Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 – Analog Classics 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 makes it suitable for stereo, surround and spatial audio production. The included UAD Analog Classics bundle provides a broad selection of recording, mixing and creative software.

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 Analog Classics software bundle included

Overview

Included Content

• Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 audio interface
• External power supply
• UAD Analog Classics plug-in bundle, available through registration
• UAD Console and supporting software available to download
• Included software highlights: UA 610-A and 610-B Preamp & EQ, LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip, Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor and UA 1176 FET Compressor
• Additional software highlights: Oxide Tape Recorder, Galaxy Tape Echo, Pure Plate Reverb and PolyMAX Polyphonic Synth

Creative Tools

• Connect external microphone preamps, mixing consoles and multichannel studio equipment through 16 channels of balanced line input, using suitable DB-25 cables.
• Route individual tracks or stems from 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 UAD plug-ins, channel count and sample rate.
• Configure immersive monitoring up to 9.1.6 for suitable Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D or Sony 360 Reality Audio production 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 the studio’s converters and other digital devices.
• Expand a compatible setup by linking additional Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces, creating a larger system for console integration or multichannel recording.
• Shape recordings with the Analog Classics bundle, combining dynamic control and equalisation with tape character, echo, reverb and additional creative sounds.

Ideal For

• Professional recording studios
• Mixing and mastering engineers
• Studios using external microphone preamps
• Analogue console and summing setups
• Outboard processing integration
• Multichannel recording
• Surround and immersive audio production
• Anyone seeking extensive line-level connectivity with HEXA Core UAD processing