Front & Rear Panels

The Apollo interface places all the most commonly used recording and monitoring features right on the front panel, for fast, direct access. Similarly, its rear panel provides all the dedicated, high-quality I/O needed for a typical production studio.

Basic Setup

This diagram illustrates a simple Apollo setup that might be used by an individual musician/engineer for recording guitar and vocals simultaneously.

Key points for this example:

• Two preamp channels are used (electric guitar and microphone)
• Mic/Line switch for channel 2 is set to “Mic”
• Monitor outputs are connected to powered monitors (or an amp+speaker system)

Typical Setup

This diagram illustrates an Apollo setup that might be used by two musicians that are recording simultaneously. In this setup, only analog devices are connected; digital I/O is not used.

Key points for this example:

• Mic/Line switch for channels 3 and 4 are set to “Mic”
• Unique mixes can be sent to each headphone output for “more me” during tracking

Advanced Setup w/ Additional UAD-2 Satellite Processing

This diagram illustrates a more complex Apollo setup that might be used for recording an entire ensemble, utilizing both analog and digital I/O.

Key points for this example:

• Mic/Line switch for channels 3 and 4 are set to “Mic”
• Four additional mic preamps from UA’s 4-710d are routed into Apollo via ADAT Lightpipe
• UAD-2 Sattelite is connected via FireWire, allowing for additional UAD Powered Plug-In processing
• Apollo is the master clock device; the 4-710d clock source is set to external word clock and the 4-710d Termination switch is engaged

Explore the Software and FAQ tabs to learn more.

Console Application and Console Recall Plug-In (VST/AU/RTAS)

The Console application is Apollo’s primary software interface. Its intuitive, analog console-style design provides ultra-fast ("realtime") tracking and monitoring with UAD Powered Plug-Ins. Additionally, all of Apollo’s front-panel hardware features can be controlled using this Console app, even if the Apollo hardware is out of reach of the engineer. 

Apollo's Realtime UAD processing gives you the ability to place UAD Powered Plug-Ins on all inputs, tracking with less than 2ms latency — a feature not found in any other interface. Specifically, UAD Powered Plug-Ins can be inserted into any/all Console inputs and/or auxiliary returns (within the constraints of Apollo’s onboard DSP), for the ultimate sonic experience. For the first time, music producers can track audio through award-winning plug-ins from Neve, Manley, Studer, Lexicon and more, right on input. 

When its time to mix or master, Apollo's onboard UAD-2 DUO or UAD-2 QUAD processors can run the entire UAD Powered Plug-Ins library, just like a standard UAD-2 DSP Accelerator. In this way, owning an Apollo not only makes for better-sounding tracking and mixing sessions, but reduced strain on your host computer CPU. 

The Console app can be used simultaneously with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Live, Performer and more, giving you very flexible signal routing and processing options. And complete Console setups can be saved as presets — or even saved “within” your sessions using the VST/AU/RTAS-compatible Console Recall plug-in — for full recall, even months and years after you last opened your session.

In simple terms, the Console Recall plug-in provides access to all of Apollo's crucial monitoring and metering funcionality, without having to leave your DAW of choice.

Explore the FAQ tab to learn more.

Apollo Basics and FAQ

Apollo High Resolution Audio Interface

What is Apollo?

Apollo is a high-resolution professional audio interface with superior sound quality and Realtime UAD Processing onboard. It features built-in UAD-2 DSP Acceleration, which allows Apollo to track, mix, and master with our full library of award-winning UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins with nearly instant sub-2ms latency. Apollo connects to the computer via FireWire 800, and also has Thunderbolt connectivity via the Thunderbolt Option Card.

Apollo was designed to give users the feel and flow of analog recording, while maintaining the benefits of mixing and mastering in a digital audio workstation (DAW). Its included software turns Apollo into a fully-functioning mixing console and allows users to control its hardware settings remotely, solving longstanding studio workflow and monitoring annoyances.

What kind of analog and digital I/O does Apollo have?

Apollo has 8 total analog inputs — 4 digitally controlled analog mic preamps, 8 balanced line inputs, and 2 front-panel JFET DIs. It has 14 total analog outputs – 8 balanced line outs, 2 digitally-controlled analog monitor outs, and 2 dedicated stereo headphone outs. In terms of digital I/O, Apollo has 8 channels of ADAT S/MUX, 2 channels of S/PDIF, and Word Clock I/O with an input termination switch.

