Interoperability of Universal Audio Apollo x8p and Apollo 16 MK2: A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of professional audio and recording, the Universal Audio (UA) Apollo series stands as a staple for musicians and audio engineers alike. Two of the most popular models within this range are the Apollo x8p and the Apollo 16 MK2, both equipped with Thunderbolt 2 and Thunderbolt 3 connections, respectively. This article will delve into the interoperability of these two devices, addressing the question of whether these devices can work together and providing a detailed explanation of their technical specifications and connectivity options.

Understanding the Universal Audio Apollo x8p and Apollo 16 MK2

The Universal Audio Apollo x8p is a compact yet powerful audio interface that offers eight high-quality AEI microphone preamps and eight fully programmable I/O channels. On the other hand, the Apollo 16 MK2 is a more robust and versatile 16-channel interface, providing an even greater number of mic preamps and I/O channels, along with a built-in line-level AES3 passthrough. Both devices come with state-of-the-art audio processing and comprehensive software to enhance your creative process.

The Role of Thunderbolt Technology

Thunderbolt technology is a high-speed, bi-directional I/O interface that supports both data and display connectivity. For recording and audio production applications, Thunderbolt has become the standard due to its superior performance and flexibility. The Apollo x8p and Apollo 16 MK2 feature Thunderbolt 2 (x8p) and Thunderbolt 3 (16 MK2) ports, respectively, which support a wide range of speeds and applications.

Thunderbolt 2 and Thunderbolt 3: Standards and Capabilities

Thunderbolt 2: Thunderbolt 2 is capable of transferring data at a speed of up to 20 Gbps, which is ideal for professional audio applications. It is particularly useful for applications that require high throughput, such as backing up large amounts of recording data or transferring high-resolution audio files. While Thunderbolt 2 is not as fast as its successor, it remains a robust choice for many professional audio workstations.

Thunderbolt 3: Introduced in 2015, Thunderbolt 3 is the successor to Thunderbolt 2 and offers significantly higher speeds, with up to 40 Gbps for data throughput and support for charging and display outputs. This makes Thunderbolt 3 not only a powerful data transfer tool but also a versatile peripheral connection solution for audio devices, allowing for seamless integration with a range of external devices and accessories.

Interconnecting the Apollo x8p and Apollo 16 MK2

The primary concern when integrating the Apollo x8p and Apollo 16 MK2 is whether the Thunderbolt 2 and Thunderbolt 3 ports can work together. The good news is that these connections can be interoperated with some considerations. Here’s a detailed look at the possibilities:

Direct Connection

One of the most straightforward ways to connect the Apollo x8p and Apollo 16 MK2 is to use a direct Thunderbolt cable. Both devices can be aggregated into a single system, allowing you to combine their features for an enhanced setup. However, this setup will depend on the specific Thunderbolt-supporting application software installed on your host computer.

Adapting Connection Types

Although the Apollo x8p uses Thunderbolt 2 and the Apollo 16 MK2 uses Thunderbolt 3, both are capable of falling back to lower speeds if needed. For example, the Apollo 16 MK2 can operate at Thunderbolt 2 speeds if a Thunderbolt 2 cable is used, and vice versa.

This means that even if you are using a Thunderbolt 3 cable, you can still achieve Thunderbolt 2 speeds, which is more than sufficient for most audio work. The compatibility of these devices ensures that you can achieve your audio needs without the need for additional converters or adapters.

Considerations for Optimal Performance

While the compatibility and adaptability of Thunderbolt 2 and Thunderbolt 3 connections between the Apollo x8p and Apollo 16 MK2 are advantageous, there are a few considerations to keep in mind for optimal performance:

Cable Quality and Compatibility

Ensure that you use high-quality, certified Thunderbolt cables to maintain data integrity and minimize potential issues. Employing high-quality cables is particularly important in audio applications where the slightest signal degradation can be detrimental to your recordings.

Software and Driver Support

The compatibility of the software and drivers will play a crucial role in how well these devices work together. Make sure your host computer’s operating system and applications are up to date, and that you have the latest firmware for both Apollo devices. This will ensure that you are utilizing all the features available and that there are no performance bottlenecks.

Resource Management and Bandwidth

While the Thunderbolt interface can handle a large amount of data, resource management and bandwidth allocation are important. It is advisable to avoid oversubscribing the available bandwidth by ensuring that other data-intensive applications (like video editing software) are not running simultaneously with audio-intensive tasks. Proper management of system resources will help you achieve the best performance from both devices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Universal Audio Apollo x8p and Apollo 16 MK2 are highly interoperable and can work seamlessly together, provided you are mindful of the connection types and ensure that your setup is optimized for performance. The flexibility and robustness of Thunderbolt technology, coupled with the powerful features of both models, make them excellent choices for a wide range of professional audio applications. Whether you are looking to expand your current setup or start a new one, the Apollo series offers a versatile and reliable solution.