Universal Audio Apollo x8p Gen2|Eight-Preamp Flagship Thunderbolt Audio Interface
The Universal Audio Apollo x8p Gen2 features high-end AD/DA conversion, eight Unison preamps, and UAD HEXA Core, allowing near-zero-latency loading of classic plugins. Dual Thunderbolt, built-in talkback, and 7.1 monitoring make it easy to expand by daisy-chaining multiple units, enabling professional recording and mixing workflows.
The World’s Most Trusted Audio Interface, Now in Your Rack
We designed the Apollo x8p for producers, engineers, and bands who demand
pristine, high-fidelity sound and expanded analog connectivity.
Featuring elite-class Apollo X A/D and D/A conversion, ultra-wide dynamic range, and enhanced monitoring,
Apollo x8p is the only rackmount interface that delivers authentic analog sound and workflow precision.
Record Through Eight Unison™ Preamps
With Unison™ technology, record in real time through authentic emulations of legendary mic preamps
and channel strips from Neve, Manley, API, and more.
Capture the rich analog tone and dynamic response heard on countless hit records.
Hear the Details Like Never Before
The Gen 2 design of Apollo x8p features ultra-high-resolution D/A converters,
paired with Apollo Monitor Correction and Sonarworks calibration for uncompromising accuracy.
Whether on monitors or headphones, you’ll experience the most precise reproduction of every detail in your recordings.
Mix Big Sessions with the Authentic Sound of Analog
Apollo x8p includes industry-standard UAD plug-ins used by the world’s top studios,
including the Teletronix LA-2A compressor, Pultec EQs, and amps from Fender, Marshall, and Ampeg.
Access a library of over 200 UAD plug-ins and unlock proven hit-making sounds to elevate your productions to the next level.
Find Your Perfect Workflow
Like a world-class analog console at the heart of a professional studio, the Apollo x8p
features a powerful digital mixing engine with flexible plug-in routing and monitoring.
New tools such as Auto-Gain, Bass Management, 7.1 Surround Sound, and Plug-In Scenes
make it easy to build a recording and mixing workflow that fits your creative process perfectly.
A Hybrid System for Modern Production
Powered by HEXA Core DSP processing, the Apollo x8p combines onboard DSP and native computing
to handle large plug-in chains with flawless real-time performance.
This hybrid workflow outperforms any native-only setup, providing the stability and power needed for professional mixing and tracking.
Expand Your Studio as You Grow
With Thunderbolt connectivity, you can link up to four Apollo interfaces
for up to 128 channels of I/O — all controlled directly from your desktop.
From small sessions to full-scale productions, Apollo grows alongside your creative ambitions.
Key Product Features
- High-end AD/DA conversion and Dual‑Crystal low-jitter clock, providing superior dynamics and resolution
- 8 Unison microphone preamps that accurately reproduce classic preamp/instrument tones and impedance responses
- Built-in UAD‑2 HEXA Core (6 DSPs), supports Realtime UAD low-latency recording and monitoring
- Supports 5.1/7.1 surround monitoring, ALT speaker switching, and customizable monitor control
- Two front-panel Hi‑Z instrument inputs and two independent headphone outputs for more flexible live recording
- Built-in talkback microphone and talkback controls to improve studio communication efficiency
- Dual Thunderbolt ports for daisy-chaining multiple Apollo and UAD devices
- ADAT bi-directional expansion, providing up to 8 in/8 out digital channels at 48 kHz (supports SMUX)
- Deep integration with UA Console and LUNA (Mac) for quickly creating project templates and monitoring paths
Specifications
| Interface Type | Thunderbolt rackmount audio interface (1U) |
| UAD Processing | UAD‑2 HEXA Core (6 SHARC DSPs) |
| Mic Preamps | 8 x Unison variable-impedance mic/line preamps |
| Instrument Inputs | 2 x 1/4" Hi‑Z (front panel, shared with channels 1–2) |
| Analog Inputs | 8 x XLR/TRS combo (mic/line) |
| Analog Outputs | 8 x Line Out (DB‑25), 2 x Monitor Out (TRS) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 1/4" independent headphone outputs |
| Digital I/O | 2 x ADAT In, 2 x ADAT Out (supports SMUX); Word Clock In/Out (BNC) |
| S/PDIF | None |
| Sample Rate / Bit Depth | 44.1–192 kHz / 24‑bit |
| Total I/O Channels | 18 In / 22 Out (including ADAT; excludes virtual returns and talkback) |
| Clock | Dual‑Crystal low-jitter clock (separate oscillators for 44.1/48 kHz multiples) |
| Monitoring Features | Supports 5.1/7.1, ALT, Dim, Mono, talkback, and assignable main knob control |
| Thunderbolt Connectivity | 2 x Thunderbolt (USB‑C ports; TB4 compatible) |
| Expandable Devices | Up to 4 Apollo units + 6 UAD‑2 devices (same system) |
| OS Compatibility | macOS, Windows 10/11 (requires native Thunderbolt 3/4 ports and a compatible motherboard) |
| Power | Internal power supply, 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz (IEC) |
| Included Software | UA Console and an entry-level UAD plugin bundle (content varies by official package) |
| Chassis | 1U rackmount |