Apollo Twin MkII Hardware Manual Manual Version 200330 www.uaudio.
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr. Thank you for deciding to make the Apollo Twin MkII High-Resolution Interface part of your music making experience. 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. The fact that we get to play a part in your creative process is what makes our efforts meaningful, and we thank you for this.
Table Of Contents Tip: Click any section or page number to jump directly to that page. A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr................................................................... 2 Introduction.......................................................................................... 4 Welcome to Apollo!............................................................................................. 4 Apollo Twin MkII Features.................................................................................
Introduction Welcome to Apollo! Superior Desktop Audio Conversion with Classic Analog Sound With its class-leading resolution and Realtime UAD Processing, Apollo Twin MkII sets a new standard for desktop music production. This 2x6 Thunderbolt interface for Mac and Windows allows you to record with near-zero latency through the full range of UAD Powered Plug-Ins — ingeniously merging classic analog tones with cutting-edge features.
A Full Suite of Classic Analog P rocessing Onboard Right out of the box, Apollo Twin MkII provides a suite of incredible analog emulation plug-ins including the world’s only authentic Teletronix LA-2A and UA 1176LN compressors, the legendary Pultec EQs, and the Unison-enabled UA 610-B Tube Preamp. Developed by UA’s world-renowned team of algorithm engineers, these Realtime Analog Classic plug-ins set the standard by which all other hardware emulation plug-ins are judged.
Build a Networked Studio Apollo Twin MkII offers up to 10 x 6 simultaneous input/output channels. Thanks to Apollo Expanded software, users of any Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin, Apollo Twin MkII, Apollo 8, Apollo 8p, and Apollo 16 audio interfaces can combine up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices — adding I/O and DSP as your studio grows. Apollo Twin MkII makes the perfect intelligent desktop controller for a full Apollo system. A Sleek, Low-latency App Console 2.
Apollo Twin MkII Features Key Features • • • • • • • • • • • Best in class audio quality with improved 24-bit/192 kHz conversion Realtime UAD Processing — track through vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, and guitar amp/pedal plug-ins with near-zero latency 2 premium mic/line preamps; 2 line outs; front-panel Hi-Z instrument input and headphone output Unison™ technology for stunning models of classic mic preamps and guitar amps Built-in talkback microphone for communication and recording Monitor remot
Monitoring • • • • • Digitally-controlled analog monitor outputs maintains highest fidelity Independently-addressable stereo headphone outputs Independently-addressable line outputs 3-4 can be used for additional cue mix Front panel control of level, mute, dim, mono, alternate speakers, and talkback Built-in talkback microphone for communication and recording UAD-2 Inside • • • • One (SOLO), two (DUO), or four (QUAD) SHARC DSP processors Realtime UAD Processing on all analog and digital inputs Same featu
Operational Overview Audio Interface First and foremost, Apollo Twin MkII is a premium 2 x 6 Thunderbolt audio interface with world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion. Apollo Twin MkII 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. The digital audio signals are routed into and out of the host computer via the high-speed PCIe protocol, which is carried on a single Thunderbolt cable.
UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a DAW Apollo Twin MkII and UAD plug-ins can also be used within 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 Twin MkII DSP instead of the host computer’s processor. In this scenario, UAD plug-ins are subject to the latencies incurred by I/O buffering. For details about using UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a DAW, see the UAD System Manual.
About Apollo Twin MkII Documentation Documentation for Apollo Twin MkII 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. Apollo Manual Files Note: All manual files are in PDF format. PDF files require a free PDF reader application such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or Preview (included with macOS).
Accessing Installed Documentation Any of these methods can be used to access installed documentation: • • • Choose Documentation from the Help menu within the Console application Click the Product Manuals button in the Help panel within the UAD Meter & Control Panel application Manuals are also available online at help.uaudio.com Host DAW Documentation Each host DAW software application has its own particular methods for configuring and using audio interfaces and plug-ins.
Quick Start Apollo Twin MkII hardware and software installation and setup consists of these steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. Hardware Setup: Connect and power the Apollo Twin MkII hardware Software Setup: Download and install the Apollo Twin MkII software Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System Setting Hardware I/O Levels: Learn how to adjust input and output levels Hardware Setup Select a Suitable Location • • • • Locate Apollo Twin MkII on a flat surface so its feet will maintain airflow beneath the unit.
