Universal Audio Apollo x8p 16×22 Rack-Mountable Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with UAD Processing

Universal Audio Apollo x8p

The Universal Audio Apollo x8p is a rack-mountable Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with real-time UAD processing designed for high-resolution recording and mixing for musicians, producers, and audio engineers in mobile production rigs and studios of any size. Delivering the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording with low noise and wide dynamic range, the interface combines versatile inputs and outputs, a robust plug-in bundle, and 50% more DSP than earlier Apollos. Additionally, its switchable headroom setting facilitates proper level-matching with a variety of audio equipment.

Designed to perform a central role in a modern studio, the Apollo x8p offers digital resolutions up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, plus an array of analog and digital I/O. The interface features eight XLR-1/4″ combo inputs connected to microphone preamps with Unison integration (for UAD emulations of classic analog preamps), two 1/4″ Hi-Z inputs, and a DB25 for eight line-level inputs. Each mic preamp boasts a switchable low-cut filter, 48V phantom power, pad, polarity inversion, and stereo linking. Digital I/O ports include 8-channel ADAT with support for S/MUX. Word clock I/O is provided on BNC jacks.

The built-in HEXA Core processing utilizes six DSP chips to enable monitoring and recording audio using classic analog emulations with near-zero latency. The included Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle empowers you with 16 plug-ins ranging from compressors and EQs to virtual guitar/bass amps and time-based processors. The included Console application provides control and recall of all interface and UAD plug-in settings including channel-strip presets, drag-and-drop functionality, and dynamically resizable windows. Core Audio and Windows drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live, and more.

The Apollo x8p offers a comprehensive monitor section with talkback functionality and dedicated front-panel controls for Alt Speakers, Dim, and Mono functions, as well as input and output metering capabilities. In addition to the dedicated stereo monitor feed and dual headphone outputs, the DB25 8-channel output may be used for connection to power amps, active monitors, or an analog mixer. A total of four Apollos and six total UAD devices can be combined, allowing Thunderbolt users the ability to expand their I/O and DSP. The two Thunderbolt 3 ports are backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 via a qualified adapter (available separately).