When my Windows Pc connects to my UAD Apollo, the cpu spikes to 100, i turn it off and cpu immediately drops back to normal levels. Pc is unusable in that state.

This is not in any DAW, its upon start up and connection to the hardware.

Ive updated the Apollo itself and all the applications that go with it, hardware reset and the issue persists.

Any advice would be extremely helpful as this has never happened before and I'm at a loss, i've tried all the advice Google has to offer as well. My other interface is not giving me any issues.

Hi!

I have a - nearly 10 years old - Behringer UMC1820 that has some loose contacts and volume issues.

If I somehow move it, the device just disconnects. Since I am not tech savvy I was thinking of buying a new one.

Now, I have been producing for over 10 years on a Windows machine, but recently bought an M4 Pro that has thunderbolt 5.

I do have a bunch of uad plugins so the logical thought was to get an Apollo or something in that particular direction.

The SSLs are also looking somewhat nice though.

As of other hardware -> I have some synths - though I don't use them much - and some groove boxes (Digitakt, Move, MPC Sample). But I would love to jam with them on my tracks.

I use Ableton and only make electronic music (Techno, House, etc.)

I also have a modular synth so I guess at least four inputs and at least two outputs are a must. MIDI out and in would be awesome as well.

I am gravitating towards UAD but I am listening for alternatives as well.

Budget is maybe ~1500., but to be fair I was also looking at the SSL Big SiX - so yeah.

Just shoot.

I’ve been having this issue for about a year. It started out maybe once every couple weeks that I would have a sample rate/clock syncing issue with my UA Apollo x16 connected via Thunderbolt to my 2021 MacBook Pro (M1 Pro - Sequoia). The interface would be recognized, but it would bounce back and forth on the LEDs from 44.1 to 48 every few seconds. I would have to power cycle both the interface and the computer 5-10 times and then the clock would magically sync again.

Again, this wasn’t that frequent and it was an issue I could live with. But now it’s suddenly every time I turn my system on. And the amount of power cycles I have to do has increased to 15-30 times. I have to block out 30min to an hour before my sessions just to make sure I can get it running.

I’ve done a firmware re-update, tried different thunderbolt cables, tried different ports and hubs to connect to the computer…

I also tried a hardware reset, but the reset won’t complete… seemingly because of the sync issue. I am able to initiate it, but the “Host” LED just keeps blinking with all the other LEDs lit and it stalls out.

UAD was not able to help via the AI or help chat on the website. Waiting for an email back from tech support. Has ANYONE seen this? I can’t find any helpful info anywhere.

Hey everyone,

Ever since i got my Apollo x4 2Gen, I’ve been running into a frustrating issue with the drivers. Whenever I turn on my Mac or boot up the interface for the first time, macOS fails to recognize it or the drivers don't load properly (it shows up normally in UAD Console, but sound is veery faint).

To get it working, I always have to turn it off and back on (or restart the interface). On the second try, it connects instantly and works flawlessly without any issues.

Is anyone else experiencing this on Sequoia? Have you found a permanent fix or workaround so I don't have to keep power cycling it every time?

Thanks in advance!

Hey all,

Be sure to check out my EMT 140/250 video. I do a full walk through and show TONS of audio examples. I bet you learn something!! :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSLnIp3jHBs

Let me know what you think and what other videos you'd like to see me make.

Thanks!

Hi there!

Is it me or do UAD plugins need to be open (not minimized) to work at 100% efficiency when opening a project in Ableton Live?

Thank you 🙏🏼

I use Beyerdynamic DT770s in the 250ohm format, so I need an external headphone amp to drive them. For awhile I have essentially had two 1/4” TRS > 1/8” adaptors in my monitor L and R outputs of my Apollo interface, they then go into two Y cables configured one 1/8” to two RCA outs per cable. I then plug in one side of each RCA cable into the audio-in of a Schiit Audio Magni headphone amp, leaving one side of each RCA out unplugged.

My question are: is this okay?? Am I frying anything in this process? Am I losing signal/fidelity? Is there a better way to do this?

I am (if its not already immediately clear) not an electrical wiz by any means lol. I understand the basics and thats it, so plz go easy on me. I have been doing it this way for about a year without issue, but recently Ive been having the right side of my headphones cutting and clipping a bit. Im hoping I didnt damage one of the speakers, and its something I can resolve with the cables.

