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Quick answer: The Apollo x16D ESS is a Universal Audio Apollo audio interface with onboard DSP for realtime UAD plug-in processing while you record. Priced at $2999.00, sold brand-new by Victory Musical Instruments, a veteran-owned authorized UA dealer in Miami, FL. Questions? Call 844-687-4208.
Take UAD plug-ins from studio to stage. The Universal Audio Apollo x16D Essentials+ Edition is an 18 In / 20 Out rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with Dante networked audio, HEXA Core DSP, and 9.1.6 immersive audio support — designed for live sound venues, networked recording studios, and immersive mixing facilities.
At a Glance
| Brand | Universal Audio |
|---|---|
| Model | Apollo x16D ESS |
| Category | Audio Interface |
| Form factor | Rackmount |
| Connection | Dante AoIP network, Thunderbolt 3 |
| Computer compatibility | Mac & Windows |
| Price | $2999.00 |
| SKU / MPN | APX16DG2-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 x16D combines Apollo X's flagship D/A conversion and UAD-2 HEXA Core DSP with Dante networking — a pairing no other professional audio interface offers. Standard Apollo X rack models route audio over Thunderbolt to a computer; the x16D adds Dante I/O on top of Thunderbolt, letting you patch into any Dante-enabled digital mixing console, broadcast network, or distributed sound system while running UAD plug-ins in realtime.
Key Features
- 16 Channels Dante I/O — Connect to any Dante-enabled mixing console, broadcast system, or networked audio backbone over standard Ethernet. AES67 mode supported at 48 kHz.
- Two RJ-45 Ethernet Ports — Switched or redundant network modes for live-sound reliability.
- HEXA Core DSP — Six SHARC processors for realtime UAD plug-in processing — over 200 UAD plug-ins available.
- Elite-Class Apollo X Gen 2 D/A Conversion — 24-bit / 192 kHz with Dual-Crystal Clocking.
- Stereo AES I/O (XLR) — Connect to professional digital outboard hardware.
- 9.1.6 Immersive Audio Support — Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, Sony 360 Reality Audio.
- MIDI Plug-In Settings Recall — Recall UAD plug-in settings over MIDI mid-performance.
- Pairs with Apollo e1x and e2m — Build a complete Dante I/O system with remote-controlled Unison preamps and personal monitoring stations.
- Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) — Two TB3 ports for Mac/Windows connectivity.
Use Cases
- Live Sound — Run UAD plug-ins through your existing Dante-enabled console (DiGiCo, Avid, Yamaha, Allen & Heath, etc.) at near-zero latency.
- Networked Recording Studios — Tie multiple control rooms together over Dante with realtime UAD processing on every node.
- Houses of Worship — Add UAD vocal processing and reverb to existing Dante systems.
- Broadcast — Native Dante integration with mid-show plug-in recall via MIDI.
- Immersive Mix Rooms — Native 9.1.6 monitoring controller for Dolby Atmos production.
Expand Over Dante
Link up to four x16D units to build a 64-channel Dante system with network redundancy. Or expand an existing Thunderbolt Apollo studio over Dante — the most low-latency and scalable audio network available. Apollo x16D is the only audio interface that delivers UAD realtime plug-in processing into a Dante network.
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 x16D audio interface (1U rackmount)
- External power supply
- Essentials+ UAD plug-in bundle (digital via UA Connect)
- Note: Thunderbolt 3 cable and Cat6 Ethernet cables 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.
Does it support Dante networking?
Yes. This model includes Dante audio-over-IP, letting you send and receive many channels over a standard network connection for larger or distributed studio setups.
What's included in the box?
Your purchase includes: Apollo x16D audio interface (1U rackmount), External power supply, Essentials+ UAD plug-in bundle (digital via UA Connect).
Is the Apollo x16D 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.
Why Buy from Victory Musical Instruments
Victory Musical Instruments — veteran-owned, Miami-based, authorized UA dealer. We trust the gear we sell and back it with real support, not a call center. Active duty, veterans, reservists, and eligible family save through our ID.me military discount program.