Apollo x16

Name: Apollo x16
Brand: Universal Audio
SKU: UAD-2-APOLLO-X16
Rating: 4.7 (84 reviews)

Overview
Included Plug-Ins
Customer Reviews

4.7/5

(84 reviews)

4.7/5

(84 reviews)

Experience the gold-standard in pro audio recording.

Our flagship Apollo x16 gives professional studios and music producers the same iconic analog tones heard on your favorite records. With 16 channels of elite-class A/D and D/A conversion — featuring the widest dynamic range of any integrated audio interface on the market — Apollo x16 seamlessly connects to your outboard analog gear or mixing console, giving your studio the perfect centerpiece in a sleek rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface.

Get professional sound with the widest dynamic range and lowest noise available

Mix with powerful HEXA Core processing for running more UAD Powered Plug-Ins with near-zero latency

Link up to four Apollos for 156 channels of premium I/O and control it from Apollo Twin or x4

Easily connect to professional studio gear with 16 x 16 analog I/O via DB-25 connections, plus switchable +24 dBu headroom settings

Hear Every Detail in your Recordings

Apollo x6’s proven A/D and D/A conversion gives you the same elite-class sound heard on thousands of hit songs and chart-topping albums. Widely praised for its open, natural sonics, Apollo's converters give you the perfect palette to paint your sonic colors.

Add Analog Color in Realtime

Apollo x16 features HEXA Core processing, so you can record in realtime through a pro studio signal chain featuring included plug-ins like the Teletronix LA-2A, 1176, and Fairchild compressors, Pultec tube EQs, and more. But only Apollo lets you tap into the entire UAD plug-in library, giving you the proven hit-making sounds of Ocean Way Studios, Capitol Chambers, and over 100 more.

See Included Plug-Ins ›
Learn about Heritage Edition Plug‑Ins ›

Easily Connect your Analog Studio

Apollo x16 offers selectable +24 dBu operation for out-of-the-box compatibility with professional mixing consoles and other high-end pro audio equipment.

Record with a Fast, Natural Workflow using LUNA

Apollo works with all major DAWs, but only LUNA Recording System gives you seamless integration with Apollo, for big analog studio sound — in realtime — using a host of built-in features and extensions from API console modeling to genuine Neve summing and integrated Studer tape.

Learn more about LUNA ›

Your New Analog Studio, Expanded

Link up to four Apollos and add 156 channels of premium I/O as your studio grows, and control it all from your desktop using Apollo Twin or x4.

UAD Plug-Ins vs. Analog Hardware

Watch Grammy-award winning producer Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Kings of Leon) put UAD plug‑ins to the test in a live session featuring electronic-soul artist Jamie Lidell.

“I love my new Apollo x8p! I can mix without worrying about the amount of plug-ins I use, and the new converters reveal the most subtle details when I record. One of the best upgrades that I’ve added in a long time.”
– Derek ‘MixedByAli’ Ali (Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Childish Gambino)

“I'm really impressed with the Apollo X8. I hear more detail in the several sets of monitors I use, and I'm getting that little bit extra out of the Unison mic pre emulations – and they were already extremely close.”
– Jacquire King (James Bay, Kings of Leon, Tom Waits)

“This is the best-sounding Universal Audio D/A ever. By far. It has an extra octave of clear bottom, but it's not hyped. It's just very solid and full. It's like there’s no converter generated signature at all. It’s completely open and natural.”
– Fab Dupont (David Crosby, Shakira, Santigold)

“My Apollos are my sound.
Where I go, they go.”
– Trevor Lawrence Jr. (Dr. Dre, Herbie Hancock, Eminem)

“Apollo is a platform that grows more powerful with every innovation – the UAD plug-in processing onboard has changed the way I work forever.”
– Tony Platt (AC/DC, Bob Marley, Buddy Guy)

“The Apollo is the best I/O we've ever used, and we've tried them all. It has an incredibly clean, transparent, and accurate sound.”
– The Glitch Mob

“I’m totally blown away by the stunning sound quality of the Apollo. The ability to use UAD plug-ins in real-time is pure genius. It’s the centerpiece of my new studio.”
– Richard Devine

