Universal Audio Apollo x16 Heritage Edition

Born from the ever-popular Apollo line of interfaces used on loads of Grammy-winning albums and chart-topping songs, the Universal Audio Apollo x16 Heritage Edition rackmount 18×20 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface combines the sound, feel, and flow of analog studio recording with upgraded clocking, surround monitoring, a robust bundle of 34 stellar UAD plug-ins, and 50% more DSP than earlier Apollos thanks to its supercharged HEXA Core real-time UAD processing.

Furnished with Universal Audio’s flagship 24-bit / 192 kHz conversion, the Apollo x16 gives engineers in commercial recording studios, concert tours, and postproduction facilities the confidence of recording and mixing with detailed imaging, unbelievably low distortion (-129 dB), and unmatched dynamic range (133 dB). Additionally, its switchable headroom setting facilitates proper level-matching with large-format consoles and a variety of boutique and pro-level audio equipment.

The interface features 16 balanced analog line-level inputs and outputs on DB25 connectors, perfect for patching in external mic preamps and custom signal chains or hooking up to a bunch of channels on a classic analog mixing board. You also get a pair of XLR monitor outputs and stereo AES/EBU I/O, which can be utilized when you need to connect a dedicated feed to a mastering system or if you wish to incorporate alternative stereo converters. Utilize the BNC wordclock input and output jacks to accurately clock to house sync or lock other digital equipment to the Apollo x16.

The built-in HEXA Core processing utilizes six DSP chips, granting 50% more DSP than earlier Apollos and the ability to monitor and record audio using classic analog emulations with near-zero latency and no burden on your computer’s CPU. The plug-in bundle included with the Heritage Edition empowers you with 34 top-notch plug-ins ranging from vintage compressor and EQ collections to virtual guitar/bass amps, time-based processors, and tape emulation. The included Console application provides control and recall of all interface and UAD plug-in settings including channel-strip presets, drag-and-drop functionality, and dynamically resizable windows.

Mac and Windows drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, and more. The interface also integrates seamlessly with LUNA, Universal Audio’s free Mac-based, single-window recording system with unlimited track counts and full Audio Units support.

The Apollo x16 offers a comprehensive monitor section with talkback functionality and dedicated front-panel controls as well as full input and output metering capabilities. In addition to the dedicated stereo XLR monitor output, the 16 line outputs can feed alternate monitors and outboard processors. In fact, the Apollo x16 is capable of acting as a 7.1 surround sound monitor controller.

At any point, you can increase the power and capability of the Apollo x16 through integration of qualified Universal Audio hardware. Up to four Apollo interfaces and six total UAD-2 devices can be combined, allowing Thunderbolt users the ability to expand their I/O and DSP without abandoning the Apollo x16. The two Thunderbolt 3 ports are backward compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 via a qualified adapter (available separately).

Heritage Edition

The Heritage Edition features the same Apollo x16 interface found in the standard edition but with more plug-ins. The standard Apollo x16 includes the Realtime Analog Classics Plus bundle (16 plug-ins), and the Heritage Edition adds 18 more plug-ins for a total of 34 revered UA-powered plug-ins.

The Power of Apollo X

• Track, overdub, and mix with UA’s flagship AD/DA conversion and DSP-powered plug-ins
• Dual-Crystal clocking features dedicated crystals for 44.1 / 88.2 / 176.4 kHz and 48 / 96 / 192 kHz sample rates, resulting in stunningly low jitter (under 10 picoseconds) for pure, artifact-free recordings and solid stereo imaging
• HEXA Core UAD processing for tracking through models of vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, mic preamps, and guitar amps, with near-zero latency and 50% more DSP than earlier Apollos, and with no burden on your computer’s CPU
• Two high-speed Thunderbolt 3 ports for connectivity with Mac and Windows computers (Thunderbolt cable available separately)
• 1 RU rackmount form factor with reliable AC powering (secure locking external power supply included)
• Free, industry-leading phone/online technical support from knowledgeable audio engineers

