Starting with its high-quality I/O and superior A/D and D/A conversion, Apollo x4’s superior sonic performance serves as its foundation. This is just the beginning however, as Apollo x4 lets you power the full range of UAD plug-ins in real time, including classic mic preamps, EQs, dynamics processors, reverbs, guitar amps, and much more.
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr..............2 Introduction ..................4 Apollo x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface ............. 4 Apollo x4 Features ..................... 7 Operational Overview ..................9 About Apollo x4 Documentation ................ 11 Additional Resources ..................
™ Unison Technology: The Genuine Sound of Neve, API & Manley Preamps Apollo x4 features four Unison-enabled mic preamps, letting you track through exacting mic preamp emulations from Neve, SSL, API, Manley, and Universal Audio. An Apollo exclusive, Unison technology nails the tone of these sought-after tube and solid state mic pres —...
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Next-Generation A/D and D/A Conversion Of course, the heart of any audio interface is the quality of its conversion. Apollo x4 improves upon the original Apollo Twin’s gold-standard audio quality with completely redesigned A/D and D/A conversion — giving you increased dynamic range and ultra-low THD.
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2016 TEC Award for computer audio hardware. Improved Monitoring and Built-In Talkback Mic The Apollo x4 offers flexible monitor functionality — with Mute, DIM, Mono, and ALT speaker switching. It also includes dedicated monitor remote controls and a built-in Talkback mic for easy communication with talent and/or recording slate cues.
• Unison technology for exacting emulations with Unison-enabled UAD plug-ins ™ • Front panel and software control of all preamp parameters • Low cut filter, 48V phantom power, 20 dB pad, polarity inversion, and stereo linking Apollo x4 Hardware Manual Introduction...
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Console Recall plug-in: • Saves Apollo x4 configurations inside DAW sessions for easy recall • Facilitates control of Apollo x4 monitoring features from within the DAW • VST, RTAS, AAX 64, and Audio Units plug-in formats UAD Meter & Control Panel application: •...
Operational Overview Audio Interface First and foremost, Apollo x4 is a premium 12 x 18 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion. Apollo x4 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.
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UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a DAW Apollo x4 and UAD plug-ins can also be used with 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 x4 DSP instead of the host computer’s processor. In this scenario, UAD plug-ins are subject to the latencies incurred by I/O buffering.
About Apollo x4 Documentation Documentation for Apollo x4 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.
Refer to the host DAW’s documentation for specific instructions about using audio interface and plug-in features within the DAW. Additional Resources For additional resources, or if you need to contact Universal Audio for assistance, see the Technical Support page.
• As with any sound system, the following steps are recommended to avoid audio spikes in your speakers and headphones: 1. Power on the speakers last, after all other devices (including Apollo x4) are powered on. 2. Power off the speakers first, before all other devices (including Apollo x4) are powered off.
Connection Notes Thunderbolt 3 • Apollo x4 must be connected via a Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included) to a computer that has an available Thunderbolt 3 port.* • Apollo x4 cannot be bus powered via Thunderbolt 3. The included external power supply must be used.
1. Connect the included power supply to an AC outlet (Apollo x4 cannot be bus powered). 2. Connect the locking power supply barrel to the rear panel of Apollo x4. Align the two tabs on the power cable's connector to the notches on the input, then rotate the barrel clockwise to prevent accidental disconnection.
Apollo Software Manual. To begin the installation, registration, and authorization process, visit: www.uaudio.com/register If you've already registered your Apollo x4 but want to update to a newer version of UAD software, the latest software is available at: www.uaudio.com/downloads...
Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System One typical Apollo x4 audio setup is illustrated below. For complete details about all of Apollo x4's connectors and controls, see Controls & Connectors. Tip: In the example below, the mics are connected to channels 3 and 4, so that the mics and the instruments (which are connected to channels 1 and 2) can be used at the same time.
• Line outputs 1 – 4 are accessed and controlled via software only (Console or DAW). • Refer to the Apollo Software Manual to learn how to configure the audio interface settings, use the Console application and Realtime UAD Processing, and more. Apollo x4 Hardware Manual Quick Start...
Software Manual for details. PREAMP Mode When Apollo x4 is in Preamp mode, the top panel controls are related to input functions only. To adjust input functions, press the PREAMP button to enter Preamp mode and activate the input channel controls.
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MONITOR Note: Not all preamp options are available with all input types. For specific details, see the Top Panel Controls section later in this chapter. POWER 12VDC Apollo x4 Hardware Manual Controls & Connectors OPTICAL LINE OUT LINE OUT MONITOR...
