Universal Audio Apollo X8

Apollo x8 equips music producers and post-production studios with new, world-leading A/D and D/A converters, HEXA Core UAD plug-in processing and 7.1 surround sound monitoring* - all in one elegant Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for Mac**or PC.

This 18 x 24 interface is based on UA's 60 years of experience in developing and manufacturing audio devices. It features four Unison™-enabled microphone preamps that enable authentic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Helios, SSL, and others. The all-new HEXA Core Plug-In Processing means 50% more DSP power for real-time UAD Powered plug-ins during recording and mixing.

In addition to outstanding audio conversion, Apollo x8 features selectable level compatibility with professional +24 dBu devices as well as an integrated monitor controller and built-in talkback microphone.

• Experience outstanding A/D and D/A conversion with the widest dynamic range and lowest signal-to-noise ratio
• Record and mix using powerful HEXA Core signal processing - with 6 UAD DSP chips for real-time use of additional award-winning UAD Powered Plug-Ins
• Virtually latency-free recording with Unison™ technology via pre-amp emulation from Neve, API, Manley, Fender and others*
• Professional studio equipment with switchable +24 / +20 dBu headroom settings can be connected without problems
• Work in surround formats up to 7.1*, complete with speaker calibration and downmix
• Integrated talkback microphone for easy communication and recording of audio notes or additional takes

*Surround sound support for Apollo X available from Q4 2018
**Apollo X compatibility with Mac Pro (late 2013 and later) available from Q4 2018.

Unison™ Technology: The original sound of Neve, API and Manley preamps

Ideal for musicians, sound engineers, producers, and sound designers, Apollo x8 offers four Unison-enabled microphone preamps that allow you to record using detailed microphone preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and Universal Audio. Exclusive to Apollo Interfaces, the Unison technology reproduces the tonal colour of these coveted tube and transistor microphone preamps in 100% detail - including the input impedance, the amplification stage's sweet spots and the circuitry on the component level of the original hardware. The secret of Unison lies in the hardware-software integration between Apollo ́s microphone preamps and the integrated UAD real-time processing.

A comprehensive range of classic analog studio tools

An outstanding feature of Apollo is the UAD real-time processing, with which you can use the entire UAD Plug-Ins library almost latency-free. The Apollo x8 comes with the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle - including the world's only true to original emulations of Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN and Fairchild compressors, the Unison UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ as well as guitar and bass amps from Marshall and Ampeg.

Discover the world of UAD Powered Plug-Ins

Apollo x8 goes beyond the included Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-ins and gives you access to the complete UAD Powered plug-in library from renowned manufacturers with vintage EQs, compressors, reverbs, tape machines, channel strips and more - virtually latency-free, regardless of the buffer size of your audio software and without loading the CPU of your computer.

With exclusive emulations from Neve, Studer, Manley, API, Ampex, Lexicon, Fender and anderen†, it's like having a coveted studio full of legendary analog devices in a single 19" rack unit. Unlike competing interfaces, these DSP-based plug-ins are also available for mixing in the DAW.

Surround Sound Monitoring* and +24 dBu operation

With comprehensive support for surround monitoring up to 7.1 format, Apollo x8 is a blessing for engineers and producers working on audio and music for games, television and the Internet. In addition, Apollo x8 offers selectable +24 dBu operation for pre-configured compatibility with professional mixers and other high-quality pro audio devices.

Establishment of a networked studio system via Thunderbolt

Apollo x8 offers 18 x 24 simultaneously usable inputs and outputs (8 x 8 analog I/O) two integrated Thunderbolt 3 ports, which are downward compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Macs via an adapter (sold separately). This allows any Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin Desktop or Apollo Rack interface (up to four Apollos) and a total of six UAD-2 devices to be easily combined with each other - and the system can be expanded with additional fast I/Os and DSPs with high bandwidth as the demand in the studio grows.

Features of the Apollo x8:

• 18 x 24 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with premium 24-bit / 192 kHz audio conversion
• Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing for virtually latency-free recording via UAD plug-ins, independent of buffer setting
• Record over four Unison-enabled microphone/line preamps - for fully authentic Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and anderen† preamp emulations
• Surround Monitor Controller up to 7.1 Format*
• Includes "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" UAD plug-in bundle with UA 610-B Tube Preamp, Legacy Pultec EQ, LA-2A and 1176 compressors, Marshall Plexi Classic, Ampeg SVT-VR Classic and more
• Integrated UAD HEXA Core Processing for additional mixing power in Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton and other major DAWs
• Combine up to four Thunderbolt equipped Apollos and a total of six UAD devices; backward compatible to Thunderbolt 1 and 2 via an optional adaptor
• Selectable +24 dBu operation for easy compatibility with professional mixers and tape machines
• Convenient front panel monitoring features including alto speakers, talkback microphone and selectable Dim or Mono
• UA's uncompromising analog design, superior components and superior workmanship
• Free, industry-leading technical support from expert sound engineers - over the phone and online

*Surround sound support for Apollo X as of Q4 2018.