UA Apollo & Plugins | Absolute Beginner....

[@georgjung9466]

Hi Jeffy. Super done. You helped me. Greets from Germany.Georg

[@leerothman7570]

I'm a decade out of the analog world and this stuff bends my mind. I just ordered a Twin X USB for my PC along with a Lewitt 441 mike. The Console makes some sense but the shear flexibility of it is a real mind bender and my 70 year old brain is going to have to take a long time to adjust.

[@JeffyG]

Definitely a learning curve if you’re not computer savvy.

[@robert_starling]

I love what UA Console does for me as a singer, guitarist songwriter. Like you, I was totally lost with Console and ended up getting 1:1 instruction from another channel owner here on KZbin to expedite my progress. Thanks for shooting this Jeffy; my favorite take away here, or at least my YES moment was hiding the non-owned plugins.

[@officiallysir]

Glad you’re educating people on this topic. You gave out some really useful info. One thing I might correct is when you stated that “you cannot turn off the unison pre-amps and everything must go through them.” That is not necessarily true. In settings you can turn off the pre’s and use outbound preamps if you would like. This completely disables the gain knob on your interface so you’re not adding additional gain to your signal unintentionally. Cheers

[@JeffyG]

Thank you! - didn’t know that.

[@pierreali3644]

Thank you so much Jeffy for making this video - Just got a new Apollo Twin X and you made my life easier... Keep on doing this !

[@grahamcampbell167]

Jeff, thanks for this video, it’s really helped me understand UAD! I was overwhelmed when I first got my Apollo twin but im getting to grips with it now. Hope you’re well

[@JeffyG]

Great to hear!

[@georgecuttermusic]

Thanks Jeffy, Inspiring. I'm also new to this world and have an Apollo Twin and working with Luna. Im determined to understand my system. Thanks again.

[@cthncthn7405]

So much to say. Great video. It’s a consolidation of a lot of useful information I have been assimilating over the last 6 months. Am I wrong or have you been diving into Office Hours same as me? Like you said, Apollo is an investment and is great for engineers trying to go all digital. To sum it up it is very Professional especially when you bring Luna into the picture. The sound is so good, it feels like stepping into the professional realm. I’ve always had cheap gear and plugins. YOU WILL FEEL THE DIFFERENCE SWITCHING TO UA IF YOU ARE IN THE SAME BOAT. Real time monitoring might not seem big at first, but when you do a gig and the artist wants to hear compression and reverb in real time, and you’re able to, that’s professional. UA is the first to do this I believe. I literally am freezing up because there is so much thought out into where UA is taking us…it’s both daunting (because of the learning curve) and super exciting. If you’re not trying to meet deadlines and high quality standards then it may not be for you, honestly. Like I said, it takes a lot of money and a lot of time to realize it’s very high potential. The videos UA puts out where they do deep dives are amazing. It takes some time and brain power but you will learn how to do things so clever and useful that you never knew were possible. As you can tell I am a fan 😊

[@whatwillittake]

Really appreciate the in-depth tutorial. Thanks

[@carlintools991]

This is good info to help me better understand Apollo capabilities with plugins.

[@cullengreaves736]

Really appreciated the walk through of your newbie experience. Thanks for all the great info 💯

[@kontemplatemusic2189]

For gain staging, slap the UV meeter and ensure it hits 0. 0 on UV accounts for -18lufs, which is a perfect place to be. Since analogue times, that's the sweet spot for all equipment. Ergo, pluginsmodelledd on hardware will react to this level the best.

[@kaanozturk9922]

Super helpful. Gained me weeks or months may be. thank you so much

[@JeffyG]

Great to hear!

[@MusicChannel-rf5zz]

Thanks for this great tutorial.Wish I had watched this earlier ! I tried out some of Unison plugins while recording vocals to print & it did work.I tried the Avalon preamp & set it to Fat Vocals & recorded but when I reopened the console plugin it seems to have reverted to the default setting .This happened with few other plugins too.Why does not the preamp retain the preset setting I had selected.Must I save it somewhere so it doesnt change during the recording process? I found that if I somehow kept the console page opened then it did not change the selected preset! But while recording on a laptop with Logic I do need to see the Logic window.

