Apollo 8
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Next-Generation Audio Conversion with
Classic Analog Sound.Apollo 8 is the world’s most acclaimed professional recording interface for Mac and Windows, giving project and commercial studios superior A/D and D/A conversion with the tone, feel, and realtime workflow of classic analog recording.
Built upon UA’s 60-year heritage of audio craftsmanship, Apollo 8 distinguishes itself with four Unison™-enabled mic preamps, UAD-2 QUAD or DUO Core processing, an included bundle of award-winning UAD plug-ins — which you can track through with near-zero latency, shaping sounds like a classic analog studio — plus it includes LUNA Recording System, giving you a fully-integrated music production application.Record with world-class Apollo A/D and D/A conversion — as heard on hundreds of hit records
Cascade up to 4 Apollo interfaces and 6 UAD-2 devices over Thunderbolt, adding DSP and I/O as your studio grows
Produce music with UAD plug-ins like the included Teletronix® LA-2A, 1176, and Fairchild® compressors, Pultec® EQs, and 610-B Preamp
Includes LUNA Recording System — a fully-integrated and inspiring music production application
Unison Technology: The Genuine Sound of Neve, SSL, API & Manley Preamps
Apollo 8 features four Unison-enabled mic preamps, letting you track through exacting mic preamp emulations from Neve,® SSL,® API,® Manley,® and Universal Audio. An Apollo exclusive, Unison technology nails the tone of these sought-after tube and solid state mic pres — including their input impedance, gain stage “sweet spots,” and the component-level circuit behaviors of the original hardware.
The secret to Unison is its hardware-software integration between Apollo’s mic preamps and its onboard UAD-2 QUAD Core DSP Acceleration. Simply place a Unison preamp plug-in on your mic input in Apollo Console software, and it physically reconfigures the Apollo interface's impedance — so you can tap into the classic sounds of the world’s most recorded mic preamps.
Watch the Unison Shoot Out (hardware vs. software) video
A Full Suite of Classic
Analog Processing OnboardRight out of the box, Apollo 8 provides a suite of incredible analog emulation plug-ins including the world’s only authentic Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN, and Fairchild compressors, the legendary Pultec EQs, and the Unison-enabled UA 610-B Tube Preamp. Developed by UA’s world-renowned team of algorithm engineers, these Realtime Analog Classics plug-ins set the standard by which all other hardware emulation plug-ins are judged.
From the tube warmth of the Pultec EQ on guitars, to the gentle limiting of the LA-2A on vocals, or the pump of a genuine Fairchild 670 compressor on drums, your recordings will take a giant leap forward in rich, sonically complex analog sound.
See Included Plug-Ins | Watch the live tracking videoAccess the World of UAD Powered Plug-Ins
Beyond the included Realtime Analog Classics plug-ins, you can tap into the full library award-winning UAD Powered Plug-Ins — including vintage EQs, Compressors, Reverbs, Tape Machines and more — at near-zero latency, regardless of your audio software’s buffer size and without taxing your computer’s CPU.
With exclusive emulations from Neve, Studer, Manley, API, Ampex, Lexicon, Fender, and more,† it’s like having an endless analog studio, in a single rack space. And unlike competing interfaces, these DSP-powered plug-ins are also available in your DAW for mixing.Next-Generation A/D and D/A Conversion
Of course, the heart of any audio interface is the quality of its conversion. In designing the next-generation Apollo range, UA engineers started with an obsessive auditioning of the latest A/D and D/A converters, ultimately pairing the selected 24-bit/192kHz converters with all-new analog circuitry for the optimal signal path. Apollo 8 provides increased dynamic range and lower THD versus other interfaces — rivaling dedicated converters costing thousands more.
The Apollo Story
Watch UA’s Lev Perrey explain the innovative thinking behind the next-generations Apollos.
Apollo: The Choice of New-School Professionals
Apollo is the confirmed choice of hit-making professionals, used to record landmark albums by Kendrick Lamar (DAMN.), Chris Stapleton (From A Room: Volume 1), Arcade Fire (Everything Now), Post Malone (Beerbongs & Bentleys), and many more. The Apollo range of interfaces has earned numerous industry awards from Sound on Sound, Future Music, and Electronic Musician — as well as the prestigious TEC Award for computer audio hardware five years running.
