Related Manuals for Universal Audio apollo x8 Gen 2
Summary of Contents for Universal Audio apollo x8 Gen 2
- Page 1 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with HEXA Core Realtime UAD Processing Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Manual Version 240930 www.uaudio.com...
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Page 2: A Letter From Bill Putnam Jr
— and our goal is to make your investment pay off. Universal Audio interfaces like the Apollo X Gen 2 Series 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 to combine the best of both... -
Page 3: Table Of Contents
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr.......................2 Introduction ..............................4 Produce music with the authentic sound of analog................4 Apollo x8 Gen 2 Features ............................6 Operational Overview ..............................9 About Apollo Documentation ..........................11 Additional Resources ...............................12 Front Panel ..............................13... -
Page 4: Introduction
Teletronix LA-2A compressors, Pultec EQs, and amps from Fender, Marshall, and Ampeg, you can tap into the entire library of over 200 UAD plug-ins and unlock proven hit-making sounds to bring your recordings to new heights. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Introduction... - Page 5 Apollo will always be in reach. includes the Essentials+ or Studio+ Editions. Other UAD plug-ins available separately. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Introduction...
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Page 6: Apollo X8 Gen 2 Features
• Compatible with LUNA, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live, and more • Expandable with Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces and Dante via Apollo x16D • Free industry-leading technical support from knowledgeable audio engineers Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Introduction... -
Page 7: All Features
• Same features and functionality as other UAD-2 devices when used with DAW • Can be combined with other UAD-2 devices for increased mixing DSP • Complete UAD plug-ins library available at the UA online store Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Introduction... - Page 8 • 1U rack-mountable form factor • One year warranty includes parts and labor Package Contents • Apollo x8 Gen 2 audio interface • External power supply and region-specific AC cable (USA, EU, UK, ANZ, or Japan) • Set of (4) rack-mount screws •...
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Page 9: Operational Overview
Operational Overview Audio Interface First and foremost, Apollo x8 Gen 2 is a premium 18 x 24 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with elite-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion. Apollo 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. -
Page 10: Standalone Use
Apollo’s connection to the host system is lost (if the Thunderbolt 3 cable is unplugged), the current UAD-2 plug-in configurations remain active for processing until Apollo is powered down. Note: Standalone use is unavailable when cascading multiple Apollo units. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Introduction... -
Page 11: About Apollo Documentation
The features and functionality of all individual UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins is detailed in the UAD Plug-Ins Manual. Refer to that document to learn about the operation, controls, and user interface of each UAD-2 plug-in that is developed by Universal Audio. Direct Developer Plug-In Manuals UAD Powered Plug-Ins includes plug-in titles created by our Direct Developer partners. -
Page 12: Accessing Documentation
Tip: Use the back button in the PDF reader application to return to the previous page after clicking a hyperlink. Additional Resources For additional resources, or if you need to contact Universal Audio for assistance, see the Technical Support page. -
Page 13: Front Panel
Apollo x8 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 14 This feature increases the control resolution for more precise preamp gain adjustments. Tip: To adjust signal levels for inputs 5 – 18, use the output level controls of devices connected to those inputs. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...
- Page 15 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 UAD Console Manual. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...
- Page 16 PREAMP knob adjusts the clean gain parameter in the Unison plug-in. Note: See the Unison chapter within the UAD Console Manual for complete details about Unison operation and Gain Stage Mode. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...
- Page 17 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 x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...
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Page 18: Input Indicators
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. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel... - Page 19 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 x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...
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Page 20: Host Indicator
EXT indicator is illuminated and white. Important: When set to use any external clock source, Apollo x8’s sample rate must be manually set to match the sample rate of the external clock. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel... -
Page 21: Meter Switch
Tip: ALT 2 outputs (line outputs 3 & 4) can be selected with the FCN switch (#22) when configured in UAD Console Settings, or in the MONITOR column within the UAD Console application. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel... - Page 22 UAD Console Settings window (when ALT COUNT is a non-zero value), the ALT monitor outputs are also muted by this control. When the monitor outs are muted, the Monitor Level Indicator ring (#24) is red. Note: Monitor Mute does not mute the headphone outputs. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...
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Page 23: Power Switch
UAD 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 x8. 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. -
Page 24: Rear Panel
Power switch on the front panel to power the unit on and off. Important: Do not disconnect the power supply while Apollo x8 is in use, and confirm the Power switch is in the “off” position before connecting or disconnecting the power supply. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Rear Panel... -
Page 25: Digital I/O
Note: The ADAT ports use TOSLINK JIS F05 optical connectors. Some devices use this type of connector for optical S/PDIF connections. However, Apollo x8’s ADAT ports do not support the S/PDIF protocol (use the coaxial S/PDIF ports instead). Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Rear Panel... - Page 26 The correct method to connect Apollo x8 in the middle of a word clock chain is to use a T-connector at Apollo x8’s word clock input and leave Apollo x8’s word clock output unconnected. In this configuration, the Termination switch should not be engaged. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Rear Panel...
