Related Manuals for Universal Audio Apollo x8p
Summary of Contents for Universal Audio Apollo x8p
- Page 1 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Manual Version 180828a www.uaudio.com...
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Page 2: A Letter From Bill Putnam Jr
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., to our current mission combining the best of both classic analog... -
Page 3: Table Of Contents
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr..............2 Introduction ..................4 Apollo x8p Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface ............4 Apollo x8p Features ................... 7 Apollo x8p Documentation Overview ..............10 Additional Resources ..................11 Front Panel .................. -
Page 4: Introduction
Elite-Class Audio Conversion with Eight Unison Mic Preamps, HEXA Core Processing, and Surround Sound Monitoring. Apollo x8p allows music engineers, producers, and project 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... - Page 5 UAD processing. Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing Apollo x8p features new HEXA Core processing, with six DSP chips and 50% more UAD plug-in processing power than previous Apollos. This lets you run more UAD plug-ins, whether you’re tracking in real time with channel strips from Neve, Manley, or API, or...
- Page 6 Build a Networked Studio System Over Thunderbolt Apollo x8p offers 18 x 22 simultaneous inputs/outputs (8 x 8 analog I/O) and two built-in Thunderbolt 3 ports, which are backwards-compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Macs via adapter (sold separately). This allows users of any Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin or Apollo rackmount audio interfaces to easily combine up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices —...
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Page 7: Apollo X8P Features
• Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at near- zero latency, regardless of audio buffer size • 8 Unison-enabled mic preamps with realtime preamp emulations from Neve, API, SSL, Manley, Universal Audio, and more* • Surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format †... - Page 8 • Can be combined with other UAD-2 devices for increased mixing DSP • Includes UAD Powered Plug-Ins “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” bundle • Complete UAD Powered Plug-Ins library is available at the UA online store Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Introduction...
- Page 9 Console application: • Analog-style control interface for realtime monitoring and tracking • Enables Realtime UAD Processing with UAD plug-ins • Remote control of Apollo x8p features and functionality • Virtual I/O for routing DAW tracks through Console Console Recall plug-in: •...
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Page 10: Apollo X8P Documentation Overview
Apollo x8p Documentation Overview Documentation for Apollo x8p 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. -
Page 11: Additional Resources
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. -
Page 12: Front Panel
Apollo x8p front panel (left portion) (1) Power Indicator (UA Logo) The Universal Audio logo illuminates when the external power supply is properly connected to the AC outlet and the power input on the rear of the unit, and the Power switch (#27) is in the up position. - Page 13 More than one full revolution of the knob is needed to move through the available range. This feature increases the control resolution for more precise preamp gain adjustments. Tip: To adjust signal levels for inputs 9 – 18, use the output level controls of devices connected to those inputs. Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Front Panel...
- Page 14 PREAMP knob. The gain stage being controlled is shown by the front panel Unison Indicators (#12). Note: For complete details about Gain Stage Mode, see the Unison chapter within Apollo Software Manual. Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Front Panel...
- Page 15 Mode, and the PREAMP knob adjusts the clean gain parameter in the Unison plug-in. Note: See the Unison chapter within the Apollo Software Manual for complete details about Unison operation and Gain Stage Mode. Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Front Panel...
- Page 16 When enabled, the polarity (aka phase) of the input channel’s signal is inverted. Polarity affects the Mic, Line, and Hi-Z inputs. Tip: Polarity inversion can help reduce phase cancellations when more than one microphone is used to record a single source. Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Front Panel...
- Page 17 Stage Mode. In this state, different Unison plug-in gain stage parameters are selected for adjustment by pressing the PREAMP knob. Note: See the Unison chapter within the Apollo Software Manual for complete details about Unison operation and Gain Stage Mode. Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Front Panel...
- Page 18 Pad (#9) and readjusting gain as needed. Output Channel Meters When set to OUTPUT, the channel meters display the signal peak output levels for analog channels 1 – 8 at the output of the D/A converters. Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Front Panel...
- Page 19 When set to internal clock, the INT indicator is illuminated white. External Clock Apollo x8p can use an external digital clock source from the Word Clock or optical TOSLINK (S/PDIF and ADAT) inputs. The EXT indicator has two possible states: White –...
- Page 20 (20) Meter Switch This switch determines whether the Channel Level Meters (#14) are displaying input levels or output signal levels. Pressing the switch toggles the state of the meters and the Meter Indicators (#17). Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Front Panel...
- Page 21 0.5 seconds. The Monitor Level Indicator ring (#24) flashes when talkback is active. Note: When more than one Apollo interface is connected in a multi-unit configuration, the FCN switch is operable on the designated monitor unit only. Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Front Panel...
- Page 22 Red – The main monitor outputs (and ALT monitor outputs, if configured) are muted. Orange – The ALT 1 monitor outputs are active. Amber – The FCN switch is active and assigned ALT 2. Flashing – The monitor DIM, MONO, and/or TALKBACK functions are active. Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Front Panel...
- Page 23 Console or by assigning mix buses from a DAW to the headphone outputs via the device drivers. (27) Power Switch This switch applies power to Apollo x8p. When the unit is powered on, the Universal Audio logo (#1) is illuminated. The external power supply must be properly connected for this switch to function.
