Damn. I have UA and your videos are really making me consider moving on from UA. Have been curious for a while of trying Antelope, Lynx and RME but haven't seriously considered til now. Love UA's plugins but most of what I use now are all native (especially with the new ATR 102 coming out). Thanks for the video!
Thanks so much. A look at the very new RME AD/DA converters would be great! Also the subject of a multi-brand (RME/UAD) setup. Regards from Istanbul.👏🏻👋🏼👋🏼
This comparison makes no sense. UA has not created a device like the galaxy. It's for Live mixing consoles that want to use UA plugins which are better than the stock plugins used for live today. The galaxy is an analog to Dante / Dante to analog converter. It solves a different problem and is great for studios. Now what you failed to mention is that they could be used to gether so you have the anlaog inputs on the galaxy and you can use it with UA DSP plugins in the studio if you so desired. That's how these could be used together which is what I thought this video was about. Also, Sweetwater sells the x16D for 3k not 4k. These types of videos are misleading and you should tell your viewers they don't solve the same problem. I love the Galaxy but I like UA plugins too so Id get both.
the x16D is 3K with only 20 plugins I believe, while the 4k option is with all plugins included. Also, the x16D solves a specific problem which the Galaxy can also solve in the exact same way - they UA videos show how they connect the Apollo to a live sound mixer via Dante, and using the effects as hardware inserts. Exactly the same can be done with the Galaxy, it has 32 AFX slots with up to 8 effects on each slot sooo
@@foolaround But not with the ultra-low latency. The value of Apollo interfaces is tied to the on-board DSP and the eco-system of UAD plugins, LUNA DAW and modeling microphones. Admittedly that value is declining in a post-M chip world of superfast processors. But the x16d is not a good value as an entry point. The device is designed for those who are already part of the ecosystem and want to have Dante compatibility to take it out for live use. If you are not already part of it? Buy something else. You’ll get better value for your money.
@@foolaround it doesn’t solve the UA plugins which are industry standard at low latency problem. And integrating with other UA gear if you own it. Galaxy is great and perfect for analog to Dante. It’s just not for every use case. So it’s not the exact same problem. Many engineers live and rely on UA plugins. Nobody at that level is considering Galaxy plugins when you have waves and UA offering Dante options as inserts. Not to mention getting all of your tracks into console. Also if you have something like the Rupert neve designs RMP-D8 and want low latancy UA plugins to record through, then x16D is an amazing option. Again using Galaxy with the x16D is more likely a scenario than comparing them head to head. It’s both and not either or for people that actually use dante
@@fadygergis 16 channels of UA plugins low latency when tracking. If you don’t need to use UA plugins while tracking then yeah I’d consider other options. But if you do, this is not the same choice.
8:40 RME already clarified that, there is absolutely no need for thunderbolt connections on an interface. USB 2 is more than enough. Its all about drivers, that why i have an Orion with Madi connection to my UFX and only RME is allowed to talk to my computer.
I currently have an Apollo x4 and x8p but recently I purchased the apogee symphony desktop and this unit sounds amazing soon I’m looking to trade in my uad interfaces my question is how does the galaxy interfaces compare to apogee cause apogee converters are “mastering grade “
I understand that the x16D is aimed at live sound but it still puzzles me at $3000 & $4000. Why not rework/expand the Octo Core Satellite unit by adding Dante connections for $2000 if they didn’t plan to include the multi-channel analog I/O. Call it the “Octo Core Satellite D”
@@fadygergis I remember when the Apollo 16X was available for purchase without any extra plugins and UA stopped that option. Its only available as a Heritage Edition at a higher price. So if a current customer like myself wanted to expand my Apollo setup for more I/O I would have to look at the used market or spend the extra money for a new 16X Heritage Edition...I already have all the plugins (and optional plugins) that come with the Heritage Edition bundle. At $3000 and $4000...the X16D is just another one of those weird things. I do studio work as well as live sound using Dante(since 2015) so I clearly understand the market aim. IMO it just seems more logical to update the existing Octo-Core Satellite or X16 with Dante connections without removing the existing features. But hey, what do I know.🤐🤐🤐
I agree for the money and I/O Antelope Audio is the way to go I just upgraded from a Apollo x4 to a Orion Studio Synergy Core... I would of gone with the Orion 32+ (4th gen) but I think it will be a better product next year or I will go with the Galaxy 32. The AA interfaces are more difficult to learn and to me I am still nervous about their driver. updates but so far so good with the Mac driver anyway. Note I love the software with Universal Audio, it is superior imo, it is more intuitive an aesthetically pleasing. However in an endeavor where dollars, cents, I/O and reliability matter where dollars matter more to you you can't go wrong with AA interfaces.