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12VDC Stereo Outputs Apollo x4 has three stereo outputs that can be controlled with the top panel hardware: Monitor, Headphone 1 (HP1), and Headphone 2 (HP2). The volume of these stereo outputs are controlled when in Monitor mode.
The LEDs surrounding the Level knob indicate the relative level of the selected function (either input channel preamp gain or monitor/headphone volume). Note: The Volume Level Indicator LEDs are RED when MONITOR (5) is selected and MUTE (8-l) is enabled. Apollo x4 Hardware Manual Controls & Connectors PREAMP MONITOR...
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“C” (clip) LED at the top of the Output Meters illuminates. *Exception: If a HP output is currently selected on Apollo x4 and the HP Source within the CUE OUTPUTS window in Console is set to the same HP output, these output meters indicate the level being sent to the headphone bus via Console’s...
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In Preamp mode, the Option Buttons can also be used to control Unison- enabled UAD preamp, guitar/bass amp, and pedal plug-in parameters. See the Apollo Software Manual for complete Unison details. PREAMP Options Display (7) and Option Buttons (8) Apollo x4 Hardware Manual Controls & Connectors...
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Hi-Z instrument inputs. (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. Apollo x4 Hardware Manual Controls & Connectors...
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Console software is set to a non-zero value. (j) FCN (Function) This switch can be assigned to control one of three monitoring functions. FCN is only available when Apollo x4 is combined with other Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo models in a multi-unit cascading configuration. Apollo x4 Hardware Manual...
Level knob (1) when HP1 or HP2 is selected (5) with the MONITOR button (12). Side Panel Kensington Security Slot (not shown) PREAMP MONITOR The anti-theft security slot on the side panel connects to any standard Kensington lock. Apollo x4 Hardware Manual Controls & Connectors OPTICAL LINE OUT LINE OUT MONITOR...
These ¼” phone outputs are accessed via software (Console or DAW). Line outputs 3 – 6 are typically used to send audio to other equipment. The Line Outputs are DC coupled. OPTICAL LINE OUT LINE OUT MONITOR MIC/LINE 4 MIC/LINE 3 MIC/LINE 2 MIC/LINE 1 POWER 12VDC Apollo x4 Hardware Manual Controls & Connectors...
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1. Align Tabs 12VDC (19) Power Switch This rocker switch applies power to Apollo x4. Switch to OFF when not in use. Caution: Before powering Apollo x4, lower the volume of the monitor speakers and remove headphones from your ears.
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S/PDIF signal does not match the sample rate specified in the Console application, the S/PDIF signal is converted to match Apollo x4’s sample rate. If Apollo x4 is set to use external S/PDIF clock source, sample rate conversion is inactive.
Analog Round-Trip Latency 1.1 milliseconds @ 96 kHz sample rate Analog Round-Trip Latency through four UAD 1.1 milliseconds @ 96 kHz sample rate (no legacy plug-ins (included) via Console software additional latency via Realtime UAD Processing) (continued) Apollo x4 Hardware Manual...
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20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB Dynamic Range 124 dB (A–weighted) Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise -98 dB (1 kHz @ -1 dBFS) Maximum Output Power (into 300 ohm load) 96 mW RMS Connector Type ¼” Female TRS Stereo (continued) Apollo x4 Hardware Manual...
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Shipping Weight (with box & accessories) 3.5 lbs (1.59 kg) Weight (bare unit) 3.2 lbs (1.46 kg) Package Contents Apollo x4 Unit External Power Supply AC Power Cable (IEC C7, non-polarized) Region Specific (US, UK, or EU) Getting Started URL Card Apollo x4 Hardware Manual...
Troubleshooting If Apollo x4 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. SYMPTOM ITEMS TO CHECK • Confirm power supply connector is fully inserted, then twist barrel to lock Unit won’t power on...
• CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not open the unit. • Apollo x4 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.
The exclamation mark in an equilateral triangle is intended to alert users to the existence of important instructions in the manual relating to the use and maintenance of the unit. Apollo x4 Hardware Manual Notices...
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Compliance Note: Any modifications to the unit, unless expressly approved by Universal Audio, could void the User’s authority to operate the equipment. This product, Apollo x4, complied with the following requirements: • Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules for Class B digital device •...
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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.
UA products. UA YouTube Support Channel Universal Audio Community Forums The unofficial UA discussion forums are a valuable resource for all Universal Audio product users. This website is independently owned and operated. www.uadforum.com Contact Universal Audio Support To contact UA support staff for technical or repair assistance, please visit: help.uaudio.com...