Apollo x4 Output Routing in Cascading Mode

[stromgeist]

I use an Apollo x4 in multi-unit cascading mode and I wonder who to use/route its analog outputs. An Apollo x8 rack mount unit is the monitor device in my setup and the x4 serves as expander unit. Everything works fine. But I don't find a way to route signals to the physical outputs of the x4 unit. In Console software the is no Output Route Popover appears in the menu (see screenshot).

In the UAD official information on "Apollo Thunderbolt Multi-Unit Cascading" the x4 is not mentioned in this respect (https://help.uaudio.com/hc/en-us/articles/205927139-Apollo-Thunderbolt-Multi-Unit-Cascading-), but regarding the Twin it is explained: "When Apollo Twin is used as an expander unit, the Line 3/4 outputs of the Apollo Twin do not appear in the Core Audio driver. Audio can be routed to these outputs via the cue mix routing in Console (accessed via the Cue Outputs popover)." However, this seems not to be the case for the x4.

Thus, there seems to be neither the one nor the other possibility of output routing for the x4 when it is in extension mode.

Does this mean that x4 has no such routing feature?
But why should it lack something the Twin provides?

Or do I just miss something?

I would be glad if someone could give me a hint.

Many thanks in advance

 

[Matt Hepworth]

That's a limitation of the x4 regardless. You can take advantage of the outs only via Cues. If the x8 is the monitor unit you are unable to use the x4 Cues, but I believe you can still use its headphone outs.

I use an Apollo x4 in multi-unit cascading mode and I wonder who to use/route its analog outputs. An Apollo x8 rack mount unit is the monitor device in my setup and the x4 serves as expander unit. Everything works fine. But I don't find a way to route signals to the physical outputs of the x4 unit. In Console software the is no Output Route Popover appears in the menu (see screenshot).

In the UAD official information on "Apollo Thunderbolt Multi-Unit Cascading" the x4 is not mentioned in this respect (https://help.uaudio.com/hc/en-us/articles/205927139-Apollo-Thunderbolt-Multi-Unit-Cascading-), but regarding the Twin it is explained: "When Apollo Twin is used as an expander unit, the Line 3/4 outputs of the Apollo Twin do not appear in the Core Audio driver. Audio can be routed to these outputs via the cue mix routing in Console (accessed via the Cue Outputs popover)." However, this seems not to be the case for the x4.

Thus, there seems to be neither the one nor the other possibility of output routing for the x4 when it is in extension mode.

Does this mean that x4 has no such routing feature?
But why should it lack something the Twin provides?

Or do I just miss something?

I would be glad if someone could give me a hint.

Many thanks in advance

 

[stromgeist]

Yes, it is possible to use the headphone outs.

However, it is a pity that the regular outputs cannot be used in expander mode. I wouldn't have expected that from the x4 when it's even possible with the Twin at least for one stereo out.

Thanks for the answer and the information.

 

[UniversalAudio]

I use an Apollo x4 in multi-unit cascading mode and I wonder who to use/route its analog outputs. An Apollo x8 rack mount unit is the monitor device in my setup and the x4 serves as expander unit. Everything works fine. But I don't find a way to route signals to the physical outputs of the x4 unit. In Console software the is no Output Route Popover appears in the menu (see screenshot).

In the UAD official information on "Apollo Thunderbolt Multi-Unit Cascading" the x4 is not mentioned in this respect (https://help.uaudio.com/hc/en-us/articles/205927139-Apollo-Thunderbolt-Multi-Unit-Cascading-), but regarding the Twin it is explained: "When Apollo Twin is used as an expander unit, the Line 3/4 outputs of the Apollo Twin do not appear in the Core Audio driver. Audio can be routed to these outputs via the cue mix routing in Console (accessed via the Cue Outputs popover)." However, this seems not to be the case for the x4.

Thus, there seems to be neither the one nor the other possibility of output routing for the x4 when it is in extension mode.

Does this mean that x4 has no such routing feature?
But why should it lack something the Twin provides?

Or do I just miss something?

I would be glad if someone could give me a hint.

Many thanks in advance

Flex Routing is a Rack Apollo exclusive.

 

[Wellz]

That's a limitation of the x4 regardless. You can take advantage of the outs only via Cues. If the x8 is the monitor unit you are unable to use the x4 Cues, but I believe you can still use its headphone outs.

In a similar situation with an x4 with x6 - just making sure I follow - when cascading - the x4 line outs are not useable at all? No monitors or outboard can be connected? I had this idea to have monitors set up on both units one for A/B to conserve my outs on the x6.

I can still adat the x4 tho?

 

[JamesNorth]

The other thing is that monitors can only be used on the ‘monitor’ device.

 

[Wellz]

The other thing is that monitors can only be used on the ‘monitor’ device.

Got ya. The monitor unit for monitors makes sense - and x4 can't be the monitor unit as the rack is the master. The line outs on x4 can't be used at all?

 

[Matt Hepworth]

Got ya. The monitor unit for monitors makes sense - and x4 can't be the monitor unit as the rack is the master. The line outs on x4 can't be used at all?

From the DAW, yes.

 

[Wellz]

From the DAW, yes.

Copy that. Line out available in Daw but can't have monitors on x4 as slave unit.

 

[Wellz]

Okay, this should be the last one - wanted to confirm with the x6 - with one set of monitors hooked up on the Monitor outs - I will still have six line outs? I understand when I by pass the pres on 1&2 - that I have six line ins. The plan is x6 for outboard (pres/ comp etc up to six total) and x4 for the unioson pres. @UniversalAudio @Matt Hepworth

 

[UniversalAudio]

Okay, this should be the last one - wanted to confirm with the x6 - with one set of monitors hooked up on the Monitor outs - I will still have six line outs? I understand when I by pass the pres on 1&2 - that I have six line ins. The plan is x6 for outboard (pres/ comp etc up to six total) and x4 for the unioson pres. @UniversalAudio @Matt Hepworth

The mon unit uses outs 1-2 for Alt Mon1 and 3-4 for Alt Mon 2.

So yes, with only 1 set of monitors, you'll have 6 outs.