I recently switch to a Universal Audio interface from another high end interface. Getting to know the unique features of the UA interface and Console app has been interesting and your video's have really helped. Thanks so much!!!
Really enjoy your videos as a owner of UAD products, never thought about the loop method so thank you- big fan of the Fender Tweed and Friedman collection, 9/10 I can pretty much satisfy any client within a couple minutes with these- cheers.
Nice one Steve. As an UAD user and bass player myself, it would be great to see a similar video on Unison bass amps & channel strips that you use during your sessions.
Hell ya! Glad you found it inspiring mate! I do particularly dig the one with lexicon! I’m thinking about making a new video on the amplitube 5 max. That Black Friday deal ruled.
@@TheSteveKinney I plan on doing something similar, going from a real amp into a load box into the Apollo. How would you recommend doing this to capture a cab tone within console while using the loop method?
@@tcerecords5253 🤔 Well. First, can you list the full intended signal chain? the unison loop method is mainly for using an amp sim and running into a console, so. If you use a real amp, are you just using the cab? And using a sim to run into the cab?
I use a mic on the cab, and DI from my Ironman II for guitars running into Neve 1084 & Helios unison preamps. The blend sounds great. Used Luna's utility row with 0.3 ms delay to fix the phase issue between DI & the close mic on the cab.
@@TheSteveKinney '69 Silverface Showman head into the Ironman II, and out through a Rivera Q-Cab 2x12 with JBL's. AT3035 Cartioid mic on the cab. Not your traditional mic for that but I don't have any other mics 😁
@@TheSteveKinney one of the big things I ran into was either the mic or the DI needed to be phase flipped and I had to put a few ms delay on the DI. If we do your unison loop technique would phasing or latency come in to play? Ever hear cone filtering when unison looping?
My problem is always volume. The volume coming from the system sounds fine (mac). The plugin volume is so low I can't hear or feel it. I end up having to turn the Apollo up to near unity to get the amp models to feel and sound right - and that's with outside plugins as well. What am I doing wrong? I have Krk Rokit Classic 5's - why is the system volume always so loud but the plugins are always so quiet?
hmmmmmm.... without seeing what your doing.. it would be tough to say, it's possible you have your system dimmed. that control is in the talkback master control section of console. also - Spotify and system audio is already mastered and loud af.. no way around that outside of bringing down specific applications audio. there is only so much headroom in general, gotta balance it somehow.
Any idea how to record guitar using logic with apollo solo? Also an explanation on how to do it with console (have fender tweed) would be very helpful. Very confused atm.
It’s a great video, thanks! It would be interesting to see exactly how you set up the Apollo with the four different methods you describe. I mean it’s not rocket science, I get it, but still…
A year late but here: 1. DI -> just plug in the front 2. Unison Loop -> Output 1 looped back to input 2 3. External FX -> guitar into FX, FX into interface 4. Amp Modeler -> Guitar into modeler, L+R modeler outs into interface
Great video this was super helpful! I’m considering purchasing the Apollo Solo but in multiple videos folks mention you run out of DSP super quick because of the single core if you add a couple of plugins. In your experience is this the case? Many thanks again!
Ultimately - depends on which amp sim and which mic pre. When they named it the solo - I think it was clever. Because generally what I say is : With the solo you can build a really nice tracking signal chain for one signal. So an acoustic guitar - you could do two mics, two mic pres. Compression, verb. Etc Vocal - nice mic pre, eq comp, verb, delay You’d likely be fine with this trick - but some amp sims and mic pres might be a bit too heavy. The v76 mic pre is really heavy, and the helios too - so it’s definitely possible to do this trick. Generally speaking - I look at the solo like a great tracking tool and a piece of outboard gear. You can process tracks and bounce tracks as you mix. And then of course the audio quality is amazing, nothing comes close to it in its class. But you’re not gonna be doing massive UAD only mixing sessions with it. You’d have to commit sources a lot. That said - with Luna extensions - you can get a lot further. It runs some of the API stuff natively. Additionally, the legacy plugins take very little DSP. So the original 1176 and la2a etc. You’d be surprised how much you can do. I think a lot of people fail with understanding how to use the solo and then chop it down a peg online after the fact. If you’re good at managing the resources, then it’s quite capable. Watch my “building a song with Apollo solo and Luna” .. you can see exactly how I do this. The song is out on the radio at the moment in Australia. Cheers!
Hi Steve, great video, my question is: Are u pluggin' your guitar directly in the Apollo interface(hi-z input) or are u using also other hardware to get that sound?
The "simplest method" and the "unison loop" in this demonstration were direct in. The amp modeler method is from an HX stomp > straight into SSL E Series w/ lexicon 224 verb
Hey Steve - bit late to the video, but super useful as always! Did want to try the loop method but not sure I'm getting the routing right. If I send the output into the the second channel of the Apollo I get the system audio and a very low signal from the hi-z that my guitar is plugged into. I see in the comments you've said to "make sure not to mirror your first channel to the main output" -- what does that mean? Probably missing something basic here but any help much appreciated! Cheers
I’ve tried Helix native, amplitube, Engel amps and none of them sound as good the Heartbroken amp on Garage band! Helix native was a waste of money I never use it! The garage band amps just work better with garage band! I wish garage band would just give me more options! Upgraded amp sims etc. why do you use a DI box into your interface? You can listen to my recordings and my tone is all from that one setting in Garage Band! So far I haven’t found anything better!
