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Average Price: $495

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$501+

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Description

Step into the world of pristine audio with the Apogee Electronics DA-16X, a masterpiece in digital-to-analog conversion. Designed for the discerning audio professional, this interface effortlessly transforms digital signals into lush, detailed analog sound. The DA-16X is not just about conversion; it’s about elevating your studio's capabilities with Apogee's C777 clocking technology, renowned for its precision and stability. This technology ensures that every note you play is captured with the utmost clarity, making it the preferred choice for top-tier studios worldwide.

The DA-16X boasts a redesigned power supply that enhances conversion accuracy, reducing noise and improving transient response. Whether you're working on intricate soundscapes or high-energy tracks, the DA-16X provides the perfect environment with its high-performance output. Its electronically balanced line drivers mimic true transformer behavior, delivering up to 26 dBu to any load without distortion, ideal for vintage equipment lovers.

For seamless integration, the DA-16X offers optional expansion cards for direct Pro Tools HD or FireWire connectivity, supporting up to 192k sampling rates. The SoftLimit feature allows you to capture additional dB levels without clipping, while the UV22HR technology ensures your high-resolution audio retains its brilliance even when dithered down for CD mastering.

With the Apogee DA-16X, you're not just investing in gear; you're enhancing your studio's potential, ensuring every detail of your music resonates with unparalleled quality.

Key Features:

  • 16 channels of premium 24-bit DA conversion
  • Sample rates up to 192k
  • Adaptive Loop Filtering (ALF) for minimum jitter
  • Optional HD card for direct Pro Tools HD connection
  • Optional S800 FireWire card for versatile connectivity
  • Intuitive front panel calibration
  • Electronically balanced line drivers for high-performance output
  • Word Clock I/O with termination switch
  • Support for AES double wire and SMUX format
  • Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) using C777 Clock Technology

Product specs

Brand Apogee
Model DA-16X 16-Channel 192kHz Reference D/A Converter
Finish Silver
Year 2000s
Categories AD/DA Converters

FAQs

What are the main connectivity options for the Apogee DA-16X?

The Apogee DA-16X offers a range of connectivity options, including AES/EBU, ADAT, and S/PDIF, allowing for seamless integration into professional studio environments.

Is the Apogee DA-16X compatible with Pro Tools?

Yes, the Apogee DA-16X is compatible with Pro Tools, making it a versatile choice for users who need high-quality D/A conversion within Pro Tools-based setups.

What is the maximum sample rate supported by the Apogee DA-16X?

The Apogee DA-16X supports a maximum sample rate of 192kHz, ensuring high-resolution audio conversion for professional recording and mixing applications.

How does the Apogee DA-16X improve studio sound quality?

The Apogee DA-16X enhances studio sound quality with its advanced D/A conversion technology, providing clear and accurate audio output essential for critical listening and mixing tasks.

Can the Apogee DA-16X be used for multi-channel audio setups?

Yes, the Apogee DA-16X is designed for multi-channel audio setups, offering 16 channels of high-quality D/A conversion suitable for complex studio environments.

Apogee Support

Apogee Support

Support Bench: AD-16x DA-16x Big Ben Hardware Reset

Video thumbnail for Support Bench: AD-16x DA-16x Big Ben Hardware Reset by Apogee Support

Support Bench: AD-16x DA-16x Big Ben Hardware Reset

Apogee Support

Apogee Support

Video thumbnail for Support Bench: AD-16x DA-16x Enable Advanced Routing Mode by Apogee Support

Support Bench: AD-16x DA-16x Enable Advanced Routing Mode

Apogee Support

Apogee Support

Video thumbnail for Boot up procedure to Show all Lights on BigBen, AD-16x, and DA-16x by Apogee Support

Boot up procedure to Show all Lights on BigBen, AD-16x, and DA-16x

Apogee Support

Apogee Support

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Apogee Electronics DA-16X.

Features and functionality

  • The Apogee DA-16x offers ADAT, AES, and optional FireWire/HDX/Symphony outputs, making it versatile for different studio setups.

    Source
  • The DA-16x can convert 6x ADAT outputs into 24 total outputs at 96kHz, enhancing output capacity for complex setups.

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  • Apogee DA-16x users are considering future-proofing with MADI connections, although its necessity depends on required input/output volumes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's commonly integrated with Lynx AES16 PCI cards, allowing seamless connection with outboard preamps for efficient signal routing.

    Source
  • The DA-16x is recommended for setups needing to expand beyond 12 analog outputs, particularly in summing mixer configurations.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The DA-16x is often preferred over other older interfaces like MUTO and Echo for its robust connectivity options and reliability in professional environments.

    Source
  • One user found the Cranborne summing to be very clean and tight, suggesting a preference for its sonic characteristics.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While many Apogee Symphony units are available cheaply, they often lack converter cards, which are essential and costly, affecting overall value.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The DA-16x is compatible with a variety of digital I/O configurations, including ADAT and SMUX, adding flexibility in studio integration.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that both Apogee and RME outputs deliver crystal-clear audio, making them indistinguishable in terms of sound quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Apogee AD-16X and DA-16X Converters

mixonline.com

Apogee's AD-16X and DA-16X converters set a new standard for high-resolution performance at an impressive price. Featuring the cutting-edge C777 clocking technology, these units deliver exceptional depth, focus, and high-frequency detail, rivaling more expensive models. While the AD-16X excels in A/D conversion, offering nuanced sound capture, the DA-16X impresses with its warm, 3-D D/A output. Both units boast a robust build and versatile connectivity options, though the internal word clock switch in earlier DA-16X models might be a minor inconvenience. Overall, these converters are highly recommended for their superior audio quality and value.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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akakingj

My DA Converter.

I use Apogee DA-16X with Dangerous Music 2 Bus LT.

From Gear Setup
andreabertolinidj

Great converter

Great converter. One of the best converter in the world

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Armin Van Buuren uses Apogee Electronics DA-16X

Armin Van Buuren

Music Producer

Major League

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo, Armin Van Buuren's studio setup includes two Apogee Electronics DA-16X audio interfaces.

See how Trent Reznor uses Apogee Electronics DA-16X

Trent Reznor

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via EMusician

Apogee DA-16X is included in the "COMPUTERS, DAWs, RECORDING HARDWARE" list.

See how Deryck Whibley uses Apogee Electronics DA-16X

Deryck Whibley

Singer, Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via reverb.com

This Apogee DA-16X is owned by Deryck Whibley Of Sum 41

My main studio rig

See how Infected Mushroom uses Apogee Electronics DA-16X

Infected Mushroom

Music Producer

Infected Mushroom

...
Verified via Photo

In this article for audio fanzine, Infected Mushroom provide this in a list of their gear.

See how Shpongle (Simon Posford) uses Apogee Electronics DA-16X

Shpongle (Simon Posford)

DJ

Shpongle

...
Verified via YouTube

3:18 in the video.

See how Joel Nielsen uses Apogee Electronics DA-16X

Joel Nielsen

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Imgur

The use of the Apogee Electronics DA-16X by Joel Nielsen is confirmed through a screenshot from his official website, hosted on Imgur, indicating that he incorporates this audio interface into his studio setup.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Apogee Electronics DA-16X, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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akakingj

akakingj

Gear IQ 213

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