Product Overview

Studio-Grade Analogue Warmth Meets Live Stage Network Scalability

The Apollo x16D Ultimate+ Edition is the definitive hardware bridge between classic hybrid tracking workflows and elite IP-based audio networks. Designed to interface natively with premium live digital mixing consoles (Avid, Yamaha, DiGiCo, Allen & Heath) or network-centric studio complexes, the x16D replaces heavy analog snakes, multi-channel copper splits, and expensive external patchbays with clean, scalable CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cabling, delivering flawless digital audio performance across long distances.

On the live stage, the interface acts as an impenetrable outboard rack, allowing engineers to build comprehensive channel strips, apply pitch correction, and recall entire plugin arrangements on the fly via MIDI Plug-In Scenes. In the control room, it functions as a highly accurate immersive mixing matrix, natively supporting multi-channel spatial monitoring arrays up to 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos. Connected via high-bandwidth Thunderbolt 3, you can network up to four x16D units together for a massive 64-channel Dante rig with full automatic hardware cable redundancy, running massive professional tracking or broadcast tracking layouts seamlessly.

Product Description

Realtime UAD DSP & Live Mix Scene Recall:

Driven by a 6-core HEXA Core processing engine, the Apollo x16D offloads heavy analog modeling calculations away from your host computer’s CPU. Engineers can track and monitor through legendary gear—like Teletronix optical compressors, Pultec tube EQs, and Auto-Tune—with sub-2ms latency. Utilizing the advanced UAD Console App, users can map, build, and trigger instant MIDI scene switches mid-performance, ensuring smooth transitions between songs, vocal cues, or instrument tracking changes without any audio dropouts or manual configuration changes.

Elite Gen 2 Monitor Conversion & Immersive Control Room Hub:

Even though routing is managed digitally over network protocols, the Apollo x16D features a master-grade stereo analog monitoring path. Upgraded with premium 24-bit/192kHz converters and Dual-Crystal clocking for ultra-low jitter, it reaches a spectacular 133 dB of dynamic range to expose subtle harmonic details. When executing high-channel spatial arrangements, the x16D natively guides immersive audio matrices up to 9.1.6 configurations (Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, Sony 360 Reality Audio). Advanced Linkwitz-Riley crossover filtering provides hardware-level Bass Management to easily tune subwoofers and cross frequencies safely for reliable transport translation.

Hardware-Layer Room Calibration & Network Redundancy:

To tackle unpredictable acoustic properties inside mobile broadcast trucks or uncalibrated live venues, the x16D supports Apollo Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks®. Users can inject custom SoundID Reference room-EQ and speaker time-alignment profiles straight into the internal hardware DSP layer of the interface. This provides a perfectly uniform, reliable response curve at the hardware level with zero added system latency. For high-stakes live environments, the dual Ethernet ports support Redundant Mode, delivering instant, glitch-free automatic audio failover protection if a network cable is unplugged or compromised during a performance.

The Complete Ultimate+ Plug-In Vault:

The defining jewel of this edition is the Ultimate+ Software Pack, granting uncompromised access to over 126 premium UAD plug-ins and LUNA extensions. Moving far beyond entry-level bundles, you get a premium digital archive of licensed, authentic emulations from iconic names like Neve, SSL, Manley, Avalon, Studer, Lexicon, and Empirical Labs. Mix, track, master, and shape sound fields using vintage tape machines, boutique tube channel strips, master bus limiters, and lush plate reverbs directly on your hardware layer with zero system lag.

Key Features

• 16x16 BIDIRECTIONAL DANTE I/O: Flawless digital audio streaming over clean network configurations, supporting AES67 at 48 kHz for easy system routing.

• 126+ ULTIMATE+ PLUG-INS INCLUDED: Unlocks Universal Audio’s most expansive digital software archive featuring premium packages from Neve, SSL, Manley, Avalon, and more.

• 6-CORE HEXA CORE DSP PROCESSING: Heavy-duty internal SHARC chips handle plugin calculations completely, freeing up your computer’s CPU processing resources.

• MASTERING-GRADE MONITOR OUT: Premium XLR analog monitor outputs delivering a massive 133 dB dynamic range and an ultra-pure -129 dB THD+N noise floor.

• 9.1.6 IMMERSIVE AUDIO MATRIX: Integrated multi-channel monitor switching and routing optimized for Dolby Atmos setups, featuring internal crossover bass management.

• APOLLO MONITOR CORRECTION SUPPORT: Runs Sonarworks® SoundID Reference multi-speaker calibration profiles directly on internal DSP hardware with near-zero latency.

• LIVE PLUGIN SCENES VIA MIDI: Program, save, and recall entire plugin chains instantly over MIDI commands during a live set or broadcast production.

• DUAL-PORT GLITCH-FREE REDUNDANCY: Configure Ethernet connectivity into Redundant Mode for seamless, instantaneous audio backup protection on stage.

• SCALABLE NETWORK DESIGNS: Link up to four x16D interfaces over Thunderbolt to form a massive 64-channel Dante system at 96 kHz.

• DEEP LUNA DAW INTEGRATION: Seamless hardware-software binding with UA’s LUNA Recording System for a highly efficient, organic, single-window analog console workflow.

Technical Specifications