Apollo Twin X Hardware Manual Manual Version 190912 www.uaudio.
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr. Thank you for choosing this Apollo Twin X audio interface to become a part of your studio. 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 Twin 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.
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 World-Class Conversion. Timeless Analog Sound.................................................... 4 Apollo Twin X Features........................................................................................
Introduction World-Class Conversion. Timeless Analog Sound. UA Audio Interfaces are the world’s most acclaimed professional recording interfaces for Mac and Windows — delivering enhanced audio conversion with the tone, feel, and flow of analog recording. Built upon UA’s 60-year heritage of audio craftsmanship, Apollo Twin X starts with two Unison™-enabled mic preamps.
A Full Suite of Classic Analog P rocessing Onboard Right out of the box, Apollo Twin X provides a suite of incredible analog emulation plugins including the world’s only authentic Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN, Pultec EQs, and the Unison-enabled UA 610-B Tube Preamp. Developed by UA’s world-renowned team of algorithm engineers, these Realtime Analog Classics plug-ins set the standard by which all other hardware emulation plug-ins are judged.
Build a Networked Studio Apollo Twin X offers up to 10 x 6 simultaneous input/output channels. Thanks to Apollo Expanded software, users of any Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo 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 X makes the perfect intelligent desktop controller for a full Apollo system.
Apollo Twin X Features Key Features • • • • • • • • • • Best in class audio quality with improved 24-bit/192 kHz conversion Realtime UAD Processing — monitor and track through vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, and guitar amp/pedal plug-ins with near-zero latency Two premium mic/line preamps; two 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 Mo
Monitoring • • • • • • Independently-addressable stereo monitor outputs 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 All outputs are DC coupled UAD-2 Inside • • • • Two (DUO) or four (QUAD) SHARC® DSP processor cores onboard Realtime UAD Processing on all analog and digital inputs Sa
Operational Overview Audio Interface First and foremost, Apollo Twin X is a premium 10 x 6 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion. Apollo Twin X 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 3 cable.
UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a DAW Apollo Twin X and UAD plug-ins can also be used with 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 X 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 X Documentation Documentation for Apollo Twin X 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. They can also be downloaded at help.uaudio.com. Apollo Manual Files Note: All manual files are in PDF format. PDF files require a free PDF reader application such as Preview (included with macOS) or Edge (included with Windows 10).
Accessing Installed Documentation All user manuals are placed on the drive during software installation. Either 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.
Quick Start Before you can use Apollo Twin X, you need to complete these steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Connect to your computer with a Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included). Connect to AC power. Download and install the latest UAD software. Register your Apollo hardware. Authorize your UAD plug-ins. Additionally, you'll want to learn these essential Apollo Twin X operations: • • Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System – How to connect your audio gear.
Connection Notes Thunderbolt 3 • • Apollo Twin X must be connected via a Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included) to a computer that has an available Thunderbolt 3 port.* Apollo Twin X cannot be bus powered via Thunderbolt 3. The included external power supply must be used. *Note: With Mac computers only, Apollo Twin X can be connected to Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 computer ports via the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter. Visit help.uaudio.com for details.
Hardware Setup Connect to Computer 1. Connect a Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included) to the Thunderbolt 3 port on Apollo Twin X's rear panel. 2. Connect the other end of the Thunderbolt 3 cable to an available Thunderbolt 3 port* on the computer. *Note: With Mac computers only, Apollo Twin X can be connected to Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 ports by using the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter in conjunction with a Thunderbolt 2 cable.
Software Setup Note: Items on this overview page are detailed in the Apollo Software Manual. See About Apollo Twin X Documentation for related information. System Requirements All system requirements must be met for Apollo Twin X to operate properly. Before proceeding with installation, see the system requirements in the Apollo Software Manual. Software Installation, Registration, and Authorization UAD software must be installed to use Apollo Twin X and UAD plug-ins.
Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System One typical Apollo Twin X audio setup is illustrated below. For complete details about all of Apollo Twin X's connectors and controls, see Controls & Connectors. Hi-Z Instrument Headphones Microphone Stereo Speaker System LINE OUT 3 MONITOR L 4 R OPTICAL IN POWER OFF MIC/LINE 2 MIC/LINE 1 ON 12VDC Typical Apollo Twin X audio connections.
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. Caution: 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 X 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 X 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. When a channel is selected, its indicator is lit. Note: The preamp controls 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 input channel.
MONITOR Mode When Apollo Twin X is in Monitor mode, the top panel controls are related to output functions only. To adjust output functions, press the MONITOR button to enter Monitor mode and activate the monitor and headphone controls. MONITOR Note: Input functions cannot be performed in Monitor mode. Press the PREAMP button to perform input functions. Important: Apollo Twin X must be in Monitor mode to change the volume of the monitor/headphone outputs and other output options.
