Universal Audio Apollo X16

Universal Audio Apollo X16

Thunderbolt 3 interface 18x20 ch with new HEXA Core DSP processor

The flagship Apollo x16 allows music producers, project, and post-production studios to track, overdub, and mix with new world-beating A/D and D/A conversion, HEXA Core UAD plug-in processing, and 7.1 surround sound monitoring* — all in a sleek rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for Mac** or PC. Built upon UA’s 60-year heritage of audio craftsmanship, this 18 x 20 interface boasts the widest dynamic range (133 dB) and lowest THD+N (-129 dB), of any integrated audio interface on the market. Plus, with all-new HEXA Core processing, you’ll get 50% more DSP for running acclaimed UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time. **Mac Pro (Late 2013 “black cylinder” model) compatibility for Apollo X coming Q4 2018.

UA’s Flagship A/D and D/A Conversion

With thousands of chart-topping songs and hundreds of Grammy-winning albums under their belt, Apollo interfaces are no strangers to tracking stellar-sounding records. To improve on the previous generation Apollo interface’s class-leading audio conversion, UA engineers obsessively auditioned the latest A/D and D/A converters — ultimately pairing elite-class 24-bit/192 kHz converters with all-new analog circuitry for an ultra-pristine signal path. With 133 dB dynamic range and THD+N of -129 dB, the Apollo x16’s open, natural sound quality bests every interface in its class — regardless of price — and is the perfect starting point for applying UAD processing.

Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing

Apollo x16 features new HEXA Core processing, with six DSP chips and 50% more UAD plug-in processing power than previous Apollos. This lets you run more UAD plug-ins, whether you’re tracking in real time with channel strips from Neve, Manley, or API, or running high UAD plug-in counts when mixing in your DAW. From the tube warmth of Pultec EQs on guitars to the musical tube limiting of the LA-2A on vocals, or the pump of a genuine 1176 or Fairchild 670 tube compressor on drums, your recordings will take a giant leap forward with a rich, three-dimensional analog sound that UAD plug‑ins provide.

A Full Suite of Classic Analog Processing Onboard

Of course, a hallmark feature of Apollo is its Realtime UAD Processing, letting you run the full library of UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency. Apollo x16 includes the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, so you can record and mix with the world’s only authentic Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN, and Fairchild compressors, Pultec EQs, and many more. Going beyond the included Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-ins, Apollo x16 lets you tap into the full UAD Powered Plug-In library of legendary vintage EQs, compressors, reverbs, tape machines, channel strips, and more — at near-zero latency, regardless of your audio software’s buffer size and without taxing your computer’s CPU. With exclusive emulations from SSL, Neve, Studer, Manley, Helios, API, Ampex, Lexicon, Fender, and more,† it’s like having a studio full of iconic analog gear, in a single rack space. And unlike competing interfaces, these award-winning DSP-powered plug-ins are also available in your DAW for mixing. †Apollo x16 includes the “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately at www.uaudio.com.

FEATURES

• 18 x 20 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 KHz conversion (backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac**)
• HEXA Core Realtime UAD Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency, regardless of audio buffer size
• Surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format*
• Includes “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle featuring UA 610-B Tube Preamp; Legacy Pultec EQ, LA-2A, and 1176 compressors; Marshall Plexi Classic; Ampeg SVT-VR Classic and more
• UAD-2 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
• Selectable +24 dBu operation for easy compatibility with professional mixing consoles and tape machines
• Convenient front panel monitoring functions including Alt Speakers, Talkback mic, and assignable Dim or Mono
• Uncompromising UA analog design, superior components, and premium build quality
• Free, industry-leading technical support — on the phone and online — from knowledgeable audio engineers

*Surround Sound Support for Apollo X Coming Q4 2018. **Mac Pro (Late 2013“black cylinder” model) compatibility for Apollo X coming Q4 2018.

Interface Specifications

Inputs

Line Inputs (DB25) 16 Balanced via (2) 25-pin D-sub Digital Inputs (XLR) AES/EBU: 2 channels @ 44.1 – 192 kHz

A to D Conversion

Line Inputs

• Dynamic Range: 124 dB (A-weighted)
• THD+N: -115 dB (0.00018%)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.05 dB

Outputs

Line Outputs (DB25) 16 Balanced via (2) 25-pin D-sub Monitor Outputs (XLR) 2 Balanced (Left/Right) Digital Outputs (XLR) AES/EBU: 2 channels @ 44.1 – 192 kHz

D to A Conversion

• Line Outputs Dynamic Range: 127 dB (A-weighted)
• THD+N: -123 dB (0.00007%)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.02 dB

Monitor Outputs

• Dynamic Range: 133 dB
• THD+N: -129 dB (0.00004%)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.02 dB

Apollo X Series System Requirements

ALL

• 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 help.uaudio.com

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 or 10.13 High Sierra
• Mac Pro (Late 2013 “black cylinder” model) compatibility for Apollo X coming Q4 2018

PC:

• Available Thunderbolt 3 port
• Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (64-Bit Edition)