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Universal Audio apollo x6 Hardware Manual
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Universal Audio apollo x6 Hardware Manual

Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with hexa core realtime uad processing
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Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
with HEXA Core Realtime UAD Processing
Apollo x6 Gen 2 Hardware Manual
Manual Version 240930
www.uaudio.com

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Summary of Contents for Universal Audio apollo x6

  • Page 1 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with HEXA Core Realtime UAD Processing Apollo x6 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Manual Version 240930 www.uaudio.com...

  • 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 The centerpiece of your next music production..................4 Apollo x6 Gen 2 Features ............................6 About Apollo Documentation ..........................11 Additional Resources ...............................12 Front Panel ..............................13 Rear Panel ..............................24 Digital I/O ..................................25...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Hear the Details Like Never Before Now in its Gen 2 design, Apollo x6 features our highest-resolution D/A converters ever. This enhanced monitoring — when paired with features like Apollo Monitor Correction by Sonarworks —...
  • Page 5 Find Your Perfect Workflow Just like an analog studio, where a console is the heart of the workflow, Apollo x6 has a powerful digital mixing engine where you control plug-in routing and monitoring. And with the latest features like Auto-Gain, Bass Management, 5.1 Surround Sound, and Plug-In Scenes, it’s easy to find a flow that fits your needs.

  • Page 6: Apollo X6 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 x6 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 x6 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Introduction...
  • Page 8 • 1U rack-mountable form factor • One year warranty includes parts and labor Package Contents • Apollo x6 Gen 2 audio interface • External power supply and region-specific AC cable (USA, EU, UK, ANZ, or Japan) • Set of (4) rack-mount screws •...

  • Page 9: Operational Overview

    Operational Overview Audio Interface First and foremost, Apollo x6 Gen 2 is a premium 16 x 22 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 x6 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 x6 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 3 – 12, use the output level controls of devices connected to those inputs. Apollo x6 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 x6 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 x6 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 x6 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...

  • Page 18: Input Indicators

    1 and 2. 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 x6 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...

  • Page 19: Host Indicator

    POWER 88.2 METER 176.4 Apollo x6 front panel (right portion) (15) HOST Indicator The HOST indicator displays the status of the Thunderbolt connection to the host computer system. The possible states are: Lit – The unit is communicating with the host computer and operating normally.
  • Page 20 When set to internal clock, the INT indicator is illuminated white. External Clock Apollo x6 can use an external digital clock source from the Word Clock, S/PDIF, or ADAT inputs. The EXT indicator has two possible states: White – When set to external clock and a valid clock signal is detected at the specified port, the EXT indicator is illuminated white and Apollo x6 is synchronized to the external clock source.

  • Page 21: Meter Switch

    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 x6 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...
  • Page 22 Flashing – The monitor DIM, MONO, and/or TALKBACK functions are active. (25) Headphone Level Knobs 1 & 2 These knobs control the volume of Headphone Outputs 1 & 2 on the front panel. Each headphone output has its own volume control. Apollo x6 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...

  • 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 x6. 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

    Apollo x6 rear panel (digital portion) (28) Power Input The included external power supply connects to this 4-pin locking XLR jack. Apollo x6 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

    3 – 4 Note: The ADAT ports use TOSLINK JIS F05 optical connectors. Some devices use this type of connector for optical S/PDIF connections. However, Apollo x6’s ADAT ports do not support the S/PDIF protocol (use the coaxial S/PDIF ports instead).
  • Page 26 UAD Console application. When Apollo x6 is set to use external word clock as its clock, Apollo x6 is a word clock slave. If the incoming external word clock is within ±4% 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 Word Clock In with a...
  • Page 27 DIGITAL MIRROR menu in the Hardware panel within the UAD Console Settings window. (33) Thunderbolt 3 Ports Apollo x6 has two Thunderbolt 3 ports. One port is used to connect Apollo x6 to a Thunderbolt 3 port on the host computer. Thunderbolt 3 peripheral devices may be serially connected (daisy-chained) to the second Thunderbolt 3 port.

  • Page 28: Analog I/O

    Settings window. See the Apollo Software Manual for details. ALT Outputs 1 – 4 Apollo x6 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 29 Line Inputs 3 – 6 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 Apollo Software Manual for details. Apollo x6 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 x6 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Rear Panel...

  • 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 x6 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 x6 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Interconnections...

  • Page 33: Typical Setup

    UNIVERSAL AUDIO, INC. WORD CLOCK Typical Setup +12VDC 9.0A Thunderbolt 3 The diagram below illustrates an Apollo x6 setup example that could be used for recording Stereo Computer Speaker an ensemble. ALT monitors are connected for comparing different speakers. System...

  • Page 34: Apollo Expanded: Multi-Unit Wiring

    • Apollo device ordering and Thunderbolt ports used (second port on Apollo vs. second port on computer, placement within daisy chain, etc) is not important. • In this example diagram, Apollo x6 is the monitor (master) unit designated in the UAD Console Settings hardware panel. Connect speakers (including ALT speakers) and any cue outputs to the monitor unit only.

  • 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 x6 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Software Setup...

  • Page 36: Specifications

    +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 (combo XLR/TRS) Apollo x6 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 x6 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 x6 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Specifications...
  • Page 39 Shipping Weight (with box & accessories) 16.89 lbs (7.66 kg) Weight (bare unit) 8.7 lbs (3.95 kg) Package Contents Apollo x6 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...

  • Page 40: Block Diagram

    Block Diagram Apollo x6 Gen 2 Hardware Manual Block Diagram...

  • Page 41: Troubleshooting

    2. Press and hold the PREAMP, LOW CUT, and POLARITY controls unexpectedly 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 x6 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 x6 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 x6 Gen 2 • Model Name: Apollo x6 Gen 2 • Registration Number: R-R-UAO-APOLLOX6G2 • Manufacturer/Country of Origin: Universal Audio, Inc. / Malaysia, China, Vietnam • Date of Registration: 2024-08-20 Apollo x6 Gen 2 Hardware Manual...

  • 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...

This manual is also suitable for:

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