I will only use a DI box in a few settings.. 1. when I'm mic'ing a live amp. Taking a separate DI signal is a must, so that you have a clean direct feed of the guitar incase you want to re-amp later. 2. re-amp boxes (sometimes referred to as DI's) are able to take the impedance load of a balanced signal and convert it to the proper hi-z load that an amp would see normally. again - which is useful in the re-amping situation. cheers mate!
Thanks for these usefull tips man! Anyone knows how to set up unison loop on the Solo? I tried left side monitor to channel 2 but obviously I get the sound of the click (master) recorded.. Let me know if anyone has ressources on this please 🙏
Guitar or amp modeler > hi-z jack > out of Apollo line out > into mic pre 2 Ideally going into mic pre 2 with a di box to convert the signal to line or mic level. But not totally necessary. - just gotta watch the signal levels. Start low and work your way up. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya! lol
Steve - nice video (and gorgeous tele!). I am new to home recording for guitar instrumental music. I recently purchased an Apollo Twin X to use with Logic Pro X. I noticed you used an "audio" track and an Amplitube amp plugin near the beginning. I thought audio tracks were only for recording with a mic. What is the difference between creating a "guitar or bass" track versus an "audio" track in Logic Pro X? If I want to use the UAD amp sims, should I go with an "audio" track even if not using a mic? Thanks!
Hey Jeff! Ya that tele is awesome. Super stoked and well worth every penny I paid for it. I got lucky finding it! And truthfully - logic kind of dumbs down the process which inevitably leads to more confusion later down the line. There is no difference between and audio track and a guitar track in logic. All that is happening when you choose guitar track in logic is that it’s prepopulating an audio track with a guitar signal chain and loading up the preset tab on the left with all the signal chain presets. Hopefully that makes sense, happy to answer any other questions. Cheers!
I have a Two Notes Torpedo Captor X with many IRS but prefer a Palmer ADIG-LB to get the closest sound to my actual amps and pedals…if I can’t mic them for some reason like late at night when everyone else is asleep.
I've recorded DI tracks with the Twin X, but when I insert my Amp, EQ and compressor within Studio One, ( same settings ) it sounds different. Everything sounds great while I'm in Console, but it is completely lifeless when I use it in my DAW. Just to avoid the tone, I've resorted to just using my Studio One amp, EQ and comp, which sound great. I don't know what the issue is, but all I know to do is return the Apollo and use something different.
@@TheSteveKinney I hoped so and changed it, but no difference. It's odd. I haven't tried Luna to see if it does it in there, but it's been kicking my butt.
@RippertheCrooKs of course. Everything was and is setup right. I thought I was missing something, but my stock Studio One plugins just sound better applied to my DI tracks.
Hi Steve, Question about the unison looping method you mentioned here: Can I use a balanced TRS cable from output 3 to the second (non-hi z input) on an Apollo Twin instead of an XLR cable?
Depends on how you run it all. I’ve not had anything drastic unless I’m going out of logic and then back in. It gets complicated cause there are numerous ways to keep it super low.
Great !! I just bought uad amps, cool but think because i have an active stratocaster i enter too loud in the apollo ...even if i lower the volume... Would there be a solution ? Also when using my pedalboard it doesn t sound great, sound is muddy compared to sound of real amp in this case. I have a reamp box (with ajustable gain) but don t know if would be a solution ? Thx
@@MELOPSMUSIC the gain on the hi-z preamp should be all the way down for starters. Your pedals might be hitting hotter into the Apollo, back your final gain stage off. Finally, almost every UAD plugins headroom is lower by default to get to “the sweet spot” earlier. Turn the plugins input gain way down and start there.
I know this video is a year old but... Any suggestions for the unison loop method? I end up with a real metallic sound. I am not mirroring the main plug-in volume just the channel strip. Any suggestions appreciated!
@@TheSteveKinney Thanks. So I'm using an Arrow. Running 2R line out to the 2R Line in. Is it maybe due to it being line in vs Mic in? I'm not getting a feedback loop simply a real metallic noise. Using good TRS balanced cables. Thanks again for the help.
@@grabow32 eh - I think the problem could be that the output itself isn’t line level - instead - it’s got amplification in it because it’s meant for monitors - it’s tricky using the solo / arrow. You gotta keep the signal level super low. And then also - you could try using the headphone output instead. Sounds wonky - but at the end of the day - it’s all just a signal.
Hey Steve, thanks for the useful video. I am trying to wrap my head around the loop you mentioned. From what I understood, the point is to hit a unison slot twice, first unison slot is hit from the direct Hi-Z input, then you go line-out from the back, then back into channel 2? So you have one instrument hitting two channels? Is there a technical term for this so I can look for more elaborate tutorials on how to set this up?