“The Apollo's ability to do low latency – I mean that's the whole ballgame right there.”
– Joey Waronker (Atoms for Peace, Beck, Other Lives)

“The Apollo is a powerhouse and a game changer for my studio.”
– Grieves

“Using my Apollos and Console 2.0, I'm able to front a live mix, create a monitor mix, and record, all at the same time. That’s pretty awesome.”
– Chris Dugan (Green Day, Iggy Pop, U2)

“Having the Apollo with UAD plug-ins at my disposal is like carrying a giant studio with outboard racks at all times. Minus the tech fees, down time, and electricity bill!”
– Andrew Dawson (Jay-Z, Fun.)

“Apollo's A/D and D/A conversion sounds incredibly detailed, with great clarity and a tight, punchy low end. And with the Console 2.0 app, I have all of the routing and monitoring options I need.”
– Dave Pensado (Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Maroon 5)

“The Apollo x8p is the workhorse for the majority of our mobile sessions. The flexibility is crucial to our workflow and once you’re familiar with the front panel controls and Console software, it becomes a seamless experience that allows you to truly craft your sound.”
– Mike Larson (Pharrell, Ariana Grande, Migos)

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

Selectable +24 dBu operation for easy compatibility with professional mixing consoles and tape machines

Produce with LUNA Recording System — a fully-integrated recording application for Apollo (Mac/Thunderbolt)

Combine up to 4 Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos and 6 total UAD devices

Surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format

Includes the "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately.

Runs UAD Powered Plug-Ins via VST, Audio Units, and AAX in all major DAWs

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

Apollo x16 User Manual

Download User Manual

For system requirements, go here.

*Apollo x16 includes the “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately at www.uaudio.com. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Customer Reviews

J. Seabrook

November 4, 2022

So good I need 2.

I came here from a Gen-1 Orion32 (9+ years), and I miss the simple i/o and the extra 16 channels. However, once I wrapped my head around Apollo's mixer and figured out the messed up way Pro...

I. Kamp

November 1, 2022

Tremendous piece of gear

Paired this with two additional Apollos with ADAT functionality so plenty of options to work with, but the x16 is a beast. Crystal clear, tons of DSP for both recording and mixing, 5 stars...

n. Lausund

October 12, 2022

Missing piece

Running this through my Neve 5059 and a stereo back into my X8, and it sounds amazing. To not be able to get a credit on some plugs when you have the legacy is a major minus when you buy at...

T. Ciastko

September 17, 2022

X16

What else can you dream of…

M. Green

September 14, 2022

No Immersive Audio Support

We did a demo with an x16. Great sounding unit. We currently own multiple Apollo's and external dsp satellite units. You have to spend an additional 3k minimum for 7.1.4 monitoring. It...

M. Park

September 1, 2022

Great product but it would be great if this product has madi or adat conection

It is great but it is sad that this product has no Madi or Adat connection. (like Apollo 16)

See All Reviews

Realtime Analog Classics Plus Bundle

With the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, you not only get legendary compressors such as the Fairchild^® 670 and EQs like the Pultec^® EQP-1A, but also stunning guitar and bass amp emulations from Softube, and UA’s landmark 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ plug-in.

UA 610‐B
Marshall Plexi Classic Amplifier
Fairchild 670 Legacy
Teletronix LA‐2A Legacy
UA 1176LN Legacy
UA 1176SE Legacy
Pultec EQP‐1A Legacy
Pultec Pro Legacy
Ampeg^® SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
Precision Channel Strip
Precision Reflection Engine
Precision Delay Modulation
Precision Delay Modulation L
UA Precision Enhancer Hz
Raw Distortion
RealVerb‐Pro

UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ

Impart your tracks with the iconic warmth and character of the classic hardware used to track everyone from Duke Ellington to Coldplay. By emulating the entire signal path, including tube amplifiers, transformers, and circuit nonlinearities, the 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ plug-in injects organic detail and saturation to any signal — whether you’re re-amping or tracking through the 610-B via Universal Audio’s Unison™ technology.

