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.
 
The new Universal Audio Apollo x16D Thunderbolt Audio Interface with Dante enables working with the powerful UAD plug‑ins in realtime over Dante, with Scenes to recall plug-in settings over MIDI instantly, even in the middle of a live performance. And the Apollo x16D instantly converts a live mixing bay into a multi‑room Apollo recording studio, connecting up to four x16Ds over Ethernet for a 64‑channel Dante system with network redundancy.

"The Apollo x16D marks a milestone for us," says Bill Putnam Jr., CEO of Universal Audio. "Networked audio processing plays a critical part of UA's future, and Dante makes realtime UAD processing possible for more Apollo users, both in front‑of‑house live sound applications and in networked audio and post‑production studios."
 
"Audinate and Universal Audio were both founded by people with a passion for music. I'm delighted to be working with Bill and UA to deliver leading real‑time signal processing with Dante on the Apollo x16D. Musicians and professionals often work across live events, recording and post‑production. The Apollo x16D with Dante is ideally suited to deliver cutting edge networking and processing wherever musicians and professionals find themselves working and creating," adds Aidan Williams, CEO of Audinate.

Built upon the brand's tradition in quality audio circuits, 24-bit/192kHz Apollo X D/A conversion, and HEXA‑core UAD processing, the Apollo X16D is an 18x20 channels audio interface that works seamlessly with digital mixing consoles and networked audio systems over Dante, providing access to more than 200 UAD plug‑ins including Neve, API, Lexicon, SSL, and Auto‑Tune, as well as classic compressors like the Teletronix LA‑2A and UA 1176.  With Dante I/O (supports AES67 mode @48 kHz) and Stereo AES I/O, the Apollo x16D interface also provides an ideal monitoring hub for immersive mixing formats up to 9.1.6, and up to four units can be combined for 64 channels of networked audio with realtime UAD plug‑in processing. Users can choose between Essentials+ and Ultimate+ editions, adding up to 100+ UAD plug‑ins worth thousands of dollars.

The new Thunderbolt audio interface is now shipping worldwide, starting at $2,999 US MAP. The Apollo x16D is available in two editions: Essentials+ priced at $2,999 MAP and Ultimate+ at $3,999 MAP.
www.uaudio.com