The Apollo x8 allows musicians and post-production studios to record and mix with new high-end A/D and D/A converters, the HEXA Core processor for UAD plug-ins and surround monitoring 7.1 - all in a sleek rack-mount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for Mac and PC.
This 18 x 24 interface inherits 60 years of UA audio know-how. With its four Unison™ mic preamps, which allow you to enjoy authentic emulations of Neve, API, Manley, Helios, SSL, etc. preamps, but also its brand new HEXA Core processor - offering 50% additional DSP to use Plug -Ins UAD in real time - it outperforms all models in its class.
Record with high-end A/D and D/A converters - their wide dynamic range and ultra-low signal-to-noise ratio approach the best on the market, regardless of price
Mix while taking advantage of all the power of the HEXA Core engine and its 6 UAD DSP processors, they allow you to use a greater number of UAD plug-ins in real time
Record with near-zero latency through preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Helios, Fender, etc.*• thanks to Unison™ technology
Integrate the interface with high-end professional systems, thanks to 7.1 surround sound monitoring and available +24 dBu headroom configuration
It's no secret: Used to record thousands of hits and hundreds of Grammy Award-winning albums, Apollo interfaces are made for high-end recording. To improve on the high-quality converters found in the previous generation of Apollo audio interfaces, UA engineers carefully listened to the latest A/D and D/A converters and ultimately combined the best 24-bit/192kHz versions to a completely new analog circuit, in order to obtain an impeccable signal path.
With a dynamic range of 129 dB and a THD+noise ratio of -119 dB, the Apollo x8 delivers open, natural sound capable of rivaling any dedicated high-end converter on the market - regardless of its price. It is also the perfect entry point to benefit from the UAD treatment.
Real-Time HEXA Core UAD Processing
The Apollo x8 features the new HEXA Core engine with six DSP processors. It therefore offers 50% more processing power than previous Apollos. This allows you to use more UAD plug-ins, whether you're recording in real time with Neve, Manley, or API channel strips, or using a large number of UAD plug-ins to mix into your sequencer software.
From the warmth of the Pultec equalizer tubes on guitars to the musicality of the LA-2A tube limiter on vocals, or the pump effect of a real 1176 or a Fairchild 670 tube compressor on batteries, your recordings will take a giant leap forward thanks to the rich, three-dimensional analog sound that only UAD plug-ins are capable of producing.
The Apollo x8 is ideal for musicians, audio engineers, art producers and sound designers. It offers four Unison mic preamps, which allow you to record with perfect emulations of Neve, API, Manley, SSL and Universal Audio mic preamps**. Unison technology, exclusive to Universal Audio, exactly reproduces the sound of these legendary tube and solid-state mic preamps - along with their input impedance, gain stage sweet spots and circuit behaviors of the original models .
The secret to Unison technology lies in its hardware/software integration between the Apollo's mic preamps and the integrated HEXA Core DSP processor. Simply place a Unison preamp plug-in on the mic input in the Apollo Software Console, it automatically reconfigures the interface impedance - giving you the classic sound of the most recorded mic preamps in the world. 'history.
A Complete Suite of Classic Analog Processing Provided
Of course, one of the key features of the Apollo is its Real-Time UAD Processing. It allows you to use the full collection of UAD plugins with almost zero latency. The Apollo x8 comes with the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, so you can record and mix with the world's only authentic emulations of the Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN, and Fairchild compressors, EQ & Preamp UA 610-B Tubes compatible with Unison, and famous Marshall and Ampeg amps for guitar and bass.
Apollo x8 Features & Specifications
18 x 24 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with premium 24-bit/192 kHz converters (backwards compatible with Macs equipped with Thunderbolt 1 & 2)
Real-time UAD HEXA Core processor for recording through UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency, regardless of audio buffer size
4 Unison mic/line preamps for recording with authentic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, etc.**
Surround monitoring controller up to 7.1
Includes the UAD "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" plug-in bundle, which includes the UA 610-B Tube Preamp, Legacy versions of the LA-2A and 1176 compressors and Pultec EQ; Marshall Plexi Classic amps, Ampeg SVT-VR Classic amps, etc.
Integrated UAD HEXA Core processor for increased mixing power in Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton and other leading software audio sequencers
Combine up to 4 Apollo equipped with Thunderbolt ports and 6 UAD devices in total
Switchable +24 dBu operation for easy compatibility with professional mixing consoles and tape recorders
Practical front-panel monitoring functions, notably for an alternative listening system, assignable Talkback microphone, Dim and Mono
The best technical support from experienced sound engineers - by phone or online - for free
Interface Features
Starters
Line 8 Jack ¼" TRS Balanced Inputs
Micro 4 XLR Symmetrical Inputs
Instrument Inputs (Hi-Z) 2 ¼" TS Unbalanced Jack
Digital Inputs (TOSLINK Optical) ADAT: 8 channels @ 44.1 - 96 kHz
DATA: 4 channels @ 176.4 - 192 kHz
Digital Inputs (RCA) S/PDIF: 2 channels @ 44.1 kHz - 192 kHz
Conversion A/N
Mic Preamps Dynamic Range: 122 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -115 dB (0.00019 %)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±0.05 dB
Line Inputs Dynamic Range: 123 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -113 dB (0.00022%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±0.04 dB
Exits
Line 8 Jack ¼" TRS Balanced Outputs
Monitor Outputs 2 Jack ¼" TRS Balanced
Headphone Outputs 2 Jack ¼" TRS Stereo
Digital Outputs (TOSLINK Optical) ADAT: 8 channels @ 44.1 - 96 kHz
DATA: 4 channels @ 176.4 - 192 kHz
Digital Outputs (RCA) S/PDIF: 2 channels @ 44.1 up to 192 kHz
Conversion N/A
Line Outputs Dynamic Range: 127 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -118 dB (0.00011%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±0.07 dB
Monitor Outputs Dynamic Range: 129 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -118 dB (0.00012%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±0.06 dB
Headphone Outputs Dynamic Range: 125 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -102 dB (0.00080%)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±0.05 dB
System Requirements for the Apollo X Series
MAC and PC:
Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included)
Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
6 gigabytes of available storage
Quad Core i7 or better processor recommended
For more information regarding compatibility, visit help.uaudio.com
MAC:
Thunderbolt port 1, 2, or 3 available
Thunderbolt 1 and 2 connections require an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter (not included)
macOS 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, ou 10.14 Mojave
PC:
Thunderbolt 3 port available
Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (64-Bit Edition)