
Apollo x8
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Produce album-ready sounds in realtime.
Apollo x8 gives creators running bigger project and bedroom studios the same professional analog tones heard on your favorite records. With elite‑class conversion and HEXA Core UAD plug-in processing, Apollo x8 is the only interface that lets you record through preamps from Neve, API, Manley, and more — with near‑zero latency — giving you professional sound in a sleek rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface.
Get professional sound with the widest dynamic range and lowest noise available
Record your vocals and synths in realtime through classic mic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Avalon, and more
Link up to four Apollos for 160 channels of premium I/O and control it from Apollo Twin
Create with seamless hardware-software integration and analog console modeling in LUNA Recording System
Hear Every Detail in your Recordings
Apollo x8’s proven A/D and D/A conversion gives you the same elite-class sound heard on thousands of hit songs and chart-topping albums. Widely praised for its open, natural sonics, Apollo's converters give you the perfect palette to paint your masterpiece.
Record Synths and Vocals through Iconic Preamps
With its four onboard Unison™ preamps, Apollo x8 is the only interface that lets you track in realtime through preamps and channel strips from Neve, Manley, API, and dozens more, giving you the same rich analog texture as the hardware used on decades of iconic music.*
Get the Pro Sounds of Analog Hardware, in a Single Rack Space
Right out of the box, Apollo's included plug-ins give you album-ready tones in realtime with professional tools like the UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, Fairchild compressors, amps from Marshall and Ampeg, and more. Plus, Apollo lets you tap into the entire UAD plug-in library, giving you the proven hit-making sounds of Ocean Way Studios, Capitol Chambers, and hundreds more.
See Included Plug-Ins ›
Learn about Heritage Edition Plug‑Ins ›Record with a Fast, Natural Workflow using LUNA
Apollo works with all major DAWs, but only LUNA Recording System gives you seamless integration with Apollo, for big analog studio sound — in realtime — using a host of built-in features and extensions from API console modeling to genuine Neve summing and integrated Studer tape.
Learn more about LUNA ›Your New Analog Studio, Expanded
Link up to four Apollos for 156 channels of premium I/O as your studio grows,and control it all from your desktop using Apollo Twin or x4.
UAD Plug-Ins vs. Analog Hardware
Watch Grammy-award winning producer Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Kings of Leon) put UAD plug‑ins to the test in a live session featuring electronic-soul artist Jamie Lidell.
“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)“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)“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)“My Apollos are my sound.
Where I go, they go.”
– Trevor Lawrence Jr. (Dr. Dre, Herbie Hancock, Eminem)“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)“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“I’m totally blown away by the stunning sound quality of the Apollo. The ability to use UAD plug-ins in real-time is pure genius. It’s the centerpiece of my new studio.”
– Richard Devine“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)“The Apollo is a powerhouse and a game changer for my studio.”
– Grieves“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)“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.)“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)“The Apollo x8p is the workhorse for the majority of our mobile sessions. The flexibility is crucial to our workflow and once you’re familiar with the front panel controls and Console software, it becomes a seamless experience that allows you to truly craft your sound.”
– Mike Larson (Pharrell, Ariana Grande, Migos)Compare Apollo Models
18 x 24 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 KHz conversion (backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac)
4 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps — giving you fully authentic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Avalon, and more*
Produce with LUNA Recording System — a fully-integrated recording application for Apollo (Mac/Thunderbolt)
Combine up to 4 Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos and 6 total UAD devices
Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency, regardless of audio buffer size
Surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format
Includes “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle featuring UA 610-B Tube Preamp; Legacy Pultec EQ, LA-2A, and 1176 compressors; Marshall Plexi Classic; Ampeg SVT-VR Classic and more
Runs UAD Powered Plug-Ins via VST, Audio Units, and AAX in all major DAWs
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
User Manual
*Apollo x8 includes the “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately at www.uaudio.com. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.Customer Reviews
S. Burgan
August 8, 2023
Top notch quality x8 Apollo with sphere mic
So glad I took the plunge and upgraded to the x8 Apollo and got the sphere mic thrown in for free. Sound quality is awesome and plenty of options with inputs. The Sphere mic is an absolute...
Read MoreK. Krause
August 2, 2023
Referenzklasse
Für mich als Amateurproduzent ist es mit der Apollo x 8 und den verschiedenen Plugins eine neue Welt, die zu erkunden jetzt noch mehr Spaß macht. Es gibt aktuell nichts Besseres für...
Read More天. 赵
July 22, 2023
apollo X8 Essential for live performances
This X8 is used for live performances and uses 480 reverb and noise reduction, which has greatly helped me with my work. I deeply love it and cannot do without it
Read MoreA. Ayer
July 17, 2023
I don’t know what I’d do without Apollo
I did a lot of research before deciding on Apollo. It did not disappoint. I have 2 of them now. When I need another it will be a no brainer. Clean and clear. Easy to use but with all...
Read MoreM. Lattimore
July 1, 2023
Top Notch
This unit will take your studio from novice to professional.
Read MoreK. Heafner
June 25, 2023
Love the Apollo x8
I'm in love with my Apollo X8 gear. Wish I could have could control the headphone controls in the console software since I have it fixed on a wall...
