Universal Audio Introduces Apollo x16D Thunderbolt Audio Interface with Dante Networked UAD Processing

Universal Audio seems to have hit the sweet spot with the announcement of the latest audio interface in their Apollo series. Designed for live sound venues and networked recording studios, the new Apollo x16D Thunderbolt Audio Interface with Dante combines the brand's recognized sound quality and expansion for up to 64 channels of realtime UAD plug‑in processing over networked audio, plus support for immersive audio mixing such as for Dolby Atmos.

Universal Audio released its new Apollo Twin X USB desktop audio interface. Normally the company works with hardware and software designed to work with Macs and macOS. This one looks similar to existing Apollo units, and features the same A/D and D/A conversion inherited directly from the Apollo X rackmount with 24-bit/192kHz audio I/O. In this case, adding USB 3 connectivity (USB-C connector) for Windows, instead of Thunderbolt.

Universal Audio was the center of attention for musicians, composers, sound designers, producers and audio engineers visiting NAMM 2020, with the introduction of the all‑New LUNA Recording System, basically expanding all the massive power of the company’s existing Apollo Thunderbolt UAD recording interfaces. The new LUNA software uses all the UAD hardware power to create a powerful multitrack recording system and to run virtual instruments, truly leveraging the best of both worlds.

Universal Audio announced UAD-2 Live Rack, a robust 16-channel MADI effects processor that allows live sound engineers to craft studio-quality mixes using Realtime UAD Processing and UAD plug-ins — including Antares Auto-Tune Realtime, genuine Teletronix LA‑2A and 1176 compressors, Pultec EQs, and more — right out of the box. Built to withstand the rigors of live sound, users can chain up to four UAD-2 Live Rack units for up to 64 channels of MADI signal processing.

Arriving in stores October 2015, Universal Audio’s new Apollo Twin USB audio interface takes the same class-leading sound quality and flexibility of the original Thunderbolt Realtime UAD Processing and Unison technology to Windows users over USB 3. While everyone waits for Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 to reach the market, this will have to do.

During the 2015 Prolight+Sound show in Frankfurt, Universal Audio surprised the recording studio community with the introduction of an all-new line of Apollo audio interfaces for Mac Thunderbolt users. The new generation leverages dual Thunderbolt 2 connections and features next-generation A/D and D/A conversion, effectively upgrading the successful interface lineup.