Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 1 TB3 Interface

Short Description:

Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface featuring stunning conversion and clarity along with HEXA Core processing with 6DSP chips for 50% more plug-in power than previous Apollos and Surround Sound Monitoring. In Used, Excellent condition

What We Think:

The Universal Audio Apollo x16 (Gen 1) is an absolute titan for hybrid tracking facilities, mixing suites, and analog console users. Unlike its desktop and smaller rackmount siblings that focus on onboard mic preamps and Unison processing, the x16 is purpose-built as a pure line-level conversion powerhouse—packing 16 channels of pristine analog I/O via DB25 connectors into a single 1U chassis.

At the center of the x16's sound is Universal Audio's elite-tier conversion, featuring Dual-Crystal clocking and ultra-wide dynamic range (up to 133 dB on monitoring outputs). Combined with onboard HEXA Core DSP processing, it allows engineers to run massive UAD plug-in chains in real-time without straining host CPU bandwidth. With switchable +24 dBu headroom settings designed to integrate seamlessly with large-format analog desks and high-end outboard racks, the Gen 1 x16 remains one of the most capable routing central hubs on the market.

Manufacturer Description:

16 Channels of Elite Audio Conversion, HEXA Core Processing and Surround Sound Monitoring.

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.

In addition to its elite-class audio conversion, Apollo x16 features selectable operating level for compatibility with professional +24 dBu gear, as well as an integrated monitor controller and built-in talkback mic.

• Experience elite-class A/D and D/A conversion with the widest dynamic range and lowest signal to noise of any integrated audio interface available
• Track and mix with powerful HEXA Core processing, featuring 6 UAD DSP chips for running more award-winning UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time
• Easily connect to professional studio gear with 16 x 16 analog I/O via DB-25 connections, plus switchable +24 / +20 dBu headroom settings
• Work in surround formats up to 7.1, complete with speaker calibration and folddown

Elite-Class 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, Helios, 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.

Access the World of UAD Powered Plug-Ins

Going beyond the included Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-ins, Apollo x16 lets you tap into the full UAD Powered Plug-In library of name-brand 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, 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.

Surround Sound Monitoring and +24dBu Operation

With comprehensive surround monitoring support for formats up to 7.1, Apollo x16 is a boon for engineers and producers working on audio and music for video games, television, and the web. In addition, Apollo x16 offers selectable +24 dBu operation for out-ofthe-box compatibility with professional mixing consoles and other high-end pro audio equipment.

Build a Networked Studio System Over Thunderbolt

Apollo x16 offers 18 x 20 simultaneous inputs/outputs (16 x 18 analog I/O) and two builtin Thunderbolt 3 ports, which are backwards-compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Macs via adapter (sold separately). This allows users of any Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin or Apollo rackmount audio interfaces to easily combine up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices — adding fast, high-bandwidth I/O and DSP as your studio grows.

Apollo x16 Features Key Features:

• 18 x 20 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 KHz conversion
• HEXA Core Realtime UAD Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at nearzero 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; backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 via optional adapter
• 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

Audio Interface

• Sample rates up to 192 kHz at 24-bit word length
• 16 x 18 simultaneous analog input/output channels:
• 16 channels of analog-to-digital conversion via line inputs on dual DB25 connectors
• 18 channels of digital-to-analog conversion:
• 16 line outputs via dual DB25 connectors
• Stereo monitor outputs via dual XLR connectors
• Adjustable reference levels for all analog I/O (+4 dBu or -10 dBV)
• Two channels of AES/EBU digital I/O with optional sample rate conversion on input
• Front panel pre-fader metering of analog signal input or output levels
• Two Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy-chaining other Thunderbolt devices

Monitoring

• Independently-addressable stereo monitor outputs (in addition to 16 line outputs)
• Front panel control of monitor levels and muting
• Front panel pre-fader metering of monitor bus levels
• Digital AES/EBU outputs can mirror the analog monitor outputs

UAD-2 HEXA Inside

• Six SHARC® DSP processors
• Realtime UAD Processing on all of Apollo x16’s analog and AES/EBU inputs
• Same features and functionality as other UAD-2 products when used with DAW
• Can be combined with other UAD-2 devices for increased mixing DSP
• Complete UAD Powered Plug-Ins library is available online

Software

Console application:

• Analog-style control interface for realtime monitoring and tracking
• Enables Realtime UAD Processing with UAD plug-ins
• Remote control of Apollo x16 features and functionality
• Virtual I/O for routing DAW tracks through Console

