Apollo x8
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Elite Audio Conversion with Four Unison Mic Preamps, HEXA Core Processing, and Surround Sound.
Apollo x8 allows music producers, project, and post-production studios to track, overdub, and mix with new world-beating A/D and D/A conversion, HEXA Core UAD plug-in processing, Dual-Crystal clocking, and 7.1 surround sound monitoring — all in a sleek rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for Mac or PC.
Built upon UA’s 60-year heritage of audio craftsmanship, this 18 x 24 interface distinguishes itself with four Unison™-enabled mic preamps, providing authentic emulations of preamps from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and more, plus all-new HEXA Core processing — yielding 50% more DSP for running UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time.Record with elite-class A/D and D/A conversion — nearing the widest dynamic range and lowest noise available, at any price
Mix with powerful HEXA Core processing, featuring 6 UAD DSP chips for running more UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time
Track with near-zero latency through Unison™ preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Helios, Fender, and more†
Integrate with high-end commercial systems, via 7.1 surround sound monitoring and selectable +24 dBu headroom
Elite-Class A/D and D/A Conversion
With thousands of chart-topping songs and hundreds of Grammy-winning albums under their belt, Apollo interfaces are no strangers to tracking stellar-sounding records. To improve on the previous generation Apollo interface’s class-leading audio conversion, UA engineers obsessively auditioned the latest A/D and D/A converters — ultimately pairing elite-class 24-bit/192 kHz converters with all-new analog circuitry for an ultra-pristine signal path.
The Apollo X series also introduces new Dual-Crystal clocking — featuring dedicated crystals for 44.1/88.2/176.4k and 48/96/192k sample rates — resulting in stunningly low jitter, measured at less than 10 picoseconds. This translates into pure, artifact-free recordings and solid stereo imaging you can trust.
With 129 dB dynamic range and -119 dB THD+N, Apollo x8’s open, natural sound quality rivals any dedicated high-end converter on the market — regardless of price — and is the perfect starting point for applying UAD processing.
Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing
Apollo x8 features new HEXA Core processing, with six DSP chips and 50% more UAD plug-in processing power than previous Apollos. This lets you run more UAD plug-ins, whether you’re tracking in real time with channel strips from Neve, Manley, or API, or running high UAD plug-in counts when mixing in your DAW.
From the tube warmth of Pultec EQs on guitars to the musical tube limiting of the LA-2A on vocals, or the pump of a genuine 1176 or Fairchild 670 tube compressor on drums, your recordings will take a giant leap forward with a rich, three-dimensional analog sound that UAD plug‑ins provide.
Unison Technology: The Genuine Sound of Neve, API & Manley Preamps
Perfect for musicians, engineers, producers, and sound designers, Apollo x8 features four Unison-enabled mic preamps, letting you track through exacting mic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Helios, SSL, and Universal Audio. A Universal Audio 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 HEXA 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
What happens when you put Apollo’s Unison preamp models up against their vintage analog counterparts? Producer Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Kings of Leon) finds out at the legendary Blackbird Studios in Nashville.
A Full Suite of Classic
Analog Processing OnboardOf course, a hallmark feature of Apollo is its Realtime UAD Processing, letting you run the full library of UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency. Apollo x8 includes the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, so you can record and mix with the world’s only authentic Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN, and Fairchild compressors, the Unison-enabled UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, and iconic guitar and bass amps from Marshall and Ampeg.
See Included Plug-Ins | Watch the live tracking videoAccess the World of UAD Powered Plug-Ins
Going beyond the included Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-ins, Apollo x8 lets you tap into the full UAD Powered Plug-In library of legendary vintage EQs, compressors, reverbs, tape machines, channel strips, 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 SSL, Neve, Studer, Manley, Helios, API, Ampex, Lexicon, Fender, and more,† it’s like having a studio full of iconic analog gear, in a single rack space. And unlike competing interfaces, these award-winning DSP-powered plug-ins are also available in your DAW for mixing.
†Apollo x8 includes the “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately at www.uaudio.com.