“Apollo's A/D and D/A conversion sounds incredibly detailed, with great clarity and a tight, punchy low end. And with the Console 2.0 app, I have all of the routing and monitoring options I need.”
– Dave Pensado (Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Maroon 5)
“Apollo is a platform that grows more powerful with every innovation – the UAD plug-in processing onboard has changed the way I work forever.”
– Tony Platt (AC/DC, Bob Marley, Buddy Guy)
“I'm really impressed with the Apollo X8. I hear more detail in the several sets of monitors I use, and I'm getting that little bit extra out of the Unison mic pre emulations – and they were already extremely close.”
– Jacquire King (James Bay, Kings of Leon, Tom Waits)
“The Apollo is the best I/O we've ever used, and we've tried them all. It has an incredibly clean, transparent, and accurate sound.”
– The Glitch Mob
“Having the Apollo with UAD plug-ins at my disposal is like carrying a giant studio with outboard racks at all times. Minus the tech fees, down time, and electricity bill!”
– Andrew Dawson (Jay-Z, Fun.)
“My Apollos are my sound.
Where I go, they go.”
– Trevor Lawrence Jr. (Dr. Dre, Herbie Hancock, Eminem)
“The Apollo's ability to do low latency – I mean that's the whole ballgame right there.”
– Joey Waronker (Atoms for Peace, Beck, Other Lives)
“With the Apollo 8 in the studio and an Apollo Twin on the go, I know I've got the best sound quality and an incredible arsenal of plug-ins — wherever I'm working.”
– Jeremy Ruzumna (Fitz And The Tantrums)
“UAD plug-ins are amazing...
I’ve used them on all my projects
for the last few years.”
– Dan Auerbach The Black Keys
“Overall, Apollo 8 sounds smooth and sweet, revealing subtle details with superior phase response and lower distortion than the original Apollo... UA has certainly improved on an already excellent device.”
– Mick Guzauski (Daft Punk, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton)
“I knew about the ingredients of Apollo, but this is truly a special dish. The Apollo just set a new standard of excellence for audio interfaces, in terms of both its sound and its feature set.”
– Fab Dupont (Shakira, Santigold, Jennifer Lopez)
“Using my Apollos and Console 2.0, I'm able to front a live mix, create a monitor mix, and record, all at the same time. That’s pretty awesome.”
– Chris Dugan (Green Day, Iggy Pop, U2)
“The Apollo is a powerhouse and a game changer for my studio.”
– Grieves
Creating a Multi-Unit Apollo Setup
Watch producer/engineer Fab Dupont (Jennifer Lopez, Mark Ronson) install a powerful studio system by combining multiple Apollo interfaces over Thunderbolt.
LUNA Recording System
Deep Apollo Integration with a Fast, Natural WorkflowApollo 8 works with all major DAWs. But it becomes a fully integrated recording system with LUNA, Universal Audio’s groundbreaking music production application for Mac. Harness LUNA’s Accelerated Realtime Monitoring™ and power your workflow with a host of built-in features and optional extensions — from genuine Neve summing and integrated Studer tape, to inspiring LUNA instruments, and more.
Build a Networked Studio System Over Thunderbolt
Apollo 8 offers 18 x 24 simultaneous inputs/outputs, with two built-in Thunderbolt ports. Thanks to Apollo Expanded software, users of any Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin, Apollo 8, Apollo 8p, and Apollo 16 audio interfaces can combine up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices — adding I/O and DSP as your studio grows. Apollo 8 also provides seamless integration with previous generation Apollos over Thunderbolt.
A Sleek, Low-latency App
With Apollo 8’s Console 2.0 application — a complete re-imagining of Apollo’s original Console software — you can take advantage of over 25 new user-requested features such as Channel Strip presets, Drag & Drop functionality, dynamically resizable windows, and more.
