Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with Essentials+ Bundle
Availability:
In stock (can be backordered)
Available on Pre-Order
Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 is a premium Thunderbolt 3 audio interface featuring HEXA Core DSP, 18×24 I/O, elite-class 24-bit/192kHz conversion, and four Unison™ preamps
Real-Time UAD Processing for Producers Running a Studio
Ideal for producers and engineers running a studio, the Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 with Studio+ Bundle is an 18×24 rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface that offers four Unison mic preamps with Auto-Gain, flagship Gen 2 Elite-Class 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA conversion, surround audio up to 7.1, and HEXA Core DSP for real-time UAD plug-in processing over Thunderbolt at near-zero latency-on Mac and Windows computers. The Studio+ Bundle lets you mix and record live performances with 56 UAD plug-ins including Avalon channel strip, Manley preamp, Pultec EQ, Auto-Tune, classic LA-2A and 1176 compressors, and more. You can use Plug-In Scenes to recall settings instantly, even in the middle of a performance.
Easily connect the Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 to professional studio gear with 8×8 analog line-level I/O via 1/4″ TRS connections, two Hi-Z instrument inputs, and two monitor outputs via 1/4″ connections. Two ADAT I/O, S/PDIF I/O, and wordclock I/O are also available for connecting to professional digital outboard hardware. You can mix with confidence in any room using Apollo Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks. Hear all the low-end detail in your mixes using Bass Management to add a subwoofer to your monitor setup. Quickly set up low-latency cues, plug-in scenes, and immersive audio monitoring with the UAD Console app.
Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 Key Features
18 x 24 Thunderbolt audio interface with HEXA Core DSP real-time plug-in processing
Includes up to 50+ UAD plug-ins with Essentials+ Edition
Four Unison mic preamps, two Hi-Z instrument inputs, 1/4″ TRS input (line 1-8), two optical Toslink I/O (ADAT S/MUX ) I/O, S/PDIF I/O, and wordclock I/O (BNC)
Two 1/4″ TRS monitor outs, 1/4″ TRS outputs (ALT / 7.1 surround), two 1/4″ TRS headphone outs
Elite-class Apollo X Gen 2 converters with 24-bit / 192 kHz resolution featuring Dual Crystal Clocking for ultralow jitter at all sample rates
Enhanced D/A for critical monitoring and playback with 130 dB dynamic range and low THD of -127 dB
Calibrate your main monitor and headphone outputs with Apollo Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks
Full-featured monitor controller with alternate speaker switching and integrated talkback for easy communication with talent
Updated UAD Console app featuring Auto-Gain, Plug-In Scenes, and subwoofer integration with Bass Management, immersive audio support, and more
Onboard DSP supports over 200 UAD plug-ins via VST, AU, and AAX 64 formats in all major DAWs
Compatible with LUNA, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live, and more
Expandable with Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces or select models over Dante
Free industry-leading technical support from knowledgeable audio engineers
What’s New with Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2?
New look and feel—updated industrial design with new knobs and switch caps
Improved Elite-Class Gen 2 D/A converters featuring Dual Crystal Clocking for ultralow jitter at all sample rates
Improved monitor and headphone outputs for best-in-class critical listening
Even lower THD% and increased DNR
Assistive Auto-Gain supporting one-click configuration across all input channels with select Unison preamps, for effortless recording
Built-in Room Correction enabling Sonarworks SoundID profiles to run on built-in DSP
Bass Management for subwoofers in both Stereo and Surround configurations
New UAD Console brings AutoGain, Unison, Apollo Room Correction, DSP Pairing, Dante Support, Multi-Channel Immersive Audio Monitoring, Bass Management, Plug-In Scenes over MIDI, and more—together under one roof
New Essential+ and Studio+ software bundles with UAD plug-ins and Instruments
Record Through Four Unison Preamps
With Unison technology, Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 lets you track in real time with the sound of classic EQs and compressors.
From Neve, API, Manley, Fender, and more, you get the same rich analog textures used on the greatest recordings of our time.
Hear the Details Like Never Before
Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 features UA’s highest-resolution A/D and D/A converters, delivering 130 dB of dynamic range, a very low THD of -127 dB, and featuring Dual Crystal Clocking for ultralow jitter at all sample rates.
This enhanced monitoring, when paired with the newest features like Apollo Monitor Correction by Sonarworks, means you’ll hear the most accurate representation of your recordings when mixing through monitors or headphones—there will be no surprises when you listen to your final mix or master on any stereo or surround system.
