Discover live and broadcast setups for expert Dante integration.
Apollo x16D introduces Dante® networking to the UA ecosystem — giving you pristine, flexible audio routing over standard Ethernet. And with the addition of E Series peripherals — the Apollo e1x UnisonTM preamp and Apollo e2m stereo headphone amp and line I/O — you can now build a complete, professional networked audio system for stage or studio.
Dante delivers uncompressed digital audio with near-zero latency and full redundancy, letting you send and receive multichannel audio over Cat5e/6 cables across long distances — all managed from Audinate’s Dante Controller app.
From remote-controlled mic preamps and multi-room tracking, to scalable monitoring and front-of-house flexibility, Apollo Networked Audio opens up powerful new workflows. Here are four of our favorites.
Recreate the Sound of your Favorite Records On Stage
Use Case 1 | Star Input Channels (PDF)
It takes more than a great performance to make a live show sound like a record. It also takes a skilled FOH engineer and the right tools. With Apollo x16D on a Dante network, engineers can now bring studio-grade plug-ins onstage, making it easier to match the sound fans know by heart — even if it’s just a few key channels that do the heavy lifting.
Using the Apollo e1x Unison™ preamp it’s easy to add pro character to your live mixes. When paired with Apollo x16D, the e1x gives you Unison mic/line preamps anywhere on your Dante network, so you can give your most important sources the legendary studio tone of mic preamps from Neve, SSL, API, and more — including their all-important input impedance, gain staging “sweet spots”, and harmonic saturation.
From there, you can process further with UAD plug-ins and recreate your favorite studio processing chains — or “star channels” — and get everything from modern hip-hop vocal sounds to album-approved guitar tones — all in a single rack space, fully integrated over Dante.
Favorite live processors used by professional FOH engineers include Auto-Tune Realtime X, classic compression from the EL8 Distressor, dbx 160, and UA 1176LN, plus special tools previously unavailable live, like Studer A800 Tape Recorder or C-Suite’s nifty C-Vox Noise & Ambience Reduction plug-in, perfect for taking the room and handling noise out of vocal mics.
Perfectly Measure your Mixing Environment
Use Case 2 | Live Sound Measurement Preamp (PDF)
Optimizing a PA system’s measurements in any room is crucial for a “dialed-in mix” in live sound. FFT spectral measurement software, such as Smaart, has been instrumental since the rise of digital music technology in fine-tuning PA systems and ensuring consistency across diverse venues.
These systems need a crystal-clear front end for effective measurement. While omni-directional measurement microphones are common, their performance can be hindered by positioning issues and preamp/converter coloration.
The Dante-equipped Apollo e1x preamp is ideal for precise audio measurements. It’s a reference-grade mic preamp with digitally controlled, repeatable gain that easily integrates into existing network audio setups. Apollo e1x offers Power-over-Ethernet and 48V phantom power, streamlining your signal chain by reducing analog-to-digital conversion steps. This allows for optimal, flexible mic placement, especially with its built-in thread mount. The result? More accurate measurements with new levels of precision.
Get Flawless Audio for Conferences and Live Events
Use Case 3 | Conference Audio and House of Worship (PDF)
Many spaces need clear “talking-head” audio alongside traditional live sound. This often creates a unique challenge, as it requires diverse processing techniques to achieve the perfect mix for both in the same environment.
With the improved flexibility of a Dante-based Apollo system, you can quickly create the best of both worlds like never before. With access to voice-optimized plug-ins like C-Suite C-Vox, create the perfect noise-free dialogue with less on-stage feedback risk. Then, easily switch to an alternate UAD Console plug-in scene to recall an entirely different set-up for your worship band in an instant without a single change on the analog side of your system.
A Dante-based Apollo system offers unparalleled flexibility, letting you easily achieve optimal audio for any situation. For example, can use the previously mentioned C-Vox Noise & Ambience Reduction plug-in for clear, feedback-free dialogue, then, seamlessly switch to a different UAD Console plug-in scene to instantly reconfigure your system for a live band, all without touching your analog setup.
With Apollo e2m personal monitoring devices, you can effortlessly send unique monitor mixes to each performer or speaker, giving them precise cue mixes across your entire facility. But the e2m is more than just a personal monitor. It also functions as an interface with 1/4″ stereo line inputs and outputs. This means players can connect keyboards, amp modeling systems like UAFX pedals, and other line-level signals directly over Dante, eliminating the need for extra preamps or interfaces.
Get the Best Sound Possible from your Broadcast
Use Case 4 | Pro Audio Utility Preamp (PDF)
There’s perhaps no better application for a Dante networked audio system than a multi-room broadcast facility. In fact, major production houses like the BBC World Service and NFL Media Headquarters rely on Dante networked audio for live and recorded content.
With the ability to feed every separate A/V production set into a single centralized mix location over ethernet, Dante is a perfect candidate for streamlining any on-air use case. Combine that with the versatile feature set of Apollo X Gen 2 interfaces — including immersive multi-channel monitoring support and room correction from Sonarworks* — it’s clear that x16D is uniquely equipped for broadcast audio.
In an on-air environment, time is of the essence and with an Assistive Auto-Gain equipped preamp like Apollo e1x, you can set levels quickly and precisely without turning a single knob or adjusting a single fader. Better yet, do it all over Dante from a single mix point in your facility.
Combine that with the ability to integrate a massive library of the best plug-ins in the industry in realtime, and x16D quickly becomes the brain of your broadcast powerhouse.
Your Complete Audio Network for Studio or Stage
To unleash the full power of Apollo Networked Audio, check out these last two use case diagrams, where E Series and Apollo x16D provide end-to-end solutions for both studio and stage.
High-End Networked Recording Studio
Use Case 5 | High-End Networked Recording Studio Diagram (PDF).
Live Sound “Star Input Channels” and Personal Foldback
Use Case 6 | Live Sound “Star Channels” with Personal Foldback Diagram (PDF).
— Austin Lyons
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