I/O for the Commercial Studio

• 18×20 audio interface with 16 balanced analog line-level inputs and outputs via DB25 multipin connectors
• Stereo XLR monitor output with level control
• Selectable operating level of +20 dBu or +24 dBu for out-of-the-box compatibility with professional mixing consoles and other high-end pro audio equipment
• Stereo AES/EBU input and output on XLR jacks, ideal for interconnecting mastering converters
• BNC wordclock I/O with selectable 75-ohm termination, crucial for accurate synchronization with other digital equipment

Workflow-Enhancing Features

• Built-in multichannel monitor controller with assignable dim or mono mode, works with main, alt, or even 7.1 surround sound speaker setups
• Integrated talkback and cues for easy communication and slate functionality
• Extensive front-panel metering and indication

Expandable I/O and DSP

• Cascade up to four Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo interfaces and six UAD-2 Thunderbolt devices for expanded I/O and DSP
• Backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 via a qualified adapter (available separately)

34 Powered Plug-Ins

Includes Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle plus 18 additional plug-ins to complete the compressor, EQ, and preamp collections and provide tape emulation and another reverb (plug-ins support VST, RTAS, Audio Units, and AAX 64-bit for compatibility with all major DAWs):

• UA 610-A Tube Preamp and EQ (Vintage)
• UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ (Modern)
• Marshall Plexi Classic Guitar Amp
• Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
• UA 1176LN Limiting Amplifier (Legacy)
• UA 1176SE Limiting Amplifier (Legacy)
• UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection (1176LN Rev E, 1176 Rev A, and 1176AE 40th Anniversary Edition)
• Pultec EQP-1A EQ (Legacy)
• Pultec MEQ-5 EQ (Legacy)
• Pultec Passive EQ Collection (EQP-1A, MEQ-5, and HLF-3C)
• Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier (Legacy)
• Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection (LA-2A Silver, LA-2A Gray, and LA-2)
• Teletronix LA-3A Audio Leveler
• Helios Type 69 Preamp and EQ Collection (Helios Type 69 and Helios Type 69 Legacy)
• V76 Preamplifier
• Raw Distortion
• Fairchild 670 Compressor (Legacy)
• Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection (Fairchild 660 and Fairchild 670)
• Precision Enhancer Hz
• 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)
• Pure Plate Reverb
• RealVerb Pro Custom Room Modeler
• UA Oxide Tape Recorder

Get Legendary UA Sound Natively with UAD Spark

• Apollo Heritage Editions include plug-ins featured in UAD Spark, UA’s subscription plug-in collection that runs natively on Mac—no UA hardware required
• With UAD Spark, you can expand your plug-in processing power, balancing your DSP load between Apollo and your computer’s onboard processing
• Receive the 1176 Classic Limiter Collection, Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection, and Pure Plate Reverb
• Current owners of any plug-ins available in UAD Spark will receive the UAD Spark versions free

Integration with LUNA Recording System for Mac

• Works with all major DAWs including Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and more
• Apollo x16 becomes a fully integrated recording system with LUNA, a powerful free recording application for Mac from Universal Audio
• Bolstered by Accelerated Realtime Monitoring, LUNA lets you track and mix using an intuitive single-window workflow with unlimited track counts, full Audio Units plug-in support, and access to a suite of exclusive LUNA instruments and extensions such as Studer Multitrack Tape and Neve Summing

FEATURES

• Studio, Live & Postproduction Engineers
• 2 High-Speed Thunderbolt 3 Ports
• 16 Line Inputs and Outputs via DB25
• XLR Monitor Outs, Stereo AES/EBU I/O
• Flagship 24-Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA
• External Power Supply / Mac and Windows
• Talkback Control & up to 7.1 Monitoring
• HEXA Core Processing with 6 DSP Chips
• Wordclock I/O, Expandable DSP and I/O
• 34 UAD Plug-Ins & Mac Recording Software