Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 Thunderbolt Audio Interface - Essentials+ Edition

Available now, the add-on from Sonarworks lets you get balanced, accurate mixes in your home studio - whether you're mixing on monitors or headphones.

The Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 is UAD's next-generation Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for Mac and PC. Packing 16x16 analog I/O, cutting-edge AD/DA converters, and HEXA Core DSP for real-time UAD plug-in processing, the Apollo x16 Gen 2 improves on its predecessor in nearly every aspect. With native support for immersive formats up to 9.1.6, Apollo Monitor Correction by Sonarworks, remote control through the updated UAD Console app, and easy scalability, the Apollo x16 Gen 2 adapts to any recording, mixing, or live setup imaginable. The Essentials+ Edition includes a suite of more than 20 UAD real-time effects and instruments so you can start creating right away.

VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY WITH 16 X 16 ANALOG I/O VIA DB-25

With 16 balanced analog inputs and outputs on industry-standard DB-25 connectors, the Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 audio interface makes it easy to connect a variety of microphones, instruments, monitors, and hardware inserts in just one rack space. Switchable +24 dBu operation lets you optimize your gain staging to interface seamlessly with any vintage or modern outboard processors, and even large-format recording consoles.

ONBOARD HEXA CORE DSP PROCESSING FOR UAD PLUG-INS

The Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 features a HEXA Core processor dedicated to running UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency. Record through authentic emulations of classic Neve, API, and Manley channel strips, Pultec EQs, 1176 and LA-2A compressors, and more. Like all Universal Audio Apollo interfaces, the Apollo x16 Gen 2's powerful native DSP allows your computer to dedicate more resources to your DAW, effectively increasing the power of any system.

NEXT-GENERATION AUDIO CONVERSION

UA’s next-generation AD/DA converters set a new standard for clarity. Operating at 24-bit/192 kHz, the Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 audio interface achieves up to 133 dB dynamic range and –129 dB THD+N, ensuring an ultra-pristine signal path from input to output.

SUPPORT FOR SURROUND SOUND AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO FORMATS

Right out of the box, the Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 audio interface supports immersive monitoring formats up to 9.1.6 for Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, and Sony 360 Reality Audio. The analog monitor outs can be mapped directly to multiple speaker arrays, and the Console app provides calibration, metering, and layout tools so you can create immersive audio mixes that translate perfectly.

APOLLO MONITOR CORRECTION BY SONARWORKS

With the optional Apollo Monitor Correction add-on, you can apply Sonarworks SoundID Reference profiles directly on the interface’s DSP. Real-time EQ filters calibrate your studio monitors or headphones to a flat frequency response, eliminating room-induced coloration and listener fatigue. Easily create custom calibration curves using a compatible measurement microphone, then compare corrected and uncorrected signals on the fly.

REMOTE CONTROL VIA THE UAD CONSOLE APP

New UAD Console features give you complete remote control over the Apollo x16 Gen 2’s routing, monitoring, gain, plug-in scenes, and more. Set up low-latency headphone mixes, switch speaker pairs, engage talkback, and recall stored configurations from any networked computer or tablet, all without touching the hardware. The streamlined interface lets you organize channels, adjust levels, and load plug-in chains in seconds, accelerating workflows in both tracking and mixing phases.

INTEGRATES SEAMLESSLY WITH LUNA, LOGIC PRO, PRO TOOLS, AND MORE

Like all Universal Audio Apollo audio interfaces, the Apollo x16 Gen 2 offers seamless integration with Universal Audio’s free LUNA DAW, providing accelerated realtime monitoring, unlimited track counts, and built-in UAD and AU plug-in compatibility. Hardware controls, talkback, and monitor functions live directly inside the LUNA mixer, delivering an analog-style workflow in software. Compatibility extends to Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and other major DAWs via Core Audio and ASIO drivers, ensuring plug-and-play operation.

EXPAND YOUR STUDIO AS YOU GROW WITH APOLLO X GEN 2

The Universal Audio Apollo ecosystem allows you to scale your setup as your studio grows and your needs change. Start with an Apollo x16 Gen 2 and link up to four more Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces for up to 128 channels of I/O to your DAW. Control it all via software or right from your desktop using an Apollo Twin or x4 audio interface as a controller.

UNIVERSAL AUDIO APOLLO X16 GEN 2 FEATURES:

• 18x20 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with HEXA Core DSP plug-in processing
• 16x16 analog I/O via DB-25
• Dual XLR main monitor outputs
• Stereo AES I/O (XLR)
• Word clock I/O (BNC)
• Elite-class Universal Audio Apollo X Gen 2 converters with 24-bit/192 kHz resolution and dual-crystal clocking for ultra-low jitter performance
• Flagship D/A converters with 133 dB dynamic range and astonishingly low THD of -129 dB
• Apollo Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks SoundID Reference software
• Fully-featured monitor controller with alternate speaker switching and integrated talkback for easy communication with talent
• ALT monitoring support in all monitor modes (2 x ALT mon for stereo, 1 x ALT mon for immersive)
• Updated Console app featuring Plug-In Scenes, subwoofer integration with Bass Management, immersive audio support, and more
• Support for immersive mixing formats up to 9.1.6
• Switchable +24 dBu operation for high-level gear
• Onboard DSP supports over 200 UAD plug-ins via VST, AU, and AAX 64 formats in all major DAWs
• Compatible with LUNA, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live, and more
• Expandable with Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces or select models over Dante

ESSENTIALS+ EDITION PLUG-INS:

• Channel Strips & Preamps (6): 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
• Compressors/Limiters (7): 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
• Equalizers (6): 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
• Special Processing (4): Auto-Tune Realtime Access, Oxide Tape Recorder, Precision Enhancer Hz, Verve Analog Machines Essentials
• Instruments (1): PolyMAX Polyphonic Synth
• Delay and Modulation (3): Galaxy Tape Echo, Precision Delay Mod, Precision Delay Mod L
• Reverbs and Rooms (3): Precision Reflection Engine, Pure Plate Reverb, RealVerb Pro Custom Room Modeler
• Guitar and Bass (3): Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amplifier, Marshall Plexi Classic Amplifier, Raw Distortion