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
C. Garcia
April 11, 2017
Fabulous!!
Fabulous interface ;-) the Apollo 8 QUAD. Great work from Universal Audio!! Quality and very good the Console 2. If I had to add something to it, I would add a second ADAT input / output....
Read MoreS. Lizarralde
April 4, 2017
Amazing Quality!
I've own a lot of interfaces of different price ranges and I deeply believe UAD's Apollos are the best in the market according to it price. The Pre-Amps, headphones amplifiers are just...
Read MoreT. Payne
March 19, 2017
First class
I honestly haven't got the words to describe the difference this had made to literally everything - if I started all over again - would be great first thing I'd buy - well done guys
Read MoreJ. Goodwin
March 18, 2017
Stunned
I had long outgrown my Apogee Duet 2 but felt confident in the sound quality it provided. I was stunned, gobsmacked even, at the difference in sound my new Apollo 8 Quad has provided me....
Read Mores. edwards
March 18, 2017
Apollo 8 duo
I have had the Apollo for two months. I am extremely happy with my purchase. The sound quality is far better than my old Motu interface. Thank you UAD for the thunderbolt pc drivers!!! Not...
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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
C. Garcia
Fabulous!!
Fabulous interface ;-) the Apollo 8 QUAD. Great work from Universal Audio!!
Quality and very good the Console 2.
If I had to add something to it, I would add a second ADAT input / output.
I am a faithful follower from the first UAD-1 to the new UAD-2 OCTO and most of the plugins.
I hope someday they will add an audio analyzer plugin, like the Pinguin Analyzer.S. Lizarralde
Amazing Quality!
I've own a lot of interfaces of different price ranges and I deeply believe UAD's Apollos are the best in the market according to it price. The Pre-Amps, headphones amplifiers are just amazing!!
D. Butler
Everything Just Works
Awesome product, pristine sound.
T. Payne
First class
I honestly haven't got the words to describe the difference this had made to literally everything - if I started all over again - would be great first thing I'd buy - well done guys
J. Goodwin
Stunned
I had long outgrown my Apogee Duet 2 but felt confident in the sound quality it provided. I was stunned, gobsmacked even, at the difference in sound my new Apollo 8 Quad has provided me. I recognize the cost differential. I expected an improvement. But not this much! Everyone talks about low end struggles for home studios; I had those too. Some (effective) bass traps and my Apollo 8 have largely solved that problem for me. Never do I do the "next day in the car test" and find myself dismayed. Minor tweaks? Of course. I am in a basement. Most surprising for me has been the improved high end. I am fussy about sibilance and harsh high end. With my previous interface I was in a constant battle to control the top end. These issues truly evaporated with my Apollo 8. I mean it. I don't know that I can explain it but I am being honest. This product has been transformative for my work. I no longer feel like I am "fighting" to achieve a sound, I am able to trust my gut and things sound great the next day or a week later. PS. My UAD love started with an LA-610 MK II preamp. WOW. Enough said.
s. edwards
Apollo 8 duo
I have had the Apollo for two months. I am extremely happy with my purchase. The sound quality is far better than my old Motu interface. Thank you UAD for the thunderbolt pc drivers!!! Not only is the sound quality better, but I also was able to sell off my effects processors. Truly a bargain when you consider all that you're getting.
w. li
I'm your loyal customer
Hello, I'm your loyal customer。I have purchased five UAD devices，Including buying from someone else。In February this year, I bought a Apollo 8 Duo，After registration, I found that you did not send Cash coupon。I want to know if you can send me some Cash coupon？Thanks a lot！！
p. sage
Well designed, great fidelity.
This device and UAD software work flawlessly. if your looking for super sound with low latency monitoring and a software package that just works get the Apollo.
Seamless integration with my DAW (cubase).J. Steinsdörfer
New level
This is my first UAD stuff and I'm amazed. Everything works perfect. I haven't seen any bug or problem neither with Apollo nor UAD plugins. Especially I like function (you could listen your mix in mono or -20dB) and alt button (switch your monitors). Preamps are fabulous aswell!!! No negatives...