- Page 27 Thunderbolt Bus Power Per the Thunderbolt specification, bus power is supplied to downstream (daisy-chained) Thunderbolt peripheral devices. Apollo x8 must be powered on for the daisy-chained peripheral to receive Thunderbolt bus power. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Rear Panel...
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Page 28: Analog I/O
3 & 4 (ALT 2) are controlled by the Monitor Level & Mute knob (#23). ALT monitoring is enabled in the Hardware panel within the UAD Console Settings window by increasing the ALT COUNT setting to a non-zero value. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Rear Panel... - Page 29 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 UAD Console application. See the UAD Console Manual for details. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Rear Panel...
- Page 30 (#8, when the channel is selected), or from within the UAD Console application. Caution: To avoid potential equipment damage, disable +48V phantom power on the channel before connecting or disconnecting its XLR input. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Rear Panel...
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Page 31: Interconnections
• When more I/O and/or DSP is needed, up to four Apollo interfaces and six UAD devices total can be cascaded together via Thunderbolt in a multiple-unit configuration. For complete details about multi-unit cascading, refer to the UAD Console Manual. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Interconnections... - Page 32 Thunderbolt icon. The Thunderbolt icon on a USB-C port or cable means the connector supports Thunderbolt 3. Alternately, confirm Thunderbolt 3 compatibility with the device and/or cable manufacturer. Thunderbolt icon on USB-C cable (left) and USB-C port (right) Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Interconnections...
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Page 33: Typical Setup
ADAT S/MUX 75 Ω S/PDIF MIC INPUT TERM OUTPUT (ALT/SURROUND) MONITOR LINE INPUT UNIVERSAL AUDIO, INC. WORD CLOCK +12VDC 9.0A Thunderbolt Stereo Peripheral Monitor Thunderbolt 3 System Computer ALT Monitors Typical Apollo x8 connections Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Interconnections... -
Page 34: Apollo Expanded: Multi-Unit Wiring
• The computer and all Apollo/UAD -2 units must be connected to the same Thunderbolt bus. • (Mac only) Apollo units with Thunderbolt 3 can be mixed with older Apollo units with Thunderbolt 2 by using compatible Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapters. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Interconnections... -
Page 35: Software Setup
Update button (if an update is available). 3. After the software is downloaded, click Install to complete the installation. UA Support Videos Informational videos are available to help you get started with Apollo at help.uaudio.com. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Software Setup... -
Page 36: Specifications
Gain Range +10 dB to +65 dB Pad Attenuation (switchable per mic input) 20 dB (variable via Unison plug-ins) Phantom Power (switchable per mic input) +48V Connector Type XLR Female, pin 2 positive Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Specifications... - Page 37 Maximum Output Power (RMS) 300 Ω load (1 kHz @ 16.8 dBu, -1 dBFS) 120 mW 600 Ω load (1 kHz @ 17.3 dBu, -1 dBFS) 67 mW Connector Type ¼" female TRS stereo Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Specifications...
- Page 38 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 Ω, switchable Synchronization Sources Internal, Word Clock, ADAT, S/PDIF Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Specifications...
- Page 39 Shipping Weight (with box & accessories) 16.98 lbs (7.66 kg) Weight (bare unit) 8.8 lbs (3.95 kg) Package Contents Apollo x8 Gen 2 Audio Interface External Power Supply AC Power Cable (IEC) Region specific (USA, EU, UK, ANZ, or Japan) Set of (4) Rack-Mount Screws...
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Page 40: Block Diagram
Block Diagram Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Block Diagram... -
Page 41: Troubleshooting
2. Press and hold the PREAMP, LOW CUT, and POLARITY controls 3. Power on Apollo X while continuing to hold all three controls 4. After all front panel LEDs flash rapidly (after several seconds), release the controls. Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Troubleshooting... -
Page 42: Notices
It is considered improper use when the product is used for any application not named in the corresponding instruction manual. Universal Audio does not accept liability for damage arising from improper use or misuse of this product and its attachments/ accessories. Before putting the product into operation, please observe the respective country-specific regulations. -
Page 43: Manufacturer's Declarations
EU Declaration of Conformity • RoHS-Directive (2015/863/EU) • Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) • EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) • REACH Directive (EC1907/2006) Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Notices... - Page 44 Any modifications to the unit, unless expressly approved by Universal Audio, could void the User’s authority to operate the equipment.
- Page 45 • Equipment Name: Apollo x8 Gen 2 • Model Name: Apollo x8 Gen 2 • Registration Number: R-R-UAO-APOLLOX8G2 • Manufacturer/Country of Origin: Universal Audio, Inc. / Malaysia, China, Vietnam • Date of Registration: 2024-08-21 Apollo x8 Gen 2 Hardware Manual...
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Page 46: End User License Agreement
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. -
Page 47: Technical Support
The Universal Audio YouTube Channel at youtube.com includes helpful support videos for setting up and using UA products. UA YouTube 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 Customer Care To contact UA support staff for technical or repair assistance, please visit: help.uaudio.com... - Page 48 www.uaudio.com...
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