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Apollo Quad Audio Interface with Thunderbolt Option Card

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Overview

High-resolution music production with classic analog sound.

Apollo is one of the world's most popular professional audio interfaces - delivering the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording to music creators everywhere. This 18 x 24 FireWire/ Thunderbolt-ready* interface combines class-leading sound quality with Realtime UAD Processing. So you can track audio through UAD analog emulation plug-ins - from Neve, Studer, Manley, Lexicon and more - in real time, with a sleek, elegant workflow on both Mac and Windows 7.

With smart features including four ultra-transparent mic preamps, eight line inputs/ouputs, dual headphone outs, and front panel instrument inputs, Apollo has all the right tools, all in the right place.

Class-Leading 24-bit/192 kHz Sound Quality
Designed to play a central role in a modern Mac- or Windows 7-based studio, Apollo incorporates an uncompromising approach to audio quality. Building upon decades of UA hardware heritage, it offers extremely high-resolution sound, with the lowest THD and highest dynamic range in its class. Apollo's four premium mic preamps, top-end converters - and UA's meticulous attention to circuit design - translate into greater accuracy and depth in your recordings, from tracking and overdubbing, to mixing and mastering. In fact, its sound quality is on par with dedicated converters costing thousands more.

Realtime QUAD Core UAD Plug-In Processing for Tracking, Mixing, and Mastering
While Apollo's "natural" sound is exceedingly open and transparent, it can quickly deliver a wide range of classic analog tones and color via its Realtime UAD Processing. With QUAD Core processing onboard, Apollo's onboard DSP Acceleration allows for recording through UAD Powered Plug-Ins - with as low as sub-2ms latency - so that producers can quickly monitor, audition, and "print" audio using classic analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more.** Better still, Apollo's Realtime UAD Processing is also available during mixing and mastering, so that music producers can use UAD plug-ins (VST, RTAS, AU) throughout the creative process.

Thunderbolt Connectivity for Macs
Apollo offers compatibility with Intel's new high-bandwidth Thunderbolt technology on Macs. Available via a user-installable dual-port Thunderbolt Option Card, Thunderbolt provides greater UAD plug-in instances, improved performance at high sample rates, and reduced UAD plug-in latency in the DAW versus Apollo's standard FireWire connection.

Because Thunderbolt offers many times the bandwidth of FireWire, it allows music producers to connect numerous devices in series with the Apollo interface - including hard drives, processors, and additional computer monitors - all with fast, flawless performance. Thunderbolt also makes it easy to expand UAD plug-in processing power via a Thunderbolt-to-PCIe chassis and UAD-2 DSP Accelerator card(s).

Deeper Integration with Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase and More
Apollo's Core Audio and ASIO drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, and more. The included Console application and companion Console Recall plug-in (VST/AU/RTAS) provide control and recall of all interface and Realtime UAD plug-in settings within your DAW sessions, even months and years later. A new "PT Mode" allows easier insertion of external hardware in Pro Tools, and a new Virtual I/O feature allows Realtime UAD Processing of DAW tracks and virtual instruments.

Hardware Design and Workflow
One key feature of Apollo isn't really a "feature" at all. It's the numerous design details that give you a fast, natural workflow - and better results. There are physical front-panel controls for all the most commonly used features, including Preamp and Monitor level knobs, channel selection, mic pad and low cut, phantom power, and dual headphone outs with independent level control. Smart Hi-Z inputs on the front panel detect when you've connected your guitar or bass, and automatically enable hardware and software monitoring.

Sonically, Apollo's Mic inputs and Monitor outputs are digitally controlled analog, so you don't lose audio resolution when you adjust gain. High-resolution/high-contrast metering, derived from UA's legendary 2192 interface, is designed to be viewable at nearly any angle. Finally, standalone operation means that you can use Apollo's audio connections, and last-used DSP mixer settings, even without a computer connected.


* Requires Windows 7 64-bit edition operating system and a qualified PCIe-to-FireWire adaptor. Thunderbolt option is Mac-only.

** All trademarks are recognized as property of their respective owners. Individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins sold separately.

Features

  • 8x24 FireWire/Thunderbolt-ready audio interface for Mac and Windows 7*
  • Realtime DUO Core UAD processing
  • Low-latency tracking and mixing w/ UAD Powered Plug-Ins**
  • 4 premium mic preamps, top-end converters, and uncompromising analog design
  • Front-panel controls for all commonly used features
  • Full recall of interface and Realtime UAD plug-in settings within DAW sessions
  • Dual FireWire 800 ports
  • Thunderbolt Option Card for connectivity to new Macs
  • Includes UA "Analog Classics" bundle
  • Virtual I/O feature for Realtime UAD Processing of virtual instruments and DAW tracks

The sound, the feel, the flow of classic analog recoding; now in your home studio. Order the Apollo today.

Specs

Apollo Quad Audio Interface with Thunderbolt Option Card Specifications:

Minimum System Requirements
  • Intel-based Mac computer
  • Mac OS X 10.6.8 Snow Leopard or 10.7.2 Lion (or higher)
  • UAD Powered Plug-Ins v6.1.1 (or higher)
  • Available FireWire 800 port
  • 1024 x 900 minimum display resolution
  • 1GB available hard drive space
  • CD-ROM drive or Internet connection for software installation
  • Internet connection for registration, UAD plug-in authorization, & updates
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 = 4 channels
  • Analog Round-Trip Latency = 1.1 milliseconds @ 96kHz sample rate
  • Analog Round-Trip Latency with four serial UAD-2 plug-ins via Console application = 1.1 milliseconds @ 96kHz 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: 1/4" 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: 1/4" 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: 1/4" 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: 1/4" Male TRS Balanced
  • Dynamic Range: 118 dB (A-weighting)
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz, ±0.1 dB
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 118 dB (A-weighting)
  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: -106 dB
  • Monitor Outputs 1 - 2
  • Jack Type: 1/4" Male TRS Balanced
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz, ±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 1/4" Male TRS Stereo/Unbalanced
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz, ±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 @ 44.1kHz, 48kHz Port 1 = Channels 1 - 8, Port 2 = 1 - 8 (mirrored)
  • Channel Assignments @ 88.2kHz, 96kHz Port 1 = Channels 1 - 4, Port 2 = Channels 5 - 8
  • Channel Assignments @ 176.4kHz, 192kHz 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 (WxHxD): 19" x 1-3/4" x 12-1/8"
  • Weight: 9.1 lb.
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