve problems in the studio. Growing up, my father taught me that technology should be easy to use, and not
get in the way. With this in mind we have crafted the Apollo Console software with an ‘analog workflow.’ We
feel that the convenience of the Console workflow, along with innovations such as the Console Recall plug-in,
offer ease-of-use and DAW integration that will provide you with a unique and productive experience.
As you get to know Apollo and incorporate it into your creative process, we hope that the excitement and pride
that we have put into it comes through. We also hope that it earns its way into your creative process, providing
you great sound, great plug-ins, and ease-of-use for years to come. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Bill Putnam Jr.

Apollo Hardware Manual Table Of Contents
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Table Of Contents
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr. ................................................................................................................................ii
Introducing Apollo ................................................................................................................................................4
What is Apollo?................................................................................................................................................4
Apollo Features................................................................................................................................................5
Hardware System Requirements......................................................................................................................6
About Realtime UAD Processing ......................................................................................................................7
Combining with other UAD-2 devices ..............................................................................................................7
Standalone Use................................................................................................................................................7
About Apollo Documentation............................................................................................................................7
Front Panel...........................................................................................................................................................9
Rear Panel..........................................................................................................................................................13
Analog I/O......................................................................................................................................................13
Digital I/O......................................................................................................................................................14
Host I/O..........................................................................................................................................................16
Software Installation..........................................................................................................................................17
Registration & Authorization ..............................................................................................................................18
Device Driver Setup ............................................................................................................................................19
Console Settings Window...............................................................................................................................19
Global Interface Settings...............................................................................................................................19
DAW Settings.................................................................................................................................................20
Interconnections.................................................................................................................................................21
Installation Notes ..........................................................................................................................................21
Basic Setup ...................................................................................................................................................21
Typical Setup.................................................................................................................................................22
Advanced Setup.............................................................................................................................................23
FireWire Basics...................................................................................................................................................24
Mixing FireWire Speeds..................................................................................................................................26
Recommended Mixed Speed Setup ................................................................................................................26
Digital Clocking Basics ......................................................................................................................................27
Specifications ....................................................................................................................................................29
Hardware Block Diagram....................................................................................................................................33
Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................................................34
Additional Resources..........................................................................................................................................35
Universal Audio Website ................................................................................................................................35
Technical Support..........................................................................................................................................35
Maintenance..................................................................................................................................................35
Voltage Selection...........................................................................................................................................35
Warranty........................................................................................................................................................36
Repair Service ...............................................................................................................................................36
Notices ...............................................................................................................................................................37
Important Safety Information ........................................................................................................................37
Index ..................................................................................................................................................................39

Apollo Hardware Manual Introducing Apollo
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Introducing Apollo
What is Apollo?
Apollo is a high-resolution audio interface with Realtime UAD processing onboard that gives musicians and
recording engineers a no-compromise monitoring, tracking, and mixing solution. The combination of Apollo’s
high quality preamps, converters, and digital signal processing help you achieve the goal of making music
without the common latency and potential processor shortcomings of an all-native system. Apollo leverages
Universal Audio’s expertise in DSP acceleration, UAD Powered Plug-Ins, and analog hardware design by
integrating the latest cutting edge technologies in high-performance A/D-D/A conversion, DSP signal
reconstruction, and host connectivity. Apollo acts as both an audio interface with integrated DSP effects for
tracking and monitoring as well as a fully integrated UAD-2 DSP accelerator for mixing and mastering.
Apollo is available in two different configurations, which are differentiated by their DSP complement: Apollo
DUO with 2 SHARC DSPs, and Apollo QUAD with 4 SHARC DSPs. Apollo DUO and QUAD have identical I/O
features and functionality; the only difference is how much simultaneous plug-in processing that is available
for tracking and mixing. Either way, you have an amazing sounding interface that can achieve the professional
sound quality of any era in recording history by using UAD Powered Plug-Ins.
Apollo uses FireWire or Thunderbolt for computer connectivity. FireWire 800 doubles the performance of FireWire
400 and ensures the ability to use all of Apollo’s I/O as well as its DSP processing. Thunderbolt is a high-speed
data transmission protocol that provides faster throughput than FireWire. The Thunderbolt Option Card can be
easily installed in Apollo’s option card slot allowing Apollo to connect with Thunderbolt-enabled computers.
To fully realize the low latency potential of Apollo, the Console application is included and provides a familiar
analog mixing console interface where you can load your favorite combination of Realtime UAD plug-ins.
Setting up two custom headphone mixes is quick and intuitive and you can also set up reverbs and delays (or
any other UAD effects) on two auxiliary buses for comfortable tracking of live microphones and instruments.
Achieving deep integration of Apollo’s features with your favorite audio workstation software is simple thanks
to the Console Recall plug-in that is compatible with VST, Audio Units, and RTAS host software. Simply place
the Console Recall plug-in in any session and you have instant control over Apollo’s monitoring, headphones,
and Realtime UAD plug-in wet/dry options. A single button on the plug-in will automatically recall the Console
configuration within the DAW session without having to manage separate Console preset files, so you can be
sure that the Console mix you are working with today will be accurately recalled tomorrow.
Done tracking? Use Apollo just like any other UAD-2 device for mixing in the DAW. The full UAD Powered Plug-
Ins library works with Apollo, offering the best analog emulation plug-ins available from the best companies in
pro audio like Neve, SSL, Pultec, Teletronix, Studer, Lexicon, DBX, Roland, MXR, Harrison, Empirical Labs,
Manley, Ampex, and many more. A single button in the Console lets you decide to “print” or “monitor” the
Realtime UAD plug-ins – so if you want the sound of your favorite console and tape machine committed into
your DAW, you can print those effects on the way in.
Quite simply, Apollo delivers the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording with all the conveniences of modern
digital equipment.

