Apollo twin bypass preamp

Is this possible? I've searched and can't find a "direct" answer. I'm looking at a nice api preamp from a local studio it'll be a steal but I'm very curious about this

The analog ins are combo jacks. You'll want to use the line in for connecting external preamps. Or, like I do, use an adat device to bring your external press in on that connection, which are always lines as far as the apollo is concerned.

I had this question prior to purchasing a Twin. To the best of my research, the preamps cannot be bypassed short of using ADAT. An inspection of the Block Diagram (included in the Hardware Manual) shows that both the XLR and Line inputs go through a stage of "Input Gain, 10-65 dB" before A/D conversion. On a side note - the rack versions of the Apollo do not have this "issue".

I'd love to hear from a UAD rep to confirm this or not. Alternatively, a real world user's findings would be great (does using an external pre suffer colouring, etc. from the Apollo pre?).

Best wishes!

I have not been able to detect any perceptible coloration coming in via the analog line inputs. Even if they pass through some of the internal preamp circuits, these will be at very low gain levels where transparency will be at its best. Most of the 'coloration' you get with these circuits comes as the gain and 'drive' increases - this will not be happening with line inputs. The Apollo input circuits are very, very clean in any event. I've run a number of outboard preamps into the Twin's line level inputs, and they sound just as they do plugged into any other very neutral input. If there was any difference, I could not detect it.

Thank you I needed to hear that!

I can second that.

Though I traditionally bring my external pres in through the ADAT device, I have pumped some line level gear back in through the analog ins. They are very clean and when working on line level you don't need to add any gain anyway.

Thank-you for the information. I was hesitant to purchase a Twinfinity unit but now I feel like that's a safe option. Much appreciated.

In the case of the Twin-finity preamp, my own view on that is it might be worth holding off or stretching it a bit to go for the 4-710 instead. In many ways, it offers a lot more. First, you have 4 X 710's, second, some useful compression, thirdly, you get another 4 channels of line inputs with A/D conversion, but last - and most importantly - it acts as a superb ADAT extender with a Twin interface. You not only get those extra pres, plus another 4 line inputs, but you also get to keep (and be able to use) the existing Unison pres in the Twin simultaneously. It costs more.... but equally, does a lot more. I was using a Presonus Digimax as a temporary ADAT extender, while keeping a watchful eye out for a used 4-710.... one finally came up and I grabbed it. An excellent unit, and a near perfect complement to the Twin interface.