Software Setup Note: Items on this page are detailed in the Apollo Software Manual. See About Apollo Twin Documentation for related information. System Requirements All system requirements must be met for Apollo Twin MkII to operate properly. Before proceeding with installation, see the system requirements in the Apollo Software Manual. Software Installation The software must be installed to use the hardware and UAD plug-ins.
Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System One typical Apollo Twin MkII setup is illustrated below. For complete details about all of Apollo Twin MkII's connectors and controls, see Controls & Connectors.
Setting Hardware I/O Levels This section explains how to set input gain levels for the hardware inputs (mic, line, and Hi-Z) and adjust volume levels for the hardware outputs (monitors and headphones). Refer to the Top Panel illustration for the control names and numbers mentioned below. Important: Before proceeding, lower the volume of the monitor speakers and remove headphones from your ears. Set Input Gains 1.
Controls & Connectors Complete details about the Apollo Twin MkII hardware controls and all connector jacks on the front and rear panels are provided in this chapter. Note: To learn how to set input gain levels (mic, line, and Hi-Z) and output volumes (monitors and headphones), see Setting Hardware I/O Levels in the Quick Start chapter. Controls Overview Some Apollo Twin MkII controls have multiple functions.
Selected Channel The currently selected input channel is shown by the CH1 and CH2 indicators at the upper left of the main display panel, above the input meters. The top panel controls only adjust the functions for the currently selected channel. Changing Channels When in Preamp mode, press the PREAMP button to change the selected channel so its controls can be adjusted. Press PREAMP again to switch back to the other channel.
MONITOR Mode When Apollo Twin MkII is in Monitor mode, all top panel controls are related to output functions only. To adjust any output function, press the MONITOR button to enter Monitor mode and activate the monitor controls. MONITOR Note: Input functions cannot be performed in Monitor mode. Important: Apollo Twin MkII must be in Monitor mode to change the volume of the monitor and headphone outputs.
Top Panel Refer to the illustration below for control descriptions in this section. 1 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 6 7 MONITOR 11 12 13 Top panel elements (1) Level Knob The Level knob controls multiple functions. The knob’s current function is selected with the PREAMP (7) and MONITOR (11) buttons. When in PREAMP Mode, rotate clockwise to increase the amount of preamp gain for the currently selected channel.
(3) Channel Selection Indicators The currently selected input channel is indicated by the lit channel name above its input meter (CH1 or CH2). Press the Preamp button (7) to switch between channels 1 & 2. (4) Input Meters These meters display the incoming signal level for input channels 1 & 2. Reduce the channel’s preamp gain (see Setting Levels) if its red clip LED illuminates. (5) Input Type Indicators These indicators show which input type (MIC, LINE, or HI-Z) is active for the selected channel.
(10) Headphone Selected Indicator When HEADPHONE is lit, the Level knob (1) controls the volume of the headphones output (14). Press the MONITOR button (9) to activate the headphones volume control (you may need to push it twice). (11) Monitor Button Press this button to enter MONITOR mode for controlling the monitor and headphone functions. Press again to alternate between control of monitor and headphone volumes with the Level knob (1).
Preamp Options The Option Buttons control the PREAMP options (a – f below) for an input channel when that channel is selected (3) with the PREAMP button (7). A preamp option is active when its indicator in the upper row of the Options Display (12) is lit, and inactive when the indicator is dim. If the indicator is unlit, the option is unavailable. Note: In MONITOR Mode, the preamp options cannot be modified and the upper row of the Options Display is unlit.
Monitor Options The Option Buttons control the monitor options (g – h below) when Apollo Twin MkII is in MONITOR Mode. Press the MONITOR button (11) to enter monitor mode. A monitor option is active when its indicator in the lower row of the Options Display (12) is lit, and inactive when the indicator is dim. If the indicator is unlit, the option is unavailable. The TALK, DIM, ALT, and FCN functions are configured in the companion Console software application. See the Apollo Software Manual for details.
Front Panel Refer to the illustration below for control descriptions in this section. 14 15 Front panel elements (14) Hi-Z Instrument Input Connect any guitar, bass, or other high impedance instrument here. This jack automatically overrides the channel 1 mic and line inputs. Levels for the Hi-Z input are set using the same method as the mic and line inputs. Note: This jack accepts a ¼” mono (tip-sleeve) plug only. (15) Headphone Output Connect ¼” stereo headphones here.
