With audio-over-IP becoming a recognized technology that is increasingly the choice for audio distribution of signals - from broadcast facilities and studios, to live performance - Audinate's Dante achieved de facto standard status given its extensive ecosystem and proven credentials in all professional market applications. Running over standard Ethernet and supporting off-the-shelf Ethernet routers and switchers, Dante is available in thousands of products from more than 600 manufacturers, covering a diverse range of installations and applications across industries. And the technology has been implemented in the most demanding, large-scale live events and global tours, while being the 24/7 infrastructure for countless TV, radio, and studio operations.
As Dante is being adopted increasingly by musicians and projects studios, as well as for stage interconnectivity and events, Universal Audio saw an opportunity to respond with a new range of solutions that directly interface with its renowned UAD DSP audio processing tools and interfaces, now embracing Dante audio networking.
Both Apollo E Series devices feature convenient mic stand mounting on the base and are compatible with any Dante audio system, adding network "endpoints" using Power over Ethernet (PoE) for all users, with or without an Apollo x16D interface.
The new Apollo e2m expansion is a perfect companion to the Apollo x16D interface, creating a networked monitor station that lets users easily connect headphones, IEMs, powered monitors or wedges, as well as external outboard gear, analog mic preamps, synths, drum machines, and playback devices – anywhere needed.
"The Apollo x16D and new Apollo E Series are milestones for us," says Bill Putnam Jr., CEO of Universal Audio. "Many Apollo users have been asking to be able to use real-time UAD plug‑ins with Dante‑networked systems, both in live sound applications and in recording studios. The Apollo x16D and Apollo E Series peripherals make it easy."
The Apollo E Series is now available to pre‑order through select local retailers and shipping worldwide in May 2025. The Apollo e1x Remote‑controllable Unison Preamp retails for USD $399, and the Apollo e2m Stereo Headphone Amp and Line Interface retails for USD $499.
The Universal Audio Apollo x16D Thunderbolt Audio Interface with Dante is built upon an HEXA‑core UAD processing board and is an 18 x 20 channels solution that works seamlessly with digital mixing consoles and networked audio systems over Dante. It also provides access to more than 200 UAD plug‑ins, as well as classic compressors. These processing tools are not only extremely high-quality but can be used in the studio and later used in real time during live performances, with Plug‑In Scenes available to recall settings instantly.
The Apollo x16D Thunderbolt Audio Interface also supports SoundID Reference monitor correction from Sonarworks and is an ideal interface to work in immersive audio projects up to 9.1.6 for Dolby Atmos, Auro‑3D, Sony 360 Reality Audio, etc. Up to four x16Ds units can be linked for a 64‑channel Dante system with network redundancy. Prices for the Apollo x16D interface start at USD $2,999.
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