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In The Studio with Rob Gueringer: Universal Audio Apollo X16 Thunderbolt Heritage Editionplay button

In The Studio with Rob Gueringer: Universal Audio Apollo X16 Thunderbolt Heritage Edition

Universal Audio

collapse expand iconDescription

The Universal Audio Apollo x16 is the flagship 18x20 Thunderbolt 3 interface for professional and project studios, offering extensive I/O alongside the analog tones heard on innumerable chart-topping singles and Grammy-winning albums. Featuring 16 channels, class-leading conversion and the broadest dynamic range found in any integrated audio interface, the Apollo x16 is a gateway to lifelike recordings and mixes. HEXA Core processing enables UAD DSP plug-ins for tracking, mixing and mastering, and the Apollo x16 comes with a suite of analog emulations and effects out of the box. The UA x16 interface is also flexible enough to serve as a monitoring hub for surround and immersive mixing formats up to 9.1.6. For demanding users, the Apollo x16 rackmount interface unites analog equipment and digital music production systems through renowned Universal Audio expertise and quality.    

Universal Audio Apollo x16 UAD Plug-ins

Your Studio Centerpiece

The Universal Audio Apollo x16 rackmount Thunderbolt 3 interface is the bridge between outboard studio gear and a DAW. With 16x16 analog I/O over DB25, it’s painless connecting to professional equipment, and its switchable +24dBu headroom setting ensures compatibility with high-end tools, which include consoles. It’s even possible to daisy chain up to four Apollo x16 interfaces for rapid channel expansion best suited to large-format consoles and extensive collections of studio processors, like preamps. The UA Apollo x16 interface is the centerpiece of a hybrid analog/digital workflow that many engineers rely on every day.       

Universal Audio Apollo x16 Connectivity

Powerful HEXA Core Processing

Mix using DSP-powered UAD plug-ins, driven by the elite HEXA Core processing found in the Universal Audio Apollo x16. The included Realtime Analog Classics plug-in bundle contains digital emulations of famous gear, like Pultec EQ, 1176, LA-2A and Fairchild compression, and the UA 610-B tube preamp. HEXA Core processing also opens the x16 interface up to the entire DSP-based UAD library, so you can mix with the best of the best in analog modeling. With the Apollo x16, you can also track through UAD plug-ins in real time using the Console application. Each channel has four virtual inserts, which can then be placed in the record or monitor path, to print UAD effects à la the analog days, or give your artist a fully decked-out headphone mix without committing to sounds on the way in.

Universal Audio Apollo x16 In Studio

Exceptionally Detailed Recordings

The latest Universal Audio Apollo x16 combines 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters with all-new analog circuitry for an ultraclean signal path. Apollo interfaces are noted for their stellar sound that’s been described as open, natural and realistic, as if the performer is in the room with you. These desirable sonic traits have been all over hit records since the Apollo series’ inception in 2012, and the flagship x16, with its current-day components, takes pristine audio fidelity to new heights. At 133dB, the Apollo x16 boasts best-in-class dynamic range, aided by incredibly low self-noise measured at -129dB THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion Plus Noise). In many ways, the x16 is a transparent foundation for your analog gear to shine, and the ideal platform to begin building with UAD plug-ins.    

Universal Audio Apollo x16 Rackmount Interface

Immersive Mix Ready

The Universal Audio Apollo x16 natively supports 7.1 surround and immersive formats up to 9.1.6. Comprehensive monitoring support is ideal for engineers in film, TV and video game post-production, as well as those crafting immersive musical mixes for Dolby Atmos, Sony 360 Reality Audio, AURO-3D and others. The Apollo x16 can stand on its own as a complete monitoring hub to create immersive 16-channel audio mixes.

The Universal Audio Apollo x16 Thunderbolt 3 interface is a premium studio upgrade, showcasing uncompromising design, superior components and outstanding build quality. As a sonically and functionally advanced unit, the Apollo x16 ties the various components of project and professional studios together, while simultaneously serving as an entry into the UAD DSP-powered plug-in ecosystem. Expand your I/O and dive into the world of Universal Audio with the Apollo x16 rackmount interface. Check one out at your local Guitar Center today.      

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • A special edition of UA's acclaimed Apollo x16 interface—with a premium suite of 10 award-winning plug-in titles from Helios, Fairchild, Teletronix, Pultec, UA and more—a $2,400 value
  • 18 x 20 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz conversion 
  • Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency, regardless of audio buffer size
  • LUNA Recording System—a fully-integrated recording application made for Apollo (Mac only) 
  • Compatible with Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live and more
  • Surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format
  • UAD HEXA Core processing onboard for additional mixing horsepower for Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton and other major DAWs
  • Combine up to 4 Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos and 6 total UAD devices; backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Macs via optional adapter
  • Selectable +24 dBu operation for easy compatibility with professional mixing consoles and tape machines
  • Uncompromising UA analog design, superior components, and premium build quality
  • Free, industry-leading technical support—on the phone and online—from knowledgeable audio engineers
  • Included in Apollo Heritage Edition Bundle
    • UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
    • Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection 
    • Pultec Passive EQ Collection
    • Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection
    • Teletronix LA-3A Audio Leveler
    • UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection
    • Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ Collection
    • V76 Preamplifier
    • Oxide Tape Recorder
    • Pure Plate Reverb
    Included in the Realtime Analog Classics Plus Bundle UA 610-B
    • UA 1176LN Legacy
    • UA 1176SE Legacy
    • Ampeg SVT-VR Classic
    • Fairchild 670 Legacy
    • Marshall Plexi Classic
    • Precision Channel Strip (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
    • Precision Reflection Engine (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
    • Precision Delay Mod (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
    • Precision Delay Mod L (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
    • Precision Enhancer Hz
    • Pultec EQP-1A Legacy
    • Pultec-Pro Legacy
    • Teletronix LA-2A Legacy
    • Raw Distortion
    • RealVerb Pro

    collapse expand iconSpecs

    System Requirements
    • Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included)
    • Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
    • 6 gigabytes available storage
    • Quad Core i7 or better processor recommended
    • For additional compatibility information, visit UA's website
    Mac
    • Available Thunderbolt 1, 2, or 3 port
    • Thunderbolt 1 and 2 connections require an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (not included)
    • macOS 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, 10.14 Mojave, or 10.15 Catalina
    PC
    • Available Thunderbolt 3 port
    • Windows 10 (64-Bit Edition)

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