AudioControl Hyperion · ACP-HYPE-APR-16 · Flagship Home Theater Processor
16 Channels.
Reference-Grade Cinema.
The APR-16 is AudioControl's flagship home theater processor — 16 channels, 7 HDMI 2.1 inputs at 48Gbps, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, 16 ESS SABRE 32-bit DACs, Dirac Live ready for Room Correction and Active Room Treatment, a built-in 4-port Ethernet switch with Dante/AES67, ISF-certified pixel-accurate video passthrough, and CEDIA/CTA-RP22 compliance across all 21 benchmarks. The most impressive home sound system in the tri-county area. AudioControl's words. Not an overstatement.
Shop APR-16 ↗ Hyperion Training ↗ Hyperion Axis Platform ↗
What Makes It Different · From the Official Cut Sheet
Key Features
🎯
16 × ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DACs
Hyperstream IV 32-bit architecture. Eight dedicated to the balanced XLR output stage, eight to the unbalanced RCA outputs. Measured dynamic range: +130dB. THD+N: −120dB. Audiophile-grade paired-channel decoding on every output simultaneously.
📺
ISF-Certified Video Passthrough
HDMI video platform engineered by AVPro Edge exclusively for Hyperion. Seven HDMI 2.1 inputs at 48Gbps. Video passes through without OSD processing — pixel-accurate fidelity, source to display. ISF certification independently verifies it.
🔊
Engineered for Flexibility
16 fully matrix-assignable XLR and RCA outputs supporting loudspeaker configs from 2.0 stereo to 9.1.6 immersive. Matrix-assignable outputs can be set to the same channel — enables bi- or tri-amping. Every output has independent 6-band PEQ, shelf filters, and ±60dB of gain/trim.
🌐
Dante/AES67 — Built In
4-port built-in Ethernet switch with Dante/AES67 hardware support. Currently provides 2-channel AoIP input and output. A future firmware update expands this to full 16-channel Dante operation with no additional hardware required. The infrastructure is already there.
📐
Dirac Live — Full Suite Ready
Hardware-capable of Dirac's complete room optimization suite. License from dirac.com activates up to three tiers: Room Correction, Bass Control, and Active Room Treatment (ART). Calibrated microphone included in the box, ready to use.
🏆
CEDIA/CTA-RP22 Compliant
RP22 — the Immersive Audio Design Recommended Practice — sets the framework for designing, installing, and calibrating home immersive audio systems. APR-16 meets all 21 benchmarks. That's the specification to put in the proposal when the client asks why it costs what it costs.
🎛
AirPlay Built In
Native Apple AirPlay support. iPhone, iPad, Mac — any AirPlay-compatible device streams directly to the APR-16 over the local network. Appears as an AirPlay receiver. No additional hardware or licensing required.
🖥
Front Panel LCD + Remote
LCD touchscreen display with VU meter, active input, volume level, IP address, and signal info. Included Hyperion remote with dedicated buttons for every input, audio mode cycling, Dirac filter toggle, and headphone on/off. No hunting through menus.
From the Official Documentation · AudioControl & AVPro Global
Full Specifications

