Audio Interfaces

Universal Audio Apollo X16 Essentials+. 18-in, 20-out rack-mount Thunderbolt audio interface featuring cutting-edge Apollo X Gen 2 digital converters. Features Apollo Monitor Correction (purchase separately), supports up to 9.1.6 immersive audio, includes a bass manager, and HEXA Core DSP for plug-in processing. Includes UAD Essentials+ software suite for Mac and Windows (over 20 plug-ins and instruments including Auto-Tune Realtime Access).

ARTICLE N° 98628
  • Universal Audio Apollo X16 Essentials+
  • Enhanced Output Converters for Critical Listening (Monitoring and Headphone Outputs)
  • Further reduced distortion and background noise
  • Auto-Gain function for Assisted Recording Level Adjustment
  • Integrated Acoustic Correction (Sonarworks SoundID + Apollo Monitor Correction add-on, purchased separately)
  • Bass Management for Subwoofers, in Stereo or Surround
  • Essentials+ Edition: bundle of more than 20 plug-ins and instruments, worth €2,500 (excluding promotions)
  • 18-in, 20-out Thunderbolt audio interface with HEXA Core DSP processor for plug-ins
  • 16x line inputs on DB-25 connectors
  • 2x optical Toslink inputs/outputs (ADAT S/MUX)
  • 1x stereo AES input/output on connectors (XLR)
  • 1x Word Clock I/O (BNC)
  • 2x Speaker Outputs (XLR)
  • 16x Line Outputs on DB-25 connectors (ALT / 9.1.6 surround)
  • State-of-the-art 2nd generation Apollo X converters with 24-bit / 192 kHz digital audio resolution and Dual-Crystal Clocking for ultra-low jitter at any sample rate
  • D/A conversion optimized for critical listening with a dynamic range of 133 dB and an exceptionally low harmonic distortion of -129 dB
  • Calibrate your main monitoring speakers (stereo or immersive) with the Apollo Monitor Correction function powered by Sonarworks® technology*
  • Full-featured monitoring controller with alternate speaker switch and talkback microphone for easy communication with artists
  • Support for alternate speakers in all monitoring modes (2 ALT Mon functions for stereo, 1 ALT Mon function for immersive setups)
  • Updated UAD Console app with Auto Gain, Plug-in Scenes, Bass Manager for subwoofer integration, immersive audio support, and more.
  • Built-in DSP supports over 200 UAD plug-ins via 64-bit VST, AU, and AAX formats in major DAWs
  • Compatible with LUNA, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live, and more.
  • Upgradeable with Apollo Thunderbolt interfaces or select models via Dante networking
  • Free technical support from expert audio hardware engineers
  • *Available before the end of 2024. Requires Apollo Monitor Correction add on and SoundID Reference licenses available at sonarworks.com
The next generation of Universal Audio (UA) Apollo x16 interfaces has arrived, designed for producers and professional studios requiring 16 channels of high-resolution digital audio conversion, accompanied by a HEXA Core DSP processor. These features allow the interface to be connected to a console and to mix ambitious projects with popular UAD plug-ins, including Auto-Tune and emulations of equipment from Neve, Manley, Avalon, SSL, and many others.

The Apollo x16 has been present in the world's most prestigious recording studios for years, and it's time for you to benefit from the legendary sound and craftsmanship of UA in your own rack.

Key benefits:
- Next-generation audio converters: The Apollo offers the widest dynamic range and the lowest distortion level in its history. - Simplified connectivity: With 16 analog I/O via DB-25 connectors and switchable +24 dBu gain, professional studio gear is easy to set up.
- Access to over 200 UAD plug-ins (sold separately): Enjoy iconic plug-ins like Capitol Chambers and Sound City Studios.
- Integration with LUNA: This DAW pairs perfectly with Apollo for legendary studio analog sound in real time.
- Advanced monitoring correction: Enjoy precise monitoring with Apollo Monitor Correction developed in partnership with specialist Sonarworks (paid option available November 2024).
- Bass management: Use the Bass Manager to fine-tune your mixes when you add a subwoofer.
- Easy setup: Easily create low-latency headphone networks and immersive monitoring via the UAD Console app.