Surround Sound, Talkback, and More
The Apollo x8 features built-in front-panel monitoring functions including a Talkback mic, Alt Speakers, and assignable Dim or Mono control. Plus, with its comprehensive 7.1 surround monitoring support, Apollo x8 is a boon for engineers and producers working on audio and music for video games, television, and the web. In addition, Apollo x8 offers selectable +24 dBu operation for out-of-the-box compatibility with professional mixing consoles and other high-end pro audio equipment.
Build an Expanded Studio System Over Thunderbolt
Apollo x8 offers 18 x 24 simultaneous inputs/outputs (8 x 8 analog I/O) and two built-in Thunderbolt 3 ports. This allows users of any Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin or Apollo rackmount audio interfaces to easily combine up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices — adding fast, high-bandwidth I/O and DSP as your studio grows.
Apollo X Tech Talk
Universal Audio’s Senior Product Manager, Gannon Kashiwa dives deep into the key features, specs, and development behind the latest generation of Apollo audio interfaces.
“I love my new Apollo x8p! I can mix without worrying about the amount of plug-ins I use, and the new converters reveal the most subtle details when I record. One of the best upgrades that I’ve added in a long time.”
– Derek ‘MixedByAli’ Ali (Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Childish Gambino)
“WOW! I thought the second-generation Apollos were great, but these new Apollo X models sound so good, they will redefine the way records are made.”
– Jacquire King (James Bay, Kings of Leon, Tom Waits)
“This is the best-sounding Universal Audio D/A ever. By far. It has an extra octave of clear bottom, but it's not hyped. It's just very solid and full. It's like there’s no converter generated signature at all. It’s completely open and natural.”
– Fab Dupont (David Crosby, Shakira, Santigold)
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 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 SessionsCustomer Reviews
C. DaPonte
December 4, 2019
PC user
I have had the Apollo x8 running effortlessly on a windows pc for a couple months now. There was a Thunderbolt security setting that had to be changed in my PC's bios but aside from that,...
Read MoreR. Glettler
December 2, 2019
Great gear but with downsides (using a Win PC)
once, you´ve got it up and running it´s a really great device. OK, in my opinion the DSP powered stuff is just an exaggerated copy protection that makes things unnecessary complex. But...
Read MoreA. EMIXPRO
November 28, 2019
Excellent product (once you get connected!)
First rate product. excellent bang for buck. Added a Octo card, Twin and Quad Satellite. Seamless and simple to use.
Read MoreA. Adams
November 27, 2019
Excellent
Wasn't sure about jumping on the UAD bandwagon at first, but now I see what all the fuss is about. The Unison technology is excellent, the preamps really sound great, as do the amps and...
Read MoreY. PARK
November 25, 2019
good
I changed it in the Prism Atlas, and I was surprised that the converter performed better than I expected. I will continue to use Apollo.
Read MoreB. Smith
November 21, 2019
One of the best audio interfaces, Period.
Just upgraded from Apollo Twin MkII to the X8. I am beyond pleased in the quality of my production. Now I use my MkII as a monitor controller. I am very pleased
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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Apollo x8 Features & Specs
- 18 x 24 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 KHz conversion (backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac)
- Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency, regardless of audio buffer size
- Record through 4 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps — giving you fully authentic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and more†
- Surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format
- Includes the "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately.
