Auto-Gain automatically adjusts gain on Apollo’s preamp inputs (mic, line, and Hi-Z), according to detected input levels. To use Auto-Gain, you play audio sources at your loudest volume levels while running Auto-Gain in UAD Console, and the gain on all selected Apollo preamps is automatically adjusted.
Note: To get the most accurate levels for guitar amp and bass amp plug-ins, do not use Auto-Gain to set gain levels on electric guitar Hi-Z inputs. Set preamp gain at the minimum level when using the Hi-Z inputs with amp plug-ins.
Auto-Gain Requirements
Auto-Gain is available on all Apollo X Gen 2 preamp channels, including rack and desktop models. The following Apollo X Gen 2 interfaces have preamps:
- Apollo Twin X Gen 2
- Apollo x4 Gen 2
- Apollo x6 Gen 2
- Apollo x8 Gen 2
- Apollo x8p Gen 2
Using Auto-Gain
CAUTION: Auto-Gain automatically adjusts preamp levels for recording. To avoid damage to your hearing, confirm your monitor levels are set safely before proceeding.
- On any preamp channel, press the Auto-Gain button under the gain knob. The Auto-Gain floating window opens.
- By default, Auto-Gain listens and adjusts levels for 10 seconds. To increase or decrease the duration by ±5 seconds, press the -5 or +5 buttons. You can adjust the duration while Auto-Gain is listening.
- To detect gain levels, press the Start button and input your audio source at its loudest level. Auto-Gain is adjusted during or after listening, depending on the Apply Gain option under Show More.
- The Auto-Gain floating window closes after the listening duration completes. To close the Auto-Gain window, click Done.
Tip: You can set Auto-Gain on multiple preamps simultaneously. Simply click the Auto-Gain button for each preamp you want to adjust. The Auto-Gain options in the floating window apply to all Auto-Gain-enabled preamps.
Auto-Gain options
In the Auto-Gain floating window, click Show More to see all Auto-Gain options.
Tip: To return Duration, Listening Threshold, and Peak Target to their default values, Option-click (macOS) or Alt-click (Windows).
Duration
Sets the amount of time that Auto-Gain listens while setting gain levels.
The default setting is 10 seconds, which may be too short. To set a different duration, click and drag up or down in the box, or click the -5 or +5 buttons to adjust the duration. You can also click in the box and type a new value, then press Enter.
Note: The maximum duration is 90 seconds.
Apply Gain
Sets the Auto-Gain adjustment behavior.
- WHILE LISTENING applies gain changes every two seconds for the Auto-Gain duration. You can only use WHILE LISTENING with one or two preamps enabled for Auto-Gain.
- AFTER LISTENING applies the gain change after the Auto-Gain listening duration is complete.
Listening Threshold
The Listening Threshold determines the lowest level at which Auto-Gain detects a signal and begins adjusting gain. This setting ensures that Auto-Gain doesn’t set very loud gains when no detectable signal is available. The default setting is -50 dBFS, which may be too quiet for low level sources. To set a different threshold, click and drag up or down in the box, or click in the box and type a new value, then press Enter.
Peak Target
The Peak Target determines the maximum peak level that Auto-Gain should set for your material. The default setting is -8 dBFS, but you can adjust it higher or lower. Be aware that higher settings (less headroom) increase the risk of digital clipping. To set a different peak target, click and drag up or down in the box, or click in the box and type a new value, then press Enter.
Auto-Gain with Unison plug-ins
The following UAD plug-ins can be used in the Unison insert with Auto-Gain:
- API Preamp
- API Vision Channel Strip
- API Vision Channel Strip Legacy
- Neve 1073
- Neve 1084
- Neve 88RS
- Neve Preamp
- SSL 4000 E Channel Strip
If a Unison plug-in doesn’t support Auto-Gain, the Auto-Gain button is grayed out after the Unison plug-in is inserted.