Hey mate! 100%... you have the signal path correct. There isn’t a technical term. Because I’ve never seen anyone else do this. Lol this is something that I’ve dubbed the unison loop method. Not really much more to it either. The only additional thing you could do maybe... depending on signal itself is to use a reamp box or a DI box. Those are useful to have anyway and they are a little different for different things and situations. Outside of that - nothing more elaborate to it. Be sure to use balanced cables on the output and on the way back in. 🤓cheers mate!
@@TheSteveKinney very smart idea! Do you think this is any different than having the second unison plugin loaded as an insert in your DAW? It certainly saves on DSP because you can just print the track, but curious if the result would be any different! I’m glad I came across your channel 😊
@@zafersawafmusic it’s very possible to try and see for yourself. It will likely make a difference. I’ve done null tests before. The difference it makes though - is what will come into question. It’s just sonically different. So it’s - “do I like the way it sounds?” Not “this way sounds better”... I’m kind of a nerd. So I personally think the extra effort is worth it and cooler/more fun. I could understand the convenience factor of just dropping the plugin on after in the chain lol
So if I have a pod go and I want to run stereo into an Apollo solo, I’d it as simple as running 1/4” from the outputs of the pod go into both inputs on the interface?
How do I get rid of the feedback when using UA plugins through Amplitude 5 amp models? The feedback does not happen if the UA plugins are all disabled.
Would really be nice to see what the Unison loop signal chain method actually looks like in Console. Would be helpful for us goofballs trying to set it up.
are we hearing the direct sound or from your camera mic ? I plugged those sims amps into my apollo and they all sounds fizzy and harsh through my high quality Audio technica headphones. not sure why it soungs nice in youtube and sound bad in my headphones. Is there a secret with volumes or other EQ that i need to apply ?
depends on a few things, the gauge string on your guitar, type of guitar.. type of pedals hitting the first "amp" in the chain etc.. if it's SUPER fizzy, you could always LPF or "low pass filter".. I find with my HX stomp, I need to LPF pretty heavily usually down to like 8k - most of the magic of electric guitars are between 250hz and 4k anyway. just all midrange.
Hmmmmm 🤔 Do you do guitar work professionally? Or are you an independent artist looking to create sounds and song write? If it’s professionally - you could definitely use the UAD stuff. However, you will eventually end up a bit limited in scope with respect to amps, cabinet models - etc. The ones UAD has are amazing... the ones they have.. Axe FX is dang near an industry standard. Just like kemper. If you’re a gigging guitar player, pro session player, or looking to be one of those two - you’ll want to go with the axe FX. Hopefully that makes sense! That said - you should have a UAD interface regardless. And if you’re considering Hx stomp vs Axe fx That’s a whole other ball game. It’s a game of portability and practicality etc. sounds are awesome but the axe fix will win ecerytime. Cheers mate!
Yes. Line out and input into second mic input/ line in. Just again, gotta start with everything on really low gain and work your way up. Double checking for feedback loops etc.
If anyone could help me with this question if I don't have any uad hardware like the interfaces can I run the Plugins by just buying the satellite or do I need a interface also ( not talking about the preamp modeling I am talking about the compressors and eq's)
hey i would like to ask something i recently installed a gpu on my pc and a new interface and i started hearing noise in my audio signal in the motherboard outputs and even on the apollo via a thunderbolt card. and i just found out it was because i had plugins on the inserts that i use to monitoring vocals when i listen to beats . i turn the plugins off and the interference noise is gone it was the mic unison pre amp , a pul tech eq , the teletronix and real reberb . but idk why that interference is created when i turn the plugins on. i can hear it even with the apollo off . on the motherboard sound i can heard when i mose the mouse. any suggestions?
Electronics are funky man. Sometimes that happens, it happened occasionally with my last MacBook when editing video. I think that it has something to do with electrical oscillation and it’s just loud. Our ears probably can’t hear it, but the electronics are picking it up and amplifying it. Not much you can do about it short of trying to relocate the Apollo or computer further away from each other and see if that helps.
@@TheSteveKinney yea I agree well at first I thought it was the gpu or the power supply. Before installing those two components I don’t remember hearing those sounds that much . But now when I put the unison pre amp and eq and compresor on the mic channel it introduces a lot of noise , if I bring the volume up in the Apollo I can hear it a lot and that’s without having the Apollo on too. I can hear it on the motherboard outputs. But when I turn those plugins off I can’t hear anything even when it bring the Apollo to max volume . It only happens with the plugins on the line .. I thought it was something related to having components too close but maybe it’s internal the electricity going from psu to the motherboard.. I’m thinking on re do my studio pc . Do you know any reference sites ? Im thinking on getting an i9 1200k with a motherboard with thunderbolt onboard. I would like to see what components can be compatibles the most to reduce problems like this. I also would like to keep the gpu for casual gaming