My personal thought is that the X16D is not designed to be an audio interface... i think its more targeted at getting UAD to the live space... like hooking up to digital consoles and such and using it as an effects send there. the fact that there's only 16 channels is stupid... like really stupid, but i get it, kinda, not really lol I agree that the X16D doesn't make sense in a studio, but maybe does in a live rig wanting UAD plugins.
UA must have worked really hard to make Dante only 16 channels. That is the whole point with Dante; 64 channels. Easy to lose respect cause of UA's greed
Apollo doesn't belong in a challenge with Antelope! Sound is the first thing I worry about when comparing interfaces & UA is not in a league with Antelope, Apogee, RME etc.
The X16D is a strange duck in that I'm not really sure who it's targeted to other than a small niche group of users. As for the conversion, I've owned the X16 which has the same converters as the X16D. I moved on from the X16 to an Avid Carbon and it was like someone lifted a blanket that was covering my monitors. It was quite a difference and all in a better direction. On paper, the UA should have been better but their convertors just don't sound as good.
The Apollo x16D is FREE.... You're paying for the plugins, that can be used across ALL you're UAD interfaces and everything available on spark / native.
Damn. I have UA and your videos are really making me consider moving on from UA. Have been curious for a while of trying Antelope, Lynx and RME but haven't seriously considered til now. Love UA's plugins but most of what I use now are all native (especially with the new ATR 102 coming out). Thanks for the video!
You’re welcome
It's honestly amazing how much the studio folk are oblivious to the x16D being aimed at the live sound market. It's not meant to be a AD/DA converter!
Thanks so much. A look at the very new RME AD/DA converters would be great! Also the subject of a multi-brand (RME/UAD) setup. Regards from Istanbul.👏🏻👋🏼👋🏼
This comparison makes no sense. UA has not created a device like the galaxy. It's for Live mixing consoles that want to use UA plugins which are better than the stock plugins used for live today. The galaxy is an analog to Dante / Dante to analog converter. It solves a different problem and is great for studios. Now what you failed to mention is that they could be used to gether so you have the anlaog inputs on the galaxy and you can use it with UA DSP plugins in the studio if you so desired. That's how these could be used together which is what I thought this video was about. Also, Sweetwater sells the x16D for 3k not 4k. These types of videos are misleading and you should tell your viewers they don't solve the same problem. I love the Galaxy but I like UA plugins too so Id get both.
the x16D is 3K with only 20 plugins I believe, while the 4k option is with all plugins included. Also, the x16D solves a specific problem which the Galaxy can also solve in the exact same way - they UA videos show how they connect the Apollo to a live sound mixer via Dante, and using the effects as hardware inserts. Exactly the same can be done with the Galaxy, it has 32 AFX slots with up to 8 effects on each slot sooo
@foolaround true. But when you consider 16 channels vs 64 channels and all the extra I/O
It’s a no brainer to go with the Galaxy
@@foolaround But not with the ultra-low latency. The value of Apollo interfaces is tied to the on-board DSP and the eco-system of UAD plugins, LUNA DAW and modeling microphones.
Admittedly that value is declining in a post-M chip world of superfast processors. But the x16d is not a good value as an entry point. The device is designed for those who are already part of the ecosystem and want to have Dante compatibility to take it out for live use.
If you are not already part of it? Buy something else. You’ll get better value for your money.
@@foolaround it doesn’t solve the UA plugins which are industry standard at low latency problem. And integrating with other UA gear if you own it. Galaxy is great and perfect for analog to Dante. It’s just not for every use case. So it’s not the exact same problem. Many engineers live and rely on UA plugins. Nobody at that level is considering Galaxy plugins when you have waves and UA offering Dante options as inserts. Not to mention getting all of your tracks into console. Also if you have something like the Rupert neve designs RMP-D8 and want low latancy UA plugins to record through, then x16D is an amazing option. Again using Galaxy with the x16D is more likely a scenario than comparing them head to head. It’s both and not either or for people that actually use dante
@@fadygergis 16 channels of UA plugins low latency when tracking. If you don’t need to use UA plugins while tracking then yeah I’d consider other options. But if you do, this is not the same choice.
