Apollo x16 Heritage Edition Rackmount 18x20 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with Real-Time UAD Processing Review
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Our editorial take on the Apollo x16 Heritage Edition Rackmount 18x20 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with Real-Time UAD Processing
The Universal Audio Apollo x16 Heritage Edition is a rackmount audio interface designed for demanding professional recording and mixing environments, featuring 18 inputs and 20 outputs over Thunderbolt 3. Its core strength lies in its real-time UAD processing, aimed at delivering analog-like sound characteristics directly within the recording workflow. As a Heritage Edition, it includes a specific bundle of UAD plug-ins, indicating a focus on users seeking Universal Audio's proprietary processing from the outset.
Connectivity includes robust analog I/O via DB-25 connectors for multi-channel line-level signals, alongside AES3 digital I/O and Word Clock synchronization options. The interface boasts impressive dynamic range and low THD+N figures across its inputs and outputs, suggesting high fidelity audio conversion suitable for critical applications. Its 1U rackmount form factor makes it well-suited for permanent studio installations where space and integration are key.
Consideration for this interface depends on a user's existing setup and their need for Universal Audio's real-time UAD processing ecosystem. Its high-end specifications and dedicated I/O are aimed at professional studios rather than portable or entry-level setups. The absence of certain features like MIDI I/O, phantom power, and dedicated microphone inputs highlights its specialized role as a line-level workhorse.
- Real-time UAD processing built-in for analog sound characteristics
- High-fidelity AD/DA conversion with excellent dynamic range (up to 133 dBA monitor outputs) and low THD+N
- Extensive analog I/O via DB-25 for multi-channel line-level connections
- Flexible synchronization options with Word Clock and AES3 I/O
- Low latency performance at 1.1 ms at 96 kHz
- No dedicated microphone inputs or phantom power, limiting direct mic recording
- Lacks MIDI I/O, requiring external solutions for MIDI control
- No built-in display for detailed metering, relying on a multi-segment LED meter
- Requires an available Thunderbolt 3 port and Intel Core i7 processor
- Physically large and heavy at 19 x 13.5 x 1.8 inches and 9.0 lbs for a 1U device
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
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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
- Usb Non-Host
- No
- Phantom Power
- No
- Ac Input Power
- 100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
- Rackmount Size
- 1 U
- 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
- Required Hardware
- Available Thunderbolt 3 Port
- Thd+N Line Inputs
- -115 dB / 0.00018% (1 kHz, +23 dBu Input)
- Power Requirements
- AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
- Thd+N Line Outputs
- -123 dB / 0.000068% (1 kHz, at -1 dBFS)
- Ac Dc Power Adapter
- 12 VDC at 6 A (Included)
- Built In Microphone
- -
- Impedance Word Clock
- 75 Ohms
- Storage Requirements
- 6 GB
- Impedance Line Inputs
- 10 Kilohms
- Maximum Sampling Rate
- 192 kHz / 24-Bit
- Processor Requirement
- Intel Core i7
- Thd+N Monitor Outputs
- -129 dB / 0.000037% (1 kHz, at -1 dBFS)
- Media Memory Card Slot
- No
- Sample Rate Conversion
- No
- Host Connection Protocol
- Thunderbolt 3
- Dynamic Range Line Inputs
- 124 dBA
- Power Consumption Maximum
- 72 W (Maximum)
- Power Consumption Typical
- 30 W (Typical)
- Dynamic Range Line Outputs
- 127 dBA
- Mobile Device Compatibility
- No
- Number Of Microphone Inputs
- No
- 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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