Audient Horizon flagship Thunderbolt 3 audio interfaces unveiled

Audient has unveiled its new Horizon range, marking a significant advancement in audio technology with the introduction of its flagship Thunderbolt 3 audio interfaces. This new lineup features three models: the Horizon 8P, Horizon 16, and Horizon 32, designed to meet the demands of modern audio workflows. Each model offers 32-bit mastering-grade conversion and an ultra-low latency of 0.99 milliseconds at 192 kHz. These interfaces can daisy-chain up to four Horizon units on a single macOS driver, providing a flexible and powerful solution for audio professionals seeking top-tier performance without the constraints of proprietary plugin ecosystems.

The Audient Horizon flagship Thunderbolt 3 audio interfaces consist of three models, each designed with specific technical specifications to cater to different professional audio needs.

• Horizon 8P:
  • Inputs/Outputs: 24 inputs and 32 outputs.
  • Preamps: Features eight Audient Console Mic Preamps with ORBIT Control variable impedance.
  • Conversion Quality: 32-bit mastering-grade conversion.
  • Latency: 0.99 ms round-trip latency at 192 kHz.
  • Connection Options: Supports ADAT expansion and a BNC Word Clock I/O.
  • Special Features: Includes digital recall of input gains and system settings and selectable reference levels for outboard gear calibration.
• Horizon 16:
  • Inputs/Outputs: 34-in/34-out configuration.
  • Preamps: Not specifically mentioned, focuses on conversion capabilities.
  • Conversion Quality: 32 channels of mastering-grade conversion via four DB25 connectors.
  • Special Features: Dedicated stereo mix-bus path and includes the same digital recall and calibration features as the 8P model.
• Horizon 32:
  • Inputs/Outputs: 50 inputs and 50 outputs.
  • Conversion Quality: Offers 64 channels of analogue I/O across eight DB25 connectors.
  • Special Features: Like the other models, it supports ADAT expansion, BNC Word Clock I/O, digital recall, and selectable reference levels.

All models are designed for modern workflows and avoid locking users into proprietary plugin ecosystems, highlighting flexibility and pro-level performance without compromising on technical quality.

Andrew Allen, Audient’s Chief Product Officer, emphasized the extensive research and development behind the Horizon range, stating, “Horizon has been five years in the making; the most significant R&D investment we’ve ever put into a product range.” Reflecting on the design and component quality, he added, “We spared no compromise at component level, and the result is the best-on-the-market audio and latency performance. This is a modern system built for modern workflows.”

Addressing the evolving technology landscape, Allen remarked on the diminishing appeal of traditional DSP models: “As Apple Silicon and modern host processing get more capable, the value proposition of the DSP walled-garden model continues to diminish.” He highlighted Horizon’s adaptability to these changes, saying, “Engineers no longer need to lock themselves into proprietary plugin ecosystems to get pro-level performance. Horizon’s native architecture is built exactly for this shift, and we expect it to land well with customers who’ve been waiting for a credible alternative.”

Discussing the Horizon’s intuitive design, Allen explained, “We designed Horizon so engineers can focus on the performance, not the routing – and we redesigned the software from the ground up, paying close attention to the user experience.” He further illustrated how users can benefit from these advancements: “Whether that’s using ORBIT Control on the 8P to shape a ribbon mic at the analogue stage, or streaming an entire console through the Horizon 32, the hardware stays invisible and the workflow stays fast.”

Compatibility and connectivity features

The Audient Horizon flagship Thunderbolt 3 audio interfaces support macOS drivers and allow daisy-chaining of up to four Horizon units on a single macOS driver. The range uses Thunderbolt 3 connectivity and supports ADAT expansion for additional digital I/O, while BNC Word Clock I/O provides external synchronization. The models are rack-mount designs intended for integration in studio and hybrid facilities. These connectivity options are intended to support scalable setups without requiring proprietary DSP architectures.

All Horizon models include digital recall of input gains and system settings, enabling rapid recall of configuration states during sessions. They also feature selectable reference levels for calibrating analogue I/O to outboard gear. The Horizon 16 provides 32 channels of mastering-grade conversion via four DB25 connectors and a dedicated stereo mix-bus path, while the Horizon 32 offers 64 channels of analogue I/O across eight DB25 connectors. ADAT expansion and the listed clock and reference facilities support integration with external converters and outboard equipment.

Audient will make the Horizon range available from 28 September 2026 via Audient dealers worldwide, and the company has published prices for each model in British pounds, euros, and US dollars.

Model	Price (GBP)	Price (EUR)	Price (USD)
Horizon 8P	£2,199	€2,499	$2,799
Horizon 16	£2,199	€2,499	$2,799
Horizon 32	£2,799	€3,299	$3,499

These availability and pricing details apply to the Horizon 8P, Horizon 16, and Horizon 32 as stated.

CONCLUSION

The Audient Horizon flagship Thunderbolt 3 audio interfaces represent a significant enhancement in professional audio technology. This flagship range includes three models: Horizon 8P, Horizon 16, and Horizon 32, each offering distinct specifications tailored to various professional needs. These interfaces feature 32-bit mastering-grade conversion with an ultra-low latency of 0.99 milliseconds at 192 kHz. Audient has ensured compatibility with modern workflows by including support for daisy-chaining multiple units on a single macOS driver, along with options for ADAT expansion and BNC Word Clock I/O.

Each model integrates advanced features like digital recall of input gains and selectable reference levels to facilitate seamless integration with analogue and digital systems. With a focus on overcoming proprietary plugin restrictions, the Horizon range aims to offer flexible, high-performance solutions.

Available globally from 28 September 2026, the Horizon interfaces are priced to cater to a broad segment of professional users, making them accessible without compromising on quality.