Recording Into Logic with Apollo X8
Preliminary steps:
- Make sure the Apollo, Speakers, and Computer are all turned on.
- Make sure the black Thunderbolt cable cable going from the Apollo is connected to the computer.
Recording:
1- Plug a microphone into input 2-4 on the snake lying on the floor (inputs 2-4 on the snake correspond to inputs 2-4 on the Apollo). NOTE: Input 1 is BROKEN, do not use it.
2-on the Apollo, push the "preamp" dial to select the channel you have connected the mic to (you will see the input numbers change as you push the button).
3- If using a condenser microphone, make sure you turn on Phantom Power (look for the button marked "48v").
4- Make sure the PAD light is off. If it's on, push it to turn it off.
5- In logic, go to the preferences -> Audio -> devices, and make sure "Universal Audio Thunderbolt" as the Input and Output device (this is Logic's name for the Apollo X8).
6- Make sure the speakers are muted (push the "Monitor" dial on the Apollo so that it turns RED).
7- Create a new track and select "Input 2", "input 3", etc., depending on the Apollo input you plugged your mic into.
8- Press the "record enable" button (see picture above, step 6): it will turn red and start to blink. You should now see some activity on meters of the track.
9- SET YOUR LEVELS! Look at the meters and adjust the "Preamp" dial on the Apollo until the loudest parts of what you're trying to record hits about -6dB. Avoid clipping as much as possible (i.e., you should never see the top of the meters turn red).
10- Record a test sound - Press the record button. Once done, press stop or spacebar.
11- Listen to your test: Turn OFF the record enable button, UNMUTE the speakers (push the "Monitor" dial), bring the playhead to the beginning of your clip, and press spacebar. You should hear your test recording. Ask yourself the following questions:
Is there too much/too little room sound? Is the sound "natural" (i.e., like it sounds to your ears), or is it more focused on a particular frequency range? Adjust the mic placement and levels accordingly.
IMPORTANT: if your recording is very quiet, DO NOT simply raise the faders in Logic's mixer. You MUST raise the Preamp dial on the Apollo and re-record.
12- Repeat steps 7-11 until you are satisfied with the sound and then record your source.
Recording so that you can hear other tracks on the headphones:
13- Follow the same instructions as above. However, plug headphones into either headphone jack on the Apollo X8, and MUTE the speakers (you won't hear anything from the speakers but the headphones will work).