INPUTS
HDMI Inputs | 7× 48 Gbps HDMI 2.1 — 4K/120Hz · 8K/60Hz · HDCP 2.3
Digital Inputs | 2× Optical TOSLINK + 2× Coax S/PDIF
Analog Inputs | 1× Stereo XLR (balanced) + 2× Stereo RCA (unbalanced)
Analog Input Impedance | 47 kΩ
Analog Input Sensitivity | 2 Vrms
Dante/AES67 Inputs | 2 Audio over IP channels (16ch via future firmware)
AirPlay | Yes — native Apple AirPlay receiver
OUTPUTS
Preamp Outputs | 16× RCA unbalanced + 16× XLR balanced — matrix assignable
Digital Output | 1× Optical TOSLINK
HDMI Output | 1× HDMI 2.1 with eARC capability
Dante/AES67 Outputs | 2 Audio over IP channels (16ch via future firmware)
Headphone | RCA outputs 15 & 16 optionally configurable as headphone output
AUDIO PERFORMANCE
DAC | ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M — 16 × 32-bit Hyperstream IV
Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.05 dB)
THD+N | <0.0004%
Signal to Noise Ratio | >122 dBr (ref 4.2 Vrms) · <−129 dBr (ref 10 Vrms)
Max Output — XLR | 10 Vrms · +22 dBu @ 0dBFS (Balanced)
Max Output — RCA | 4 Vrms · +14.2 dBu @ 0dBFS (Unbalanced)
Max Input Level | RCA: 2.1 Vrms · XLR: 4.2 Vrms
Input Impedance | RCA: >10 kΩ · XLR: >10 kΩ
PROCESSING
Sampling Rate | Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos · DTS:X · DTS Neural:X · Dolby Surround · Auro-3D
Speaker Layouts | 2.0 through 9.1.6
Room Correction | Dirac Live — Room Correction · Bass Control · Active Room Treatment
Output EQ | 14-band per output (Low Shelf + 12 PEQs + High Shelf)
Output Gain/Trim | ±60 dB per channel independently
CONTROL & CONNECTIVITY
IP Control | Full API over Ethernet (port 8080) · Web GUI at hyperion.local
Serial | RS-232 (Tx · Rx · Ground)
IR Input | 3.5mm TR · 5–24V
Trigger Input | 3.5mm · 3.3–12V triggers unit on
Trigger Output | +5V or +12V when on · 0V in standby (selectable)
Network Audio | Dante / AES67 · Built-in 4-port Ethernet switch
Front Panel | LCD touchscreen · Power button · Volume knob · IR sensor
Remote | Included Hyperion remote — all inputs + mode + Dirac + headphone
POWER & PHYSICAL
Input Voltage | 100–240 VAC · 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption | <50 Watts maximum
Dimensions (H×W×D) | 5.25" × 17.25" × 17.75" · 13.44 × 43.82 × 45.09 cm
Weight | 18.70 lbs · 8.48 kg
Rack Space | 3U · Rack ears included
CERTIFICATIONS
Standards | CEDIA/CTA-RP22 (all 21 benchmarks) · ISF Certified · FCC Class B
Dirac License | Purchase separately at dirac.com — activates Room Correction, Bass Control, and/or ART

Front & Rear Panel Reference
Inputs & Outputs
Inputs
HDMI 1–7
48Gbps HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.3 · 4K/120Hz · 8K/60Hz · ISF-certified pixel passthrough
eARC In
HDMI input configured as eARC — receives audio from display's eARC port
Digital 1–4
2× Optical TOSLINK + 2× Coax S/PDIF · all labeled on rear panel
Analog 1
Balanced stereo XLR input · 47kΩ impedance · 2 Vrms sensitivity
Analog 2–3
Unbalanced stereo RCA inputs · 47kΩ impedance
Dante
Any of the 4 rear Ethernet ports · 2ch AoIP in now · 16ch via firmware update
AirPlay
Network input — no physical connector · appears in Apple devices on same network
Outputs
XLR 1–16
Balanced · 10 Vrms · +22 dBu · matrix-assignable · individual gain and EQ per channel
RCA 1–16
Unbalanced · 4 Vrms · +14.2 dBu · shares signal with respective XLR (except 15/16)
RCA 15–16
Can optionally be configured as headphone output in system settings
HDMI Out
48Gbps with eARC · connects to display · no OSD overlay · ISF-verified passthrough
Optical Out
1× TOSLINK output to distribute Hyperion audio to other devices
Dante
2ch AoIP out now · 16ch via firmware update · no extra hardware required
Trigger Out
3.5mm · +5V or +12V when on · 0V standby · powers amps on/off with the processor
Web GUI Reference · Main Page
Audio Modes

Set on the Main page or via remote Mode button. The mode automatically assigns based on incoming signal but can be overridden per input in Input Setup.