How does the sound of Apollo compare to other audio interfaces?

In simple terms, much better. As the first audio interface to carry the Universal Audio name, Apollo was designed for uncompromising sonic excellence. Our hardware engineering team called upon years of UA analog experience throughout the design process.  And every component, from Apollo's mic preamps to its converters, was carefully selected to provide both fidelity and transparency. So we can comfortably state that Apollo offers the lowest THD (total harmonic distortion) and widest dynamic range of anything in its class — performing at or better than interfaces costing far more. 

What are UAD Powered Plug-Ins?

UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins offer warm sonic qualities and character not found in other plug-ins. Our software engineering group includes some of the world’s leading DSP authorities, who undertake thorough physical modeling of classic audio hardware. This process means that we essentially “rebuild” classic analog gear in the digital world. So UAD-2 plug-ins not only sound like the original vintage hardware; they behave like the original devices, at even the most extreme settings. UAD-Powered Plug-Ins are available for purchase individually via our Online Store.

Record with UAD-2 Plug-Ins
with Apollo’s Realtime UAD Processing.

What is the latency performance like on Apollo?

With Apollo, latency is basically indiscernible. For example, when recording four "stacked" UAD plug-ins on the input in real time, analog-to-analog latency at 96kHz comes in at 1.1 milliseconds. Of course, 1.1 ms is not an uncommon spec when compared to other professional audio interfaces, however it is unheard of to get that level of latency performance when tracking with plug-ins. With its onboard Realtime UAD Processing, Apollo can retain its low-latency performance even in large sessions, and you can leave your computer at a buffer setting that it can handle.

Does Apollo come with any UAD Powered Plug-Ins?

Yes! Apollo ships with the Analog Classics Plug-In Bundle. Every Apollo also includes a $100 coupon that can be used for UAD plug-in purchases via UA’s Online Store. You will also have access to fully functioning 14-day demos for all UAD Powered Plug-Ins.

How many plug-ins can I run on Apollo?

The number varies depending on the Apollo model (DUO Core or Quad), the sample rate you're using, as well as how many FireWire devices are on the bus. For a complete breakdown of UAD Powered Plug-Ins instance counts, check out the UAD Instance Chart.

How much onboard UAD Processing power does Apollo have?

Apollo is available in a DUO Core (with two Analog Devices SHARC processor chips) and a QUAD Core version (with four SHARC chips). If you are looking for a great-sounding audio interface but don’t think you’ll need a ton of simultaneous UAD plug-ins, the DUO has enough power for tracking and mixing. If you want to run a lot of plug-ins simultaneously, or at higher samples rates (88.2kHz and above), the QUAD is the better solution.

How does recording UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins on input differ from mixing with UAD plug-ins in the DAW?

Apollo’s included Console application is a virtual mixing console that enables you to insert UAD plug-ins as you record into your DAW (this is what we call "Realtime UAD Processing"). The Console application also has many powerful routing and monitoring capabilities that make collaborative recording sessions more seamless. Mixing and mastering with UAD plug-ins is the same as with any other UAD DSP Accelerator system. Simply pull up a plug-in in your DAW on the track you need, and you’re good to go.

Also, by recording "wet" with Realtime UAD Processing via Console, valuable DSP resources are made available during mixing that would have otherwise been used to process the "raw" tracks in the DAW.

Have all of the UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins been updated to work in low latency?

Generally, all UAD-2 plug-ins have been ported to work for tracking, however some of our mastering plug-ins, especially the Precision Multiband and the Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder, have some delay due to their algorithms and up-sampling techniques. Plug-ins like these are not ideal for low latency tracking, but can of course be used.

Apollo features 18x24 channels of analog and digital I/O

I understand that I can plug microphones, guitars, and line-level devices into Apollo and get low-latency performance, but what about using virtual instruments with UAD plug-ins in real time?

As of UAD software v7.0, both Apollo and Apollo 16 have a feature called Virtual I/O. This feature allows you to route the output of a virtual (software) instrument, or any other DAW track, directly into Apollo’s Console application — adding Realtime UAD plug-ins to these sources. Virtual I/O reduces the inherent latency associated with UAD plug-ins inserted on a virtual instrument or other track in the DAW.

