Apollo x16 Heritage Edition Review
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Our editorial take on the Apollo x16 Heritage Edition
The Universal Audio Apollo x16 Heritage Edition is a rackmount audio interface designed for professional studio environments. Its 18x20 I/O configuration, combined with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, positions it for high-channel count recording and mixing applications. A key feature is its Real-Time UAD Processing, which enables users to run powered plug-ins with minimal latency, differentiating it from interfaces that offload all processing to the host computer.
This interface emphasizes digital purity and high fidelity, as indicated by its 24-bit AD/DA conversion and impressive dynamic range and THD+N figures across its line and monitor outputs. The inclusion of a special UAD plug-in bundle adds value for users already invested in or looking to integrate Universal Audio's ecosystem. Its rackmount form factor and professional-grade sync options (Word Clock, AES3) further cement its place in a dedicated studio setup.
Consideration should be given to its specific I/O, which focuses on line and monitor connections via DB-25 and XLR, omitting built-in microphone inputs, phantom power, or instrument inputs. This suggests it is intended to be integrated into a larger system with external preamplifiers and DI boxes. The absence of MIDI I/O or expansion slots also narrows its application profile to core audio conversion and processing.
- Real-Time UAD Processing for near-zero latency plug-in use
- High-resolution 24-bit conversion with up to 192 kHz sample rate
- Excellent dynamic range and low THD+N specifications for line and monitor outputs
- Comprehensive digital sync options including Word Clock and AES3
- Includes a special UAD plug-in bundle
- Lacks built-in microphone preamps, phantom power, or instrument inputs
- No MIDI I/O or expansion slots
- Requires external preamplifiers for microphone recording
- Specific I/O via DB-25 connectors may require additional cabling or breakout boxes
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
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About this product
The Universal Audio Apollo x16 Heritage Edition is a rackmount 18x20 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface designed for professional audio production. It features Real-Time UAD Processing, allowing users to run UAD powered plug-ins with near-zero latency. This edition includes a special bundle of UAD plug-ins.
Specs
- Pad
- No
- Weight
- 9.0 lb / 4.1 kg
- Display
- 18x Multi-Segment LED Meter
- Latency
- 1.1 ms at 96 kHz (Input to Output)
- MIDI I/O
- No
- Sync I/O
- 1x BNC Word Clock Input 1x BNC Word Clock Output
- Wireless
- -
- Solo/Mute
- Mute per Master
- Bit Depths
- 24-Bit (AD/DA Conversion)
- Dimensions
- 19 x 13.5 x 1.8" / 48.3 x 34.3 x 4.6 cm (Including Controls and Protrusions)
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Network I/O
- No
- Built-In DSP
- -
- Sample Rates
- -
- Sync Sources
- AES3, Internal, Word Clock
- Phantom Power
- No
- AC Input Power
- 100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
- Rackmount Size
- 1 U
- USB (Non-Host)
- No
- Expansion Slots
- No
- Analog Audio I/O
- 2x DB-25 Line/8-Channel Input 2x XLR 3-Pin Monitor Output 2x DB-25 Line/8-Channel Output
- High-Pass Filter
- No
- OS Compatibility
- macOS 10.12 to 10.15 / Windows 10 or Later
- Digital Audio I/O
- 1x XLR 3-Pin AES3 Input 1x XLR 3-Pin AES3 Output
- Power Consumption
- 30 W (Typical) 72 W (Maximum)
- Required Hardware
- Available Thunderbolt 3 Port
- Power Requirements
- AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
- AC/DC Power Adapter
- 12 VDC at 6 A (Included)
- Built-In Microphone
- -
- THD+N (Line Inputs)
- -115 dB / 0.00018% (1 kHz, +23 dBu Input)
- Storage Requirements
- 6 GB
- THD+N (Line Outputs)
- -123 dB / 0.000068% (1 kHz, at -1 dBFS)
- Maximum Sampling Rate
- 192 kHz / 24-Bit
- Processor Requirement
- Intel Core i7
- Impedance (Word Clock)
- 75 Ohms
- Media/Memory Card Slot
- No
- Sample Rate Conversion
- No
- Impedance (Line Inputs)
- 10 Kilohms
- THD+N (Monitor Outputs)
- -129 dB / 0.000037% (1 kHz, at -1 dBFS)
- Host Connection Protocol
- Thunderbolt 3
- Dynamic Range (Line Inputs)
- 124 dBA
- Mobile Device Compatibility
- No
- Number Of Microphone Inputs
- No
- Dynamic Range (Line Outputs)
- 127 dBA
- Dynamic Range (Monitor Outputs)
- 133 dBA
- Clocking (Word Clock Lock Range)
- 44.1 to 192 kHz ±4% of Sample Rate
- Frequency Response (Line Inputs)
- 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.05 dB
- Impedance (Line/Monitor Outputs)
- 100 Ohms
- Frequency Response (Line Outputs)
- 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.02 dB
- Maximum Input Level (Line Inputs)
- +24 dBu (Balanced, +4 dBu) +6.2 dBV (Balanced, -10 dBV)
- Frequency Response (Monitor Outputs)
- 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.2 dB
- Clocking (Word Clock Input Termination)
- 75 Ohms (Switchable)
- Maximum Output Level (Line/Monitor Outputs)
- +24 dBu (+4 dBu) +10 dBV (-10 dBV)
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