Can I use my Apollo x4 TB3 for DSP only, if it's not my audio interface?

[innerbooty]

Hi,
Having waited for several days to receive what is perhaps the least helpful support email I've ever received - from someone at UAD support - I thought I'd look for answers here.
I got an Apollo x4 recently to use as the interim interface on my new Mac M1 Studio Ultra while I get it setup. Eventually I am going to move over my Avid HDX card and UAD Octo cards from my old Mac Pro to a Thunderbolt chassis and my Avid HD IO will again become my main Pro Tools interface. I will use the Apollo for my portable rig. But since I have the Apollo, and since I don't travel with my rig often, I started wondering if I could access the 4 DSP chips in the Apollo for UAD plugin processing, even while the Apollo is not my audio interface. I mean, why just have them sitting around gathering dust if I can use them? With the Octo card I would have 12 chips, which would be cool since I have tons of UAD plugins. I would not need the mic pre's or I/O, just the DSP. Anyone know if this is possible? Thanks! - Steve

 

[innerbooty]

FWIW, a second support person from UAD just responded and said that yes, I can use the Apollo for DSP without using it as an interface, by just plugging it into the Mac. I appreciate having my question answered, and I was hoping that would be the answer

 

[Matt Hepworth]

FWIW, a second support person from UAD just responded and said that yes, I can use the Apollo for DSP without using it as an interface, by just plugging it into the Mac. I appreciate having my question answered, and I was hoping that would be the answer

Yep, works great for just DSP, if needed!

Also works as an ADAT expander for other interfaces!

 

[UniversalAudio]

FWIW, a second support person from UAD just responded and said that yes, I can use the Apollo for DSP without using it as an interface, by just plugging it into the Mac. I appreciate having my question answered, and I was hoping that would be the answer

Yup.

 

[Geenie]

Yup.

Does it also work on Windows computers with another interface connected?
Cause some people told me it only works with Mac and some it works with both.

 

[UniversalAudio]

Does it also work on Windows computers with another interface connected?
Cause some people told me it only works with Mac and some it works with both.

Both.

 

[Matt Hepworth]

Does it also work on Windows computers with another interface connected?
Cause some people told me it only works with Mac and some it works with both.

As long as Windows has TB3 or TB4 onboard.

 

[Geenie]

As long as Windows has TB3 or TB4 onboard.

I have an Intel NUC 13i5 with 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, so it should be no problem then.
I mean it should work with my Apollo Twin X on a TB 4 port and some other (let's say for example) USB 2.0 interface, right?