Designed for Professionals
The Apollo x16 is specifically designed for sound engineers and producers seeking the highest quality audio in their professional studio. It offers wide dynamic range and low distortion, while being easily compatible with analog equipment thanks to its DB-25 connections and 16 x 18 channels of conversion.

A multitude of sounds
The Apollo x16 is available in two editions, each accompanied by a generous suite of UAD plug-ins. This allows you to mix with legendary compressors like the Teletronix LA-2A and 1176, as well as Pultec EQs and API and SSL channel strips.

Unprecedented details
This interface features the highest resolution A/D and D/A converters ever offered by UA. Combined with Apollo Monitor correction, it ensures that your recordings are accurately represented, without surprises when listening to your mixes on stereo or surround systems.

Immersive Mixing
The Apollo x16 supports mixing formats up to 9.1.6, allowing you to easily create immersive audio mixes for setups like Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D.

UAD Console App
The Apollo x16’s powerful digital mixing engine makes it easy to control plug-in routing and monitoring. With advanced features like Bass Manager and immersive format support, you’ll be able to set up the optimal working environment effortlessly.

Hybrid System for Every Project
Combine the Apollo x16’s HEXA Core DSP with plug-ins on your host computer to work on complex sessions. This powerful hybrid environment surpasses any native recording setup.

A Studio That Grows
Daisy-chain up to four Apollo x16s together for 64 channels of industry-leading A/D and D/A conversion, ideal for large recording consoles. You can also combine the Apollo x16 with other Apollo Thunderbolt interfaces and control the whole thing from your desktop with an Apollo Twin or x4. No matter where your music takes you, an Apollo will always be within reach.
Computer connection
 Thunderbolt 3
Maximum resolution
 24 bit
Max sampling frequency
 192
Compatibility
 MacOS, Windows
Phantom power
 Yes
Instrument input
 Yes
Line input
 16
Digital input
 AES/EBU
Line output
 16
Headphone output
 2
Digital output
 AES/EBU
Word clock
 Yes
Number of connectable speaker pairs
 16
Effects
 DSP effects, Yes
Software incl.
 Musical Soft
Power supply
 Power adapter (included)
19" rack
 1U, Kit 19" included
Also available in Ultimate+ version, with more than 100 plug-ins and instruments (worth €8,500 excluding promotions).

Also available in Dante version.

With this Apollo X rack, you can use an Apollo Twin X or X4 interface both to expand your system and to use it as a monitoring controller with headphone jack.

Plug-ins included in the Essentials+ edition: - 6x Preamps and channel strips: - 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 - 7x Compressors/Limitations: - 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 - 6x Equalizers: - 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 - 4x Special processing: - Auto-Tune Realtime Access - Oxide Tape Recorder - Precision Enhancer Hz - Verve Analog Machines Essentials - 1x Instruments: - PolyMAX Polyphonic Synth - 3x Delays and modulations: - Galaxy Tape Echo - Precision Delay Mod - Precision Delay Mod L - 3x Reverbs and ambiences: - Precision Reflection Engine - Pure Plate Reverb - RealVerb Pro Custom Room Modeler - 3x Guitar and bass: - Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amplifier - Marshall Plexi Classic Amplifier - Raw Distortion

Spotlight on

For over 50 years, Universal Audio has been an industry leader in DSP audio modeling and vintage analog technology. The American manufacturer has released groundbreaking products such as the LA-2A compressor and the 610 tube mic preamp which have been used to record artists as diverse as the Beach Boys and Van Halen. 
Since the 2000s, Universal Audio has been faithfully reproducing classic analog recording equipment and designing new digital recording tools in keeping with the sound and spirit of vintage analog technology. Best-sellers include the Apollo interface, UAD-2 Satellite, UAD plug-ins, UADFX pedals and the OX Amp Top Box.