[@JeffyG]

I have the UA Console open 100% of the time, because I run everything through it including MacBook system audio, Synth Keyboards, and video software like OBS. If I’m tweaking plugins, especially channel strips like the Avalon, I save my settings as a preset with my initials ‘_JAG’

[@MusicChannel-rf5zz]

@ Thanks for the tip !

[@MrFn65]

Very useful and thank you for posting this!

[@boutstaxx]

You’re really good at teaching

[@JeffyG]

Glad you think so!

[@anivmusic]

I have seen many videos about the Apollos and you have done the best job thus far! Thank you! The main question I ask is, if I only want to use 2-3 plugins at a time, is it worth getting the twin or x4? Or can I use a solo? I only need one input but do I need more processing power?

[@JeffyG]

Totally reasonable question. I'm often only using 2 or 3 plugins when tracking/recording but quickly found I'd use 4 or 5 in multiple instances when mixing. I found the Twin X Duo core was not enough, and upgraded to the x4 with Quad CPUs. You might get by ok with a solo, but then later decide you need more. The bundle of UAD plugins usually gives you both the hardware/cpu versions and the native 'x' versions of the plugins. If you have Mac M1 or better computer, you can run the native versions, saving some of the burden on the solo.

[@anivmusic]

@@JeffyG gotcha very helpful! Thank you again!

[@garyclement2888]

Thank you for telling me before I buy anything separate.

[@JBManos-gg2zm]

This is great. I still can’t figure out what all this LUNA stuff is. I think the way they overwhelm you with upgrade bundles and sales sort of destroys the experience for a new user because it makes this huge pile of junk that gets in the way of getting started. Got it all installed - got the console open, and got lost - your video helps.

[@petermichalowski]

Thanks for this video. I'm on a MiniMacM1 and now I'm thinking about upgrade my interface to Apollo so I have 2 questions. 1: my MacMin just have 2 Thunderbolt were one goes to my 49" wide screen and the other to my external HDD. Do I need a powered Thunderbolt hub? 2: About the UA plug-ins bundle. Do you install them in the Apollo unit as it runs with its DSP or on the Mac HDD? if, can it also be installed in an external HDD.

[@JeffyG]

Powered hub is best. I lke the DSP capable UAD plugins that leverage the Unison pre-amps of the Apollo hardware. You get both these plus the 'Native' versions that will work on any audio interface, when you buy.

[@petermichalowski]

@@JeffyG Thanks, Yes I went for the Apollo Twin Quad and got the OWC Thunderbolt hub with 3 out. Everything works just perfect. It's not cheap but worth every penny.

[@elijahmant2855]

Hey, Jeffy. Good interesting video, Man. I can relate to many things you said. I am a windows user. I am considering moving over from windows using my trusty old Motu 2408 mk3. To mac using Apollo X8.

[@JeffyG]

You can use the MOTU 2408 and the x8 at the same time, for a total of 16 inputs, if you like.

[@suzisuzukiDJ]

dude, thnx very much for ur effort. really hinted out some stuff to look into. super clear explanations plus kills idea to link up with my old sound card - best greetinx´n wishes from tenerife, suzi

[@davestead617]

Hi Jeff good tutorial One thing I don't understand I if you record a vocal with say the La compressor bypassed so it prints to daw dry how then do you apply the La to the dry recording afterwards via console

[@JeffyG]

You'd generally print with compression to your DAW. So the LA-2A or 1176 compresses the signal on the way in. You might add secondary compression in your DAW in the plugin slots(s) not in UA Console. You can add most UA plugins in Logic, Ableton or FL or StudioOne. You're really only using UA Console on your way into your DAW. The notion is to get a good signal from the mic to your DAW, then add effects like reverb, delay, chorus, de-Esser, etc. in your DAW.

