Universal Audio unveils Apollo x16D Audio Interface

Universal Audio has announced its new Apollo x16D Thunderbolt audio interface with Dante.

Designed for live sound venues and networked recording studios, Apollo x16D offers what the company describes as industry‑leading sound quality and expansion for up to 64 channels of realtime UAD plugin processing over networked audio, plus immersive audio mixing support for Dolby Atmos, Auro‑3D, and Sony 360 Reality Audio formats.

"The Apollo x16D marks a milestone for us," said 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,” added Aidan Williams, CEO of Audinate. “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."

Built upon HEXA‑core UAD processing, the Apollo X16D is an 18 x 20 audio interface that works seamlessly with digital mixing consoles and networked audio systems over Dante, providing access to more than 200 UAD plugins including Neve, API, Lexicon, SSL, and Auto‑Tune, as well as classic compressors like the Teletronix LA‑2A and UA 1176.

With Dante, Apollo x16D provides a 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 plugin processing.

Key Features:

• Mix studio and live performances using UAD plugins in realtime over Dante

• Use Plugin Scenes to recall settings instantly, even in the middle of a performance

• Turn any space with ethernet into a multi‑room Apollo recording studio

• Link up to four x16Ds for a 64‑channel Dante system with network redundancy

• Bring your best UAD plugins like Auto‑Tune, Neve, and Lexicon from studio to stage

• Choose between Essentials+ and Ultimate+ editions, adding up to 100+ UAD plugins worth thousands of dollars

The Apollo x16D is available now in two editions: Essentials+ priced at $2,999 MAP and Ultimate+ at $3,999 MAP.