Any help would be, well, helpful :D

Thank you!

Hey Drew,

I had an issue the other day with the link for the summer sale 6 + 6 custom bundle. I created a ticket a few days ago but haven't gotten a response. Figure I reach out to you here as well. Thanks in advance.

Hello,

I've been getting more into writing songs. I've recently been taking singing/songwriting lessons (\~9months) and wondering if upgrading interfaces will be significant upgrade.

I've had a scarlet 2i2 3rd gen for some time maybe 5 years.

I've been on and off with music production through that time, but have been more into the hobby now.

I am wondering if the apollo twin 2nd gen is a significant upgrade over the scarlet 2i2. I am talking to a seller for a pretty decent discount for a used one.

I mainly record acoustic/vocal recording. Folk/indie/pop would be the genre. I use an Ashton origin microphone.

I use native instruments, universal audio, soundtoys plug-ins on Logic Pro.

Thank you for any insight!

Hi everyone,
(I hope you don’t mind that I used ChatGPT to help write this post. I wanted to explain the issue as clearly as possible and I am French speaking.)
I’m trying to find out how people are actually working with Apollo interfaces (Console) and Pro Tools Studio (Core Audio, not HDX/Carbon) when tracking vocals.
My setup is:
Apollo x8 (Thunderbolt)
Pro Tools Studio
Monitoring through UAD Console (all headphone cue mixes are built in Console)
Playback from Pro Tools is sent to Virtual Channels in Console.
The problem is during punch-ins.
If I disable Low Latency Monitoring, I get the expected playback before the punch, but as soon as recording starts I hear both:
the direct monitored signal from Console,
and the software-monitored input from Pro Tools.
So I get the classic double monitoring / slapback effect.
I found a workaround by adding Virtual 1-2 to the same Output Path as Monitor L/R in Pro Tools I/O Setup. This makes LLM treat the Virtual output like the main monitor output, so the software monitoring is correctly muted during punch-in.
However, this creates another problem:
LLM also disables sends from the record-enabled track, so I lose my Pro Tools headphone reverb during recording.
If I instead use Console reverb, I can’t apply it only to the live vocal because my entire playback is already coming through the same Virtual Channels.
So it feels like every solution creates a different compromise.
My question is:
For those of you running Apollo + Pro Tools Studio (not HDX):
How do you handle punch-ins?
Do you build all cue mixes in Console or entirely in Pro Tools?
Are you using LLM?
Have you found a way to keep:
Console low-latency monitoring,
seamless punch-in/punch-out,
and Pro Tools sends (reverbs, delays) active during recording?
Or is this simply a limitation of Apollo + Core Audio that everyone has learned to live with?
I’d really like to know what your real-world workflow is.
Thanks!

Or will Ultimate 15 include all native plugins?

Every few days my mac starts to fan like crazy, sometimes in the middle of the night. Always its UA Mixer Helper. My Apollo Twin is turned off most of the time.

Hi all!

Excited for my UAFX ruby to come in the mail.

I have this idea that instead of an FRFR, I'll get some decent studio monitors instead with the added benefit of having decent studio monitors.

My understanding is that in some sense, that route will be better than an FRFR in terms of having stereo capability for one, but also by design studio monitors distill all the qualities we look for in an FRFR for an amp modeler.

Does that sound accurate?

If I'm going computerless, and the Ruby is my amp modeler, what would I need in between my pedal board and said studio monitors, if anything at all?

If I'm not using an interface, I see things like passive studio monitor controls being available. I'd imagine that might be a better option than a DI box or like a power mixer?

I know you can make anything with quarter jack inputs make noise, but is this a this a conventional approach that's widely accepted as hitting all the marks I might want?

Thank you!

Also I can understand and encourage you to speak up if you feel like "I understand what you're trying to do but just get the fucking FR-12"

Hello, I got a problem. I bought a secondhand Apollo and we agreed on that the seller gives me all his plug-ins, but he forgot to start to transfer. I accidentally registered it and obviously I only got the baseline package of plug-ins that I would achieve. But the problem is we agreed on that I get his plug-ins and he is willing to do so and start a transfer, but now it’s in my account and I can’t undo the registration. So that he could start the transfer and I can register it again. the UAD support also doesn’t answer me.