Native
The default. Plays audio in its native format without any processing. What comes in is what goes out. Use this for Atmos or DTS:X content where the bitstream should pass through unchanged.
2-Channel Stereo
Downmixes all audio to standard stereo (L/R) output regardless of source format. Good for stereo music playback or when only two speakers are connected.
All Channel Stereo
Distributes stereo signal across all available speakers. The background music mode — fills the room evenly. Useful when the client wants audio everywhere without creating a listening position.
Dolby Surround
Engages the Dolby Surround upmixer. Analyzes stereo or multi-channel content and intelligently distributes it across the full speaker layout including height channels. Good for two-channel sources in an Atmos room.
Dolby Mode
Applies Dolby's processing pipeline for Dolby-encoded content. Use when playing Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, or Dolby Atmos for optimal decode behavior. The mode most Atmos movies should use.
DTS Neural:X
Engages the DTS Neural:X upmixer. Expands stereo or 5.1/7.1 content to fill all configured speakers including height channels. Ideal for DTS-encoded content or when an immersive upmix from non-Dolby sources is needed.
Direct Mode
Bypasses all DSP processing — no upmixing, no bass management, no EQ. Raw signal sent directly to outputs. Use for diagnostics or when all external processing is handled elsewhere.
Room Correction · License from dirac.com
Dirac Live Calibration
// The Pitch in Two Sentences

Dirac Live corrects both frequency response AND impulse response — most room correction only does one. That's why it's the honest answer when a client asks why their $80,000 theater doesn't sound like the demo room.

Three License Tiers — Purchase at dirac.com
Room Correction
Frequency + impulse response correction. The core Dirac Live product. Minimum viable for a serious installation.
Bass Control
Extends correction into the bass range with multi-sub support. Critical for rooms with low-frequency problems.
Active Room Treatment
Full acoustic correction. The complete Dirac suite — corrects everything the room is doing to the signal.
What's included in the box: Calibrated measurement microphone designed for Dirac Live, with calibration file available at audiocontrolpro.com. USB-to-computer connection. Ready to measure the day you install.
Before You Run Dirac
// Critical Step

Set speaker types, crossovers, levels, and distances in Output Assignment BEFORE running calibration. Once a Dirac filter is loaded, speaker settings cannot be changed without re-running the full calibration.

🛒
Purchase Dirac License
dirac.com/online-store
↗ 📘
Dirac Quickstart Guide
dirac.com
↗
1
Set Up Speaker Config
In Output Assignment, set speaker types, crossovers (typically 80Hz), levels, and distances. Verify all speakers output audio before proceeding. If a speaker is listed but silent, Dirac calibration cannot complete.
2
Open Dirac Live Software
Install from dirac.com. Activate license. Connect the provided calibrated mic to your laptop via USB. Load the mic's calibration file. Select the APR-16 as the target device — it auto-discovers on the same network.
3
Volume Calibration
Set mic gain to max. Click play for each speaker. Adjust levels until all speakers measure around −12dB and subwoofers around −16dB. Doesn't need to be exact — just close.
4
Run Measurements
Select speaker arrangement. Move mic to each position at seated ear height. Minimum 5 positions — 9 recommended for full Atmos. Dirac sweeps full range automatically at each position.
5
Export Filter
Dirac generates a correction filter. Adjust per-speaker targets if desired. Name the filter, export it. File uploads directly to the APR-16. Save the Dirac session before closing.
6
A/B with Client
Activate filter in Output Assignment → Dirac → Filtering: ON. Toggle bypass with the client in the seat. Before/after demo closes the upgrade on every job where it's run. No exceptions.
Web GUI · Access at hyperion.local or unit IP address
Web Interface Reference

Access via browser: type hyperion.local or the unit's IP address (shown on front panel LCD). If multiple Hyperions are on the network, use the specific IP. Default TCP port: 8080.

Power
Toggle on/standby
Volume
Main volume slider + mute. Also controllable via volume knob on front panel or remote.
Active Input
HDMI 1–7 · eARC · Digital 1–4 · Analog 1–3 · Dante · AirPlay
Audio Mode
Native · 2-Ch Stereo · All-Ch Stereo · Dolby Surround · Dolby Mode · DTS Neural:X · Direct
// System Settings shortcut

From the front panel LCD, tap the gear icon in the top right corner to access settings directly. Useful during install before the unit is fully networked. The front panel also shows current IP address — tap gear → Network.