- UAD HEXA Core processing onboard for additional mixing horsepower for Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, and other major DAWs
- Combine up to 4 Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos and 6 total UAD devices
- Selectable +24 dBu operation for easy compatibility with professional mixing consoles and tape machines
- Convenient front panel monitoring functions including Alt Speakers, Talkback mic, and assignable Dim or Mono
- Free, industry-leading technical support — on the phone and online — from knowledgeable audio engineers
Interface Specifications
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Inputs Line Inputs 8 Balanced ¼" TRS Microphone Inputs 4 Balanced XLR Instrument (Hi-Z) Inputs 2 Unbalanced ¼" TS Digital Inputs (Optical TOSLINK) ADAT: 8 channels @ 44.1 – 96 kHz
ADAT: 4 channels @ 176.4 – 192 kHzDigital Inputs (RCA) S/PDIF: 2 channels @ 44.1 – 192 kHz A to D Conversion Mic Preamps Dynamic Range: 122 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -115 dB (0.00019%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.05 dBLine Inputs Dynamic Range: 123 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -113 dB (0.00022%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.04 dBOutputs Line Outputs 8 Balanced ¼" TRS Monitor Outputs 2 Balanced ¼" TRS Headphone Outputs 2 Stereo ¼" TRS Digital Outputs (Optical TOSLINK) ADAT: 8 channels @ 44.1 – 96 kHz
ADAT: 4 channels @ 176.4 – 192 kHzDigital Outputs (RCA) S/PDIF: 2 channels @ 44.1 to 192 kHz D to A Conversion Line Outputs Dynamic Range: 127 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -118 dB (0.00011%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.07 dBMonitor Outputs Dynamic Range: 129 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -118 dB (0.00012%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.06 dBHeadphone Outputs Dynamic Range: 125 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -102 dB (0.00080%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.05 dB
Apollo X Series System Requirements
ALL:
- Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included)
- Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
- 6 gigabytes available storage
- Quad Core i7 or better processor recommended
- For additional compatibility information, visit help.uaudio.com
MAC:
- Available Thunderbolt 1, 2, or 3 port
- Thunderbolt 1 and 2 connections require an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (not included)
- macOS 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, or 10.14 Mojave
PC:
- Available Thunderbolt 3 port
- Windows 10 (64-Bit Edition)
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Customer Reviews
Apollo x8
C. DaPonte
PC user
I have had the Apollo x8 running effortlessly on a windows pc for a couple months now. There was a Thunderbolt security setting that had to be changed in my PC's bios but aside from that, the Apollo basically set itself up. No glitches, no crashes, no dropouts. Using gigabyte Designare Z390 mobo and an intel chip running windows 10.
This interface changed the way I make music! Great sounds inspire great performances!R. Glettler
Great gear but with downsides (using a Win PC)
once, you´ve got it up and running it´s a really great device. OK, in my opinion the DSP powered stuff is just an exaggerated copy protection that makes things unnecessary complex. But there are two really frustrating issues. First the initial setup of the device using a PC. You have to update the firmware, so that the current windows drivers can communicate with the device. But there is no way to do this update on a PC. You have to do it with a Mac. No info about that at all. UAD Support just advices to reinstall, restart and so on. So as PC/Windows user without a Mac no chance for you to get this device up and running. The next thing is the poor windows driver. There are so many problems with crashes of DAW, NIs and so on. If I check the errorlogs and traces, usually the rootcause is an UAD driver component. I´ve tried everything like full uninstall, reinstall and turning off everything else. So, yes it works but I have to live with crashes and sometimes strange behavior of the drivers. So I would say, this device is just not made to be used with a PC. Another, but not as crusial, thing is the missing feature to hide plugins which I do not own. I own about 50 plugins and it´s a pain to see always all the 200+ plugins and to find the ones I can use. Yes, there is the hack to move the not used plugins to a different folder. But come on, this is unprofessional and I have it to do this twice, for VST and AAX plugins and always after updating the UAD Software. So, yes it´s a really great Device if it´s up and running, the console application works really well, but connected to a PC it´s often a pain and you spend a lot of time fixing technical issues instead of making music.
A. EMIXPRO
Excellent product (once you get connected!)
First rate product. excellent bang for buck. Added a Octo card, Twin and Quad Satellite. Seamless and simple to use.
A. Adams
Excellent
Wasn't sure about jumping on the UAD bandwagon at first, but now I see what all the fuss is about. The Unison technology is excellent, the preamps really sound great, as do the amps and other emulations. The Apollo is really versatile and easy to use. Super happy with it.
Y. PARK
good
I changed it in the Prism Atlas, and I was surprised that the converter performed better than I expected. I will continue to use Apollo.
B. Smith
One of the best audio interfaces, Period.