Apollo Hardware Manual Introducing Apollo
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Apollo Features
•Superior-sounding 18 x 24 audio interface with uncompromising UA analog design
•Realtime monitoring and tracking with premium UAD Powered Plug-Ins
•Additional mixing and mastering DSP horsepower for your sessions
•FireWire 800 built-in; user-installable Thunderbolt I/O option card (not included)
Audio Interface
•Sample rates up to 192 kHz at 24-bit word length
•18 x 24 simultaneous input/output channels:
•Eight channels of analog-to-digital conversion via mic, line, or high-impedance inputs
•14 channels of digital-to-analog conversion via:
•Eight mono line outputs
•Stereo monitor outputs
•Two stereo headphone outputs
•10 channels of digital I/O via:
•Eight channels ADAT Optical I/O with S/MUX for high sample rates
•Two channels coaxial S/PDIF I/O with sample rate conversion
•Two FireWire 800 ports for daisy-chaining other FireWire devices
•32-bit and 64-bit device drivers
Microphone Preamplifiers
•Four high-resolution, ultra-transparent, digitally-controlled analog mic preamps
•Front panel and software control of all preamp parameters
•Switchable low cut filter, 48V phantom power, 20 dB pad, polarity inversion, and stereo linking
Monitoring
•Stereo monitor outputs (independent of 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 analog 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
UAD-2 Inside
•DUO and QUAD models featuring two or four SHARC processors
•Realtime UAD Powered Plug-Ins processing on all of Apollo’s analog and digital inputs
•Same features and functionality as other UAD-2 products when used with DAW
•Can be combined with other UAD-2 devices for increased mixing DSP
•Includes UAD Powered Plug-Ins “Analog Classics” bundle
•Complete UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins library is available online 24/7

Apollo Hardware Manual Introducing Apollo
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Software
•Console application:
•Enables Realtime UAD Powered Plug-Ins processing
•DSP mixer for realtime monitoring and tracking
•Remote control of all Apollo features and functionality
•Console Recall plug-in:
•Saves Apollo configurations inside DAW sessions for easy recall
•Enables control of all front panel parameters from within the DAW
•VST, RTAS, and Audio Units plug-in formats
•UAD Meter & Control Panel application:
•Configures global UAD-2 and Powered Plug-Ins settings and monitors system usage
Other
•Easily updatable firmware
•1U rack-mountable form factor
•One year warranty includes parts and labor
Hardware System Requirements
The host computer must meet the hardware system requirements below to use Apollo. For software system
requirements, refer to the Apollo Software Manual (see page 7).
Basic audio interface I/O functionality:
•Available FireWire 800 or Thunderbolt* expansion port
*Thunderbolt connections require the Thunderbolt Option Card (not included)
•512 MB RAM (1 GB or higher is strongly recommended)
•1 GB available hard drive space
•CD-ROM drive or Internet connection for software installation
UAD-2 and Realtime UAD Powered Plug-Ins functionality:
•Internet connection for registration, UAD plug-in authorization, & updates
•Compatible VST, RTAS, or Audio Units plug-in host application software

