Apollo Twin as "Master" or "Slave" ADAT to Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

[Nickvegas]

hello,
I am brand new to the UAD community and I am also trying to learn how to take my production and audio techniques to the next level.


I recently ordered an Apollo Twin after using the Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen for a couple years. I got an optical toslink cable because I wanted more inputs for my Twin. My question(s):

1. since the Twin only has an ADAT input, does that mean it has to be the "slave" device to my Scarlett and have the Scarlett be the internal clock with the Twin set to ADAT?

2. if this is the case, does that have anything to do with A/D D/A conversion? its my understanding the Twin has superior conversion, so does that ruin it by making the Scarlett interface the one interacting with my Computer/DAW. does this also mean I cannot take advantage of the console app?

3. If number 2 is the case, is it even worth it to use the Scarlett as an ADAT device, should I be looking for a better one. if so are there any suggestions?

4. Is there a way to make the Apollo the device interacting with the computer, or "Master"? is there a cable/adaptor/way to get and IN and OUT on it or is that just for Apollo X4 and above?

thanks!

 

[slirak]

1) Yes.
2) No. Or, to be more precise: The inputs of the Scarlett will use the Scarlett’s AD, the inputs of the Twin will use the Twin’s AD. The same goes for the outputs. But if you choose to use the Twin’s outputs as your main/monitoring outputs (I would), its DA’s will be used, even for the Scarlett’s inputs.
3) Yes. There are better interfaces of course, but the Scarlett ain’t bad.
4) Just pick the Apollo as your audio device in your DAW (or for your entire system if you prefer that,

 

[Nickvegas]

1) Yes.
2) No. Or, to be more precise: The inputs of the Scarlett will use the Scarlett’s AD, the inputs of the Twin will use the Twin’s AD. The same goes for the outputs. But if you choose to use the Twin’s outputs as your main/monitoring outputs (I would), its DA’s will be used, even for the Scarlett’s inputs.
3) Yes. There are better interfaces of course, but the Scarlett ain’t bad.
4) Just pick the Apollo as your audio device in your DAW (or for your entire system if you prefer that,

Thank you so much this is incredibly helpful!

one quick clarification on point 4. If the Scarlett is the master, wouldn’t that mean the computer is interacting with that system? Do you mean it’s possible to have the Apollo as a slave device and still set it to be the controlling/interface with the DAW?

 

[slirak]

Yes. The Twin will be slaved to the Scarlett’s internal clock via ADAT. But you don’t have to use the Scarlett as a sound card for that. Possibly, you won’t have to have it connected to the computer at all, if all you want to do is use it to extend the Twin’s I/O. (You may have to have it connected to the computer, simply in order to control its settings, of it’s done by software.)

 

[Nickvegas]

Yes. The Twin will be slaved to the Scarlett’s internal clock via ADAT. But you don’t have to use the Scarlett as a sound card for that. Possibly, you won’t have to have it connected to the computer at all, if all you want to do is use it to extend the Twin’s I/O. (You may have to have it connected to the computer, simply in order to control its settings, of it’s done by software.)

Yes exactly! I just want to extend the twins I/O for drum mics. This is very helpful thank you!
One last question! If I’m just using this situation 10% of the time (mainly only drums) and the other 90% two channels are fine, world you just leave it in ADAT the whole time, turn both on every time? Since I’m planning on using the Apollo sound card anyway. Or would you go in the system and configure settings every time and just connect when needed?

 

[slirak]

There may be a small added amount of latency with the Scarlett connected via ADAT. Probably negligible, especially if you monitor through Console rather than your DAW when recording. Except for that, I see no reason to turn off the Scarlett even when you don’t use it. Sure, it’ll draw a little bit of power and any added complexity to a system will increase the risk of general SNAFU, but so will constantly changing settings back and forth.

 

[Nickvegas]

There may be a small added amount of latency with the Scarlett connected via ADAT. Probably negligible, especially if you monitor through Console rather than your DAW when recording. Except for that, I see no reason to turn off the Scarlett even when you don’t use it. Sure, it’ll draw a little bit of power and any added complexity to a system will increase the risk of general SNAFU, but so will constantly changing settings back and forth.

Thank you so much for your responses! Incredibly helpful!!!

 

[bellows and brass]

i have the same rig as you, Apollo twin and focusrite claret.
if you only use the scarlet occasionally, turn it of and run the apollo clock internal.
it keeps everything simple, you can change sample rate on Apollo without consulting the scarlet, and it eliminates any chance of clicks and pops from faulty optical link.

Although in over 30 years of using adat links I’ve never had a real problem, there is something I don’t like about the entire digital audio’s integrity being dictated by a 30+ year old spec piece of semi pro/consumer grade hardware.