For hardware synthesizers and other electronic musical instruments, just plug in to Apollo’s line, Hi-Z, or digital inputs, and enjoy Realtime UAD plug-ins like you would a microphone or other line-level device.

Can I use Apollo in a live performance situation?

Apollo is a great solution for playing back prerecorded material from your DAW while also being able to process live sound with UAD plug-ins. Imagine being able to use a Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb as your reverb onstage, or adding an LA-2A Compressor on your vocals to front of house instantly, or adding creative effects like the Roland RE-201 Space Echo to your guitar in a live performance. This is all possible with Apollo.

I already own a UAD-2 DSP Accelerator system, can I add Apollo to that system?

Yes. Apollo works just like any other UAD-2 PCIe, Satellite or SOLO Laptop card. One license of UAD-2 Powered plug-ins can run on up to 4 devices, but they all must be registered in the same account “group.” By adding Apollo to your group, you can take your plug-ins wherever you take Apollo, such as recording and mixing sessions in other studios.

Will multi-tracking with UAD Powered Plug-Ins cause the inputs to lose phase coherency?

Apollo has input delay compensation to ensure that all inputs are phase-aligned. You can initiate input delay compensation from the Settings menu of the UAD Console application. This feature ensures that all of your inputs are phase-aligned when recording multi-channel material like drums, or when using multi-micing techniques. If you are not recording multi-channel material, turn input delay compensation off.

Record, monitor, and route audio
with the included Console application.

What DAW software does Apollo work with?

We test and certify the most popular DAWs that our customers use, including Apple Logic, Avid Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cakewalk Sonar, Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo, and more. Visit the Apollo support page for details. 

Will Apollo work with Pro Tools 10?

Yes! Apollo will work with Pro Tools 10, as well as Pro Tools 9. All of Apollo’s 18x24 channels of analog and digital I/O can be recorded and routed in Pro Tools, and UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins will work inside Pro Tools via their RTAS plug-in format.

What about Pro Tools’ AAX plug-in format?

UAD plug-ins will be updated to AAX compatibility and will be free of charge to customers.

How does Apollo work on Windows?

Apollo will work with Windows 7 64-bit editions using a qualified PCIe-to-FireWire 800 adaptor or qualified ExpressCard34 adaptor. Because of widespread variance between PC manufacturers, the built-in FireWire ports on Windows computers are not supported.

Other than the obvious I/O functionality of Apollo, are there any other special integration features with my DAW?

For seamless integration with your DAW, we’ve created the Console Recall plug-in, which works inside your DAW to give you control and recall of Apollo’s key functions, including source selection and monitor levels. Everything inside this VST/AU/RTAS-compatible plug-in is stored within the DAW session, and any of your Console application presets can be instantly recalled with the push of a button. Using Console Recall, the entire Console configuration can be instantly reloaded whenever the session is loaded.

Apollo’s Console Recall plug-in.

Does Apollo allow for daisy chaining to other Firewire devices?

Yes, you can connect any mixture of Firewire 400 and Firewire 800 devices to Apollo. To run the greatest number of plug-in instances, a direct Firewire 800 connection should be made between Apollo and the host computer. Apollo has two Firewire 800 ports to facilitate daisy chaining.

What are the advantages of using Thunderbolt as opposed to FireWire?

In general terms, Thunderbolt is 12 times more powerful than FireWire 800, and 20 times more powerful than USB 2. Thunderbolt support gives Apollo ultra-fast UAD-2 PCIe performance running through a cable with no noticeable bandwidth limitations. So, in simple terms, you’ll be able to run many more plug-ins with lower latency inside your DAW versus FireWire. 

So can I use multiple Apollo units together in the same system?

Yes, you can combine two Apollo interfaces into a single elegant system via FireWire or Thunderbolt. Multi-unit cascading provides simultaneous use of 16 analog inputs / outputs, including eight Apollo mic preamps, plus 12 digital inputs and outputs — perfect for tracking a full band.

Can I use an original Apollo and an Apollo 16 together in the same computer?

No, combining the original Apollo and the Apollo 16 in a single system is not supported. It is therefore better to build a system with two Apollo 16s, or two original Apollo units. You should not “mix and match” Apollo and Apollo 16 devices.

How do I add Thunderbolt to Apollo?