Now with Vintage Amps
New for Apollo 8 is Unison technology on the front panel instrument inputs, giving you dead-on, impedance-matched emulations of guitar and bass amps like the Fender '55 Tweed Deluxe, Marshall Plexi Super Lead 1959, and the Ampeg B-15N Bass Amplifier.
Apollo Artist Sessions
Watch producer/engineer Fab Dupont (Jennifer Lopez, David Crosby) record Latin superstars Monsieur Periné live in Colombia with Apollo X audio interfaces.
View All Apollo Artist SessionsWatch The Reviews
Customer Reviews
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November 30, 2017
J. B.
We all read about sound quality of apollos and it’s great! but i really enjoy of the build quality to! In these days it’s hard to find manufactures who build products to last... and...
Read MoreC. Rollans
November 26, 2017
Sounds real
Unison pres are a cool idea, they work well. Console software very handy.
Read MoreT. Rutherford
November 24, 2017
What I’ve been missing!
This interface is the truth! I’ve been needing this to take my music to the next level. The quality conversion and power of this interface is superb and not to mention the world class...
Read MoreY. Kim
November 20, 2017
It's Perfect gear
I love apollo 8. It is very nice sounds. I think this gear will be used for a lifetime.
Read More -
Realtime Analog Classics Plus Bundle
With the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, you not only get legendary compressors such as the Fairchild® 670 and EQs like the Pultec® EQP-1A, but also stunning guitar and bass amp emulations from Softube, and UA’s landmark 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ plug-in.
- UA 610‐B
- Marshall Plexi Classic Amplifier
- Fairchild 670 Legacy
- Teletronix LA‐2A Legacy
- UA 1176LN Legacy
- UA 1176SE Legacy
- Pultec EQP‐1A Legacy
- Pultec Pro Legacy
- Ampeg® SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
- Precision Channel Strip
- Precision Reflection Engine
- Precision Delay Modulation
- Precision Delay Modulation L
- UA Precision Enhancer Hz
- Raw Distortion
- RealVerb‐Pro
UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ
Impart your tracks with the iconic warmth and character of the classic hardware used to track everyone from Duke Ellington to Coldplay. By emulating the entire signal path, including tube amplifiers, transformers, and circuit nonlinearities, the 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ plug-in injects organic detail and saturation to any signal — whether you’re re-amping or tracking through the 610-B via Universal Audio’s Unison™ technology.
Marshall® Plexi Classic Amplifier
The undisputed alpha dog of rock and roll guitar amps, the Marshall “plexi” amplifier is as legendary as the music it helped create. From Jimi Hendrix to Jimmy Page, Duane Allman to Eric Clapton, the Plexi’s punishing melange of snarl, sustain, smoothness, and raunch defined the sound of rock. Developed by Softube, the Marshall Plexi Classic Amp plug-in gives you the sound of this iconic amp with a perfectly placed microphone from engineer Tony Platt who recorded AC/DC’s Back in Black and Highway to Hell.
Fairchild® 670 (Legacy)
The world’s most coveted compressor, the classic Fairchild 670 tube limiter will give your tracks and mixes unmistakable tube warmth and character. Whether you’re looking for subtle compression on a lead vocal, or grittier textures that can work on guitars, bass, or a drum bus, the Fairchild 670 plug-in adds a classic “glow” to anything you run through it.
Teletronix® LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier (Legacy)
With its gentle, program dependent optical compression and meticulously designed tube amplifier, the LA-2A is the go-to compressor for professional mixers around the world — especially for vocals. Incredibly easy-to-use Peak Reduction and Gain controls gives you the ideal optical compression sound for guitar, bass, drums, and more.
1176SE/LN® Classic Limiting Amplifiers (Legacy)
Get classic, ultra-fast FET compression from the world’s most recognized compressor. The 1176 will impart punch, presence, and character as well as its signature distortion overtones on drums, vocals, guitars, and bass. The 1176LN has graced countless recordings, from Led Zeppelin, to the White Stripes and Michael Jackson.
Pultec® Pro Equalizers (Legacy)
Mix with two of the most sought-after hardware EQs ever made — the MEQ-5 Midrange Equalizer and the EQP-1A Program Equalizer. Both of these tube-based icons deliver smooth and silky EQ curves with an abundance of warm analog character.
