Audient - Horizon 16

The Audient Horizon 16 is designed for set-ups where several analogue devices need to remain connected to a digital environment. Its 16 line inputs and 16 line outputs, distributed via DB25 connectors, facilitate connections to preamps, compressors, equalisers or summing systems.

32-bit conversion at up to 192 kHz is handled by ESS ES9823PRO and ES9039 converters, offering 133 dB of dynamic range on the reference path. The OPA1602 and OPA1612 operational amplifiers ensure precise capture of transients, with a subtle reproduction of the nuances resulting from analogue processing. This design also facilitates a detailed interpretation of differences in level and texture...

The Thunderbolt 3 connection is designed for production workflows requiring high responsiveness, with a round-trip latency of 0.99 ms at 192 kHz and a 64-sample buffer. This native architecture enables the use of VST, AU or AAX plug-ins by utilising the Mac’s processing power directly. The Thunderbolt driver also minimises buffer overhead, ensuring consistent performance in projects with numerous tracks and software processing.

A dedicated stereo path to the mix bus provides a separate route for recording the final mix from a mixing desk or summing mixer. The 16 main line channels thus remain available for external equipment, creating a clearer audio flow between analogue processing and the DAW, without the need for constant reconnection.

Its expandability makes the Horizon 16 well-suited to set-ups that evolve alongside the studio. The 2 ADAT inputs and outputs provide digital connections for external preamps or other compatible equipment.

The BNC Word Clock ports facilitate synchronisation with a centralised digital infrastructure. Up to four Horizon interfaces can operate under a single macOS driver, with a capacity of up to 200 inputs and 200 outputs. This architecture provides a scalable foundation for set-ups that are gradually expanding their sources, processing and routing paths.