Musikmesse 2013Universal Audio Announces Flagship Apollo 16 High-Resolution Audio Interface

Universal Audio (UA) has announced the Apollo 16 Audio Interface.

With 16x16 analog I/O, this FireWire/Thunderbolt-ready interface combines superior sound and flexible routing with powerful onboard UAD-2 QUAD processing. It features professional DB-25 connectivity and multi-unit cascading for up to 32x32 analog I/O.

"Building on the success of the original Apollo interface, the Apollo 16 is our flagship audio converter," says Bill Putnam Jr., Universal Audio founder and CEO. "Its sound quality and scalability make it ideal for pairing with mixing consoles and outboard preamps, and the ability to track through UAD plug-ins in real time provides powerful sonic options for professional studios."

UA say that Apollo 16 features meticulous analog circuit design, top-end converters, and DC-coupled outputs — providing the lowest THD and highest dynamic range of any converter in its class. Apollo 16's deep, wide soundstage and exceptionally open and transparent sound makes it the ideal centerpiece for professional recording facilities.

With its standard UAD-2 QUAD processing onboard, Apollo 16 allows real time processing with UAD Powered Plug-Ins — with as low as sub-2ms latency — so recordists can monitor, audition, and "print" audio through analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more. Apollo 16's onboard UAD processing is also available during mixing and mastering, so that music producers can employ UAD plug-ins (VST, RTAS, AU) throughout the creative process.

Apollo 16 boasts straightforward 16x16 analog I/O via convenient DB-25 connections. Two Apollo 16 units can be cascaded over MADI for an expanded system with eight UAD processors and 32x32 simultaneous analog I/O, capable of handling large professional mixes. Dedicated XLR monitor outputs and stereo AES-EBU digital I/O round out the Apollo 16's rear-panel audio connections.

Apollo 16's routing capabilities include four stereo cue mixes with individually assignable outputs, and a new "Virtual I/O" feature that allows for Realtime UAD Processing of DAW tracks and virtual instruments.

Apollo 16 also offers compatibility with Intel's high-bandwidth Thunderbolt technology on Macs via a user-installable dual-port Thunderbolt Option Card (sold separately). Thunderbolt provides greater UAD plug-in instances, improved performance at high sample rates, and reduced UAD plug-in latency in the DAW versus Apollo's standard FireWire connection.

Pricing & Availability

Shipping in the second quarter of 2013, Apollo 16 will carry an estimated street price of $2,999. Apollo's Thunderbolt Option Card is now available for an estimated street price of $499.

Learn more about the Apollo 16 Audio Interface here: www.uaudio.com/apollo

Learn more about the UAD Powered Plug-Ins platform here: www.uaudio.com/uad-plug-ins