Ampeg® SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
Introduced in 1969, the Ampeg SVT bass amp is still the reigning king of high-powered tube bass tone. Developed by Brainworx, the Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp plug-in perfectly captures the raw power and punch that has made this the go-to amp for rock, funk, and soul players. Track in real time using Unison™ preamp technology for the tone, touch, and feel of a real SVT bass amp, or transform bland DI tracks with the thunderous roar of a stone cold classic.
Precision Mix Rack Collection
Featuring the Precision Channel Strip, Precision Reflection Engine, and Precision Delay Modulation plug-ins, the Precision Mix Rack Collection offers four modern, high-fidelity plug-ins for recording and mixing. Powerful and intuitive, Precision Mix Rack Collection gives you an impressive tool set — perfect for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
UA Precision Enhancer Hz
Expertly dial-in your music’s low-end frequencies with the Precision Enhancer Hz plug-in. Able to yield exacting results with minimal adjustment, the Precision Enhancer Hz can add weight to kick drum samples, fatten up a synth bass, or simply make the low-end of your tracks more audible on smaller speakers.
Raw Distortion
Modeled from a vintage early-’80s Pro Co Rat, Raw Distortion delivers all the gritty dynamic raunch of the legendary stompbox. And with Unison™ technology, you can plug in to Apollo Twin, 8, or 8p’s front-panel Hi-Z instrument jack and experience the same circuit interaction, gain range, and clip points for the true tone, feel, and response of the original hardware.
RealVerb Pro
RealVerb Pro is a flexible, natural sounding reverb based on UA’s own unique set of algorithms. Allowing you to design the room just as you hear it, the RealVerb Pro goes beyond simply big/small or dark/bright, giving your sources distortion-free, smoothing diffusion control and ultra-long reverb tail.
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Features
18 x 24 Thunderbolt audio interface for Mac and Windows* with powerful Console 2.0 software control
4 Unison™-enabled mic preamps for recording through exacting preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, and Universal Audio
Built-in UAD-2 QUAD Core allows Realtime UAD Processing — tracking through DSP-assisted UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency, without draining CPU
Produce with LUNA Recording System — a fully-integrated recording application made for Apollo (Mac/Thunderbolt)
Includes the "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately.
Next-generation 24-bit/192 kHz Apollo A/D and D/A conversion as heard on hundreds of hit records
Cascade up to 4 Apollo interfaces and 6 UAD devices total over Thunderbolt
Convenient front panel monitoring functions including Alt Speakers, and assignable Dim or Mono
World-class UA analog design, superior components, and premium build quality
Free, industry-leading technical support — on the phone and online — from knowledgeable audio engineers
Thunderbolt System Requirements
MAC:
- Apple Mac computer with available Thunderbolt port
- macOS 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, 10.14 Mojave, 10.15 Catalina, or 11 Big Sur
WINDOWS:
- PC computer with built-in Thunderbolt 3 port
- Windows 10 (64-Bit Edition)
- Qualified Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter (sold separately)
ALL:
- Thunderbolt 2 cable (sold separately)
- 6 gigabytes available storage
- Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
- Compatible VST, Audio Units, RTAS, or AAX 64 plug-in host DAW software
- Quad Core i7 or better processor recommended
- For additional compatibility information, visit help.uaudio.com
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Customer Reviews
Apollo 8
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J. B.
We all read about sound quality of apollos and it’s great! but i really enjoy of the build quality to! In these days it’s hard to find manufactures
who build products to last... and Apollo looks like it! Great Job!C. Rollans
Sounds real
Unison pres are a cool idea, they work well. Console software very handy.
T. Rutherford
What I’ve been missing!
This interface is the truth! I’ve been needing this to take my music to the next level. The quality conversion and power of this interface is superb and not to mention the world class plugins that are accessible! This is a must have!
j. Gomez Franco
Exelent
Este equipo es de alto nivel!!!
S. Wongjenson
I love it
I love uad
Y. Kim
It's Perfect gear
I love apollo 8. It is very nice sounds.