Top Panel Refer to the illustration below for numbered 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 input channel (3).
(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 The two input meters display signal levels for each of the analog input channels. Reduce a channel’s preamp gain (see Set Input Gains) if its red clip LED illuminates.
(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 and activate the monitor and headphone controls. Press again to alternate between control of monitor and headphone volumes with the Level knob (1).
Preamp Options When in PREAMP Mode, the Option Buttons control the preamp options (described as a – f below) for an input channel when that channel is selected (3). Press the PREAMP button (7) to enter Preamp mode and change the preamp options for the currently selected channel. A preamp option is active when its indicator in the upper row of the Options Display (12) is lit, and inactive when its indicator is dim. If the indicator is unlit, the option is unavailable.
(f) LINK Links input channels 1 and 2 as a stereo pair. When linked, preamp control adjustments are applied to both channels. Note: Only the same type of inputs can be linked (Mic+Mic or Line+Line). The Hi-Z input cannot be linked to a Mic or Line input. Monitor Options When in MONITOR Mode, the Option Buttons control the monitor options (described as g – h below). Press the MONITOR button (11) to enter Monitor mode and enable the monitor options.
(k) MONO Sums the left and right signals of the stereo monitor mix into a monophonic signal. MONO applies to the monitor outputs only. It does not apply to the headphone outputs. (l) MUTE Mutes the monitor outputs. When MUTE is active, the MONITOR Selected Indicator (8) is always lit RED (including when in Preamp mode). When MUTE is active in Monitor mode, the Volume Level Indicators (2) are also RED. Note: MUTE does not apply to the headphone outputs. Headphone outputs cannot be muted.
Rear Panel Refer to the illustration below for numbered control descriptions in this section. Note: All rear panel ¼” jacks can accept unbalanced TS (tip-sleeve) or balanced TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) plugs.
(19) Power Supply Input The included power supply must be connected here (Apollo Twin X cannot be bus powered). Rotate locking connector to prevent accidental disconnection. Important: After ensuring the locking barrel tabs are aligned with the chassis slots and the barrel is fully inserted, rotate the barrel to secure the connector to the chassis. 2. Rotate to Lock 1. Align Tabs 12VDC (20) Power Switch This rocker switch applies power to Apollo Twin X. Switch to OFF when not in use.
Specifications All specifications are typical performance unless otherwise noted. Tested with the Audio Precision APx555 Audio Analyzer under the following conditions: 48 kHz internal sample rate, 24-bit sample depth, 20 kHz measurement bandwidth, balanced input & output (except single-ended headphone output), and internal clock.
ANALOG I/O Microphone Inputs 1 & 2 Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.05 dB Dynamic Range 123 dB (A–weighted) Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise -115 dB (1 kHz @ -1 dBFS) Maximum Input Level (PAD on) 25.6 dBu Default Input Impedance 5.
DIGITAL INPUT Connector Type Optical TOSLINK JIS F05 S/PDIF Format IEC 958 Supported Sample Rates (kHz) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 S/PDIF Input Channels Two (Stereo L/R) ADAT 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 Channels 1 – 8 ADAT Input Channels @ 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz Channels 1 – 4 ADAT Input Channels @ 176.
Apollo Twin X Hardware Manual Unison™ IMPEDANCE SWITCHING (HI-Z) PAD 33 PAD MIC/LINE SELECT Unison™ IMPEDANCE SWITCHING (MIC) Unison™ IMPEDANCE SWITCHING (MIC) A/D INPUT GAIN 10 – 65 dB A/D V02 HI-Z AUTOMATICALLY SELECTED IF PLUG INSERTED IN HI-Z JACK MIC/LINE MIC-LINE/HI-Z INPUT GAIN SELECT SELECT 10 – 65 dB Apollo Twin X Hardware Block Diagram TYPE-C THUNDERBOLTTM 3 HOST INTERFACE TOSLINK S/PDIF, ADAT/SMUX OPTICAL INPUT 1/4” TRS LINE IN XLR FEMALE MIC IN +48V +48V ON/OFF MIC PAD IN/O
Troubleshooting If Apollo Twin X 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 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. Maintenance • • • CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not open the unit. Apollo Twin X 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.
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. 1) Read these instructions. 2) Keep these instructions. 3) Heed all warnings. 4) Follow all instructions. 5) Do not use this apparatus near water. 6) Clean only with dry cloth.
Compliance Note: Any modifications to the unit, unless expressly approved by Universal Audio, could void the User’s authority to operate the equipment.
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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