Apollo x16 | Gen 2 Thunderbolt Audio Interface: Ultimate Analog Sound for Professional Studios
Available Editions:
- Essentials+ Edition
- Ultimate+ Edition
Product Overview
The Apollo x16 Gen 2 Thunderbolt Audio Interface is a powerful 18x20 rackmount solution designed for top-tier recording studios and audio professionals. With 16 analog I/O via DB-25 connections, HEXA Core DSP, and immersive audio support up to 9.1.6, Apollo x16 brings elite audio conversion and connectivity to Mac and Windows environments, making it perfect for producers who require unmatched analog sound and extensive channel capabilities.
Key Benefits:
- Flagship Audio Conversion: Experience pristine sound with an expansive dynamic range, ultra-low distortion, and high-resolution clarity for the most demanding studio setups.
- Professional I/O Options: Connect with DB-25 analog inputs and outputs, supporting 16x16 analog I/O, stereo AES I/O, and switchable +24 dBu headroom for seamless integration with analog gear.
- Access to Over 200 UAD Plug-Ins: Tap into Universal Audio's comprehensive plug-in library, featuring DSP and Native plug-ins like Capitol Chambers and Sound City Studios, ideal for mixing and mastering.
- Enhanced Monitoring with Apollo Monitor Correction: Calibrate your monitors with Sonarworks®* to ensure accurate playback in any listening environment, including immersive setups.
- Surround Sound Support up to 9.1.6: Create multi-channel mixes for formats like Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, and Sony 360 Reality Audio with advanced bass management for immersive audio projects.
- Streamlined Workflow with LUNA Integration: Record and mix with the LUNA Recording System for a fast, natural workflow that brings out the best in your Apollo x16.
- High-Value Plug-In Bundles: Essentials+ and Ultimate+ Editions include premium UAD plug-ins from top brands like Fairchild, Teletronix, and Auto-Tune, ensuring you have powerful tools right out of the box.
Why Choose Apollo x16?
Perfect for Professional Studios and High-End Production The Apollo x16 is tailored for 18x20 I/O setups, providing 16 analog inputs and outputs with HEXA Core DSP. Its 24-bit / 192 kHz audio conversion ensures superior sound quality, making it an essential component for studios that demand the ultimate in analog and digital audio integration.
Seamless Integration with Analog Equipment With 16x16 DB-25 I/O, the Apollo x16 is designed to interface effortlessly with analog gear and patchbays. The switchable +24 dBu headroom setting offers professional-grade integration, ideal for those who need a reliable interface for high-end studio equipment.
Precision Monitoring and Calibration Apollo x16 features UA’s flagship D/A converters with 133 dB dynamic range and Dual-Crystal Clocking for ultra-low jitter, ensuring accurate playback. Apollo Monitor Correction, powered by Sonarworks®, guarantees that your mixes translate perfectly, no matter the playback system.
Advanced Immersive Audio Capabilities With support for up to 9.1.6 surround sound, the Apollo x16 can handle complex multi-channel audio projects, making it ideal for film scoring and immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. The onboard bass management ensures that every element of your mix is represented with precision.
Scalable for Future Growth The Apollo x16’s Thunderbolt connectivity allows you to link up to four units, providing up to 64 channels of premium I/O, perfect for expanding your setup as your studio’s needs grow. Stack with other Thunderbolt Apollo units for additional flexibility and control from your desktop.
Key Features:
- 18 x 20 Thunderbolt Audio Interface with HEXA Core DSP for high-performance real-time processing.
- 16 x 16 Analog I/O via DB-25: Professional-grade connections for seamless integration with outboard gear and consoles.
- High-Resolution A/D and D/A Conversion with 24-bit / 192 kHz resolution, 133 dB dynamic range, and ultra-low jitter for pristine playback.
- 9.1.6 Surround Sound Capability: Ideal for immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos, with comprehensive bass management support.
- Apollo Monitor Correction: Powered by Sonarworks®* for accurate calibration of stereo and surround sound setups.