On Volume
Default volume at power-on or wake from standby
Max Volume
Hard ceiling — protects speakers, protects the client
Firmware Update
Click Check for Updates — APR-16 updates over internet. Alternatively upload MCU/FPGA/DSP1/DSP2 files manually. Multiple components, multiple files — progress displayed during update.
Save/Load Settings
Export full config before any firmware update. Restore from file if needed.
Factory Reset
Web GUI → System Reboot Controls → Factory Reset. Or: hold front panel Power button 10 seconds.
HDMI HDP Toggle
Cycles the 5V Hot Plug Detect signal per HDMI port — the first step in HDMI handshake troubleshooting.
CEC
On/Off. When on, CEC commands from external devices apply to the APR-16.
DRC
Dynamic Range Control — On / Off / Auto for Dolby and DTS streams
Dialog Normalization
Prevents volume fluctuations in audio stream so dialog stays audible
Trigger Output
+5V or +12V selectable in settings — powers amps on when APR-16 wakes
// Do This First

Configure all speaker assignments, crossovers, gains, and distances before running Dirac. After a Dirac filter is loaded, speaker settings lock.

Speaker Arrangement
2.0 through 9.1.6 — sets which speaker types are available for assignment
Output Assignment
Click any RCA or XLR output on the rear panel diagram to assign a speaker channel. Paired speakers auto-assign to next available output.
Matrix Assign
Assign the same channel to multiple outputs for bi-amp or tri-amp configurations
Crossover
Per output: Full Range or Limited (adds high-pass filter). LFE output: low-pass only.
Crossover Frequency
Low Pass + High Pass independently settable per output
Output Gain
−12 dB to +12 dB per output. ±60 dB of total gain/trim available.
Speaker Distance
0.1 ft to 30 ft (0.03 m to 9 m) — adds delay to align wavefronts at listening position
Test Tone
Pink noise per output — toggle on/off. Multiple outputs simultaneously via Speaker Levels view.
Height Type
For height/top speakers: Height (wall-mounted above listener) · Top (in-ceiling) · Dolby Enabled (up-firing)
// 14-Band EQ Per Output

Low Shelf + 12 Peaking Filters + High Shelf. Each output has an independent curve. The EQ graph at the bottom of the page shows an approximate visualization — click and drag any band point to adjust.

Global EQ Toggle
On/Off — applies or bypasses EQ curve for all outputs simultaneously
Frequency
20 Hz to 20 kHz adjustable per band
Q Factor
0.3 to 18 — low Q = wide band, high Q = narrow/surgical
Gain
−6 dB to +6 dB per band
Copy EQ
Apply current output's curve to any other output — speeds up matching L/R pairs
Flatten EQ
Resets all values to default — one output or all outputs
// Current vs. Future State

APR-16 currently supports 2-channel Dante/AES67 in and out. A firmware update will expand this to full 16-channel operation. No hardware changes required — the 4-port built-in Ethernet switch is already spec'd for it. Watch avproglobal.com for the firmware release.

Network Connection
Connect any of the 4 rear Ethernet ports to the same network as other Dante devices
Dante Transmit
APR-16 transmits from whichever input is active. If receiving multi-channel signal (eARC/HDMI/Digital), it transmits a downmixed stereo signal over Dante.
AES67
Enable in Dante Controller: double-click device → AES67 Config tab → change status to Enabled
VLAN
Recommended on networks with many devices — isolates Dante traffic from primary network. Set VLAN ID and Dante IP in Network Settings page.
Routing
Simple routing can be done in web GUI Dante settings page. Advanced routing requires Dante Controller software.
⬇
Dante Controller
Free · audinate.com
↗
Primary Access
Type hyperion.local in browser. Or tap gear icon on front panel LCD → Network to find the IP.
DHCP
On by default — unit auto-obtains IP. If no DHCP server, falls back to APIPA (169.254.x.x range)
Static IP
Turn off DHCP in Network Settings → enter IP / Subnet / Gateway → Apply → unit reboots at new address
Dante IP
Configured separately from control IP in the same Network Settings page
TCP Port
Default 8080. Change if needed. If IP commands aren't received, verify control system is using the assigned port.
API Commands
Full command reference at hyperion.local:8080/docs or [IP]:8080/docs on the device itself
// If It's Not on the Network

Connect Ethernet port directly to a laptop. After ~1 minute without DHCP, APR-16 falls back to an APIPA address in the 169.254.x.x range — visible on front panel LCD. Set laptop IP to the same subnet. Browse to the APR-16's APIPA address. Reset laptop IP when done.

