Communiqué de Presse
SCOTTS VALLEY, CA • April 10, 2013 — Universal Audio (UA), a leading manufacturer of professional audio recording hardware and software, is proud to announce the Apollo 16 Audio Interface. Delivering world-class conversion with 16x16 analog I/O, this uncompromising FireWire/Thunderbolt-ready interface combines superior sound and flexible routing with powerful onboard UAD-2 QUAD processing. With its professional DB-25 connectivity and multi-unit cascading for up to 32x32 analog I/O, Apollo 16 sets a new standard in high-resolution recording with classic analog sound.
“Building on the success of the original Apollo interface, the Apollo 16 is our flagship audio converter,” says Bill Putnam Jr., Universal Audio founder and CEO. “Its sound quality and scalability make it ideal for pairing with mixing consoles and outboard preamps, and the ability to track through UAD plug-ins in real time provides powerful sonic options for professional studios.”
Building upon decades of UA hardware expertise, Apollo 16 features meticulous analog circuit design, top-end converters, and DC-coupled outputs — providing the lowest THD and highest dynamic range of any converter in its class. Apollo 16’s deep, wide soundstage and exceptionally open and transparent sound makes it the ideal centerpiece for professional recording facilities.
With its standard UAD-2 QUAD processing onboard, Apollo 16 allows real time processing with UAD Powered Plug-Ins — with as low as sub-2ms latency — so recordists can monitor, audition, and “print” audio through stunning analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more. Apollo 16's onboard UAD processing is also available during mixing and mastering, so that music producers can employ UAD plug-ins (VST, RTAS, AU) throughout the creative process.
Apollo 16 boasts straightforward 16x16 analog I/O via convenient DB-25 connections. Two Apollo 16 units can be cascaded over MADI for an expanded system with eight UAD processors and 32x32 simultaneous analog I/O, capable of handling large professional mixes. Dedicated XLR monitor outputs and stereo AES-EBU digital I/O round out the Apollo 16’s rear-panel audio connections.
Apollo 16’s routing capabilities include four stereo cue mixes with individually assignable outputs, and a new “Virtual I/O” feature that allows for Realtime UAD Processing of DAW tracks and virtual instruments.
Apollo 16 also offers compatibility with Intel’s high-bandwidth Thunderbolt technology on Macs via a user-installable dual-port Thunderbolt Option Card (sold separately). Thunderbolt provides greater UAD plug-in instances, improved performance at high sample rates, and reduced UAD plug-in latency in the DAW versus Apollo’s standard FireWire connection.
Shipping in the second quarter of 2013, Apollo 16 will carry an estimated street price of $2,999US. Apollo’s Thunderbolt Option Card is now available for an estimated street price of $499US.
Download the Apollo 16 Press Kit, complete with images, here:
http://www.uaudio.com/A16press
Learn more about the top-selling Apollo Audio Interface here:
www.uaudio.com/apollo
Learn more about the award-winning UAD Powered Plug-Ins platform here:
www.uaudio.com/uad-plug-ins.html
About UAD Powered Plug-Ins
Powered by Universal Audio’s popular UAD-2 DSP Accelerator hardware and the Apollo audio interface, UAD Powered Plug-Ins offer the world’s most authentic analog hardware emulations and award-winning audio plug-ins on Mac and PC. UAD plug-ins deliver rich, analog sound quality that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with native recording systems.
About Universal Audio Inc.
Founded in 1958 by recording pioneer Bill Putnam Sr., and refounded in 1999 by Bill Putnam Jr., Universal Audio is best known for its classic, hand-built analog hardware and advanced UAD Digital Signal Processing technology for recording, mixing, and mastering audio. Headquartered in Scotts Valley, California, UA is focused on merging the best of vintage analog and modern digital technology, following its rich recording heritage and motto, “Analog Ears. Digital Minds.” www.uaudio.com
©2013 Universal Audio, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. The "Universal Audio" name, UA "Diamond" logo, “Apollo,” and "UAD Powered Plug-Ins" are trademarks of Universal Audio Inc. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.