- Comprehensive Monitoring Control: Features integrated talkback, ALT monitoring support, and easy communication with talent.
- Extensive UAD Plug-In Library: Supports over 200 UAD plug-ins across VST, AU, and AAX formats, compatible with major DAWs like Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live.
- Essentials+ or Ultimate+ Editions: Access top-tier plug-ins from brands like Auto-Tune, Fairchild, and Teletronix, expanding your creative toolkit.
- Future-Ready I/O with Thunderbolt and optional Dante compatibility, ensuring your setup can grow with your needs.
- Expert Technical Support from experienced audio engineers, providing reliable assistance for any challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What sets the Apollo x16 apart from other Apollo interfaces? The Apollo x16 provides 16x16 DB-25 analog I/O, supporting high-end studio configurations with extensive channel needs, as well as immersive audio formats up to 9.1.6.
2. Is the Apollo x16 compatible with Windows? Yes, the Apollo x16 supports both Mac and Windows systems via Thunderbolt, ensuring compatibility for various studio environments.
3. What is unique about Unison™ technology? While Apollo x16 lacks Unison™ preamps, it excels in analog and digital I/O, enabling seamless integration with external preamps and analog equipment.
4. What does Apollo Monitor Correction offer? Apollo Monitor Correction, powered by Sonarworks®, provides precise calibration for both stereo and immersive audio monitoring, ensuring that your mixes translate accurately across different playback systems.
5. Can I link multiple Apollo x16 units for expanded I/O? Absolutely. The Apollo x16 can be connected with up to four units, supporting up to 64 channels of analog I/O, ideal for large-scale recording and mixing setups.
6. What plug-ins come with the Essentials+ and Ultimate+ Editions? Both editions offer curated collections of premium UAD plug-ins, with the Ultimate+ Edition featuring an expanded selection to support advanced production needs.
*Coming Q4 2024, requires Apollo Monitor Correction Add-on and SoundID Reference licenses, available from sonarworks.com
**For full compatibility information, refer to help.uaudio.com
Included Plug-Ins in Essentials+ Edition
Channel Strips & Preamps (6)
Century Tube Channel Strip
CS-1 Channel Strip
Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ
Precision Channel Strip
UA 610-A Preamp & EQ
UA 610-B Preamp & EQ
Compressors / Limiters (7)
Fairchild 670 Legacy
Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler
Teletronix LA-2A Gray Classic Leveler
Teletronix LA-2A Silver Classic Leveler
Teletronix LA-2A Legacy Leveling Amplifier
UA 1176LN Legacy
UA 1176SE Legacy
Equalizers (6)
Helios Type 69 Legacy EQ
Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ
Pultec EQP-1A Passive EQ
Pultec HLF-3C Passive EQ
Pultec MEQ-5 Passive EQ
Pultec Pro Legacy EQ
Special Processing (4)
Auto-Tune Realtime Access
Oxide Tape Recorder
Precision Enhancer Hz
Verve Analog Machines Essentials
Instruments (1)
PolyMAX Polyphonic Synth
Delay & Modulation (3)
Galaxy Tape Echo
Precision Delay Mod
Precision Delay Mod L
Reverbs & Rooms (3)
Precision Reflection Engine
Pure Plate Reverb
RealVerb Pro Custom Room Modeler
Guitar & Bass (3)
Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amplifier
Marshall Plexi Classic Amplifier
Raw Distortion
Included Plug-Ins in Ultimate+ Edition
Channel Strips & Preamps (19)
API Preamp
API Vision Channel Strip
API Vision Legacy Channel Strip
Avalon VT-737sp Channel Strip
Century Tube Channel Strip
CS-1 Channel Strip
Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ
LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip
Manley Reference Microphone Preamp
Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip
Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ
Neve 88RS Channel Strip
Neve 88RS Legacy Channel Strip
Precision Channel Strip
SSL E Series Channel Strip
SSL E Series Channel Strip Legacy
UA 610-A Preamp & EQ
UA 610-B Preamp & EQ
V76 Preamplifier
Compressors / Limiters (22)
API 2500 Stereo Bus Compressor
dbx 160 Compressor / Limiter
Empirical Labs Distressor
Fairchild 660 Compressor
Fairchild 670 Compressor
Fairchild 670 Legacy Compressor
Manley Variable-Mu Limiter Compressor
Precision Buss Compressor
SSL G Series Bus Compressor
SSL G Series Bus Compressor Legacy
Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler
Teletronix LA-2A Gray Classic Leveler
Teletronix LA-2A Silver Classic Leveler
Teletronix LA-2A Legacy Leveling Amplifier
Teletronix LA-3A Classic Leveler
UA 1176 Rev A Classic Limiter
UA 1176AE Classic Limiter
UA 1176LN Rev E Classic Limiter
UA 1176LN Legacy Limiting Amplifier
UA 1176SE Legacy Limiting Amplifier
UA 175B Classic Limiter
UA 176 Classic Limiter
Equalizers (17)
API 550A Parametric EQ
API 560 Graphic EQ
Cambridge EQ
Harrison 32C Channel EQ
Harrison 32C SE Channel EQ
Helios Type 69 Legacy EQ
Hitsville EQ
Manley Massive Passive EQ
Neve 1073 Legacy Classic Console EQ
Neve 1073SE Legacy Classic Console EQ
Precision Equalizer
Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ
Pultec EQP-1A Passive EQ
Pultec HLF-3C Passive EQ
Pultec MEQ-5 Passive EQ
Pultec-Pro Legacy EQ
Trident A-Range Classic Console EQ
Special Processing (21)
Auto-Tune Realtime Access
Auto-Tune Realtime Advanced
Auto-Tune Realtime X
Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder
Empirical Labs FATSO Jr. Tape Sim. & Compressor
Empirical Labs FATSO Sr. Tape Sim. & Compressor
Little Labs IBP Phase Alignment Tool
Little Labs Voice Of God Bass Resonance
Moog Multimode Filter
Moog Multimode Filter SE
Moog Multimode Filter XL
Oxide Tape Recorder
Precision De-Esser
Precision Enhancer Hz
Precision Enhancer kHz
Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder
Thermionic Culture Vulture
Topline Key Finder
Topline Vocal Suite
Verve Analog Machines
Verve Analog Machines Essentials
Instruments (6)
Electra 88 Vintage Keyboard Studio
Moog Minimoog
Opal Morphing Synth
PolyMAX Polyphonic Synth
Ravel Grand Piano
Waterfall B3 Organ
Delay & Modulation (10)
Brigade Chorus Pedal
Cooper Time Cube MkII Delay
EP-34 Tape Echo
Galaxy Tape Echo
KORG SDD-3000 Digital Delay
MXR Flanger/Doubler
Precision Delay Modulation
Precision Delay Modulation Long
Studio D Chorus
Waterfall Rotary Speaker
Reverbs & Rooms (13)
AKG BX 20 Spring Reverb
Capitol Chambers
DreamVerb Room Modeler
EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverb
EMT 250 Classic Electronic Reverb
Hitsville Reverb Chambers
Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb
Lexicon 480L Digital Reverb and Effects
Ocean Way Studios
Precision Reflection Engine
Pure Plate Reverb
RealVerb Pro Custom Room Modeler
UAD Sound City Studios
Mastering (7)
Capitol Mastering Compressor
Hitsville Mastering EQ
Manley Massive Passive Mastering EQ
Precision K-Stereo Ambience Recovery
Precision Maximizer
Precision Multiband
Precision Limiter
Guitar (9)
Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amplifier
Bermuda Triangle
Fender ’55 Tweed Deluxe
Marshall Plexi Classic Amplifier
Raw Distortion
TS Overdrive Pedal
UAD Dream '65 Reverb Amplifier
UAD Lion '68 Super Lead Amp
UAD Ruby '63 Top Boost Amplifier
LUNA Extensions (4)
LUNA API Summing Extension
LUNA API Vision Console Emulation Extension
LUNA Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Extension
LUNA Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Extension