Apollo has a dedicated Thunderbolt option card slot for installing the UA Thunderbolt Option Card (sold separately) and is compatible with Thunderbolt-equipped iMacs, Macbook Pros, Macbook Airs, and Mac minis.

Does the UA Thunderbolt option card supply bus power?

The Thunderbolt Option Card supplies bus power to downstream devices. It does not power Apollo; the included Apollo power supply is required to operate the interface at all times.

Where can I find detailed technical information about Apollo?

Complete technical details and the latest bulletins about Apollo compatibility and operation can be found on the Apollo support page.

There is also a great forum pro review of Apollo on Harmony Central, moderated by Craig Anderton, that discusses the various usage scenarios and applications of Apollo.  

Got questions? Contact us at info@uaudio.com to find out more.

Features

Audio Interface

• Sample rates up to 192 kHz at 24-bit word length
• 18 x 24 simultaneous input/output channels:
  • Eight channels of analog-to-digital conversion via mic, line, or high-impedance inputs
• 14 channels of digital-to-analog conversion via:
  • Eight mono line outputs
  • Stereo monitor outputs
  • Two stereo headphone outputs
• 10 channels of digital I/O via:
  • Eight channels ADAT Optical I/O with S/MUX for high sample rates
  • Two channels coaxial S/PDIF I/O with sample rate conversion
  • Two FireWire 800 ports for daisy-chaining other FireWire devices
• 32-bit and 64-bit device drivers

Microphone Preamplifiers

• Four high-resolution, ultra-transparent, digitally-controlled analog mic preamps
• Front panel and software control of all preamp parameters
• Switchable low cut filter, 48V phantom power, 20 dB pad, polarity inversion, and stereo linking

Monitoring

• Stereo monitor outputs (independent of eight line outputs)
• Digitally-controlled analog monitor outputs maintains highest fidelity
• Front panel control of monitor levels and muting
• Two stereo headphone outputs with independent mix buses
• Independent front panel analog volume controls for headphone outputs
• Front panel pre-fader metering of monitor bus levels
• S/PDIF outputs can be set to mirror the monitor outputs

Onboard UAD-2 Processing

• DUO and QUAD models featuring two or four SHARC processors
• Realtime UAD Powered Plug-Ins processing on all of Apollo’s analog and digital inputs
• Same features and functionality as other UAD-2 products when used with DAW
• Can be combined with other UAD-2 devices for increased mixing DSP
• Includes UAD Powered Plug-Ins “Analog Classics” bundle
• Complete UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins library is available online 24/7

Software

• Console application:
  • Enables Realtime UAD Powered Plug-Ins processing
  • DSP mixer for realtime monitoring and tracking
  • Remote control of all Apollo features and functionality
• Console Recall plug-in:
  • Saves Apollo configurations inside DAW sessions for easy recal
  • Enables control of all front panel parameters from within the DAW
  • VST, RTAS, and Audio Units plug-in formats
• UAD Meter & Control Panel application:
  • Configures global UAD-2 and Powered Plug-Ins settings and monitors system usage

UAD Minimum System Requirements

• (Win) Windows 7 64-Bit Edition w/SP1
• (Mac) OS X 10.6.8 Snow Leopard, 10.7 Lion, or 10.8 Mountain Lion
• 2 gigabytes available disk space
• Available PCI Express (PCIe) slot for each UAD-2 card
• Available FireWire 800 port* for UAD-2 Satellite, Apollo, or Apollo 16
• 1024 x 800 minimum display resolution (UAD-2 PCIe and UAD-2 Satellite)
• 1024 x 900 minimum display resolution (Apollo and Apollo 16)
• Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
• Compatible VST, Audio Units, or RTAS plug-in host application software

*On Windows systems, Apollo, Apollo 16, and UAD-2 Satellite require a qualified PCIe-to-FireWire adapter card. See the product support pages for details: Apollo | UAD-2 Satellite

Operating systems not listed above are unqualified. Although unqualified operating systems may work, they are untested and unsupported. Prior UAD software for older operating systems and discontinued UAD products is available in the UAD software archives.

Read full Apollo compatibility information here.

Specifications

Note: The specs below are a subset of the full list. See the Apollo Hardware Manual for complete product specifications.

