Apollo x4 Hardware Manual Manual Version 190912 www.uaudio.
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr. Thank you for choosing this Apollo x4 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 x4 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 Apollo x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface .............................................................. 4 Apollo x4 Features..............................................................................................
Introduction Apollo x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface 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 x4 starts with four Unison™enabled mic preamps.
A Full Suite of Classic Analog P rocessing Onboard Right out of the box, Apollo x4 provides a suite of incredible analog emulation plug-ins 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.
Apollo: The Choice of New-School Professionals Apollo is the confirmed choice of hit-making professionals, used to record landmark albums by many famous artists. The Apollo range of interfaces has earned numerous industry awards from Sound on Sound, Future Music, and Electronic Musician — as well as the prestigious 2016 TEC Award for computer audio hardware. Improved Monitoring and Built‑In Talkback Mic The Apollo x4 offers flexible monitor functionality — with Mute, DIM, Mono, and ALT speaker switching.
Apollo x4 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 Four premium mic/line preamps; four line outs; two front-panel Hi-Z instrument inputs, and two stereo headphone outputs Unison™ technology for stunning models of classic mic preamps and guitar amps Built-in talkback microphone for communication
Monitoring • • • • • • Independently-addressable stereo left/right monitor outputs Two independently-addressable stereo headphone outputs Four independently-addressable line outputs can be used for additional cue mixes 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 • • • • Four (QUAD) SHARC® DSP processor cores onboard Realtime UAD Processing on all analog and digital inpu
Operational Overview Audio Interface First and foremost, Apollo x4 is a premium 12 x 18 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion. Apollo x4 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 x4 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 x4 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 x4 Documentation Documentation for Apollo x4 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 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.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 Before you can use Apollo x4, 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 x4 operations: • • Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System – How to connect your audio gear.
Connection Notes Thunderbolt 3 • • Apollo x4 must be connected via a Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included) to a computer that has an available Thunderbolt 3 port.* Apollo x4 cannot be bus powered via Thunderbolt 3. The included external power supply must be used. *Note: With Mac computers only, Apollo x4 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 x4'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 x4 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.
Software Setup Note: Items on this overview page are detailed in the Apollo Software Manual. See About Apollo x4 Documentation for related information. System Requirements All system requirements must be met for Apollo x4 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 x4 and UAD plug-ins.
Connect to Input Sources and Monitor System One typical Apollo x4 audio setup is illustrated below. For complete details about all of Apollo x4's connectors and controls, see Controls & Connectors. Tip: In the example below, the mics are connected to channels 3 and 4, so that the mics and the instruments (which are connected to channels 1 and 2) can be used at the same time.
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.
POWER 19 OFF ON 12VDC Controls & Connectors 18 17 16 Complete details about the Apollo x4 hardware controls and all connector jacks on the 15 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 x4 controls have multiple functions.
OPTICAL OUT IN LINE OUT 3 LINE OUT 1 MONITOR L 4 2 R 21 20 The currently selected input channel (CH1, CH2, CH3, or CH4) is shown by the Select Channel Indicators at the upper left of the main 19 display panel, above the input meters. When a channel is selected, MIC/LINE 4 Selected Channel POWER its indicator is lit. OFF ON 12VDC Note: The preamp controls adjust the functions for the currently selected channel.
OPTICAL OUT IN LINE OUT 3 LINE OUT 1 MONITOR L 4 2 R 21 20 MONITOR Mode When Apollo x4 is in Monitor mode, top panel controls are related to output 19 functions only. To adjust output functions, press the MONITOR button to enter Monitor mode and 21 activate the monitor and headphone controls. Note: Input functions cannot be performed in Monitor mode. Press the 20 PREAMP button to perform input functions.
Top Panel Refer to the illustration below for numbered control descriptions in this section. 1 3 2 5 4 6 7 8 PREAMP 9 MONITOR 10 11 12 Top panel elements 1 13 2 1 2 14 (1) Level Knob The Level knob controls multiple functions. The knob’s current function is selected with the PREAMP (10) and MONITOR (12) buttons. When in PREAMP Mode, rotate clockwise to increase the amount of preamp gain for 21 the currently selected input channel (3).
(3) Channel Selection Indicators The currently selected input channel is indicated by the lit channel name (CH1, CH2, CH3, or CH4) above its input meter. Press the PREAMP button (10) to change the selected input channel. (6) Input Meters The four 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.
18 (12) Monitor Button 17 16 Press this button to enter MONITOR Mode and activate the monitor and headphone controls. Press again to change the currently selected stereo output so it can be adjusted with the Level knob (1). Note: The Selected Stereo Output Indicators (5) determine which volume (MONITOR, HP1, or HP2) can be controlled with the Level knob (1). (7) Options Display This panel displays the state of the preamp and monitor options, which are controlled by the six Option Buttons (8).
4 ER 2 R Preamp Options ON 12VDC 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 (10) 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 (7) is lit, and inactive when its indicator is dim. If the indicator is unlit, the option is unavailable.
LINE OUT 3 AL IN LINE OUT 1 MONITOR L MIC/LINE 4 MIC/LINE 3 (f) LINK Links the controls of adjacent input channels (1+2 or 3+4) to create a stereo input pair. When channels are linked, preamp control adjustments are applied to both channels. 4 2 R ER Note: Only the same type of inputs can be linked (Mic+Mic or Line+Line). The Hi-Z inputs cannot be linked. ON 12VDC Monitor Options When in MONITOR Mode, the Option Buttons control the monitor options (described as g – h below).
(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 1 2 Mutes the monitor outputs. When MUTE is active, the MONITOR Selected Indicator (5) is always lit RED (including when in Preamp mode). When MUTE is active in Monitor 5 also RED. 3 4(2) are mode, the Volume Level Indicators Note: MUTE does not 6 apply to the headphone outputs. Headphone outputs cannot be muted.
9 10 11 12 Rear Panel 1 2 1 2 Refer to the 13 illustration below for numbered control descriptions in this section. 14 Note: All rear panel ¼” jacks can accept unbalanced TS (tip-sleeve) or balanced TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) plugs.
(18) Power Supply Input The included power supply must be connected here (Apollo x4 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 (19) Power Switch This rocker switch applies power to Apollo x4. Switch to OFF when not in use.
S/PDIF Optical I/O When set to S/PDIF, an optical port routes two channels of digital I/O with resolutions up to 24-bit at 96 kHz. Sample rate conversion can be performed on the S/PDIF input. This setting is enabled within the S/PDIF channel’s input strip in the Console application. When the sample rate of the incoming S/PDIF signal does not match the sample rate specified in the Console application, the S/PDIF signal is converted to match Apollo x4’s sample rate.
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 outputs), and internal clock.
ANALOG I/O Microphone Inputs 1 – 4 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 I/O Connector Type Optical TOSLINK JIS F05 S/PDIF Format IEC 958 Supported Sample Rates (kHz) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 S/PDIF 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 Channel Assignments @ 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz Channels 1 – 8 Channel Assignments @ 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz Channels 1 – 4 Channel Assignments @ 176.
Apollo x4 Hardware Manual Unison™ IMPEDANCE SWITCHING (HI-Z) PAD 34 PAD Unison™ IMPEDANCE SWITCHING (MIC) MIC/LINE SELECT Unison™ IMPEDANCE SWITCHING (MIC) A/D V02 INPUT GAIN 10 – 65 dB A/D 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 x4 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/OUT INPU
Troubleshooting If Apollo x4 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 x4 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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