8:40 RME already clarified that, there is absolutely no need for thunderbolt connections on an interface. USB 2 is more than enough. Its all about drivers, that why i have an Orion with Madi connection to my UFX and only RME is allowed to talk to my computer.
Price matters as good as RME interfaces are they are way too expensive. You get more for you $ with AA....
UA Plugin's are now in the Dante family ! Use it how you want !
I used to think my UA interfaces were totally adequate and then I got the Apogee Symphony MKII SE and realized how much I wasn't hearing.
The converters make a bit difference man.
I currently have an Apollo x4 and x8p but recently I purchased the apogee symphony desktop and this unit sounds amazing soon I’m looking to trade in my uad interfaces my question is how does the galaxy interfaces compare to apogee cause apogee converters are “mastering grade “
I understand that the x16D is aimed at live sound but it still puzzles me at $3000 & $4000. Why not rework/expand the Octo Core Satellite unit by adding Dante connections for $2000 if they didn’t plan to include the multi-channel analog I/O. Call it the “Octo Core Satellite D”
I know it’s priced very weird for the very limited features it has
@@fadygergis I remember when the Apollo 16X was available for purchase without any extra plugins and UA stopped that option. Its only available as a Heritage Edition at a higher price. So if a current customer like myself wanted to expand my Apollo setup for more I/O I would have to look at the used market or spend the extra money for a new 16X Heritage Edition...I already have all the plugins (and optional plugins) that come with the Heritage Edition bundle. At $3000 and $4000...the X16D is just another one of those weird things. I do studio work as well as live sound using Dante(since 2015) so I clearly understand the market aim. IMO it just seems more logical to update the existing Octo-Core Satellite or X16 with Dante connections without removing the existing features. But hey, what do I know.🤐🤐🤐
I like to see some comparisons with RME in the mix
Yeh I yet to get my hands on some.
I agree for the money and I/O Antelope Audio is the way to go I just upgraded from a Apollo x4 to a Orion Studio Synergy Core... I would of gone with the Orion 32+ (4th gen) but I think it will be a better product next year or I will go with the Galaxy 32. The AA interfaces are more difficult to learn and to me I am still nervous about their driver. updates but so far so good with the Mac driver anyway. Note I love the software with Universal Audio, it is superior imo, it is more intuitive an aesthetically pleasing. However in an endeavor where dollars, cents, I/O and reliability matter where dollars matter more to you you can't go wrong with AA interfaces.
Well said!
My personal thought is that the X16D is not designed to be an audio interface... i think its more targeted at getting UAD to the live space... like hooking up to digital consoles and such and using it as an effects send there. the fact that there's only 16 channels is stupid... like really stupid, but i get it, kinda, not really lol
I agree that the X16D doesn't make sense in a studio, but maybe does in a live rig wanting UAD plugins.
Didn't UAD claim that their interface can run up to 200 plugins?
I used to have a hexa core X8P unit I could never run 200 plugins on it.
UA must have worked really hard to make Dante only 16 channels. That is the whole point with Dante; 64 channels. Easy to lose respect cause of UA's greed
Apollo doesn't belong in a challenge with Antelope! Sound is the first thing I worry about when comparing interfaces & UA is not in a league with Antelope, Apogee, RME etc.
The X16D is a strange duck in that I'm not really sure who it's targeted to other than a small niche group of users. As for the conversion, I've owned the X16 which has the same converters as the X16D. I moved on from the X16 to an Avid Carbon and it was like someone lifted a blanket that was covering my monitors. It was quite a difference and all in a better direction. On paper, the UA should have been better but their convertors just don't sound as good.
Agreed! I moved from my Apollo x to my Galaxy and felt exactly like you said. Someone lifted the blanket.
I feel like the UAD was made for live sound use. Lots of other developments happening for more dsp with low latency. So UAD had to join the game
You Lebanese, bro? Ah ya Fedi, ah! :P
No! Originally born in Egypt! Been in the states for a while now.
@@fadygergis - ah, I see. 🙂 Got a Zen Quadro recently. Go Antelope! 😄 (Previously had their Edge Go)
You comparing apples to grapes.
The Apollo x16D is FREE.... You're paying for the plugins, that can be used across ALL you're UAD interfaces and everything available on spark / native.