Universal Audio has announced the Apollo 16 audio interface, providing 16 x16 analog I/O in a FireWire/Thunderbolt-ready interface package that also includes onboard UAD-2 QUAD processing.
It also offers professional DB-25 connectivity and multi-unit cascading for up to 32 x 32 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.”
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.
Two Apollo 16 units can be cascaded over MADI for an expanded system with eight UAD processors and 32 x 32 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.
Shipping in the second quarter of 2013, Apollo 16 will carry an estimated street price of $2,999 U.S. Apollo’s Thunderbolt Option Card is now available for an estimated street price of $499 U.S.