[@landon.cunningham]

Can you load like Helix Native in the console to give you good response before you hit the daw or does that only work with UA native stuff?

[@JeffyG]

I don’t think so. You can have the Helix in advance of your audio interface, or as a plugin in your DAW.

[@TheMrCull]

Curious if you can print a cue mix to a single track on your daw? Thanks!!!!

[@JeffyG]

Interesting idea. There are few routing options for cue mixes, so I’d say no….but I’m wondering if a stereo cable from the HP jack, back into a line input would work? I’m afraid to try….

[@johnchitambo]

Jeff, I need your help. I am not sure what I have just done wrong when I was linking my virtual channels in my Apollo X4. The problem I am experiencing now is that when I try to record in my Logix, the play back is being captured in my recording track. How can I sort this out? Thank you Jeff for your time

[@JeffyG]

I need a screen capture of your Settings | i/o Matrix from UA Console. Do you have my email address?

[@johnchitambo]

Hi Jeff. Thanks for your swift reply. Unfortunately I don’t have your email.

[@johnchitambo]

@@JeffyG just sent to your facebook messenger box

[@johnchitambo]

@@JeffyG my problem sorted Jeff. It had to do with input and output I/o assignment

[@TheLithGH]

Very helpful to this newbee too!! Thanks!!

[@thormusique]

I love this, thanks! I also have an Apollo x4 and only recently figured out how to use (some of) it properly. But your video has really rounded out my knowledge more. One question, though: When you assigned some of the input channels to external devices, did you do that through the list in the Input/Output settings? Cheers!

[@neveoney7865]

Hi great video! I use the Apollo x6 and have my hardware synth connected to Analog 4. The input signal is quite quiet at +4dBu. I can only make the input signal individually louder on channel 1+2 using the wheel. I have now set channel analog 4 for the hardware synth to -10 dBV and reduced the output on the synth directly. There is no other way to increase the input signal at +4dBu for channel analog 4, is there?

[@JeffyG]

Depends on the synth. I’ve used the synth headphone stereo jack -> adaptor split L+R cable into the Apollo. The headphone has a pre-amp that might offer a louder signal, but it may also introduce some distortion.

[@tibbss111]

Hey Jeff! Love the channel. So weird… I used to have a Studio 32 and still use my XP-30 as well! Looking to upgrade to an Apollo to use with Logic. Still wrapping my head around how to take advantage of the dsp plug-ins while primarily using logic for creating. Any video links or if you’d like to make one would be helpful

[@JeffyG]

Happy to help. Generally, there’s no latency as AD/DA conversion is monitored at the Apollo audio interface and Logic ‘software’ monitoring is turned off. Sounds like you’re looking for more technical details on how this works and how it’s typically setup? Let’s chat….

[@tibbss111]

Thanks, I’m struggling to understand the signal flow. My interpretation = audio into Apollo, plug-ins applied sent through console/Luna, to logic, then monitored back by console/Luna, through interface to speakers. To keep plug-ins on tracks recorded to logic you have to print them on the way in (to take advantage of dsp)If I recorded to logic without plug-ins, and wanted to hear the track with plug-ins again I’d have to use native ones (signal flow out of computer to Apollo)which obviously won’t use the dsp from Apollo. Am I making sense?

[@JeffyG]

@@tibbss111 almost. You’re likely to use some DSP plugins during the input and ‘print’ to your DAW. Like a channel strip, eq and compression that leverage the unison pre-amps of the Apollo. Then you’ll use other UA plugins inside your DAW for dynamics, reverb, delay and secondary compression and eq. You can use either the Apollo hardware based plugins or the native versions inside your DAW, as long as the Apollo hardware is connected. I prefer the Apollo versions over the native, but you get both, so if you arrange and mix with a non-Apollo audio interface later, you’re still good. The concept of ‘printing’ your audio track with some processing on the way in, takes a while to get used to. But….it becomes the advantage of the UAD world.