Apollo Hardware Manual Introducing Apollo
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About Realtime UAD Processing
Apollo has the ability to run UAD Powered Plug-Ins in realtime. Apollo’s groundbreaking DSP + FPGA technology
enable UAD Powered Plug-Ins to run with latencies in the sub-2ms range, and multiple UAD-2 plug-ins can be
“stacked” in series without incurring additional latency. Realtime UAD processing facilitates the ultimate sonic
experience while monitoring and/or tracking.
Realtime UAD processing is a special function that is available only within the Console application. All of
Apollo’s analog and digital inputs can perform Realtime UAD processing simultaneously, and Console inputs
with Realtime UAD processing can be routed into the DAW for recording.
Important: Apollo, like other UAD-2 devices, can only load UAD Powered Plug-Ins which are specifically
designed to run on UAD-2 DSP accelerators. “Native” plug-ins cannot run on the UAD-2 DSP.
Combining with other UAD-2 devices
Apollo can be used simultaneously with other UAD-2 devices (PCIe, SOLO/Laptop, and/or Satellite) in the same
host computer system. Apollo simply adds to the DSP availability when used with other UAD-2 devices,
increasing the DSP processing power so more UAD Powered Plug-Ins can be used. Up to four UAD-2 devices can
be combined in the same system.
Standalone Use
Although the Console application is required to unleash the full power of Apollo, the unit can be used as a
digital mixer with limited functionality without a FireWire or Thunderbolt connection to a host computer.
All currently active I/O assignments, signal routings, and monitor settings are saved to internal firmware when
Apollo is powered down, and recalled when power is re-applied. Therefore the last-used settings are always
available even when a host computer is not used.
Note that UAD-2 Powered Plug-In instantiations are not retained on power down, because the plug-in files
reside in the host computer. However, if UAD-2 plug-ins are active when Apollo’s connection to the host system
is severed, the current UAD-2 plug-in configurations remain active for processing until Apollo is powered down.
About Apollo Documentation
Documentation for all Apollo components is extensive, so instructions are separated by area of functionality, as
detailed below. All documentation is on the disk included in the retail package and is copied to the boot drive
during software installation (Apollo documentation can also be downloaded from our website).
Apollo Hardware Manual
The Apollo Hardware Manual (available in print and PDF) contains complete information about the audio
interface hardware. Included are detailed descriptions for all Apollo hardware features, control functions, and
connections. Refer to the Hardware Manual (you’re reading it now) to learn all about interfacing the hardware
with other devices, operating the panel controls, clocking, specifications, and related information.
Apollo Software Manual
The Apollo Software Manual (PDF only) contains detailed information about how to configure and control Apollo-
specific software features using the Console application and Console Recall plug-in. Refer to the Apollo
Software Manual to learn how to operate these essential software tools and integrate Apollo’s audio interface
functionality into the DAW environment.

Apollo Hardware Manual Introducing Apollo
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UAD System Manual
The UAD System Manual (PDF only) is the complete operation manual for Apollo’s UAD-2 functionality and
applies to the entire UAD product line. It contains detailed information about installing and configuring UAD
devices, the UAD Meter & Control Panel application, how to use UAD Powered Plug-Ins within a DAW, obtaining
optional plug-in licenses at the UA online store, and more. It includes everything about UAD except Apollo-
specific information and individual UAD Powered Plug-In descriptions.
UAD Plug-Ins Manual
The features and functionality of all the individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins is detailed in the UAD Plug-Ins
Manual (PDF only). Refer to this document to learn about the operation, controls, and user interface of each
plug-in. It does not contain any system-related or integration information.
Host DAW Documentation
Each host DAW application has its own particular methods for configuring audio interfaces and using plug-ins.
Refer to the host DAW documentation for specific instructions about using audio interface and plug-in features
within the DAW.
Support Pages
The latest technical information about Apollo is posted on the Universal Audio support website. Our support
pages may contain updated, late-breaking information that is not available in other publications. The URL of
our support site is:
•www.uaudio.com/support
Technical Support
Universal Audio provides free customer support to all registered Apollo users. Our support specialists are
available to assist you via email and telephone during our normal business hours, which are from 9am to 5pm,
Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time.
Telephone
USA toll-free: +1-877-MY-UAUDIO (1-877-698-2834)
International: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Online Support
To request online support via email, please visit our main support page at the URL above, then click the
“Submit Support Ticket” button on the right side of the loaded page to create a help ticket.

