In the world of professional audio, Universal Audio has long been synonymous with analog warmth, pristine conversion, and real-time plug-in processing. With the introduction of the Apollo x16D, Apollo e1x, and Apollo e2m, UA has taken its signature sound and processing power into the realm of Dante® audio networking — offering a modular, scalable system that’s as at home in a multi-room studio as it is on a live stage or in a broadcast truck.
A New Kind of Audio Infrastructure
At the heart of this system is Dante, the industry-standard audio-over-IP protocol that replaces bulky analog cabling with a single Ethernet line. With support for hundreds of channels of uncompressed, low-latency audio, Dante enables distributed audio routing, simplified cabling, and seamless integration across devices — all managed through the intuitive Dante Controller software.
Universal Audio’s Dante-enabled lineup brings this power to life with three key components:
Apollo x16D: The Central Hub
The Apollo x16D is a rackmount Thunderbolt™ 3 interface that delivers:
- 16x16 channels of Dante I/O
- HEXA Core UAD DSP for real-time plug-in processing
- Elite-class A/D and D/A conversion with 133 dB dynamic range
- +24 dBu operation for interfacing with high-end analog gear
- Immersive audio support for Dolby Atmos and beyond
It acts as the central brain of the system — handling conversion, plug-in processing, and DAW integration — while seamlessly routing audio across the Dante network.
Apollo e1x: Remote-Controlled Unison™ Preamps
The Apollo e1x is a PoE-powered Dante mic preamp that adds:
- Unison-enabled mic/line input with remote control
- Assistive Auto Gain, 48V phantom power, pad, polarity, and low-cut filter
- UAD plug-in support when paired with the x16D
- Mic stand mounting for flexible placement
- AES67 compatibility for broader network integration
Whether you’re capturing vocals in a vocal booth or miking a drum kit on stage, the e1x gives you studio-grade preamp control anywhere on your network — all from the UAD Console app.
Apollo e2m: Personal Monitoring and Line I/O
The Apollo e2m is a stereo headphone amp and line interface designed for:
- Personal cue monitoring with headphone and line outputs
- Stereo line inputs for synths, amp modelers, or playback devices
- Parallel 1/4" and 1/8" headphone jacks with shared volume control
- PoE power and mic stand mounting
- Mute controls for both headphone and line output
It’s the perfect endpoint for musicians, engineers, or performers who need local monitoring or want to integrate outboard gear into the Dante network.
Why This System Stands Out
- Modular and Scalable: Add as many e1x or e2m units as needed — no patch bays or snakes required.
- Real-Time UAD Processing: Run classic analog emulations with near-zero latency.
- Networked Flexibility: Place I/O exactly where you need it — in the booth, on stage, or across the building.
- PoE Simplicity: One Ethernet cable handles both power and audio.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works with macOS, Windows, and all major DAWs.
The Big Picture
Together, the Apollo x16D, e1x, and e2m form a complete, future-ready audio system that combines UA’s legendary sound with the power of Dante networking. Whether you're building a multi-room studio, outfitting a live venue, or streamlining a broadcast workflow, this trio delivers unmatched sonic quality, flexibility, and control — all over a single network cable.