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Page 24: Rear Panel
Apollo x8p rear panel (digital portion) (28) Power Input The included external power supply connects to this 4-pin locking XLR jack. Apollo x8p 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. Use the Power switch on the front panel to power the unit on and off. -
Page 25: Digital I/O
1 – 8 (mirror of port 1) 88.2 & 96 1 – 4 5 – 8 1 – 4 5 – 8 176.2 & 192 1 – 2 3 – 4 1 – 2 3 – 4 Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Rear Panel... - Page 26 For example, if Apollo x8p is the last “slave” unit at the end of a clock chain (when Apollo x8p’s word clock OUT port is not used), termination should be active.
- Page 27 Console application. When Apollo x8p is set to use external word clock as its clock, Apollo x8p is a word clock slave. If the incoming external word clock is within ±0.5% of a supported sample rate (44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz), Word Clock Out will mirror...
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Page 28: Analog I/O
MONITOR LINE IN 1-8 WORD CLOCK Apollo x8p rear panel (analog portion) (33) 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. - Page 29 Settings window. See the Apollo Software Manual for details. ALT Outputs 1 – 4 Apollo x8p features ALT (alternate) monitoring capabilities. ALT monitoring can be used to control up to two alternate pairs of monitor speakers. When ALT monitoring is enabled, the output level and muting of line outputs 1 & 2 (ALT 1) and 3 &...
- Page 30 For additional details about +24 dBu operation, see the Apollo Thunderbolt Software Headroom menu Manual. within Console Settings Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Rear Panel...
- Page 31 ¼” Line Inputs 1 – 8 The combo jack line inputs 1 – 8 accept balanced ¼” TRS phone plugs. Unbalanced ¼” TS plugs can also be used. All ¼” Combo inputs are DC coupled. Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Rear Panel...
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Page 32: Interconnections
• As with any sound system, the following steps are recommended to avoid audio spikes in your speakers and headphones: 1. Apply power to the speakers last, after all other devices (including Apollo x8p) are powered on. 2. Turn off the speakers first, before all other devices (including Apollo x8p) are powered off. - Page 33 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 x8p 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.
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Page 34: Typical Setup
Typical Setup Thunderbolt 3 Computer The diagram below illustrates an Apollo x8p setup example that could be used for recording an ensemble. ALT monitors are connected for comparing different speakers to Monitor Speakers the DB25 line outputs via a DB25 audio breakout snake. -
Page 35: Apollo Expanded: Multi-Unit Thunderbolt 3 Wiring
Thunderbolt 2 by using compatible Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapters. Note: On Mac systems only, Apollo X can be connected to Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 computers via the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter. Visit help.uaudio.com for details. Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Interconnections... -
Page 36: Software Setup
Plug-Ins software installer contains the Apollo X software, drivers, and UAD plug-ins. Registration and Authorization Apollo X must be registered and authorized to unlock UAD plug-ins that are bundled with the product. To register and authorize Apollo x8p, visit: • www.uaudio.com/register Note: For optimum results, connect and power on Apollo X before installing the software. -
Page 37: Specifications
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 x8p Hardware Manual Specifications... - Page 38 Dynamic Range 125 dB (A–weighted) Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise Ratio (1 kHz @ -1 dBFS) -102 dB (0.00080%) Maximum Output Power (into 300 ohm load) 150 mW RMS Connector Type ¼” Female TRS Stereo (continued) Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Specifications...
- Page 39 Port 1 = Channels 1 – 2, Port 2 = Channels 3 – 4 Word Clock Connector Type Lock Range ±4% of any supported sample rate Word Clock Input Termination 75 Ohms, switchable Synchronization Sources Internal, Word Clock, ADAT, S/PDIF (continued) Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Specifications...
- Page 40 Shipping Weight (with box & accessories) EU & UK: 16.9 lbs (7.64 kg) Weight (bare unit) 9 lbs (4.08 kg) Package Contents Apollo x8p Audio Interface Unit External Power Supply AC Power Cable (IEC), Region Specific Set of (4) Rack-Mount Screws Getting Started URL Card...
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Page 41: Block Diagram
Block Diagram Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Block Diagram... -
Page 42: Db25 Wiring
DB25 Wiring Apollo x8p’s line inputs and outputs can be accessed via 25-pin D-sub female connectors. Each DB25 jack carries eight balanced line-level audio channels on the standardized Tascam pinouts also used with Digidesign and Avid products. DB25 Connector Pin Numbers The pin numbers for female DB25 connectors are shown in the diagram below. -
Page 43: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting If Apollo x8p 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. SYMPTOM ITEMS TO CHECK Unit won’t power on • Confirm power supply connections at power supply input and back of unit •... -
Page 44: Notices
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. -
Page 45: Important Safety Information
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 mainte- nance of the unit. Apollo x8p Hardware Manual Notices... - Page 46 Any modifications to the unit, unless expressly approved by Universal Audio, could void the User’s authority to operate the equipment. • Canada: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Interference Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003, Issue 6, dated January 2016 (class A) •...
- Page 47 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.
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Page 48: Technical Support
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... - Page 49 www.uaudio.com...