Apogee Electronics sets a new standard with the flagship Symphony I/O Mk II 16x16 Special Edition Thunderbolt, an audio interface that features the latest and greatest conversion technology from Apogee for ultralow latency, noise, and distortion. Loaded with the updated 16x16 SE AD/DA conversion card, this interface sports 16-channel analog DB-25 I/O, plus 2-channel S/PDIF I/O for high-resolution sampling from 44.1 to 192 kHz.

This unit features two Thunderbolt ports for simple integration with Thunderbolt-connected macOS host devices. Like all Apogee Symphony I/O Mk II units, the 16x16 SE is a modular interface, allowing you to expand as you go for a maximum of 32 analog inputs and outputs, as well as numerous other optional modules for different configurations that will suit any application. Control is easy via the bright front-panel touchscreen and the convenient Symphony I/O Monitor Workflow software. This unit includes an AC power cord to get you started.

High-Performance 192 kHz Conversion    Ultralow Noise and Distortion    Updated 16x16 AD/DA Converter Card    16-Channel Analog Input and Output    2-Channel S/PDIF I/O    Ultralow Latency Performance    Front-Panel Touchscreen and Control Knob    Thunderbolt Ports for macOS Systems    Powerful 1/4" Headphone Port    Includes AC Power Cord

The 16x16 Special Edition is Apogee's best-performing conversion ever. With a greater dynamic range and a lower total harmonic distortion, your listening experience will forever change.

Start working with Immersive audio systems without needing an external monitor controller. Thanks to Symphony I/O's Monitor Workflow.

In an impressive feat of electrical engineering, the 16x16 SE I/O module has fewer parts than its predecessor while also running about 20% more efficiently. That means a cooler running interface, even if you decide to upgrade to a fully loaded 32x32 chassis.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What is the difference between this model (JBOD) and the slightly more expensive RAID 5 Edition? I realize the Raid 5 Edition comes pre formatted as a RAID 5. But it looks like you can format the cheaper option as a RAID 5 via disk utility. Is it just the SoftRAID software that comes with the RAID 5 edition? Which leads me to my second question, do you need SoftRAID to rebuild a lost disk and run the RAID 5?

A: The only difference is the RAID software. Apple RAID cannot create a RAID 5 array, it can only create RAID 0 and RAID 1. The latest Mac OS cannot create a RAID array at all, this feature was removed from Disk Utility.

Q: 2. Will this work with the M1 Mac Mini?

A: Yes, this would be compatible with the M1 Mac Mini.

Q: 3. When is Raid 5 is it using hardware raid controller and not softraid software?

A: The OWC ThunderBay 4 56TB 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID 5 Array uses an on board RAID controller. SoftRAID is only used to monitor or reconfigure the RAID array.

Q: 4. Is this a good drive setup for editing and storage? Or, storage only? I'm wondering if this can meet the demands of editing 4k premiere projects, converting footage, AfterEffects, etc.

A: The OWC ThunderBay 4 delivers high read/write speeds, making it a good choice for both storage and editing when used with a Thunderbolt connection.

Q: 5. Is it password protected?

A: The OWC ThunderBay 4 24TB 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID 5 Array (4 x 6TB) BH #OWTB3SRT240S does not ship with password protection software but you could use third party utilities to password protect it.

Q: 6. What is the brand and model of the four 12TB 3.5" 7200 rpm drives that come with this RAID 5 Array?

A: It is not specified by OWC.

Q: 7. Does it come with Thunderbolt 3 cable? How noisy is it?

A: It does come with a cable. We do not have a noise measurement, but the fan does have to move a lot of air to keep the drives cool, so they are not silent.

Q: 8. Do the Softraid software is included, and with an unlimited license, no annual fee ou renewal?

A: I just received this and the SoftRAID says it is only good for 14-day trial. So NOT free. And for RAID 5, you need the Pro version at $249... Not free.

Q: 9. What kind of hard drives come with this product? Please be specific. Thank you.

A: OWCs documentation specify that it includes 4.0TB HGST Deskstar drives.

Q: 10. What version of softraid XT currently ships with these drives?

A: Unfortunately it is not specified what version it comes with. I apologize.