The most critical component in the digital recording environment is proper, high-quality conversion and since the dawn of digital recording the most desired converters have been made by Apogee. With up to 192k standard sample rates, the AD & DA-16X combine Apogee’s legendary conversion quality with the very latest in high-definition digital to provide unrivaled flexibility and quality.

Redesigned Power Supply

Enabling optimum conversion requires a state of the art power supply. The fully redesigned power system of the AD & DA-16X incorporates a specially designed Synchronous Switching power supply that works in conjunction with Apogee’s very stable low jitter clock and filtering technology to provide superior heat and noise performance and an improved transient response over our previous linear power supply. This creates a power system that delivers total efficiency and provides an ideal environment for premium conversion.

Redesigned Analog Section

Incorporated in the AD & DA-16X are the very latest developments in Apogee’s groundbreaking analog circuit design. Through sophisticated implementation and optimal configuration, the selection of premium, contemporary opamps allows the X-Series to deliver conversion performance never before heard, while maintaining the signature Apogee sound: Clear, transparent, focused and punchy.

C777 Clocking used by Big Ben

The AD & DA 16-X use Apogee’s C777 clocking technology. Famous for keeping Big Ben on time, the C777 utilizes an entirely digital process that Apogee has developed with the most advanced Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) technology and DSP-based digital filtering. With a stable, crystal based digital PLL handling the clocking, AD-16X and DA-16X are able to intelligently manipulate incoming signals and adapt to them accordingly. The result? The most aggressive jitter reduction ever and an astonishing and noticeable difference in sound quality.

Connect with Symphony, Pro Tools HD or any FireWire Enabled Computer

Like the Rosetta Series, the AD & DA-16X offer an expansion card slot that greatly increases connectivity possibilities. Add an optional X-Symphony card to connect to Apogee's revolutionary Symphony system, Add an optional X-Series HD card and connect your AD & DA-16X directly to your computer via your HD Core Card, or Add an X-FireWire card and enjoy a direct, low latency connection that supports the FireWire 400 standard.

SoftLimit: Maximize Levels, Minimize Overs

One of the greatest difficulties in digital recording is getting an adequate level without clipping and unwanted distortion. Soft Limit is an analog peak limiter that enables the capture of an additional 4-6 dB of level without going into an ‘over’ condition. Short of purchasing a very expensive stand-alone compressor/limiter, there is currently no product on the market that handles this process better than SoftLimit.

UV22HR: Dither Down with 24-bit Detail

UV22HR is Apogee´s industry standard technology for reducing the word-length of a high-resolution digital signal to 16 bits for the CD mastering. UV22HR is also being employed to produce dramatically improved internet and computer audio content without increased file sizes or data rates. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 hit records are mastered using Apogee’s UV22HR technology.

High Performance Output
The DA-16X uses Apogee’s newly developed electronically balanced line drivers. Originally designed for the Mini-DAC, these line drivers are able to simulate true transformer behavior. The circuitry is an ultra low output impedance, high current driver, capable of running levels up to 26 dBu to the most complex or low impedance loads. Recording studios utilizing vintage audio-equipment will find this particularly valuable. Ultimately, the output performance of the DA-16X achieves perfect symmetry when used in balanced mode (even with an unsymmetrical load) and no increased distortion when used unbalanced.

Power Trio

• 16 channels of premium 24-bit D/A conversion
• Sample rates up to 192k
• 16 channels of AES, ADAT/SMUX Input
• Word Clock I/O
• Optional HD card for direct connection to ProTools HD (X-HD card)
• Optional S800 FireWire card capable of sample rates up to 192k, compatible with OS X/Windows XP and all popular DAW's (X-FireWire card)
• All option cards (X-FireWire and X-HD) facilitate connection of multiple units
• Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) using Big Ben's C777 Clock Technology up to 192kHz
• Adaptive Loop Filtering (ALF) for optimum clock performance and minimum jitter
• Support for AES double wire and SMUX formats
• Intuitive front panel calibration
• Word Clock termination switch

• AES-EBU in x 8, transformer balanced, DSUB 25pin connector (192k single wide compatible)
• Optical: toslink x 4, supporting ADAT and SMUX protocol
• WC in: BNC 75 ohm with switchable termination

• WC out: BNC 75 ohm
• Analog out 1-8 Balanced, DSUB 25pin connector.
• Analog out 9-16 Balanced, DSUB 25pin connector.

• One x-type card can be installed, for Firewire, HD and or other future format connectivity.

• Sample rates internal: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192k
• Sample rates external: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192k +/- 10%
• Frequency response at 44.1 k : 5 - 20.000 Hz (+/- 0.2 dB)
• Analog levels: 6 to 24dBu max through digital gain adjustment. (Compatible with -10dBV levels)
• THD+N: -107 dB
• Dynamic range: 118 dB A weighted
• Power: 100 -240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz, 65 Watt