Just upgraded from Apollo Twin MkII to the X8. I am beyond pleased in the quality of my production. Now I use my MkII as a monitor controller. I am very pleased
G. Creasor
Great Product
Added the X8 to my current Apollo Twin Quad... works great!
Couldn’t be happier.D. Lütgenhorst
Perfect workhorse for fast and great sounding Mixes
I changed one year ago from my babyface pro to the twin mkII and now to the X8.
I do only commercial work for radios and TV‘s in Germany.
My VoiceOver Chain is a Neve Shelford Channel and a U87Ai.
The best part of the Twin is, i can take my loved Neve Sound everywere.
I compared the UA1073 to my Shelford and its shocking close!
But mixing on the X8 is again another level.
So clean, so detailed.
I also compared the x8 to the x4 and for me the X8 was better.
But comparing interfaces is not really easy.
In the end the fact of the better clock, and more DSP I kept the x8.
Together with my Twin i have now 8 chips, and can control all 3 monitors!
Only if you See that Point, that you safe money for another controller, cables and more, its worth every penny!
D. Lütgenhorst
Perfect workhorse for fast and great sounding Mixes
I changed one year ago from my babyface pro to the twin mkII and now to the X8.
I do only commercial work for radios and TV‘s in Germany.
My VoiceOver Chain is a Neve Shelford Channel and a U87Ai.
The best part of the Twin is, i can take my loved Neve Sound everywere.
I compared the UA1073 to my Shelford and its shocking close!
But mixing on the X8 is again another level.
So clean, so detailed.
I also compared the x8 to the x4 and for me the X8 was better.
But comparing interfaces is not really easy.
In the end the fact of the better clock, and more DSP I kept the x8.
Together with my Twin i have now 8 chips, and can control all 3 monitors!
Only if you See that Point, that you safe money for another controller, cables and more, its worth every penny!
s. lee
good
It's a great product. I am satisfied
r. starkey
Reverse Latency
Guitar amplifiers are black and white televisions.
N. Piantedosi
Love it
Got the x8 as my main piece and the Twin x as my desktop controller - great combo. The realtime tracking and amazing plugins are a game changer for my workflow. Very happy with my purchase.
J. Moore
Unreal!
I had the original Apollo Quad and was extremely happy with it. I decided to upgrade to the new and recent Apollo x8. Within seconds of listening, the difference was unreal! The lows were punchier/tighter and the stereo field seemed much wider and detailed. Apollo x8 is hands down one of the best units on the market. Long live UAD...Thank you for giving us the tools to be creative!!!
S. Sadre
From Orpheus to Apollo x8! Buy one!
Buy one! Mixing is a dream, beautiful converters, world class pre’s! I thought I would feel a difference going from prism sound as only used the UAD cards and Apollo twin ,The XP is a definitely a pro interface and as you probably know the plugins are second too none..
S. Sadre
From Orpheus to Apollo x8! Buy one!
Buy one! Mixing is a dream, beautiful converters, world class pre’s! I thought I would feel a difference going from prism sound as only used the UAD cards and Apollo twin ,The XP is a definitely a pro interface and as you probably know the plugins are second too none..
C. Pineiro
One word: PERFECTION!
Many years developing a project studio, many interfaces, computers, mixers combined with audio I/O. But nothing, nothing like this gear. Love it, hearing it is falling in love.
Further more, UAD made rethink my studio... now I'm letting go mixers and processors. Less is better. Excellent piece of technology. Analog sound, digital flexibility.A. khafaji
From Apollo 8 to Apollo x8p
Moving from the great Apollo 8 to the greatest Apollo x8, Apollo 8 was great audio interface but I noticed a nice improvement after upgrading, to me both are nice units and am very happy with this upgrade.
M. Vogeler
great gear
fantatstic gear and software
M. Vogeler
great gear
fantatstic gear and software
S. Stähli
Totally happy with it
Super AD/DA and DSP Power paired with ultra low latency enables a creative workflow instantly. The Monitor control features work great and the knobs and Buttons feel just right.