[@tibbss111]

Thanks for the run down. I finally found a few good videos which give a decent review of how to set it up. Appreciate your videos as they are helping me get started again with midi and logic. Cheers

[@alesklajzar9310]

Hi jeff. Great work. Thanks

[@blakebrothers]

Very helpful, many thanks!

[@jetlag_beats]

Absolutely very useful! Thanks!

[@davidkennedy3462]

Jeff lots of information but for an absolute beginner I am still confused by geting the signal to my DAW as in Inputs and outputs and the best way to do that. I couldnt really get that from this vid.

[@JeffyG]

Perhaps we can chat on the phone?

[@MusicChannel-rf5zz]

Would you recommend printing the preamp plugin sound while recording or use it later on as a plugin after recording?

[@JeffyG]

I print the channel strip, compression, and initial EQ, taking advantage of the Unison pre-amp. But, I add pitch/auto-tune, secondary compression, reverb, delay, tape saturation, etc. in my DAW after the fact. Essentially, I’m tried to print a good sound that compensates for the room and mic I’m using, then all the secondary stuff of my vocal chain, in my DAW. I mainly like the UAD plugins, but I do use plugins from other vendors as well. Make sense?

[@MusicChannel-rf5zz]

@ It sure does makes sense. I think printing the preamp seems slightly more effective.

[@SarahSpencerMusic]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@JeffyG]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nanomea1447]

Hi Jeffy. If I record my vocals using the Apollo without the print and then want to maintain the plugin settings from the Console - do I then run the Console simultaneously with my DAW or do I have to copy the settings into a channel strip in my DAW? I am wondering if I am taxing my computer’s CPU or the DSP when running an arrangement.

[@JeffyG]

The UA channel plugins in Console vs your DAW are unfortunately completely separate. It’s a one way street. That’s why I limit my Console plugins to a classic channel strip emulation, a compressor and maybe some minor corrective EQ depending on the mic. I print that to my DAW track, then add secondary compression, eq, record, delay and everything else in my DAW.

[@MatNao]

Thanks a lot 🙏 It’s been really helpful ! You rock 🤘🏼 😊

[@TeleStrat335]

My UA Apollo Twin is not seeing my MOTU 8pre. I ran the MOTU audio installer. What am I missing?

[@JeffyG]

@@TeleStrat335 ADAT optical cable from the 8 pre ‘out’ to the Apollo ‘In’? You should see it in UA Console under ‘Settings’

[@headbangerministries]

Jeff, I subscribed and glad you use Logic but are you going to focus now only in Appollo? Also, do you have a video on how to record screen with voice and playback/plug ins? I tried using Blackhole and see myself and entire screen bit when i playbavk the audio is missing. I hear my guitar but without the plug ins, a raw sound only.

[@JeffyG]

Not focus'd on only Apollo. I have a EVO 4, a MOTU and several other audio interfaces. Many brands do not have a 'loop back' circuit for capturing system audio, which is why you've tried Blackhole. I used to use Blackhole many years ago, and it acts as a virtual channel to route system audio to your DAW. It's challenging to configure. The Apollo interfaces all have loop-back built into the UA Console software. My EVO 4 also has loop-back built into the mixer app, and most Rode mics have Rode Connect - also with loop-back and a mixer software program. So, while Blackhole's audio device can get you there, it's not elegant. What audio interface do you have? Maybe I can help you.

[@nicolasheinemusic]

Can I also put my FabFilter Plugins into that chain? Cause those EQs look pretty clumsy and dated. I'd rather see a real curve and the incoming signal to see and not only hear what I am doing.

[@carlsenmusic3149]

I use a Yamaha mixer going in to line in in the back of my apollo twin. When I hear the music and synthesizer going though the mixer, when I record in audacity or in my studio one daw, the left and right Channel are flipped in the recording. What could cause that. Hope for some help

[@JeffyG]

Cable L+R mix up?