System

• I/O Complement
  • Microphone Inputs 4
  • High-Impedance Inputs 2
  • Analog Line Inputs 8
  • Analog Line Outputs 8
  • Analog Monitor Outputs 2 (1 stereo pair)
  • Headphone Outputs 2 stereo (independent mix buses)
  • ADAT Up to 8 channels via dual I/O ports with S/MUX
  • S/PDIF 1 stereo input, 1 stereo output
  • FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) Dual ports
  • Thunderbolt (via Option Card) Dual ports
  • Word Clock 1 input, 1 output
• A/D – D/A Conversion
  • Supported Sample Rates (kHz) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192
  • A/D Bits Per Sample 24
  • Simultaneous A/D conversion 8 channels
  • Simultaneous D/A conversion 14 channels
  • Analog Round-Trip Latency 1.1 milliseconds @ 96 kHz sample rate
  • Analog Round-Trip Latency with four serial UAD-2 plug-ins via Console application 1.1 milliseconds @ 96 kHz sample rate

Analog I/O

• Microphone Inputs 1 – 4
  • Jack Type XLR Female
  • Phantom Power +48V, Switchable
  • Dynamic Range 118 dB (A–weighting)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio 118 dB (A–weighting)
  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise –110 dB
• Hi–Z Inputs
  • Jack Type ¼” Male (Mono TS plug required)
  • Dynamic Range 117 dB (A–weighting)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio 117 dB (A–weighting)
  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise –103 dB
• Line Inputs 1 – 4
  • Jack Type ¼”Male TRS Balanced
  • Dynamic Range 117 dB (A–weighting)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio 117 dB (A–weighting)
  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise –107 dB
• Line Inputs 5 – 8
  • Jack Type ¼” Male TRS Balanced
  • Dynamic Range 117 dB (A–weighting)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio 117 dB (A–weighting)
  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise –107 d
• Line Outputs 1 – 8
  • Jack Type ¼” Male TRS Balanced
  • Dynamic Range 118 dB (A–weighting)
  • Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio 118 dB (A–weighting)
  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise –106 dB
• Monitor Outputs 1 – 2
  • Jack Type ¼” Male TRS Balanced
  • Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB
  • Dynamic Range 115 dB (A–weighting)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio 114 dB (A–weighting)
  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise –103 dB
• Stereo Headphone Outputs 1 & 2
  • Jack Type ¼” Male TRS Stereo/Unbalanced
  • Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB
  • Dynamic Range 113 dB (A–weighting)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio 113 dB (A–weighting)
  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise –101 dB

Digital I/O

• S/PDIF
  • Jack Type Phono (RCA)
  • Format IEC958
• ADAT
  • Jack Type Optical TOSLINK JIS F05
  • Format ADAT Digital “Lightpipe” with S/MUX
  • Channel Assignments @ 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz Port 1 = Channels 1 – 8, Port 2 = 1 – 8 (mirrored)
  • Channel Assignments @ 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz Port 1 = Channels 1 – 4, Port 2 = Channels 5 – 8
  • Channel Assignments @ 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz Port 1 = Channels 1 – 2, Port 2 = Channels 3 – 4
• Word Clock
  • Jack Type BNC
  • Lock Range ±0.5% of any supported sample rate
  • Word Clock Input Termination 75 Ohms, switchable
• Synchronization Sources
  • Internal, Word Clock, S/PDIF, ADAT

Electrical

• Power Supplies External AC to DC Power Supply Brick, Internal DC to DC Power Supply
• AC Connector Type IEC Male
• AC Requirements 100V – 240V AC, 50 – 60 Hz
• DC Connector Type XLR 4-Pin Locking Male (Neutrik P/N NC4MDM3-H)
• DC Requirements 12 VDC, ±5%
• Maximum Power Consumption 6.5 amperes

Mechanical

• Dimensions
  • Width 19”
  • Height 1.75” (1U rack space)
  • Depth, Chassis Only 12.125”
  • Depth, Including Knob & Jack Protrusions 13.5”
  • Shipping Box (Width x Depth x Height) 24” x 17” x 8”
• Weight
  • Shipping Weight (with box & accessories) 18 pounds
  • Weight (bare unit) 9.1 pounds

Apollo Hardware Manual.pdf

Apollo Software Manual.pdf

UAD System Manual

UAD Plug-Ins Manual

UA Product Catalog.pdf