Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 ESS (Rack/TB3/MAC/WIN)

The Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 is a rackmount 18 x 20 Thunderbolt audio interface with flagship elite-class Apollo X Gen 2 audio conversion, Apollo Monitor Correction, immersive audio support up to 9.1.6, Bass Management, HEXA core DSP plug-in processing, and premium software suite for Mac or Windows.

Experience the gold-standard in audio recording.
UA’s next generation of Apollo x16 interfaces is here, for professional studios and music producers who need 16 channels of highest-resolution audio conversion and HEXA Core DSP processing for connecting to a console and mixing large sessions with world-class UAD plug-ins from Auto-Tune, Neve, Manley, Avalon, SSL, and hundreds more.

Used in the world’s most renowned recording studios, Apollo x16 puts award-winning UA sound and legendary craftsmanship right in your rack.

Main features of the Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 include:


18 x 20 Thunderbolt audio interface with HEXA Core DSP plug-in processing

• Two DB-25 inputs (line 1-16), stereo AES I/O (XLR), word clock I/O (BNC)
• Two monitor outs (XLR), two DB-25 outputs (line 1-16 or ALT / 9.1.6 surround)
• Elite-class Apollo X Gen 2 converters with 24-bit / 192 kHz resolution featuring Dual-Crystal Clocking for ultra-low jitter at all sample rates
• Flagship D/A for critical monitoring and playback with 133 dB dynamic range and astonishingly low THD of -129 dB
• Calibrate your main monitor outputs (stereo or immersive) with Apollo Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks®*
• Fully-featured monitor controller with alternate speaker switching and integrated talkback for easy communication with talent
• ALT monitoring support in all monitor modes (2 x ALT mon for stereo, 1 x ALT mon for immersive)
• Updated UAD Console app featuring Plug-In Scenes, subwoofer integration with Bass Management, immersive audio support, and more
• Onboard DSP supports over 200 UAD plug-ins via VST, AU, and AAX 64 formats in all major DAWs
• Includes up to 100+ UAD plug-ins with Essentials+ or Ultimate+ Editions
• Compatible with LUNA, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live, and more**
• Expandable with Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces or select models over Dante
• Free industry-leading technical support from knowledgeable audio engineers

*Coming Q4 2024, requires Apollo Monitor Correction Add-on and SoundID Reference licenses, available from sonarworks.com

Elite-Class Apollo X Sound for Your Console & Outboard
Universal Audio built Apollo x16 Gen 2 for pro engineers and producers who need highest-quality sound for the professional analog studio. With the widest dynamic range and lowest distortion available, Apollo x16 effortlessly interfaces with your analog equipment and patchbays with DB-25 connections, offering +24 dBu headroom, 16 x 18 A/D and D/A conversion, and stereo AES I/O.

Hundreds of Analog Sounds, One Rack Space
Apollo x16 comes in two editions, both delivering a generous suite of UAD plug-ins right out of the box. Build your mix with classic Teletronix LA-2A and 1176 compressors, Pultec EQs, API and SSL channel strips to modern favorites from Auto-Tune, Avalon, and more.

Hear the Details Like Never Before
Apollo x16 features UA’s highest-resolution A/D and D/A converters paired with multi-channel immersive Apollo Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks.® So you’ll not only hear the most pristine representation of your recordings, there will be no surprises when you listen to your final mix or master on any stereo or surround system.

Mix Down to Surround
Apollo x16 supports mixing formats up to 9.1.6. This allows you to easily create 16‑channel immersive audio mixes for Dolby Atmos, Auro‑3D, Sony 360 Reality Audio, and others.

Find Your Flow in the UAD Console App
Apollo x16’s powerful digital mixing engine lets you control plug-in routing and monitoring. And with the latest features like Bass Management, Immersive Audio up to Atmos 9.1.6 and Plug-In Scenes, it’s easy to find a flow that fits your needs.

A Hybrid System, Made for Your Mission
Combine Apollo x16’s HEXA Core DSP with native processing from your host computer to produce large sessions with complex plug-in chains — a powerhouse hybrid workflow that outpaces any native-only recording setup.

Expand Your Studio as You Grow
Link up to four Apollo x16’s for 64 channels of elite-class A/D and D/A conversion, perfect for interfacing with large format recording consoles, or stack one x16 with other Thunderbolt Apollo rackmount units and control it all from your desktop using Apollo Twin or x4. So no matter how far your music takes you, an Apollo will always be in reach.**