Apollo x8
Customer Reviews
Apollo x8
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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
R. Patriarca
Amazing sound quality and ease of use
As a long-time user of UAD Apollo Twin, the change to Apollo X8 brought not just much more features but also an enhancement in audio quality. Also, the more amount of DSP pays in the everyday work.
J. Manosalva
Amazing piece of gear
I had an Apollo twin for many years, did wonderful things with it, but always had the limitation with the I/O and the DSP.
Now that I am finding my mixing and recording flow I couldn’t be more happier with the decision of getting an X8. Initially was going to get the X6 but I guess I was very lucky when one of the local dealers went on a frenzy sale and set the price of the X8 even below the X6.
No long ago I got the Craneborne 500 ADAT and it was so easy to connect both devices via ADAT I can’t wait to utilise all the X8 features
Thanks UAD!
R. Owens
Best Piece of Rental Property You'll Never Own!
I own two UA Apollo x8s. I really enjoyed the initial experience & product and realized buying a second ( to cascade) was a better option to add more channels—than dealing with ADAT pre/converters.
When I purchased my second Apollo, I received some extra UAD plugins, which really made me happy about my purchase. Two weeks later, UA sent me a short email stating that I received free plug-ins in error and they would be removing them, since I received a free Townsend mic. Two days later they removed activation for 8 plugins form my account without any record of what was added or removed.
A few days after that, I reluctantly purchased six more UADs via third-party. What dawned on me is that with all of the UADs I have purchased there is no static, detailed log of what I actually own. All I can see, is what UA says I own under the "My Plug-in Library." This dynamically updates on your machine as your UAD drivers update.
So please be aware that when you commit to UA's ecosystem, they have free rein over the "My Plug-in Library" section of your account (the only documentation of what you own). The invoices in your account also lack details (e.g. it says bundle, but no details of the UADs you picked). I do believe that one of the UADs they took back was in error, but I have no way to prove it. I tried to route this overall complaint through their customer service—which I believe was met with a somewhat condescending response. "We have logged your request as a complaint regarding your experience." Then wished me the best, and said "hope you and your family are safe and healthy."
Yes, I get it—there are bigger things to worry about, but this is acting like I am making a petty complaint, instead of acknowledging that I am not happy with their service.
So keep in mind that before you set forth on a very expensive journey. Their product is as good as the person responding to your issue.
S. Keys
Nice sound Solid Hardware
i am very satisfied about this audio card . Could be a bit less expensive, but it’s great hardware and flexible usage. I don’t use Luna though
L. Zamponi
AMAZING
EVERYTHINGS is PERFECT!
I can't immagine nothing more than this!
T. Phan
Now I Know Why
Now I know why so many people love UA interfaces (and UA plugins). It’s because of their phenomenal sound. I used to think UA is just a hype, so I stick with RME for so long. As a Windows user, I also hesitate when I thought UA is made for Mac. But everything started when Sphere L22 is on sale. I got the mic and tried with my RME. It was a huge disappointment for me because it sounds awful. But I still believed in the mic and wanted to give it another try. When UA has the promotion of getting the L22 with any rackmount UA interface, I went ahead and bought the x8. At the same time, UA also has the promotion of Ultimate Bundle 10. So I bought that, too. And it did not disappoint me. Sphere L22 is made for Apollo. When I connect these two devices together and insert UA plugins on the track, it sounds beyond my expectation and imagination. The warmness of the sound is so pleasing to the ears. Though you may think it adds color to the sound because of Sphere and UA plugins, it is in fact very natural sound. The warmness is just like it is from the hardware. For my voice, I like the combination of the 800 mic in Sphere, routing through Neve 1073 preamp and eq and ending up with Avalon compressor. I put UA plugins on the DSP console and Sphere on the track in Pro Tools. Next time I’ll try to put everything on the track in Pro Tools and see if it makes a difference. The super low latency makes tracking so comfortable. This product will not disappoint you. In fact, I’m buying the second Apollo soon after trying it. The product is also a solid build. In short, I really love it and am very happy with my purchase.
S. van Servellen
Pricey but top quality integrated hardware/software
TOP quality hardware / software integration that now sits at heart of my workflows,
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Low Mic Input levels
Very Solid build, but a bit concerned with the very low mic in put level I am getting from the preamps. I usually have to turn up the gain almost 2 thirds. And with that it still peaks at about -18db. In addition I get a lot of ambient noise. This is the same situation when I use the unison preamps. Getting a bit frustrated more so that I saved up to get my dream interface.
A. Byallo
What's there to say? It's simply the best.
I've wanted one for years and now I have it. Best thing I ever did for my music was get into the Apollo UAD ecosystem. That and my Focal monitors but this isn't the forum for that ;-) Get an x8. You need it. Even if you don't need it you totally need it. It's simple science.
C. Lennon
Absolutely Worthwhile
I had the first version of the Apollo racks and then got two Apollo desktops. This is a world of difference sonically. The first thing I noticed was the clarity and detail. I thought about the X6 but this gave me more ins and outs and really made my setup more flexible. I send my tracks to external hardware and the console makes things so much easier. I also like that I can now work in standalone mode without having to do anything extra. When I'm ready to switch to the computer to track out it does so seamlessly. I have had a chance to run my bass through the Hi-Z inputs without any issues at all. It is really a great all-around interface.
C. STAMM
MY BEST BEASY GEAR
Incredible! I’m loving my new Apollo X! Thanks UAD
S. Patterelli
Pro quality interface.
With all the features and options available, the x8 has integrated well in my home studio. Blends well with Pro Tools and the tutorial videos are a real help. I hope to add more UA products in the coming months....
C. Wolf
Sounds great
Sounds great. Luna has not been released for Windows. (2022) The Thunderbolt drivers work for the DAW, but you have to switch sample rates when using other Windows programs. The USB Apollo had a sample rate for the DAW and switched automatically to 44.1 when you went to windows. Still, it sounds great and works well enough.
M. Schmidt
x8 game changer
I went from "consumer level" pro-audio to "pro-level " in deciding to upgrade into the Apollo series with the x8. I was not prepared for how noticeable the difference is. I have been chasing this sound for a long time, "Houston, we have landed"....
M. Makki
LOVE IT!
I’ve had, and still have an Apollo twin MKII since 2018 and it did me justice. I didn’t really think the new converters would be THAT much of a difference, but they really do! Super clean, and the build is solid! If I had to do it all over again when upgrading the studio, I would have bought this first. Also, I love the fact that the MKII can be used as a controller AND control a third set of monitors if you have them.