From the APR-16 User Manual
Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
No lights on the APR-16
Press the front panel power button or use the remote. Tap the LCD screen to wake from screensaver. Verify power cord is in a live outlet. If power cord is connected and nothing responds, check that no giant lizards have knocked out the city power grid — AudioControl's actual troubleshooting note, verbatim.
Audio doesn't match video
Confirm you're on the correct input. Try switching to a different Audio Mode — Native is the safest starting point for Atmos content. Verify the HDMI cable carrying the source is connected to the correct HDMI input port on the APR-16.
No audio from TV / eARC not working
Check TV sound settings — ensure eARC output is enabled. On HDMI inputs page in the web GUI, verify the eARC input's HDMI Output Controls: TX HPD Gate should be ON. Try the HDMI HDP Toggle in System Settings for the HDMI Out port.
Hum on outputs
Disconnect all input cables. If hum disappears, reconnect one at a time until hum returns — that input has a ground issue or requires a ground isolator. Replace cables and verify all connectors are fully seated. Check for ground loops between source devices.
APR-16 not appearing on network
If no DHCP, unit defaults to APIPA (169.254.x.x) — visible on front panel LCD gear → Network. Connect laptop directly to any Ethernet port on the APR-16. Set laptop to same subnet. If a bad static IP was entered, hold front panel Power button 10 seconds to factory reset.
HDMI signal issues / blank screen from source
Use the HDMI HDP Toggle in System Settings — this cycles the 5V Hot Plug Detect signal and forces a handshake re-negotiation between source and APR-16. Try one source at a time. Verify EDID settings in Input Setup for the relevant HDMI input. Check cable bandwidth — 48Gbps sources need 48Gbps rated cables.
Dirac calibration won't complete
Verify every speaker listed in Output Assignment is actually connected and producing sound — Dirac cannot complete if a listed speaker outputs silence. Run individual test tones in Speaker Levels to confirm each output is active before starting Dirac. Also confirm the calibrated mic calibration file is loaded in Dirac Live software.
IP commands not being received
Confirm the control system is using the correct TCP port — default is 8080 but this can be changed in Network Settings. Verify the APR-16 IP address hasn't changed (DHCP leases can expire). Set a static IP if stability is required. Full API command reference at hyperion.local:8080/docs.
// From Evan · Where the APR-16 Fits

The APR-16 is the right product when the client is serious. Not "wants a good theater" serious — "wants the best theater they've ever sat in" serious. The 16 ESS SABRE DACs, the CEDIA/CTA-RP22 compliance, the Dirac Live suite, the ISF-certified video — those are spec-sheet items that translate into a room that sounds like the dealer's best demo room, every time, regardless of the acoustics you're working with.

The Dante infrastructure being already built in is the detail I lead with on larger projects. Right now it's 2-channel AoIP. When the firmware update ships, it becomes 16-channel — and the dealer who already specified it doesn't have to change a single piece of hardware. That's a pretty compelling reason to spec the APR-16 over anything else in this price range.

When you pair it with the Axis 10 for the theater room and the Axis 2 for distributed audio throughout the house, you have a coherent system architecture that AudioControl designed from the ground up to work together. That's the conversation that moves the proposal.

All Resources · Official Documentation & Support
Reference Links
🎛
APR-16 Product Page
avproglobal.com
↗ 🎓
Hyperion Product Training
Official certification course
↗ 🔬
Purchase Dirac License
dirac.com · Room Correction / ART
↗ 📘
Dirac Live Quickstart
Step-by-step guide
↗ 🛠
AudioControl Support Portal
Knowledgebase + tickets
↗ 🎯
Full Hyperion Series
All Hyperion products
↗ 🔊
Hyperion Axis Platform
Axis 10 + Axis 2 resource page
↗ ⬇
Dante Controller
Free download · audinate.com
↗ 🌐
AudioControl Pro
audiocontrolpro.com
↗ 🤖
Tech Sage AI
avpro.ai · 24/7 free support
↗ 📊
Signal Path Infographic
Interactive system diagram
↗ 🔧
All Resources
Drivers · Dante · Dirac · More
↗