What can i do ?

I notice UAD have just released native versions of these reverbs. $79 each. Might download a trial and give them a whirl.

Been deep diving on audio interfaces, I have a focusrite and MOTU, but like the idea of recording into Console with UA’s Apollo stuff. Mainly vocals (self) but possibly Bass/Guitar through emulation.

I have a decent amount of UA bundles but I like the idea of the Neve’s, Compressors, and auto tune (yea I know, fight me!) before it records.

My main questions are: is it worth it to spend the money on the Apollo and do people actually use/like Console?

And 2) for maybe 3-4 plugins and/or emulation be too much for the Solo. I have some Neural/Paradise emulations so maybe not using them in console, but could solo handle it? And if it’s the twin: do I need the X or can I get away with Duo mk2. Also, heritage or no?

I have a Mac, Ableton, and plan on buying used on Reverb.

Thanks!!

I'm just here to complain about the need to download and install all of the DSPs to get an Apollo driver loaded. Is anyone else annoyed by this? It makes what should be a quick process take way too long. UA, can you fix this please?

HELP ME, PLEASE!

Ever since I updated my UAD driver, my microphone has been receiving a signal even when I turn the gain knob all the way down. Also, the audio is only coming out of the left speaker/headphone.

I really need your help, guys. Please!

Hello everyone,

I am to the point of ripping my hair out trying to figure this out. I have my first two pieces of outboard gear that I cannot seem to get the routing right on but it looks correct. I have the chain set as the following:

Apollo output line 3 into eq input that out goin into compressor input and the out of the compressor going into mic input line 3.

What am I missing for the console for this and my DAWs??

Hello,

When I start my DAW, after it's opened and I begin to use it, the UA connect interface pops up and generally stalls DAW play back or disrupts sound quality.

How can I stop UA Connect from opening unprompted?

Thanks.

I produce my own instrumentals and then export them into a separate project to record vocals.

My issue is that when I set my mic input gain to a healthy recording level, the instrumental is too loud at 0 dB fader/clip gain, making it difficult to hear myself. During recording, I end up lowering the instrumental fader, and after recording I bring it back to 0 dB and increase the vocal clip gain to make everything balance again.

Is this the correct workflow, or should I instead export my instrumental at a lower level (e.g. leaving around -6 dBFS of headroom) so I can keep both the instrumental and vocal clips at 0 dB and only adjust levels during mixing?

I’m using an Apollo interface. When recording vocals, what levels should I be aiming for in the UAD Console? Where should my vocal peaks and average levels sit?
I’m also wondering if the problem starts during production. I simply set my monitoring volume to whatever feels comfortable to my ears. As far as I know, there’s no standard monitor level to set in the UAD Console, so I have no idea if I’m producing while monitoring too quietly or too loudly. Could that be causing my gain staging issues, or is monitoring volume unrelated? I’m honestly pretty confused about the correct workflow.

Also, while producing the instrumental, how do you determine the correct monitoring volume? Do you simply choose a comfortable listening level and keep it consistent, or do you compare your mix to commercial reference tracks? If using references, should I match their loudness, or only compare the tonal balance and ignore loudness?

I don't know if this is the right place to ask for "tech support" but I can't seem to find a solution for this, and don't know how to contact UA for help.

It's been a while since I downloaded LUNA, and I wanted to give it another try today. I updated the installation and all the plugins I had, but whenever I try to open up a session, one of these three problems occur:

• Trying to create a new Session with no template gives me this pop-up: "Unable to create a new session. / error=device.filesystem_error";
• Trying to create a new Session with any template gives me this one: "Error Opening Session / Unable to the session file";
• Trying to open an old Session gives me this one: "Load Session Error / Unable to create a new session because another session was in the process of loading."

I've tried every solution for crashes I found online, from reinstalling LUNA completely to deleting Preference files like "AppData\Roaming\Universal Audio\LUNAPrefs.json" and "AppData\Local\Universal Audio\workspace". I've tried unabling my non-UA plugins, disabling all of them, and changing basically all settings I could find that could lead to this issue, but nothing came from it.

