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Apollo X16D on the Road

Some of the best live engineers using the UA's Apollo X16D.

By

6 March 2025

From sold-out arenas to global festival stages, Universal Audio’s Apollo x16D is transforming live sound, bringing the power of UAD plug-ins and Dante connectivity to top-tier touring acts. Designed for professional front-of-house (FOH) and monitor engineers, the Apollo x16D allows artists and engineers to harness the same world-class audio tools used in the studio — now in real time, on the road.

Already on major international tours, Apollo x16D is trusted by industry veterans working with top artists, from Shakira and Pitbull to Bob Dylan and Pantera. With seamless integration into digital mixers, instant recall of plug-in settings, and the ability to link multiple units for a 64-channel Dante system with network redundancy, Apollo x16D is setting a new standard for live sound.

Tour-Tested and Engineer-Approved

Live engineers across genres have embraced Apollo x16D for its pristine audio quality, reliability, and game-changing workflow. “As a live engineer, nothing is more important than consistency and reliability. The Apollo x16D has brought me the ultimate peace of mind for my live performances, delivering top-notch quality and unrivalled processing standards. I absolutely love it!” — John Buitrago (J Balvin, Karol G)

“Thanks to the quick connectivity of Dante, I am able to use my favourite UAD plug-ins in a more convenient way than I had before. Being able to connect to my console with just two cables —rather than the need for analogue breakout cables — makes for a much quicker setup. Using UAD plug-ins live allows me to bring the studio to the audience.” — Ashton Parsons (Cage the Elephant)

“Once I discovered UAD plug-ins for live sound, it became easier to get great results. I am able to translate the energy and feel of the records to the crowd and keep the party going! My job just got easier.” — Will Madera (Pitbull)

Studio Power, Stage Simplicity

Apollo x16D seamlessly bridges the gap between the studio and the stage, offering:

  • Real-time UAD Plug-ins Over Dante – Harness legendary studio tools like Auto-Tune,

Neve, and Lexicon in live performances with near-zero latency

  • Plug-in Scenes for Instant Recall – Recall precise settings instantly, even mid-show
  • Flexible Networked Audio – Link up to four Apollo x16D units for a 64-channel system with redundancy
  • Ultimate Sound Quality – Industry-leading A/D and D/A conversion ensures crystal-clear mixes in any venue

Elevating Live Sound Worldwide

From high-energy pop productions to intimate acoustic tours, Apollo x16D is empowering engineers to deliver unparalleled live mixes. Whether it’s Jason Frankhouser (Bob Dylan, FOH engineer), Eddie Mapp dialling in thunderous tones for Pantera, Bill Sheppell fine-tuning Shakira’s world tour, or Michael “Coach” Connor crafting pristine soundscapes for Paul Simon and Steely Dan, Apollo x16D is shaping the future of live audio.

“We believe that the best audio tools should ‘disappear’ and simply become part of the creative process,” says Bill Putnam Jr., CEO of Universal Audio. “Apollo x16D is designed to bring the best of analogue and digital together — so live engineers can focus on the music, not the gear.”

Apollo x16D is available now and ships with Essentials+ or Ultimate+ plug-in editions, providing up to 100+ world-class UAD plug-ins. To learn more about Apollo x16D and how it’s redefining live sound, visit www.uaudio.com.

CONTACT

CMI Music and Audio: (03) 9315 2244

Website: cmi.com.au

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