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.
The World’s Most Trusted Audio Interface
Designed for professional and project studios, the Apollo x8 delivers pristine, high-fidelity sound
with elite-class Apollo X A/D and D/A conversion, providing unmatched dynamic range and ultra-low distortion.
Capture the warmth and depth of true analog sound — Apollo x8 brings authentic studio-grade quality right to your rack.
Record Through Four Unison™ Preamps
With Unison™ technology, you can record in real time through precise emulations of classic mic preamps
and channel strips from Neve, Manley, API, and more.
Experience the same rich analog tones and dynamic character heard on countless hit records.
Hear the Details Like Never Before
The Apollo x8 features a new Gen 2 design with ultra-high-resolution D/A converters,
combined with Apollo Monitor Correction and Sonarworks calibration technology,
ensuring studio-level monitoring precision. Whether you’re on headphones or speakers,
you’ll hear every nuance and subtle depth of your mix with unmatched clarity.
Mix with Authentic Analog Sounds
Apollo x8 comes loaded with classic UAD plug-ins used in world-class studios,
including the Teletronix LA-2A compressor, Pultec EQs, and legendary Fender, Marshall, and Ampeg amps.
Access a library of over 200 UAD plug-ins and bring the timeless sound of professional engineers into your productions.
Find Your Perfect Workflow
Like an analog console at the heart of a professional studio, the Apollo x8 features a powerful digital mixing engine
that lets you control plug-in routing and monitoring with ease.
New features like Auto-Gain, Bass Management, 7.1 Surround Sound, and Plug-In Scenes
give you the flexibility to create a workflow that perfectly fits your creative process.
A Hybrid System Built for Your Mission
Powered by HEXA Core DSP architecture, the Apollo x8 combines onboard DSP with native processing
for smooth, real-time performance — even in large, plug-in heavy sessions.
Experience a hybrid workflow that delivers the power and reliability of a world-class studio environment.
Expand Your Studio as You Grow
With Thunderbolt connectivity, you can link up to four Apollo interfaces
for up to 128 channels of high-end I/O, managing everything directly from your desktop.
Wherever your music journey leads, Apollo x8 will evolve alongside your creative ambitions.
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 |