Auto-Gain: Never Miss The Take
Set input gain across multiple channels in seconds without fear of clipping using the new Auto-Gain feature—available on all microphone / line / Hi-Z preamp inputs.
Effortlessly set gain for recording during an auto-training time listening window, without having to worry or take a lot of time to find the perfect recording level.
Bass Management
Add a subwoofer with the new bass management feature for full-range stereo and surround monitoring.
Speaker utility panel provides trim, mute and solo per speaker output.
Apollo Room Correction
Room correction runs on a single SHARC DSP core, with UA’s studio-grade low-latency EQ algorithms using over 20 precision filters and up to 100 ms of loudspeaker time alignment to transform your monitoring accuracy.
Create SoundID Reference measurements for Apollo Room Correction directly within the SoundID Reference Measure desktop application.
Find Your Flow in the UAD Console App
Just like an analog studio, where a console is the heart of the workflow, Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 has a powerful digital mixing engine, where you control plug-in routing and monitoring.
With the latest features like Bass Management, Surround Audio up to 7.1, and Plug-In Scenes, it’s easy to find a flow that fits your needs.
A Hybrid System, Made for Your Mission
Combine Apollo x8’s HEXA Core DSP with native processing from your host computer.
Produce large sessions with complex plug-in chains—a powerhouse hybrid workflow that outpaces any native-only recording setup.
Expand Your Studio as You Grow
Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 effortlessly interfaces with your digital equipment, offering two ADAT I/O, a stereo S/PDIF I/O, and wordclock I/O.
Build your studio by linking up to four Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces with up to 128 channels of premium I/O to your DAW. Control it all from your desktop.
Mic, Line Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.07 dB Line Outputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.05 dB Hi-Z Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.08 dB Headphone Outputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.02 dB Monitor Outputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.02 dB
Maximum Input Level
Mic Inputs:
26 dBu (Pad On) Line Inputs:
24 dBu (Reference Level at +4 dBu) Hi-Z Inputs:
12.6 dBu (at Minimum Gain)
Maximum Output Level
Line Outputs:
24 dBu (Reference Level at +4 dBu)
12.2 dBu (Reference Level at -10 dBv) Headphone Outputs:
17.8 dBu (300 Ohms Load, 1 kHz at 16.8 dBu, -1 dBFS)
18.3 dBu (600 Ohms Load, 1 kHz at 17.3 dBu, -1 dBFS)) Monitor Outputs:
24 dBu (Reference Level at +4 dBu)
12.2 dBV (Reference Level at -10 dBv)
Headphone Output Power
120 mW into 300 Ohms
67 mW into 600 Ohms
Impedance
Mic Inputs:
5.4 Kilohms Line Inputs:
10 Kilohms Line Outputs:
100 Ohms Hi-Z Inputs:
1 Megohm Monitor Outputs:
100 Ohms Word Clock Inputs:
75 Ohms
Dynamic Range
Hi-Z Inputs:
122 dBA Line Inputs:
124 dBA Mic Inputs:
123 dBA Headphone Outputs:
126 dBA Line Outputs:
127 dBA Monitor Outputs:
130 dBA
THD+N
Mic Inputs:
-115 dB / 0.00018% Hi-Z Inputs:
-111 dB / 0.00028% Line Inputs:
-116 dB / 0.00016% Line Outputs:
-119 dB / 0.00011% Monitor Outputs:
-127 dB / 0.000045% Headphone Outputs:
-117 dB / 0.00014%
-118 dB / 0.00013%
Digital Audio
Sample Rates
Up to 192 kHz
Sample Rate Conversion
No
Bit Depths
24-Bit
Latency
1.1 ms at 96 kHz
Sync Sources
ADAT, Internal, S/PDIF, Word Clock
Audio Storage & Playback
Media/Memory Card Slot
No
Compatibility
OS Compatibility
Windows / macOS
Mobile Device Compatibility
No
Power
Power Requirements
AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
AC Input Power
100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
AC/DC Power Adapter
12 VDC at 6 A
Power Consumption
72 W
30 W (Typical)
Physical
Rackmount Size
1 U (with Included Hardware)
Operating Conditions
32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
Dimensions
19 x 12 x 1.74″ / 48.3 x 30.5 x 4.42 cm (Chassis Only)
19 x 13.5 x 1.74″ / 48.3 x 34.3 x 4.42 cm (Including Controls and Protrusions)
Weight
8.8 lb / 4.0 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
16.94 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
23.8 x 17 x 8″
In The Box
Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with Essentials+ Bundle
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