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Quick answer: The Apollo x16 Gen 2 ESS is a Universal Audio Apollo audio interface with onboard DSP for realtime UAD plug-in processing while you record. Priced at $3799.00, sold brand-new by Victory Musical Instruments, a veteran-owned authorized UA dealer in Miami, FL. Questions? Call 844-687-4208.
The flagship rack Apollo for console-equipped studios and immersive audio. The Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen 2 Essentials+ Edition is an 18 In / 20 Out rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with 16 channels of elite-class line-level I/O, HEXA Core DSP, and Dolby Atmos immersive audio support up to 9.1.6.
At a Glance
| Brand | Universal Audio |
|---|---|
| Model | Apollo x16 Gen 2 ESS |
| Category | Audio Interface |
| Form factor | Rackmount |
| Connection | Thunderbolt 3 |
| Computer compatibility | Mac & Windows |
| Price | $3799.00 |
| SKU / MPN | APX16G2-ESS |
| Condition | New (factory sealed) |
| Warranty | Full Universal Audio manufacturer warranty |
| Sold by | Victory Musical Instruments — veteran-owned authorized UA dealer, Miami FL |
Overview
Apollo x16 is built for the studio that already owns external preamps and needs the cleanest possible 16-channel converter-and-monitor-controller-in-a-box. No onboard preamps — instead, two DB-25 inputs and two DB-25 outputs (Tascam pinout) connect directly to mixing consoles, outboard preamp racks, and patchbays. Selectable +24 dBu headroom matches professional console levels.
Key Features
- Elite-Class Apollo X Gen 2 Conversion — 24-bit / 192 kHz with Dual-Crystal Clocking for ultra-low jitter at all sample rates.
- No Onboard Preamps — Line-Only I/O — Designed to integrate with external mic preamps via DB-25 connections to mixing consoles or preamp racks.
- HEXA Core DSP — Six SHARC processors for realtime UAD plug-in processing, 50% more DSP power than previous-generation Apollos.
- 18 In / 20 Out I/O — 2 x DB-25 line inputs (16 channels), 2 x DB-25 outputs (line 1-16 or ALT / 9.1.6 surround), stereo AES I/O (XLR), 2 monitor outs (XLR), BNC word clock I/O
- 9.1.6 Immersive Audio Support — Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, and Sony 360 Reality Audio mixing with native immersive monitor controller.
- Apollo Monitor Correction by Sonarworks® — Calibrate main monitors (stereo or immersive) and headphones for accurate playback (available add-on).
- Updated UAD Console — Auto-Gain, Plug-In Scenes, Bass Management, Monitor Controller with ALT speaker switching, and integrated talkback.
- +24 dBu Headroom (Switchable) — Console-level compatibility for integration with high-end pro audio gear.
- Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) — Two TB3 ports for daisy-chaining and Mac/Windows connectivity.
Console-Ready Integration
Apollo x16's 16-channel DB-25 I/O is the standard connector for integrating with professional mixing consoles, summing mixers, and outboard preamp racks. Switchable +24 dBu headroom matches the operating levels of high-end pro audio gear. For studios with an existing console (SSL, Neve, API), the x16 becomes the converter and monitoring hub that connects everything to a Mac or Windows DAW.
Essentials+ Plug-In Bundle
A comprehensive starter library covering every essential studio process:
- Channel Strips & Preamps — Century Tube, CS-1, Helios Type 69, Precision Channel Strip, UA 610-A and 610-B.
- Compressors — Fairchild 670 Legacy, Teletronix LA-2A (Classic / Gray / Silver / Legacy), UA 1176LN Legacy, UA 1176SE Legacy.
- EQs — Helios Type 69, full Pultec suite (EQP-1A, HLF-3C, MEQ-5).
- Effects & Instruments — Auto-Tune Realtime Access, Oxide Tape Recorder, Galaxy Tape Echo, Pure Plate Reverb, PolyMAX Synth, Ampeg SVT-VR, Marshall Plexi, and more.
What's in the Box
- Apollo x16 Gen 2 audio interface (1U rackmount)
- External power supply
- Essentials+ UAD plug-in bundle (digital via UA Connect)
- Note: Thunderbolt 3 cable sold separately. DB-25 (Tascam) cables for connecting to outboard gear sold separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this Apollo work on Windows, Mac, or both?
This Thunderbolt Apollo works on both Mac and Windows computers that have a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port.
Can I run UAD plug-ins in realtime while tracking?
Yes. Apollo's onboard DSP runs UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency, so you can print or monitor through analog emulations of classic preamps, compressors, EQs, and amps as you record.
What plug-ins are included with the Essentials edition?
The Essentials edition includes a UAD plug-in bundle selected by Universal Audio covering compressors, EQs, reverbs, tape, and preamps. Higher tiers include more titles; current contents are published by UA.
What's included in the box?
Your purchase includes: Apollo x16 Gen 2 audio interface (1U rackmount), External power supply, Essentials+ UAD plug-in bundle (digital via UA Connect).
Is the Apollo x16 Gen 2 ESS a genuine Universal Audio product?
Yes. Victory Musical Instruments is a veteran-owned, authorized Universal Audio dealer based in Miami, FL. Every unit is brand-new, factory-sealed, and covered by the full UA manufacturer warranty.
Can I get help choosing or setting it up?
Absolutely. You'll talk to real people, not a call center. Call us at 844-687-4208 and we'll help you spec the right gear and get it running.
Why Buy from Victory Musical Instruments
Victory Musical Instruments is a veteran-owned authorized UA dealer based in Miami, FL. We back every sale with real human support, fast shipping, and the kind of follow-through that only comes from a small dedicated team. Active duty, veterans, reservists, and eligible family save through our ID.me military discount program.