Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,947
High-end/Boutique
$150
$501+
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Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Universal Audio Apollo x16". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Universal Audio Apollo x16 is the ultimate audio interface, designed for both professional and project studios aiming for top-tier sound. This 18x20 Thunderbolt 3 interface is your gateway to pristine recordings and mixes that capture the essence of your music. With 16 channels of analog I/O, the Apollo x16 seamlessly integrates with your existing equipment, making it the heart of any hybrid studio setup.
Harness the power of HEXA Core processing to unlock the full potential of UAD DSP plug-ins, allowing you to track, mix, and master with legendary analog emulations. The included Realtime Analog Classics bundle brings iconic gear like the Pultec EQ and 1176 compressor right to your fingertips. Whether you're printing UAD effects in real-time or giving your artist a fully customized headphone mix, the Apollo x16 ensures your productions are always a step ahead.
Built for versatility, this interface supports immersive formats up to 9.1.6, making it an essential tool for engineers working in film, TV, and gaming. The Apollo x16’s transparent sound quality, thanks to its advanced 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters, provides an ultraclean signal path that captures every nuance of your performance.
Key Features:
- 18x20 Thunderbolt 3 interface for seamless integration
- 16x16 analog I/O with DB25 connections
- HEXA Core processing for UAD DSP plug-ins
- Realtime Analog Classics plug-in bundle included
- Supports immersive audio formats up to 9.1.6
- 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters for exceptional sound quality
- Best-in-class dynamic range and low self-noise measurement
Product specs
| Brand | Universal Audio |
| Model | Apollo x16 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2018 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | Thunderbolt |
| Digital Input Format | AES/EBU |
| Digital Output Format | AES/EBU |
| Electronics | Analog, Digital, Solid State |
| Format | 19-inch Rackmount |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 16 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 18 |
| Number of Channels | 38 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 2 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 2 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 0 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 0 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 0 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 0 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
| Simultaneous I/O | 18 x 20 |
FAQs
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What connectivity options does the Universal Audio Apollo x16 offer?
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The Apollo x16 features Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for fast data transfer and low latency, making it compatible with both Windows and macOS systems. It also includes AES/EBU digital input and output formats for versatile integration into professional studio setups.
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Does the Universal Audio Apollo x16 support real-time UAD plugin processing?
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Yes, the Apollo x16 supports real-time UAD plugin processing, allowing you to monitor and record through UAD DSP plugins with near-zero latency, regardless of your DAW or the number of plugins in use.
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How many analog inputs and outputs does the Apollo x16 have?
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The Apollo x16 provides 16 analog inputs and 18 analog outputs, making it suitable for large-scale recording sessions and complex studio configurations.
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Is the Universal Audio Apollo x16 suitable for high-resolution audio recording?
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Yes, the Apollo x16 supports a sample rate of up to 192 kHz and a bit depth of 24-bit, ensuring high-resolution audio recording and playback for professional-grade sound quality.
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Does the Universal Audio Apollo x16 come with built-in microphone preamps?
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No, the Apollo x16 does not include built-in microphone preamps. It is designed for users who prefer to integrate their own external preamps into their recording setup.
Videos
Leo Gibson
5 reasons why I bought an Apollo x16 (switching ITB after 10 years of OTB mixing)
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio Apollo x16.
Features and functionality
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The Apollo x16 uses DB25 connectors for its 16 line-level inputs and outputs, unlike interfaces with built-in preamps that use XLR or 1/4-inch connectors.
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Offers flexibility by allowing the use of various preamps and outboard gear before digital conversion, unlike simpler interfaces with integrated preamps.
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Gen 2 introduces auto-gain and improved clocking precision, enhancing audio reproduction quality despite similar THD+N figures to Gen 1.
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The Apollo x16 does not include Unison preamps, focusing on line-level inputs with the addition of new Dante network capabilities.
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Use cases and applications
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Ideal for studios that want to customize their preamp and outboard gear setups before converting signals to digital.
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The Apollo x16 Gen 2 is recommended for mastering and big studio work due to its improved conversion and lower noise floor.
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The Apollo x16D is primarily designed for integration with Dante-enabled mixers for live sound applications, leveraging UAD effects without standalone ADC.
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Comparisons
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Unlike entry-level interfaces like the Scarlett 2i2, the Apollo x16 focuses on high-quality analog-to-digital conversion without built-in preamps for increased flexibility.
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The Apollo x16 Gen 2 offers improved stereo imaging and noise floor over Gen 1, but it's still slightly higher than Prism audio interfaces in the same range.
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Compared to the Focusrite Red 16Line, the Apollo x16D boasts a higher dynamic range of 133dB versus 121dB.
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Value and pricing
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Gen 2 models are significantly more expensive, with Gen 1 priced at 2800 euros and Gen 2 at 4200 euros, making Gen 1 a better value for many.
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The Apollo x16D is priced at $2999, which is considered a reasonable investment for 16 Dante inputs with DSP, though it remains a niche product.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
123
These sound and behave so well..
Sound quality is great, the flexibility is really impressive. I have 4x for 60 analog inputs/outputs.
Artist usage
Add artist
In a user-uploaded photo, Boys Noize is shown with the Universal Audio Apollo x16, a key piece of studio recording gear.
At 32:30 in the video titled "EPIC HOME STUDIO Setup 2022 | Butch Walker (studio tour)" by Andrew Masters on YouTube, Butch Walker is shown with a pair of Universal Audio Apollo x16 audio interfaces integrated into his producer's desk adjacent to the mixing console.
In an Instagram post by Jari Mäenpää, he states, "Recently I've been doing a major overhaul to my DAW setup and my choice for the audio interface was the top of the line Apollo x16 with the best converters!" He further explains that he plans to pair it with another Apollo interface using Thunderbolt 3 connections, emphasizing its ease of use and reliable performance.
In the video titled "Inside Daniel Nigro's Hit-Making Process for Olivia Rodrigo & Chappell Roan | Apollo Creators" produced by Universal Audio, the Universal Audio Apollo x16 is shown in Dan Nigro's studio setup at the timestamp 3:45.
In the YouTube video titled "How to Record a Band Live w/ Jacquire King and Apollo," between 18:14 and 19:06, Jacquire King is seen using the Universal Audio Apollo x16.
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 Universal Audio Apollo x16, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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