Apollo Hardware Manual Front Panel
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Front Panel
This section describes the features and functionality of all controls and visual elements on the Apollo front
panel. Note that all front panel functions, except the headphone volume knobs and power switch, can be
controlled remotely with the Console software application.
(1) 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. Connect only ¼” unbalanced TS phone
plugs to these inputs; TRS plugs cannot be used.
The Hi-Z inputs have an ultra-high input impedance of 2.2 Megohms that eliminates impedance loading,
preserving the high-frequency content of signals from sources with high impedance outputs (such as electric
guitar pickups). Hi-Z input gain levels are adjusted with the Preamp control for the associated channel.
Automatic Input Detection
Hi-Z inputs 1 & 2 use the same A/D converter channels as the corresponding Mic 1 & 2 and Line 1 & 2 inputs.
When a device is plugged into a Hi-Z input, the Mic and Line inputs for the channel are overridden, the Mic/Line
switch for the channel has no effect, and the stereo link is severed (if active). To use Mic or Line inputs 1 or 2,
its corresponding Hi-Z input must be disconnected.
(2) Preamp Gain & Channel Select Knob
This “endless” rotary encoder with integrated pushbutton serves two functions. Rotating the knob adjusts the
preamp gain for the selected input channel, and pushing the knob selects which preamp channel (1 – 4) is
affected by the front panel preamp controls.
Preamp Gain
The preamp gain of analog inputs 1 – 4 is adjusted with this control. The channel to be adjusted (1 – 4) is set
with the Channel Select function. The input to be adjusted (Mic, Line, or Hi-Z) is determined by the state of the
channel’s Mic/Line switch or Hi-Z input (if connected).
Rotating the knob clockwise increases the preamp gain for the selected channel. The available gain range for
preamp channels 1 – 4 is 10 dB to 65 dB for the Mic, Line, and Hi-Z inputs.
The response of the Preamp Gain Knob is not linear; it takes more than a full revolution of the control to move
through the available range. This increases the control resolution for more precise preamp gain adjustments.
Only analog inputs 1 – 4 have input gain adjustment via the mic preamp controls. To adjust signal levels for
inputs 5 – 18, use the output level controls of the devices that are connected to those inputs.
Channel Select
Pushing the Preamp Knob changes the currently selected channel, which determines which input (1 – 4) is
adjusted by the front panel preamp controls. A channel is selected for adjustment when its Channel Select
Indicator LED (located above the channel 1 – 4 input meters; see #11 on page 11) is illuminated.

Apollo Hardware Manual Front Panel
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Each time the knob is pushed, the selected preamp channel is incremented. If stereo linking is active, the
stereo pairs are selected.
(3) Preamp Gain Level Indicator
The amount of preamp gain for the selected channel is displayed with the ring of illuminated green indicator
LEDs surrounding the Preamp Knob.
The LEDs are relative levels and are not calibrated to indicate any specific dB value. However, precise
numerical dB gain values for the preamps are displayed in the Console application.
(4–9) Preamp Settings
This set of six buttons control the preamp options for input channels 1 – 4. Press the buttons to toggle the
setting. The current state of each preamp option button is indicated by the Preamp Options LEDs (#10 on page
11). Each button function is detailed below.
(4) Mic/Line
This button switches between the channel’s Mic and Line inputs on the rear panel. This button has no effect if
the channel’s Hi–Z input is connected (when a cable is inserted into the Hi-Z input, the Mic/Line LED turns off).
(5) Low Cut Filter ( )
When enabled, the channel’s input signal passes through a low cut (high pass) filter. This 2nd-order coincident-
pole filter has a cutoff frequency of 75 Hz with a slope of 12 dB per octave.
The Low Cut filter affects the Mic, Line, and Hi-Z inputs. Low Cut is typically used to eliminate rumble and
other unwanted low frequencies from the input signal.
(6) Phantom Power (+48V)
When enabled, 48 volts of phantom power is supplied to the channel’s rear panel Mic input. Most modern
condenser microphones require 48V phantom power to operate. This option can only be activated when the
Mic/Line switch (#4) is set to Mic.
Note: Depending on the current configuration of the hardware and software, there may be a delay when
changing the 48V state to minimize the clicks/pops that are inherent when engaging phantom power. The
+48V LED will blink rapidly during any delay.
(7) Pad
When enabled, the channel’s microphone input signal level is attenuated by 20 dB. Pad does not affect the Line
or Hi-Z inputs.
Pad is 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 (ø)
When enabled, the polarity (aka “phase“) of the input channel’s signal is inverted. Polarity affects the Mic,
Line, and Hi-Z inputs.
Polarity inversion can help reduce phase cancellations when more than one microphone is used to record a
single source.
(9) Stereo Link
This button links the preamp controls of adjacent 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.
Only the same type of inputs can be linked (Mic/Mic or Line/Line), and the Hi-Z inputs cannot be linked.