JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.
Stock up on studio essentials before your next session. Explore top selling gear from the best brands.
Checkout using your account
This form is protected by reCAPTCHA - the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Checkout as a new customer
Creating an account has many benefits:
Universal Audio is taking Apollo Series interfaces to a whole new level with the new Dante-enabled Apollo x16D audio interface.
With high-quality preamps, state-of-the-art converters, and onboard DSP to power the brand’s popular UAD plug-ins, it’s no surprise that Universal Audio’s Apollo Series audio interfaces have been a huge hit since they were first released in 2012.
Since then, the company has continued to enhance its industry-leading interfaces with groundbreaking Unison technology, new analog-modeled plug-ins, and the fully-featured LUNA DAW software.
Now, for the first time, users can mix and record live performances with UA’s award-winning analog-modeled plug-ins in real time over Dante. Available in Essentials+ and Ultimate+ editions, Apollo x16D comes bundled with some of UAD’s most popular plug-ins.
Continue reading to learn more about the new Apollo x16D, how it differs from UA’s existing line of Apollo Series interfaces, and how it can be used to enhance your live or studio workflows.
Perfect for live sound venues and networked recording studios, Universal Audio’s Apollo x16D audio interface combines 16 channels of flexible Dante I/O with the brand’s top-of-the-line Apollo X audio conversion technology and HEXA core processing.
If you’ve never worked with a Dante network before, you might be wondering what it is or how it works. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Dante is an audio-over-Ethernet technology and network protocol developed in 2006. Commonly used in live music venues and houses of worship, as well as recording and broadcast studios, Dante transmits high-quality, low-latency digital audio over any standard Ethernet network.
As UA’s first Dante-enabled interface, Apollo x16D bridges the gap between the studio and the stage, enabling you to use your favorite UAD plug-ins in real time via Dante.
The Apollo x16D connects your computer via Thunderbolt and to your digital mixing console or existing Dante network via standard Ethernet Cables. On your computer, the included UAD Console software can be used to process up to 16 channels of audio with UAD plug-ins.
Now that you have the basics down, let’s talk about some of the new features available on the Apollo x16D.
In addition to Dante connectivity, the Apollo x16D also sports a few other new features compared to its siblings in the Apollo Series.
For starters, its powerful new digital mixing engine gives you complete control over inputs, outputs, and plug-in routing. Quickly build your mix and control entire effects chains in realtime and recall your plug-in settings without interrupting the performance.
Apollo x16D also supports a wide range of surround sound and immersive formats up to 9.1.6, enabling you to create mixes of your recordings for Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, Sony 360 Reality Audio, and more.
Finally, Apollo x16D makes it easy to expand your setup by connecting up to four x16Ds to build a 64-channel Dante system with network redundancy.
Alternatively, you can use the x16D to expand your current Thunderbolt Apollo system over Dante, opening up a whole new world of possibilities via networked audio.
Now that we’ve covered what’s under the hood of the Apollo x16D, let’s take a look at the back of this unit and check out the connectivity options.
Starting on the left side, you’ll see the 4-Pin XLR DC POwer connector, followed by two Thunderbolt 3 connectors for plugging into your computer or daisy chaining multiple units together.
Speaking of daisy chaining, up next you’ll see the Wordclock I/O, including WCLK in and out with 75Ω termination for local BNC clock distribution.
Following that are the stereo AES/EBU I/O connectors for connection to professional digital
outboard hardware.
To the right, you’ll see monitor outputs 1 and 2, powered by UA’s industry-leading stereo Apollo X monitor D/A converter. It’s worth noting that the x16D also offers two ALT monitor modes for stereo and one for multi-channel modes.
Finally, you’ll find Primary and Secondary 16 x16 Dante Network ports for connecting to your digital mixing console or existing Dante network. The Apollo x16D also supports AES67 mode @ 48 kHz.
Finally, let’s talk about the differences between the Essentials and Ultimate editions, and which UAD plug-ins are included with both options.
The Universal Audio Apollo x16D Essentials+ Edition includes 28 of Universal Audio’s most popular plug-ins, including preamps, EQs, compressors, effects and more.
Channel Strips & Preamps (6)
Compressors/Limiters (6)
Special Processing (2)
Instruments (1)
Delay & Modulation (4)
The Universal Audio Apollo x16D Ultimate+ Edition includes 122 of UA’s award-winning UAD plug-ins, including software from Neve, SSL, and Auto-Tune, plus classic LA-2A and 1176 compressors, and more.
Channel Strips & Preamps (17)
Compressors/Limiters (26)
Special Processing (15)
Instruments (6)
Delay & Modulation (10)
Reverbs & Rooms (13)
Equalizers (20)
Mastering (7)
LUNA Extensions (4)
Guitar (4)
* Required Fields
exclamation-circle