[@thebacisalvatorebaci7286]

for recording vocals what do u recommend (twin X or X4) and one more thing< does it comes with the plugins or u have to by them separate thanks

[@JeffyG]

The Twin and the X4 have identical Unison pre-amps. It depends on whether you need 2 (twin) or 4 (x4). The x4 also has 2 independent headphone jacks - for 2 different mixes - and 3 output pairs for multiple sets of studio monitors. I had the Twin, then later upgraded to the x4. They both come with some basic plugins to get you started. The ‘Hertiage’ editions on the Twin and x4 come with an additional 7 or 8 plugins but cost slightly more. The plugins are 50% - 90% off between Black Friday and New Years - you just missed that sale. I believe they have another sale in June/July (their summer sale).

[@rossdonald5026]

I’m new to UA and have bought an X4. I’ve tried inserting an amp plugin into the first Unity slot but it sounds terrible. It’s impossible to achieve a clean sound from say the Fender Deluxe amp. I don’t think I’m using it correctly…..? Should I only use the amp plugins in the aux inserts slots instead of the unity slot? Help?

[@JeffyG]

@@rossdonald5026 are you plugging your guitar into the instrument high-Z input? Are you listening through headphones plugged into,the x4?

[@Cla-2A]

Hey Jeffy, I don't know if you still have Apollo but have you noticed a noise sound when you try tu EQ hight frecuencies? specially when you are using the Unison? do you know out it? I 'm having that situation rihgt now.

[@JeffyG]

@@Cla-2A I had a noise. Turns out it was from my OWC Thunderbolt power supply, but could be heard on the Apollo. Plugged the Apollo x4 directly into my Mac - noise gone!

[@Cla-2A]

@JeffyG well. That's not my case, it's only when I use Unison, specially when you the level or gain, that noise is getting printed in my guitars and voices.

[@JoshuaBmusic]

I purchased a plugin and despite all attempts, I cannot get it to show up as an owned plugin. It permanently says demo but if I go to the website to buy it, I'm told limit 1 per customer hahah! Going mad.

[@JeffyG]

Which one?

[@nightlitemary]

What were the Unison pre-amps you had set up on Analog 1 & 2? Another desktop Apollo?

[@JeffyG]

Yes. I had an Apollo Twin X at first.

[@KathrynGerhardt-fd7oz]

How do I bring up the console? Do I have to go to their website or did I already install it? I have the apollo twin x thunderbolt

[@JeffyG]

If the UAD software is installed correctly, there is a diamond icon in your system tray. Are you on Windows or MacOS?

[@helobubba1999]

HA! Yeah that thing they do showing plugins you don't have in the list is annoying. I had to do the same thing with IK Multimedia plugins.

[@JeffyG]

It’s an annoying marketing technique. They show you everything they own, hoping you’ll click to use it, then buy it. You can ‘Hide’ all the plugins you don’t own manually from the Console software ‘Settings’ | ‘Plugins’ so they don’t appear in your DAW. But as soon as you upgrade the UAD software, they all become unbidden, and you have to hide them again manually.

[@chrisjs6123]

Thanks- this was awesome

[@futurebright734]

Perhaps when you link channels it sounds different

[@JeffyG]

Not sure exactly what you mean?

[@tristanrenemusic]

dude so usefull/ thank you

[@JeffyG]

Glad it helped!

[@vexpired7559]

Why oh why do you say for Absolute Beginners Just like yourself I'm new to Apollo X4. Previously I used Focusrite gear with LogicX. All I would like to learn is everything from out of the box, to setting it up in my DAW. Call me dumb but just plugging it in after registration and downloading its driver. I cannot find anything out there on You-Tube to show the basic setup in Logic. Really Really frustrating.

[@JeffyG]

I can help you. Want to connect?

