Download
Share
Print this page
Universal Audio Apollo x8p Hardware Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Universal Audio Manuals
  4. Recording Equipment
  5. Apollo x8p
  6. Hardware manual
Universal Audio Apollo x8p Hardware Manual

Universal Audio Apollo x8p Hardware Manual

Gen 2
Hide thumbs Also See for Apollo x8p:

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
with HEXA Core Realtime UAD Processing
Apollo x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual
Manual Version 240930
www.uaudio.com

Advertisement

loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Apollo x8p and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for Universal Audio Apollo x8p

Summary of Contents for Universal Audio Apollo x8p

  • Page 1 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with HEXA Core Realtime UAD Processing Apollo x8p 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 Record big sessions with authentic analog sound...................4 Apollo x8p Gen 2 Features .............................6 Operational Overview ..............................9 About Apollo Documentation ..........................11 Additional Resources ...............................12 Front Panel ..............................13 Rear Panel ..............................24...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    We built Apollo x8p for producers and bands who need highest-quality audio with expanded analog inputs. With its elite-class Apollo X audio conversion, unprecedented dynamic range, and enhanced D/A monitoring — Apollo x8p is the only audio interface that gives you authentic analog sound and workflows for large sessions.
  • Page 5 Mix Big Sessions with the Authentic Sound of Analog Apollo x8p gives you the tools used by the world’s best engineers, right out of the box. Along with included 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.

  • Page 6: Apollo X8P 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 x8p 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 x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Introduction...
  • Page 8 • 1U rack-mountable form factor • One year warranty includes parts and labor Package Contents • Apollo x8p 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 x8p 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 x8p 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 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 14 This feature increases the control resolution for more precise preamp gain adjustments. Tip: To adjust signal levels for inputs 9 – 16, use the output level controls of devices connected to those inputs. Apollo x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...
  • Page 15 Note: For complete details about Gain Stage Mode, see the Unison chapter within includes the Essentials+ or Studio+ Editions. Other UAD plug-ins available separately. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.. Apollo x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...
  • Page 16 Note: See the Unison chapter within the includes the Essentials+ or Studio+ Editions. Other UAD plug-ins available separately. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. for complete details about Unison operation and Gain Stage Mode. Apollo x8p 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 x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...

  • Page 18: Input Indicators

    Note: See the Unison chapter within the includes the Essentials+ or Studio+ Editions. Other UAD plug-ins available separately. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. for complete details about Unison operation and Gain Stage Mode. Apollo x8p 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 x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Front Panel...

  • Page 20: Host Indicator

    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 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 x8p 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 x8p 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 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.

  • 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 Gen 2 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: Thunderbolt 3 Ports

    Because Apollo x8p’s word clock output is not a true mirror of the word clock input, word clock out should not be used to daisy chain the word clock if Apollo x8p is in the middle of the word clock chain. The correct method to connect Apollo x8p in the middle of a word clock chain is to use a T-connector at Apollo x8p’s word clock input and leave Apollo x8p’s...

  • 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 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 +24 dBu operation is typically used for interfacing with professional audio equipment such as large format consoles, analog tape machines, and similar devices that require higher signal levels. For additional details about +24 dBu operation, see the Apollo Thunderbolt Software Manual. Apollo x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Rear Panel...
  • Page 31 XLR input. 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. Apollo x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Rear Panel...

  • Page 32: 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 x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Interconnections...
  • Page 33 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 x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Interconnections...

  • Page 34: Typical Setup

    Typical Setup 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. Instrument 1 Headphones 1 Headphones 2 Instrument 2 PREAMP MONITOR HP 1 HP 2...

  • Page 35: Apollo Expanded: Multi-Unit Wiring

    • In this example diagram, Apollo x8 is the monitor (master) unit designated in the UAD Console Settings hardware panel and Apollo x8p is the expander unit. Connect speakers (including ALT speakers) and any cue outputs to the monitor unit only.

  • Page 36: 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 x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Software Setup...

  • Page 37: 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 x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Specifications...
  • Page 38 Maximum Output Power 300 Ω load (1 kHz @ 16.8 dBu, -1 dBFS) 120 mW RMS 600 Ω load (1 kHz @ 17.3 dBu, -1 dBFS) 67 mW RMS Connector Type ¼" female TRS stereo Apollo x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Specifications...
  • Page 39 8.9 lbs (4.02 kg) Package Contents Apollo x8p Audio Interface External Power Supply AC Power Cable (IEC) Region specific (USA, EU, UK, ANZ, or Japan) Set of (4) Rack-Mount Screws Getting Started URL Card Apollo x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Specifications...

  • Page 40: Block Diagram

    Block Diagram Apollo x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Block Diagram...

  • Page 41: Db25 Wiring

    DB25 Wiring Apollo x8p’s line inputs and outputs are 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 42: 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 x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Troubleshooting...

  • Page 43: 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 44: 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 x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual Notices...
  • Page 45 Any modifications to the unit, unless expressly approved by Universal Audio, could void the User’s authority to operate the equipment.
  • Page 46 • Equipment Name: Apollo x8p Gen 2 • Model Name: Apollo x8p 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 x8p Gen 2 Hardware Manual...

  • Page 47: 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 48: 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 49 www.uaudio.com...