Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 – Complete is a rackmount 18-in / 20-out Thunderbolt 3 audio interface designed for recording engineers, producers and studios working with external microphone preamps, mixing consoles and outboard equipment. Featuring 16 channels of balanced analogue input and output via DB-25 connections, Gen 2 audio conversion and onboard HEXA Core DSP, it combines extensive hardware integration with real-time UAD plug-in processing. Selectable +24 dBu operation supports professional analogue equipment, while immersive monitoring up to 9.1.6 provides flexibility for stereo, surround and spatial audio production. The included UAD Complete bundle adds more than 200 plug-ins covering recording, mixing, mastering, instruments and creative effects.

Key features

• 18-in / 20-out Thunderbolt 3 audio interface
• 16 channels of balanced analogue input and output via DB-25
• Gen 2 audio conversion at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
• Selectable +24 dBu operation for professional studio equipment
• HEXA Core DSP for real-time UAD plug-in processing
• Dedicated balanced stereo monitor outputs
• AES/EBU digital input and output
• BNC word clock input and output
• Monitor control supporting immersive configurations up to 9.1.6
• Apollo Monitor Correction support powered by Sonarworks
• Flexible routing, Bass Management and Plug-In Scenes through UAD Console
• Expandable with compatible Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces
• UAD Complete software bundle with more than 200 included plug-ins

Overview

Included Content

• Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 audio interface
• External power supply
• UAD Complete software bundle, available through registration
• UAD Console and supporting software available to download
• Channel-strip highlights: Neve 1073, API Vision, Avalon VT-737sp, Manley VOXBOX and SSL E Series
• Dynamics highlights: Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, Teletronix LA-2A models, 1176 limiters, Fairchild compressors and Tube-Tech CL 1B
• Equaliser and mastering highlights: Pultec EQs, Manley Massive Passive, Chandler Limited Curve Bender and Capitol Mastering Compressor
• Tape and ambience highlights: Studer A800, Ampex ATR-102, Capitol Chambers, Lexicon 480L, EMT 140 and Sound City Studios
• Software instruments including Ravel Grand Piano, Waterfall B3 Organ, Electra 88, Opal Morphing Synth and PolyMAX
• Additional guitar amplifiers, pedals, vocal tools, creative processors and LUNA extensions

Creative Tools

• Connect external microphone preamps, mixing consoles and multichannel studio equipment through 16 balanced line inputs, using suitable DB-25 cables.
• Route individual tracks or stems through the 16 line outputs to analogue summing equipment, console channels or external processors, then return the processed audio to the DAW.
• Use selectable +24 dBu operation to match compatible professional analogue equipment and maintain appropriate headroom throughout the signal chain.
• Build real-time recording and monitoring chains using six onboard DSP cores. Available processing capacity depends on the selected compatible UAD plug-ins, channel count and sample rate.
• Develop vocal and instrument chains with the Complete bundle’s channel strips, compressors and equalisers, choosing processing that suits each source and production style.
• Add tape character with Studer A800 or Ampex ATR-102, create depth with chamber and plate reverbs, or explore modulation, filtering and distortion effects.
• Compose arrangements with the included software instruments, combining acoustic piano, electric piano, organ and synthesizer sounds with recorded performances.
• Configure immersive monitoring up to 9.1.6 for suitable Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D or Sony 360 Reality Audio workflows, alongside conventional stereo and surround setups.
• Manage routing, monitor levels, Bass Management and Plug-In Scenes through UAD Console, adapting the system to recording, mixing and playback tasks.
• Apply compatible Sonarworks calibration through Apollo Monitor Correction when paired with the required SoundID Reference software and measurement equipment.
• Connect compatible digital equipment through AES/EBU and use word clock I/O to synchronise converters and other digital devices.
• Expand a compatible setup with additional Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces to support larger consoles, more external equipment or multichannel recording.

Ideal For

• Professional recording studios
• Recording, mixing and mastering engineers
• Studios using external microphone preamps
• Analogue console and summing setups
• Outboard processing integration
• Multichannel recording
• Surround and immersive audio production
• Producers seeking an extensive software collection
• Anyone seeking professional line-level connectivity with HEXA Core DSP and the UAD Complete bundle