Universal Audio Apollo X16 Interface - 16 inputs 20 outputs - NEW

Universal Audio Apollo X16 Interface - 16 inputs 20 outputs - NEW

Apollo x16

Up for grabs is a brand new, never used, still sealed, but taken out of the box for inspection and photos, Universal Audio Apollo x16 audio interface.

16x16 zero latency analog I/O with elite-class A/D and D/A conversion
18x20 24/96 conversion
Dual Thunderbolt 3 connectivity

Zero Latency so you can record with plug-ins and listen to what your plug-ins are doing as you record.

Additional Processing freeing up processing power for your computer - additional details below
UAD-2 HEXA Core providing additional processing power for all major DAWs including Ableton, Logic and Pro Tools.

Plugins Included in the Analog Classics Bundle
1. UA 610‐B Tube Preamp & EQ
2. Teletronix® LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier (Legacy)
3. 1176LN® Limiting Amplifier (Legacy)
4. 1176SE® Limiting Amplifier (Legacy) Streamlined Edition - A lighter version of the 1176LN, designed to use less DSP. Still captures the core compression behavior but with less harmonic complexity. Useful when running multiple instances in a session without overloading DSP.Slightly cleaner sound compared to the more colorful 1176LN.
5. Pultec® Pro Equalizers (Legacy) - which includes as follows;

Pultec EQP-1A (Legacy) – A classic tube-based equalizer known for its smooth and musical frequency boosts and cuts.
Pultec MEQ-5 (Legacy) – A midrange equalizer designed to shape mid frequencies with rich, analog warmth.

6. RealVerb‐Pro
7. Precision Mix Rack Collection - Sound amazing and you will use them for simply everything;

Precision Channel Strip (Legacy) – A channel strip with EQ, compression, and gating.
Precision Reflection Engine – A basic reverb unit for adding spatial depth.
Precision Delay Mod (Legacy) – A modulation delay effect for creating subtle or dramatic echoes.
Precision Delay Mod L (Legacy) – A longer version of the modulation delay with extended delay times.


Additionally - it says on the box that it is a Heritage Edition - which means it comes with the Heritage Collection Plug-ins, BUT I cannot confirm - I don't know what's in the box or what you'll be entitled to once you register the unit at Universal Audio's website. If it says it's a Heritage Edition on the box then it should be, but I cannot guarantee this. I do know for sure that you get the above collection - Analogue Classics

Dual Thunderbolt 3 Connection

Typical question - I have a 2023 macbook air with USB-C. How do I plug the thunderbolt 3 into the macbook air?

Your 2023 MacBook Air has Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, so you can connect the Apollo x16 using a Thunderbolt 3 cable directly.
What You Need:


Recommended Thunderbolt 3 Cable for Apollo x16:
* Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C to USB-C) Cable
* 40 Gbps speed (avoid slower USB-C cables that don’t support full Thunderbolt speeds)
* Shorter cables (0.5–1m) are more reliable for high-speed data transfer
A good option is the Apple Thunderbolt 3 cable or certified Thunderbolt 3 cables from brands like Cable Matters, OWC, or Belkin.


INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

For this x16 unit, you will need to purchase at least one DB-25 to XLR Female break-out cable for the first 8 analogue inputs. Once you have your basic 8 channel input taken care of, you are ready to record. There are two monitor outs, for your speakers/monitors. Monitoring volume control is all on the front of the unit, easily accessible.

An additional DB-25 will provide inputs to channel 9-16
Additional DB-25s to spread your outputs across a console or to outboard processing. You can get cheap ones, HOSA, here on ebay for $60, or expensive ones, Mogami for about $100. DB-25 to XLR Female for inputs and DB-25 to XLR or 1/4” TRS for up to 16 outputs. One for each 8 channel DB-25 socket on the rear of the unit.

The AES/EBU input on the back of the Apollo x16 is a digital audio input used to receive high-quality stereo audio signals in AES/EBU format - CD players, Mastering gear, DATS, etc. Bypasses the Apollo’s A/D conversion since the signal stays digital.



Processing Power - UAD 2 HEXA

With your 2023 MacBook Air (M2), per say, the Apollo x16’s HEXA Core DSP will handle all UAD plugins that require DSP processing, meaning they run exclusively on the x16’s built-in SHARC processors—not your Mac’s CPU.
How UAD Plugins Are Processed on Your Setup:
✅ Apollo x16 DSP Handles:
* Real-time tracking & monitoring with UAD plugins (zero-latency).
* Unison preamp emulations (Neve 1073, API, etc.).
* Any UAD plugin used in the Console app or inserted in your DAW as a DSP-powered instance.
MacBook Air (M2) Handles:
* Native UAD Plugins (UADx) – These are the new native UAD versions that run directly on your M2 chip via Apple Silicon optimization (e.g., LA-2A, 1176, Pultec).
* DAW processing & non-UAD plugins – You