[@vexpired7559]

@@JeffyG Hi there, I tried to contact you but I think I must have done it wrong ! [Here I go again] Just like yourself I'm new to Apollo X4. Previously I used Focusrite gear with LogicX. All I would like to learn is everything from out of the box, to setting it up in my DAW. Call me dumb but just plugging it in after registration and downloading its driver. I cannot find anything out there on You-Tube to show the basic setup in Logic. Really Really frustrating.

[@JeffyG]

@@vexpired7559 I’m sure I can help. How can we connect? Try sending me an email jeffyg505 at gmail.com

[@mattmcatee7446]

Definitely, 100% DO NOT print auto tune. If you must use it, do it in post.

[@TomCourtneyMusic]

Excellent thanks you J

[@JeffyG]

Thanks for listening

[@supremoluminary]

Plugins? I just want to just learn how to use it and you're advertising plugins. I cannot get I/O to work properly and you're talking about plugins… for an "absolute beginner"

[@Gang-25j]

Personal problem

[@justinfair5216]

The unison plugins alter the operation of the hardware preamp or the sound character of the input. Fundament.

[@borjacarandoso]

Why so harsh?

[@lisdexamfetaminemusic]

dude if you can’t plug it in or understand the way it operates and what power sources to use , u should not have invested in said product . granted people do stupid things , so let’s just use ur instance . u can’t operate the I / O to work , so why not inspect the instructions that came with the unit , or the information available from universal audio , or reddit , the “beginner” aspect of learning audio interfaces shouldn’t include powering on the device since that’s a redundant process 95% of the time . but you’re the 5% that baffles medical experts world-wide

[@AI-Consultant]

seems like there is a sale for the Apollo Twin X QUAD Heritage, where you get the 14 plugins, plus the extra 5 with heritage, and then another 7 with the special that runs till 8/31/23 - So frigging tempting when I got a mac mini m2, but want that realtime unison, and starting out with 26 plugins aint that bad all for under $1500

[@JeffyG]

It’s a good deal. I bought my first Apollo Twin X Heritage Ed. and at that time 7 more plugins were on sale for 75% off. So I started with a total of 23 plugins! As a noob it took months to try them out and learn how they work, but it was worth it. The Unison enabled plugins are the best, in my opinion. So the channel strips and the amp sims are the most valuable, as they leverage the built in DSP/CPU for their emulations. These “highest value” plugins are usually unavailable natively - which makes sense. So, about 12 of the original 23 plugins are my favs.

[@AI-Consultant]

@@JeffyG Right now, on paper, it looks like these would be my unison,: Neve 1073 Mic Preamp & EQ, Manley VoxBox Channel Strip, Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ, UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection, Helios® Type 69 Preamp & EQ Collection, UA 610-B, Fairchild 670 Legacy, Teletronix LA-2A Legacy, Teletronix® LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection, Ampeg SVT-VR Classic, Marshall Plexi Classic -Auto-Tune Realtime Advanced is Unison-compatible

[@JeffyG]

@@AI-Consultant all excellent choices! Smart to get Auto-Tune Advanced to start. I had Antares Real-time and later paid to upgrade. I use it subtly, and it’s hardly noticeable, but perfect. Helios 69 stuff is great, but I hardly ever use it, and frankly don’t know how. Just got Manley VoxBox recently, so I gotta try it. The UA610-B, Neve 1073 and the API Vision are my go to channel strips for the Unison pre-amps depending on the vocalist and genre. I’m used to the Pultec EQs only because I used them in the studio years ago. There are lots of great EQs out there. I barely use much EQ during tracking, then use more progressive EQ tools in my DAW for corrections and mixing. You’ll be happy, I’m sure.

[@AI-Consultant]

@@JeffyG yes, so I pulled the trigger, all said and done, right around that $1300 zone, which is pretty mind blowing compared to 10, or 20 years ago, right? we come a long way from that term Hard Disk Recording - i'll let you know how it all goes once i get it up and running in august