Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen2｜Professional 18x24 I/O, HEXA DSP and Unison Preamps
The Apollo x8 Gen2 is Universal Audio’s 18x24 Thunderbolt audio interface built for professional studios, featuring flagship AD/DA conversion, four Unison mic preamps, and UAD-2 HEXA DSP. From vocals to full-band captures, you can load classic analog plugins with near-zero latency, combined with 7.1 monitoring management and extensive digital expandability to form a precise and flexible production hub.
Key Features
- 18x24 simultaneous I/O with high-spec 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA conversion
- 4 Unison mic preamps that authentically reproduce classic preamp impedance and gain structures
- UAD-2 HEXA Core real-time processing, enabling low-latency use of analog-hardware plugins for tracking and mixing
- 7.1 surround monitoring management with Alt, Dim, Mono, Talkback and other controls
- Dual Thunderbolt connections for daisy-chaining multiple Apollo units and UAD-2 expansion systems
- Two high-power headphone outputs and independent cue mixes to meet performance and recording needs
- ADAT and S/PDIF digital I/O for easy expansion of preamp and converter channel counts
- Front-panel dual Hi‑Z instrument inputs and large monitor knob for quick switching between recording and monitoring
- 1U all-metal chassis with built-in talkback mic and clear level meters — durable and easy to operate
- Includes UAD plugin bundle (varies by version), ready for professional production out of the box
Specifications
| Product Type | Thunderbolt audio interface (19" 1U rackmount) |
| Simultaneous I/O | 18 In / 24 Out |
| Sample Rate / Bit Depth | 44.1–192 kHz / 24-bit |
| Mic Preamps | 4 x Unison technology preamps |
| Analog Inputs | 4 x XLR-1/4" combo (Mic/Line) + 4 x 1/4" TRS line inputs |
| Hi‑Z Instrument Inputs | 2 x 1/4" (front panel, Unison) |
| Analog Outputs | 8 x 1/4" TRS line outputs, 2 x 1/4" TRS monitor L/R, 2 x 1/4" headphone outputs |
| Digital I/O | ADAT optical I/O (up to 8 channels, supports SMUX), S/PDIF coaxial In/Out |
| Word Clock | BNC input |
| Monitoring Features | Up to 7.1 surround, Alt Monitor, Dim, Mono, Talkback, front-panel large monitor control |
| DSP Processing | UAD-2 HEXA Core (6 SHARC processors) |
| Computer Connection(s) | 2 x Thunderbolt (USB-C ports, daisy-chainable) |
| Compatibility | macOS and Windows (requires native Thunderbolt) |
| Chassis | All-metal 1U rackmount with built-in talkback mic and multisegment level meters |