Console Recall plug-in:

• Saves Console configurations inside DAW sessions for easy recall
• Convenient access to Console’s monitor controls via DAW plug-in
• VST, RTAS, AAX 64, and Audio Units plug-in formats

UAD Meter & Control Panel application:

• Configures global UAD settings and monitors system usage

Other

• Easy firmware updates
• 1U rack-mountable form factor

Specifications:

System

I/O Complement

Analog Line Inputs

16

Analog Line Outputs (DC coupled)

16

Analog Monitor Outputs (DC coupled)

Two (one stereo pair)

AES/EBU

One stereo input, one stereo output

Thunderbolt 3 Ports

Two

Word Clock

One input, one output

A/D – D/A Conversion

Simultaneous A/D conversion

16 channels

Simultaneous D/A conversion

18 channels

Supported Sample Rates (kHz)

44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192

Bit Depth Per Sample

24

Analog Round-Trip Latency

1.1 milliseconds @ 96 kHz sample rate

Analog Round-Trip Latency through four UAD legacy plug-ins (included) via Console software

1.1 milliseconds @ 96 kHz sample rate (no additional latency via Realtime UAD Processing)

ANALOG I/O

Line Inputs 1 – 16

Frequency Response

20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.05 dB 

Dynamic Range

124 dB (A–weighted)

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise Ratio (1 kHz @ 23 dBu)

-115 dB (0.000180%)

Maximum Input Level (Reference Level @ +4 dBu)

24 dBu, Balanced

Maximum Input Level (Reference Level @ -10 dBV)

6.2 dBV (8.4 dBu), Balanced

Input Impedance

10k Ohms

Connector Type

Two Female DB25, Tascam wiring

Line Outputs 1 – 16

Frequency Response

20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.02 dB

Dynamic Range

127 dB (A–weighted)

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise Ratio (1 kHz @ -1 dBFS)

-123 dB (0.000068%)

Maximum Output Level (Reference Level @ +4 dBu)

24 dBu (21.8 dBV)

Maximum Output Level (Reference Level @ -10 dBV)

10 dBV (12.2 dBu)

Output Impedance

100 Ohms

Connector Type

Two Female DB25, Tascam wiring

Monitor Outputs 1 – 2

Frequency Response

20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.02 dB

Dynamic Range

133 dB (A–weighted) 

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise Ratio (1 kHz @ -1 dBFS)

-129 dB (0.000037%)

Maximum Output Level (Reference Level @ +4 dBu)

24 dBu (21.8 dBV)

Maximum Output Level (Reference Level @ -10 dBV)

10 dBV (12.2 dBu)

Output Impedance

100 Ohms

Connector Type

Balanced Male XLR (pin 2 hot)

DIGITAL I/O

AES/EBU

Connector Type

XLR

Format

IEC 60958 Type I

Word Clock

Connector Type

BNC

Lock Range

±4% of any supported sample rate

Word Clock Input Termination

75 Ohms, switchable

Synchronization Sources

Internal, Word Clock, AES/EBU 

 

ELECTRICAL

Power Supply

External AC-to-DC Power Supply, Level VI compliant

AC Input Connector Type

IEC Male 

AC Requirements

100V – 240V AC, 50 – 60 Hz

DC Connector Type

XLR 4-Pin Locking Male (Neutrik P/N NC4MDM3-H) 

DC Requirements

12 VDC, 6A

Maximum Power Consumption

72W (30W typical)

ENVIRONMENTAL

Ambient Temperature Range

32º to 104º F (0º to 40º C)

MECHANICAL

Dimensions

Width

19 in (48,26 cm)

Height (1U rack space)

1.75 in (4,45 cm)

Depth, Chassis Only

12.125 in (30,80 cm)

Depth, Including Knob & Jack Protrusions

13.5 in (34,29 cm)

Shipping Box (Width x Depth x Height)

23.5 in x 17 in x 7.5 in (59,69 cm x 43,18 cm x 19,05 cm)

Weight

Shipping Weight (with box & accessories)

USA: 16.6 lbs (7.52 kg) EU & UK: 16.9 lbs (7.64 kg)

Weight (bare unit)

9 lbs (4.08 kg)

Package Contents

Apollo x16 Audio Interface Unit 

 

External Power Supply 

 

AC Power Cable (IEC), Region Specific