Universal Audio Apollo x8
Born from the ever-popular Apollo line of interfaces, the Universal Audio Apollo x8 is a rackmount audio interface designed for Bands, Producers, and Studio/Film Engineers. Used on Grammy-winning albums and chart-topping songs, it seamlessly combines the sound, feel, and flow of analog studio recording with upgraded clocking and surround monitoring.
Key Features
Audio Connectivity
- 2 High-Speed Thunderbolt 3 Ports
- 4 Unison Mic Pres, 2 Hi-Z In, 8 Line In
- 2 Headphone Outs, 10 Line/Monitor Outs
Audio Quality - Elite-Class 24-Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA
Compatibility - External Power Supply / Mac, Windows
Control and Integration
- Monitoring & Talkback Control, ADAT I/O
- HEXA Core Processing with 6 DSP Chips
- Wordclock I/O, Expandable DSP and I/O
Software and Plugins - 16 UAD Plug-Ins & Mac Recording Software
Warranty - 1 year
Experience the power of the Universal Audio Apollo x8, offering unparalleled audio connectivity, elite-class AD/DA conversion, and advanced features for seamless integration into your studio setup. Elevate your recording and mixing with the legendary sound quality and versatility of the Apollo series.
Unleashing the Power of Apollo X8
Advanced Signal Optimization
Efficiently optimize your incoming signals with the Apollo x8's user-friendly interface, featuring a switchable low-cut filter, pad, polarity inversion, 48V phantom power, and stereo linking on each preamp.
Expanded Recording Channels
In addition to the eight primary analog inputs, record up to 10 more channels by connecting ADAT- and S/PDIF-equipped external preamps to the TOSLINK optical and S/PDIF coaxial input ports.
Enhanced Connectivity and Routing
Explore versatile routing options with ADAT optical and S/PDIF coaxial outputs, allowing routing of up to 10 channels from your DAW to various external devices. Utilize BNC wordclock input and output jacks for accurate clock synchronization.
HEXA Core Processing and Plug-Ins
The built-in HEXA Core processing, with six DSP chips, offers 50% more DSP than earlier Apollos. Monitor and record audio using classic analog emulations with near-zero latency. The Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle provides 16 top-notch plug-ins, enhancing your creative possibilities.
Seamless Integration and Compatibility
Mac and Windows drivers ensure compatibility with major DAWs, and seamless integration with LUNA, Universal Audio's free Mac-based recording system.
Comprehensive Monitoring and Control
The Apollo x8 features a comprehensive monitor section with talkback functionality and dedicated front-panel controls for Alt Speakers, Dim, and Mono functions. Enjoy input and output metering capabilities for precise monitoring.
Studio-Quality Outputs
In addition to the dedicated stereo monitor feed and two front-panel headphone outputs, the Apollo x8 offers eight 1/4" line outputs. Ideal for connecting to a second set of monitors or outboard processors, it's even capable of acting as a 7.1 surround sound monitor controller.
Expandable Power and Capability
At any point, integrate qualified Universal Audio hardware to enhance the power and capability of the Apollo x8. Combine up to four Apollo interfaces and six total UAD-2 devices for expanded I/O and DSP.
Thunderbolt Connectivity
The two Thunderbolt 3 ports provide high-speed connectivity with Mac and Windows computers, ensuring a seamless workflow. Backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 is possible via a qualified adapter.
The Apollo X8 Experience
Elite-Class AD/DA Conversion
Track, overdub, and mix with elite-class AD/DA conversion, ensuring unparalleled audio quality for your recordings.
Dual-Crystal Clocking
Dual-Crystal clocking with dedicated crystals for different sample rates ensures stunningly low jitter (under 10 picoseconds) for pure, artifact-free recordings and solid stereo imaging.
HEXA Core UAD Processing
Experience HEXA Core UAD processing for tracking through models of vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, mic preamps, and guitar amps. Enjoy near-zero latency and 50% more DSP than earlier Apollos, without burdening your computer's CPU.
Unison Technology
Unison technology captures the tone of sought-after tube and solid-state mic pres, replicating input impedance, gain-stage sweet spots, and component-level circuit behaviors of the original hardware.
Rackmount Form Factor
With a 1 RU rackmount form factor and reliable AC powering, the Apollo x8 ensures a space-efficient and robust solution for your studio setup.
Industry-Leading Support
Benefit from free, industry-leading phone/online technical support from knowledgeable audio engineers, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable recording experience.
I/O for the Expanding Studio
18x24 Audio Interface
The Apollo x8 boasts four Unison-enabled microphone preamps, offering emulations of classic analog preamps with near-zero latency.
Front-Panel Hi-Z Inputs
Two front-panel, Unison-enabled 1/4" Hi-Z inputs facilitate direct connections for guitars, basses, or keyboards.
Balanced Analog Line-Level I/O
Enjoy 8x8 balanced analog line-level I/O via 1/4" jacks, providing versatility in connecting various audio sources.
Monitor and Headphone Outputs
Stereo 1/4" monitor output and two independent 1/4" headphone outputs, each with adjustable level, ensure precise monitoring and comfortable playback.
Versatile Operating Level
Selectable operating level of +20 dBu or +24 dBu ensures out-of-the-box compatibility with professional mixing consoles and other high-end pro audio equipment.
Optical and Coaxial Connectivity
Four TOSLINK optical ports offer up to eight channels of ADAT I/O (supports SMUX), while RCA coaxial ports enable recording and outputting S/PDIF stereo digital signals.
Pro-Level Workflow and Controls
The built-in monitor controller, talkback, and cues streamline communication and slate functionality. Comprehensive front-panel metering and fast, intuitive controls eliminate the need for menu-diving.
Expandable I/O and DSP
Cascade up to four Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo interfaces and six UAD-2 Thunderbolt devices for expanded I/O and DSP. Backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 is achievable via a qualified adapter.
16 Powered Plug-Ins
The Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle includes 16 top-notch plug-ins, supporting VST, RTAS, Audio Units, and AAX 64-bit for compatibility with all major DAWs.
LUNA Recording System Integration
The Apollo x8 becomes a fully integrated recording system with LUNA, a powerful free recording application for Mac from Universal Audio. Bolstered by Accelerated Realtime Monitoring, LUNA offers an intuitive single-window workflow with unlimited track counts and access to exclusive LUNA instruments and extensions.