Multi-Unit Cascading, Twin MKII as Monitor Unit...Constraints?

C

citysoundman

New Member
I own the Twin MKII and may be adding an Apollo 8 for additional I/O. I'm primarily an audio post mixer using Pro Tools, and I do some electronic music, so no live tracking.

I'd like to keep the Twin MKII as the Monitor Unit, and would like to confirm what the Multi-Unit Constraints would be for this scenario.

The manual has a special note about this, that's why I'm posting this question. It says:
Designating Apollo Twin as the monitor unit is not a recommended configuration. Instead, designating an Apollo rack model or Apollo x4 as the monitor unit is recommended in order to take advantage of their additional outputs for CUE routing and ALT monitoring.

Since I'm not tracking, cue busses don't come into play for me. But the Multi-Unit Constraints sections shows this:
When Apollo Twin is connected in a multi-unit system, the Line 3/4 and Headphone outputs on the Twin are not available for signal routing within the DAW. However, Apollo Twin’s Line 3/4 and Headphone outputs can be routed within Console by assigning the output(s) as a destination in the Cue Outputs popover.

This is unclear for me - Line 3/4 and headphone outs are not available for routing within the DAW.
So this is saying I can't send DAW audio out of Line 3/4 on the Twin. That's fine since the Apollo 8 will have 8 outs.
But what does it mean "headphone outs are not available for routing within the DAW"?

I will need to be able to use the headphone jack on the Twin for listening, and I would like to be able to use the Twin Line 3/4 for ALT speaker outs. Will these be working as expected?
 
J

Joe Porto

Hall of Fame Member
In this scenario, you would send DAW outputs to Virtual tracks in Console, then route to Twin HP outs.

Is it just for wiring logistics that you want Twin as monitor unit? You can still use HP outs via above method, and use the Twin as a remote monitor controller when the 8 is monitor unit.
 
C

citysoundman

New Member
Joe Porto said:
In this scenario, you would send DAW outputs to Virtual tracks in Console, then route to Twin HP outs.

Is it just for wiring logistics that you want Twin as monitor unit? You can still use HP outs via above method, and use the Twin as a remote monitor controller when the 8 is monitor unit.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply Joe.

Do you know, will I be able to use the Twin's 3/4 Out for Alt speakers if the Twin is Monitor Unit?

I want to keep the Twin as monitor because I do a lot of VO recording and use the talkback mic on the Twin.
 
UniversalAudio

UniversalAudio

Official UA Representative
citysoundman said:
Thanks for the reply Joe.

Do you know, will I be able to use the Twin's 3/4 Out for Alt speakers if the Twin is Monitor Unit?

I want to keep the Twin as monitor because I do a lot of VO recording and use the talkback mic on the Twin.
Click to expand...
yes, you can do this.

You can use the Twin's TB even when it's not the Monitor unit FYI.
 
M

mtierney

New Member
I'm interested to know - is there a way to have the twin as the last unit in the daisy chain? I want to be able to hook up a computer at either end of the Thunderbolt chain but can't figure out how to make this work. Basically I want the inputs of an apollo 8 to be out in the tracking room along with a laptop that can monitor console, luna, etc around a keyboard/synth station with the outputs available for headphone mixes in the tracking room, then I'd like the other option to be a satellite quad and twin duo (both TB2) to be in the mixing room connected to the same laptop but at the other end of the TB2 chain. Is this possible? The twin only has 1 TB2 port so I'm not sure how to make this work... the UA multiunit cascade guidance doesn't fully resolve this arrangement. Any help would be appreciated! TB2 cables are expensive now so I'd like to sort this out before buying.
 
F

FutureLegends

Established Member
I’m pretty sure you can’t have two computers connected to the same Apollo setup.
The Twin, as it has only one TB port must be the last in the chain.
 
Last edited:
M

mtierney

New Member
Thanks for the reply! I’m wondering if a thunderbolt hub and/or the placement of the satellite in the chain may be able to help in the setup somehow. Still haven’t found a solution that doesn’t end up with the twin at the end of the chain… my only idea for having the twin and the computer in different spots is to have the rack with Apollo 8 in the middle of the chain, put the satellite near the mixing desk and the twin near the synth/keys zone so the cable runs are kept to less than 10’. I’ll need to run a hdmi cable for the monitor screen at the synth station and stereo trs from the Apollo 8 to both the mixing station and keys station but there’s not big issue with 20-30’ runs of balanced as far as I know. Thoughts??
 
F

FutureLegends

Established Member
The Apollo system is designed to be set up in series on one Thunderbolt port. I highly doubt a thunderbolt hub would work. Also if there are any, they likely are quite expensive.
 
M

mtierney

New Member
FutureLegends said:
The Apollo system is designed to be set up in series on one Thunderbolt port. I highly doubt a thunderbolt hub would work. Also if there are any, they likely are quite expensive.
Click to expand...
I have an OTC thunderbolt hub that’s worked flawlessly for about 8 years so they do exist and they do work well (and are expensive) but I’m just wondering if there’s a good way to do what I’m proposing using a thunderbolt port, a satellite, twin, and a Apollo 8 rack all with tb2 ports. It seems like everything needs to be clustered physically to work well. Who has a set up that uses a rack, a desktop unit, a satellite, a tb hub, and needs to have control in two different rooms?? Please chime in if you have some sage advice to pass along to this newb :))
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
UAD Bundle Month
Top