User Manual

Arrow Manual Arrow System Overview 34
Arrow System Overview
To get the most from your Arrow and UAD plug-ins, it helps to have an understanding of
the overall Arrow system. This chapter provides an overview of the Arrow hardware and
software components.
Arrow Hardware
Thunderbolt 3 Bus Powered Audio Interface for Mac & Windows
First and foremost, Arrow is a premium 2 x 4 bus-powered Thunderbolt 3 desktop audio
interface with best-in-class 24-bit/192 kHz conversion. Arrow connects to the inputs and
outputs of other audio gear to perform analog-to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analog (D/A)
audio conversion of the gear’s signals. The converted digital audio signals are routed into
and out of a Thunderbolt 3 host computer via the high-speed PCIe protocol, which is
carried over a single Thunderbolt 3 cable along with power for the unit.
Arrow leverages Universal Audio’s expertise in DSP acceleration, UAD plug-ins, and
analog hardware design by integrating the latest cutting edge technologies in high-
performance A/D–D/A conversion, DSP signal reconstruction, and connectivity.
Integrated UAD-2 DSP Accelerator
Arrow includes a built-in SOLO core UAD-2 DSP accelerator that performs digital signal
processing using Universal Audio’s acclaimed UAD Powered Plug-Ins. UAD plug-ins
provide the world’s best emulations of vintage and modern analog and digital hardware.
UAD plug-ins can run in Arrow’s Console software for realtime signal processing with
indiscernible latency, delivering the ultimate sonic experience to artists while monitoring
and/or tracking. UAD plug-ins can also be used within a DAW during mixdown and
mastering.
Note: As with other UAD-2 and Apollo devices, Arrow can only load UAD plug-ins,
which are specifically designed to run on UAD-2 DSP accelerators. Native (host
CPU-based) plug-ins cannot run on Arrow’s UAD-2 DSP.
System Expansion
Arrow is compatible with Universal Audio’s family of UAD-2 DSP Accelerator and Apollo
audio interface products, allowing you add UAD DSP and I/O as your needs grow.
Various Universal Audio products are available to accommodate your particular computer
system, processing needs, and budget. For the complete product lineup, visit the UA
website at www.uaudio.com.