E. Hanson
Exactly what I had hoped for.
I wanted a great *sounding* interface, first and foremost. Over a 2 month period, I actually auditioned several competing boxes from other companies — doing critical listening at my home studio, which I know well. The Apollo 8 sounded at least as good if not better than the others, and having the plugins library was like the gravy on top. Highly recommended.
A. Dell'Olio
Very good interface
Good sounding preamps, good converters, shark processors, great flexibility in running plugs directly into console at zero latency, never a problem, a crash or something else. This is a very good sounding "tank". Lastly, very beautiful to see.
W. Stacy
Game Changer
I am finally getting the sound I want out of my mixes. I record lots of hardware for Techno tracks and the Apollo (with or without plugins) gives me the quality I have been looking for.
M. Cullen
Recent Convert
Recently upgraded a few parts of my studio and am super happy with how things turned out. Set up and integration was pretty straight forward and I'm loving the sound and ease of use.
P. Lippolis
A fantastic audio interface.
The quality of sound and the detail in reproduction are really excitingly!!! I compare this rig with a RME Fireface UFx that I owned and the sound is incredibly superior. The software "Console 2.0" is very clear and practical to use and I consider it an added value
J. Harris
Highly Satisfied Customer for life!
I had just bought a Clarett 8pre not even a month ago... And Focusrite dropped the ball.. So I decided that I want a "one and done" audio interface that will grow with my recording needs. Ever since UA plugins were out I heard so much praise about them. I figured that for a home project studio, I will never have the money to save up for real hardware gear.. So why not save money and buy Authentic "Hardware" plugins and enjoy all the benefits of Expensive Gear for a fraction of the cost! I can finally track vocals with plugins and either "Record with or without them". I can put just the right amount of Reverb in real time without the hassle of the DAW. UA has done a fine job in replicating hardware units for plugins and I have fallen in love. I dare say they sound better than some of the "waves" counterpart.. And not to hate on Steven Slate but the plugins take longer than molasses to come out... UA has over 80 and more rapidly coming! I bought the Apollo because i wanted very flexible tracking features and I wanted a no compromise approach to my project studio. I also have to mention the Unison Preamps.... With UA, "Just sold my Persons ADL 600 Tube Preamp - $1500..... and got the Neve UR88 Preamp! I don't regret one bit of that decision! I have the option to record through unison preamps or through clean preamps or through external preamps of my choice! - No Compromise! The sound... I do not even need to say anything about the sound... The best purchase I have made in my studio so far! I am now part of the UA family! Thank you!
M. Johnson
Simple Install and plug and play
Same as the satellite its as simple as plug thunderbolt cable and lauch installer. again YouTube Video shows all the simple steps. Plugin play is litterally this. Wish everything nalog preamp plugin Audio gear was a simple as this. Thunderbolt Hub is a nice touch.
t. appert
Really nice.
I bought this mainly for overdubs. I have an old mx5050 tape machine for main recording. But now this sounds so good I can't stop using it. So much fun to work with top quality plugins.
A. Thapar
Great I/O. Exp though!
Love the IO on this. Esp the dual ADAT. I just wish it could handle 16 channel over the dual ADAT. 8 Each!
I've even used the SPDIF on it when transferring DAT tapes. Could do with 2x XLR on the front for hot plugging.N. Bufkin
Far better than I expected
The quality of the plugins are beyond what I thought they would be. I've spent more money on plugins than I originally intended because they are just that good. Some of them are just mind blowing.
D. Bravo Gonzalez
Very impressive sound
The hardware has high quality component. Sound very clear and transparent. The only thing bad is when you want to make surround is a bit difficult. You need an external monitor control. The knob only controls channel 1 and 2, not the all channel surround. For the rest, very good hardware.