I think this gear will be used for a lifetime.J. Mayer
Very Happy
Just upgraded from a Focusrite Sapphire Pro and couldn't be happier. I'm especially smitten with the ability to track through the plug ins and the functionality of the Console software. I have a UA 4-710d that I use along with this and the PreAmps on the Apollo sound just as fantastic. Thanks UA!!
M. Scenna
Felicidad en mis oídos
Hasta el momento solo usaba los placas PCIe. La internase Apolo 8 es todo lo que me imagine y mucho mas. Muy recomendable
M. Castrejón
What was promised!
Exactly what I was expecting from this... it sounds amazing and it brings tons of new posibilites when recording vocals (which is my main job at my studio! The software is not ver intuitive at first (specially when controlling outputs, or monitoring)... but with a little research and guide from the tutorials online it gets way easier as the days go by... a little bit of a learning curve on that side... but nothing that someone that has a general idea of what he´s/she´s doing can´t tackle, and once you get the hang of it, it actually offers a lot. Worth every penny... this is hardware that wont be needing any upgrades for a few years...
D. Sandoval
Exactly what you'd expect from a legend
A very welcome addition to the collection, the Apollo 8 pres are everything you hear. Very transparent, plenty of headroom and I cant stop playing with the Neve emulations (88RS and 1073). Truly astounding sonic performance. Downsides are the plugin manager (really people, please figure out a way to display only purchased plugins...) and the way DSP resources are allocated, but technical limitations are what drive innovation.
R. Brown
UAD APOLLO 8 quad
Absolutely fantastic ... I’m almost close to tears... before I was struggling to get my sound quality up to a place sonically to where mow the apollo starts from !!!
This is a complete game changer and there is nothing I can’t do ; ( other than my own limitations )
I bought the deal with the ten Plugins and I have to say I need nothing else ... thankyou UNIVERSAL AUDIO....... I’m going to hopefully be a long time customer !s. akkina
All new world of music
I have no words to describe Apollo8 and UAD plug in. I am totally amazed of the crystal clear sound and fascinated with the preamps. No doubt its an incredible product. Thanks to team UAD
D. Carter
Apollo Duo
The best thing since sliced bread.
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The Best!
I am astonished at how good this unit is! Unison is outstanding...I will be purchasing more UA products...WOW!
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Almost done!
Sounds fantastic but it should have more ins/outs...
In Addition to that the Console could be more intuitive and practical!J. Preston
Stepping up to the plate! UA hits another home run!
My Apollo 8 quad is the crown jewel of my home studio. I started just 2 years ago, very slowly, and gradually building my sonic arsenal, plenty of nice analog gear and coveted mics, but this was the missing link in my studio. The onboard, pres', in conjunction with the unison enabled emulation pre's are just incredible. I'm glad I have options outside the box, but quite honestly you could completely get away without them. I'm addicted to the UA plugins too, and now totally get what I've been hearing all along...they're unreal! Thanks Universal Audio for helping me get in the game. I love my Apollo 8 Quad, and can't wait to get the free UAD-2 satellite quad that came with if as a promo deal, counting the days to its arrival.
o. smith
great
wow the apollo 8 is a wonderful gear i love it so much thank you UAD and Roq from sweet water
J. Johnson II
Apollo 8 The Great!
I love my Apollo 8. It sounds wonderful. It has tons of power. Its dependable. Its world class. One of the best purchases I have ever made for my home studio. If Universal Audio makes it then it is worth it. They do a great job with their products and I trust UA 1000%.
A. Haynes
Incredible Interface
I have had the unit for a couple weeks and all I can say is...WOW!!! I have owned a few other interfaces and equipment with interfaces and honestly thought some sounded great...that was until I used the Apollo 8...game changer. The setup was quick and easy. The only complaint I have is that I wish there was independent control or the virtual inputs gain.
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such a surprise
I already had the Apollo 16 and just wanted to expand my outputs to give me more options on my console. In a rather hurried session, I opted to use the preamps on this. WOW! I absolutely love the tone from these when using the unison tech (API Vision pre). Next purchase, the 8P version.