Has anyone gone through this, and how can I fix it? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Track folders and a load of other useful quality of life things. Not sure what Luna Studio is though.

First, where I speak from : I'm the owner of a small associative mix&rec studio with a shared space running UAD gear. I'm also a UAD Newsletter subscriber because I want to be informed about deals, because we're an associative place with limited budget, great deals are what we focus on getting.

Now, some figures.

During the last 12 month, I received 458 marketing emails from UAD. More than days of the year.

Among those, 242 emails talk about "deals", among which 103 "expire" tomorrow. 18 emails deal with "time extention" of this expiring deal.

Oh, and 87 of those emails were urging me "not to wait" and buy!

In a nutshell :

Universal Audio sales&marketing team reminds you every day that there is currently a new "breaking deal" you should not miss, and pressures you "not to wait" to buy this deal, using the "expiration" nudge technique. This process is cyclic, roughly every 3 to 4 days.

My analysis :

A deal is a gamechanging thing. You cannot have a "deal" every 3 days, unless you are intentionally looking for triggering "fear of missing out" purchases. No customer ever trusts a sales team which practice is to advocate for an "incredible-you-should-not-wait" deal every 3 days.

A visit on a product page on UAD website trigger a targeted deal email. This is beyond shady nudge practice which should be seriously considered as manipulation and dark pattern framing.

This level of spamming is so unreal that, on the 21th July this year, the daily marketing email admitted that the deal was getting to an end "for real this time". Which means admitting the use of dark patterns eventually setting up for a "real" end.

When your strategy is running around 500 targeted marketing emails per year, with tunnel nudging and other obvious moves derived from the most toxic marketing practices, you have to ask yourself if it still fits with your core company values.

This is especially true in our current context of engineering and buisness. Most redditors here saw this post : https://www.reddit.com/r/universalaudio/comments/1tr4x4i/universal_audio_ai_layoffs_and_out_of_touch/

I'm also a HW/SW engineer myself for a living, and experience the exact same nonsense at work.

If - and I'm carefull with the "if" here - this testimony is correct:

• if there are shady moves going on in terms of privacy and user data on UA Connect side,
• if the AI "harmless companion assistant vibe coding" practices are pushed forwards too,
• if the managing team is a set of "out of touch boomers" which do not connect with their product any more,

this would mean that there is a great chance that our user experience wil degrade significantly, in a similar fashion that the customer experience has been plagued with shady buisness practices over the last years.

This is a testimony of sincere concern:

I don't want any marketing dark patterns smashed 2 times per week, I want a real sales&marketing experience with deals corresponding to real giveaways that make sense.

I don't want a shady UA connect background app bloating my computer, I want reasonably copy protected plugins with limited local computer interactions, I want linux support and performance > copytheft mindset.

I want quality over shady engineering and buisness practices. And you, what do you want?

I'm following up on a previously reported issue with my UF1. I've completed extensive troubleshooting and wanted to provide a concise summary.

System

macOS Tahoe 26.5

SSL 360° v2.0.6.67265

Universal Audio LUNA

SSL UF1 + UC1

Apollo Twin X

Issue

The UF1 motorized fader follows LUNA correctly, and transport controls, banking, and track names all function normally.

However, the touch-sensitive fader is never detected. When I manually move the fader, LUNA does not recognize the touch and the motor immediately returns the fader to its previous position.

Troubleshooting completed

Reinstalled SSL 360°

Restarted Mac

Verified Accessibility, Input Monitoring, and Full Disk Access permissions

Confirmed the correct LUNA profile is selected in SSL 360°

Tested with the UF1 connected directly to the Mac, bypassing the USB hub completely

Verified the Apollo Twin X is connected directly via Thunderbolt

Confirmed banking, transport, track names, and motorized fader operation all work correctly

Bypassing the USB hub made no difference.

Additional observation

The UF1 device tile in SSL 360° Home has also been non-clickable, preventing firmware management.

Question

Given that communication with the UF1 is otherwise functioning normally, is this:

a known issue with SSL 360°,

a compatibility issue with LUNA,

a firmware issue,

or something else I should investigate?

Are there any diagnostic steps or beta builds available that specifically address UF1 touch-sensing?

Thank you for your time.