Rear Panel Refer to the illustration below for control descriptions in this section. Note: All rear panel ¼” jacks can accept unbalanced TS (tip-sleeve) or balanced TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) connections. 22 21 LINE OUT 3 MONITOR L 4 R OPTICAL IN POWER 20 OFF MIC/LINE 2 MIC/LINE 1 ON 12VDC 19 18 17 16 Rear panel elements (16) Mic/Line Inputs 1 & 2 The jacks for channels 1 & 2 accept either a male XLR plug for connecting to the mic input, or a ¼” phone plug for connecting to the line input.
(20) Power Switch This rocker switch applies power to Apollo Twin MkII. Switch to OFF when not in use. Caution: Before powering Apollo Twin MkII, lower the volume of the monitor speakers and remove headphones from your ears. (21) Optical In This is a TOSLINK input for connection to other gear with an optical ADAT or S/PDIF output. Note: The connection protocol to be used (ADAT or S/PDIF) is specified in the Hardware panel within Console Settings.
Specifications Specification Tables All audio specifications are typical performance unless otherwise noted, tested under the following conditions: 48 kHz internal sample rate, 24-bit sample depth, 20 kHz measurement bandwidth, with balanced inputs and outputs.
ANALOG I/O Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB Line Inputs 1 & 2 Connector Type ¼” Female TRS Balanced (Combo XLR/TRS) Dynamic Range 117.5 dB (A–weighting) Signal-to-Noise Ratio 117.5 dB (A–weighting) Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise –109 dBFS Input Impedance 10K Ohms Gain Range +10 dB to +65 dB Reference Level +4 dBu Maximum Input Level +20.
ANALOG I/O Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB Line Outputs 3 & 4 Connector Type ¼” Female TRS Balanced Dynamic Range 121 dB (A–weighting) Signal-to-Noise Ratio 121 dB (A–weighting) Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise –110 dBFS Stereo Level Balance ±0.05 dB Output Impedance 100 Ohms Maximum Output Level 20.
DIGITAL INPUTS S/PDIF Connector Type Optical TOSLINK JIS F05 (shared with ADAT) Format IEC958 Supported Sample Rates (kHz) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 S/PDIF Input Channels Two (Stereo L/R) ADAT Connector Type Optical TOSLINK JIS F05 (shared with S/PDIF) Format ADAT Digital Lightpipe with S/MUX Supported Sample Rates (kHz) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 ADAT Input Channels @ 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz 1–8 ADAT Input Channels @ 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz 1 – 4 (S/MUX) ADAT Input Channels @ 176.
Apollo Twin MkII Hardware Manual 32 PAD MIC/LINE SELECT INPUT GAIN 10 – 65 dB HI-Z/MIC HI-Z/MIC-LINE INPUT GAIN 10 – 65 dB SELECT SELECT A/D A/D Apollo Twin MkII Hardware Block Diagram THUNDERBOLT TM HOST INTERFACE OPTO OPTICAL INPUT 1/4” TRS LINE IN 2 1M PAD +48V +48V ON/OFF MIC PAD IN/OUT XLR FEMALE MIC IN 2 1/4” TRS LINE IN 1 1/4” HI-Z IN XLR FEMALE MIC IN 1 +48V +48V ON/OFF MIC PAD IN/OUT ANALOG INPUTS v03 DSP ø LOW-CUT POLARITY ON/OFF CONTROL INTERNAL TALKBACK MIC DSP ø
Troubleshooting If Apollo Twin MkII 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.
Notices Important Safety Information Before using this unit, be sure to carefully read the applicable items of these operating instructions and the safety suggestions. Afterwards, keep them handy for future reference. Take special care to follow the warnings indicated on the unit, as well as in the operating instructions. Water and Moisture – Do not use the unit near any source of water or in excessively moist environments.
Warranty Universal Audio provides a warranty on all hardware products. To learn more, please visit www.uaudio.com/support/warranty.html or contact Technical Support. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary by state or country. Maintenance Apollo Twin MkII 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.
Disclaimer The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Universal 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.
Technical Support Universal Audio Knowledge Base The UA Knowledge Base is your complete technical resource for configuring, operating, troubleshooting, and repairing UA products. You can watch helpful support videos, search the Knowledge Base for answers, get updated technical information that may not be available elsewhere, and more. UA Knowledge Base YouTube Support Channel The Universal Audio Support Channel at youtube.com includes helpful support videos for setting up and using UA products.
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