Marshall<sup>®</sup> Plexi Classic Amplifier

Marshall^® Plexi Classic Amplifier

The undisputed alpha dog of rock and roll guitar amps, the Marshall “plexi” amplifier is as legendary as the music it helped create. From Jimi Hendrix to Jimmy Page, Duane Allman to Eric Clapton, the Plexi’s punishing melange of snarl, sustain, smoothness, and raunch defined the sound of rock. Developed by Softube, the Marshall Plexi Classic Amp plug-in gives you the sound of this iconic amp with a perfectly placed microphone from engineer Tony Platt who recorded AC/DC’s Back in Black and Highway to Hell.

Fairchild^® 670 (Legacy)

The world’s most coveted compressor, the classic Fairchild 670 tube limiter will give your tracks and mixes unmistakable tube warmth and character. Whether you’re looking for subtle compression on a lead vocal, or grittier textures that can work on guitars, bass, or a drum bus, the Fairchild 670 plug-in adds a classic “glow” to anything you run through it.

Teletronix<sup>®</sup> LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier (Legacy)

Teletronix^® LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier (Legacy)

With its gentle, program dependent optical compression and meticulously designed tube amplifier, the LA-2A is the go-to compressor for professional mixers around the world — especially for vocals. Incredibly easy-to-use Peak Reduction and Gain controls gives you the ideal optical compression sound for guitar, bass, drums, and more.

1176SE/LN<sup>®</sup> Classic Limiting Amplifiers (Legacy)

1176SE/LN^® Classic Limiting Amplifiers (Legacy)

Get classic, ultra-fast FET compression from the world’s most recognized compressor. The 1176 will impart punch, presence, and character as well as its signature distortion overtones on drums, vocals, guitars, and bass. The 1176LN has graced countless recordings, from Led Zeppelin, to the White Stripes and Michael Jackson.

Pultec<sup>®</sup> Pro Equalizers (Legacy)

Pultec^® Pro Equalizers (Legacy)

Mix with two of the most sought-after hardware EQs ever made — the MEQ-5 Midrange Equalizer and the EQP-1A Program Equalizer. Both of these tube-based icons deliver smooth and silky EQ curves with an abundance of warm analog character.

Ampeg<sup>®</sup> SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp

Ampeg^® SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp

Introduced in 1969, the Ampeg SVT bass amp is still the reigning king of high-powered tube bass tone. Developed by Brainworx, the Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp plug-in perfectly captures the raw power and punch that has made this the go-to amp for rock, funk, and soul players. Track in real time using Unison™ preamp technology for the tone, touch, and feel of a real SVT bass amp, or transform bland DI tracks with the thunderous roar of a stone cold classic.

Precision Mix Rack Collection

Featuring the Precision Channel Strip, Precision Reflection Engine, and Precision Delay Modulation plug-ins, the Precision Mix Rack Collection offers four modern, high-fidelity plug-ins for recording and mixing. Powerful and intuitive, Precision Mix Rack Collection gives you an impressive tool set — perfect for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.

UA Precision Enhancer Hz

Expertly dial-in your music’s low-end frequencies with the Precision Enhancer Hz plug-in. Able to yield exacting results with minimal adjustment, the Precision Enhancer Hz can add weight to kick drum samples, fatten up a synth bass, or simply make the low-end of your tracks more audible on smaller speakers.

Raw Distortion

Modeled from a vintage early-’80s Pro Co Rat, Raw Distortion delivers all the gritty dynamic raunch of the legendary stompbox. And with Unison™ technology, you can plug in to Apollo Twin, 8, or 8p’s front-panel Hi-Z instrument jack and experience the same circuit interaction, gain range, and clip points for the true tone, feel, and response of the original hardware.

RealVerb Pro

RealVerb Pro is a flexible, natural sounding reverb based on UA’s own unique set of algorithms. Allowing you to design the room just as you hear it, the RealVerb Pro goes beyond simply big/small or dark/bright, giving your sources distortion-free, smoothing diffusion control and ultra-long reverb tail.

Customer Reviews