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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Customer Reviews
Apollo x8
S. Burgan
Top notch quality x8 Apollo with sphere mic
So glad I took the plunge and upgraded to the x8 Apollo and got the sphere mic thrown in for free. Sound quality is awesome and plenty of options with inputs. The Sphere mic is an absolute game changer too. Things just sit in the mix without having to tweak and stack up plugins. Great stuff UAD!
K. Krause
Referenzklasse
Für mich als Amateurproduzent ist es mit der Apollo x 8 und den verschiedenen Plugins eine neue Welt, die zu erkunden jetzt noch mehr Spaß macht. Es gibt aktuell nichts Besseres für mich.
天. 赵
apollo X8 Essential for live performances
This X8 is used for live performances and uses 480 reverb and noise reduction, which has greatly helped me with my work. I deeply love it and cannot do without it
A. Ayer
I don’t know what I’d do without Apollo
I did a lot of research before deciding on Apollo. It did not disappoint. I have 2 of them now. When I need another it will be a no brainer. Clean and clear. Easy to use but with all the routing options that you’ll ever need. Brilliant. Thank you UA.
M. Lattimore
Top Notch
This unit will take your studio from novice to professional.
K. Heafner
Love the Apollo x8
I'm in love with my Apollo X8 gear. Wish I could have could control the headphone controls in the console software since I have it fixed on a wall above my tv
天. 赵
Very satisfied
This device is used for live performances, equivalent to having 4 480 reverbs, which is unexpected
M. Brown
So good!
So thrilled with my purchase of an X8 recently .. it’s like if Apple and Tesla had a baby. I can’t find one fault with it! Also using LUNA, coming from 20 years of ProTools use, and it’s mind blowing. So good!
C. Viator
Apollo x
The apollo x has been a significant upgrade to my setup. It is a pleasure to work with this unit as well as the amazing UAD plugins.
M. Avioz
Almost Everything I could ever need
Sounds great, very simple to understand and work with.
I was very pleasantly surprised with how good the preamps sound. I knew they were good but i didn't think it could stand against my external pre's.
a few things i would have loved to have in Console is more virtual channels, and the ability to record the cues (to use as internal summing for instruments recorded with multiple mic's.)c. maskell
Options
I really enjoy the hardware options. Easy line ins and outs, soft, clocking and ADAT. Great
c. maskell
Options
I really enjoy the hardware options. Easy line ins and outs, soft, clocking and ADAT. Great
R. de Goede
Unusable due to latency
Hey there, there must be something wrong with mine. However, the phone number directa me to your website and no one responds to my ticket. So now I just have a brand new very expensive new product that doesn’t work and I cannot return without a reaction from ua…
V. Popov
Heritage Plugins
Hi, There! I got problem with getting my heritage edition plugins. Could you help me with that? Thank you
E. Morgan
Love everything about it.
Sleek, superior sonics, high plugin counts, smooth workflow, and great integral preamps.
Very happy with my new set up. Even better than I had hoped it would be.
E..
Great option.
TOP quality interface + monitor control. 4 digitally controlled hi-quality pre's (w/ Unison preamp modelling), perfect for Townsend Sphere mic modelling.
X8 is now the centerpiece of my studio.S. Akcen
Below my expectations
X8 is very good at monitoring and analog feeling with in onboard preamps .
Seriously, if your main goal is recording then its your best solution.
Now, for my experience...
I'm in business for 20 years now. And every one of my previous audio interfaces had the option, using physical outputs as virtual outputs on my DAW. It means, if I had 20 out device, I was able to use 10 stereo out and I was able to group my mixes as freely as I wanted (1-2 Vocal, 3-4 Kick, 5-6 Beat Elements, 7-8 Bass ... 19-20 Vocal FX Etc..) but now I have only 4 Virtual Channel and the rest of my outputs are just, dead USELESS.
You may say, why didn't you ask before you buy, but, I did. And I got possibly the most vague answer that you can easily interpret as buy before try.
And I'm keeping it just for the sake of surround monitoring and recording performance.
In the near future it will only be used for recording as a preamp unless it gives me back full control as my previous devices.
And I'm still in shock and furious that X8 can't do this simple thing even a 300$ interface does.
I hope and believe, with an easy software update you can fix it. I saw its done before with RME, Presonus and Tascam. Please consider it.
S. Lontano
Amazing gear
A this point is the center of my studio. Simply the best interface you can buy
D. Morgan
I enjoy using it
It’s convenient, sounds good and has lots of connectivity. When I clock it off my RME Babyface Pro FS I swear it sounds a little more open, but maybe it’s my imagination .
J. Weber
Its more of a cost efficient piece hardware, than u would expect!
I´m running a low budget studio to make beats and I used a standard interface before. With the x8 i can connect all my hardware to one place and I need no hardware mixer. I surely need no other preamp for my mics anymore. I can use my Instruments without running my pc and I can practice and record with no latency. This things plays like its a real amp. If you can make a good deal on this thing, think about the true value, that could be inside for you. It made my workflow so much easier and the quality of my audio stuff raised to the top. 10/10