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Universal Audio Apollo x8 Rack-Mountable Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with UAD DSP
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Your Price: $2,999.00 CDN
or from $139 CDN/mo
Elite Audio Conversion with Four Unison Mic Preamps, HEXA Core Processing, and Surround Sound
Apollo x8 allows music producers, project, and post-production studios to track, overdub, and mix with new world-beating A/D and D/A conversion, HEXA Core UAD plug-in processing, and 7.1 surround sound monitoring - all in a sleek rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for Mac or PC.
Built upon UA's 60-year heritage of audio craftsmanship, this 18 x 24 interface distinguishes itself with four Unison(TM)-enabled mic preamps, providing authentic emulations of preamps from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and more, plus all-new HEXA Core processing - yielding 50% more DSP for running UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time.
Elite-Class A/D and D/A Conversion
To improve on the previous generation Apollo interface's class-leading audio conversion, UA engineers obsessively auditioned the latest A/D and D/A converters - ultimately pairing elite-class 24-bit/192 kHz converters with all-new analog circuitry for an ultra-pristine signal path.
With 129 dB dynamic range and -119 dB THD+N, Apollo x8's open, natural sound quality rivals any dedicated high-end converter on the market - regardless of price - and is the perfect starting point for applying UAD processing.
Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing
Apollo x8 features new HEXA Core processing, with six DSP chips and 50% more UAD plug-in processing power than previous Apollos. This lets you run more UAD plug-ins, whether you're tracking in real time with channel strips from Neve, Manley, or API, or running high UAD plug-in counts when mixing in your DAW.
From the tube warmth of Pultec EQs on guitars to the musical tube limiting of the LA-2A on vocals, or the pump of a genuine 1176 or Fairchild 670 tube compressor on drums, your recordings will take a giant leap forward with a rich, three-dimensional analog sound that UAD plug‑ins provide.
Unison Technology: The Genuine Sound of Neve, API & Manley Preamps
Perfect for musicians, engineers, producers, and sound designers, Apollo x8 features four Unison-enabled mic preamps, letting you track through exacting mic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Helios, SSL, and Universal Audio. A Universal Audio exclusive, Unison technology nails the tone of these sought-after tube and solid state mic pres - including their input impedance, gain stage "sweet spots," and the component-level circuit behaviors of the original hardware.
The secret to Unison is its hardware-software integration between Apollo's mic preamps and its onboard HEXA Core DSP Acceleration. Simply place a Unison preamp plug-in on your mic input in Apollo Console software, and it physically reconfigures the Apollo interface's impedance - so you can tap into the classic sounds of the world's most recorded mic preamps.
A Full Suite of Classic Analog Processing Onboard
Of course, a hallmark feature of Apollo is its Realtime UAD Processing, letting you run the full library of UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency. Apollo x8 includes the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, so you can record and mix with the world's only authentic Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN, and Fairchild compressors, the Unison-enabled UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, and iconic guitar and bass amps from Marshall and Ampeg
Included Plugins:
- UA 610‐B
- Marshall Plexi Classic Amplifier
- Fairchild 670 Legacy
- Teletronix LA‐2A Legacy
- UA 1176LN Legacy
- UA 1176SE Legacy
- Pultec EQP‐1A Legacy
- Pultec Pro Legacy
- Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
- Precision Channel Strip
- Precision Reflection Engine
- Precision Delay Modulation
- Precision Delay Modulation L
- UA Precision Enhancer Hz
- Raw Distortion
- RealVerb‐Pro
APOLLO x8 FEATURES
• 18 x 24 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 KHz conversion (backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac**)
• Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency, regardless of audio buffer size
• Record through 4 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps - giving you fully authentic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and more
• Surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format*
• Includes "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" UAD plug-in bundle featuring UA 610-B Tube Preamp; Legacy Pultec EQ, LA-2A, and 1176 compressors; Marshall Plexi Classic; Ampeg SVT-VR Classic, and more
• UAD HEXA Core processing onboard for additional mixing horsepower for Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, and other major DAWs
• Combine up to 4 Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos and 6 total UAD devices
• Selectable +24 dBu operation for easy compatibility with professional mixing consoles and tape machines
• Convenient front panel monitoring functions including Alt Speakers, Talkback mic, and assignable Dim or Mono
• Free, industry-leading technical support - on the phone and online - from knowledgeable audio engineers
SPECIFICATIONS
Inputs
Line Inputs: 8 Balanced 1/4" TRS
Microphone Inputs: 4 Balanced XLR
Instrument (Hi-Z) Inputs: 2 Unbalanced 1/4" TS
Digital Inputs (Optical TOSLINK):
ADAT: 8 channels @ 44.1 96 kHz
ADAT: 4 channels @ 176.4 192 kHz
Digital Inputs (RCA): S/PDIF: 2 channels @ 44.1 192 kHz
A to D Conversion
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
Outputs
Line Outputs: 8 Balanced 1/4" TRS
Monitor Outputs: 2 Balanced 1/4" TRS
Headphone Outputs: 2 Stereo 1/4" TRS
Digital Outputs (Optical TOSLINK):
• ADAT: 8 channels @ 44.1 96 kHz
• ADAT: 4 channels @ 176.4 192 kHz
Digital Outputs (RCA): S/PDIF: 2 channels @ 44.1 to 192 kHz
D to A Conversion
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
APOLLO X SERIES SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
- Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included)
- Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
- 6 gigabytes available storage
- Quad Core i7 or better processor recommended
MAC:
- Available Thunderbolt 1, 2, or 3 port
- Thunderbolt 1 and 2 connections require an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (not included)
- macOS 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, and 10.14 Mojave
-Please note that Catalina is not yet fully tested with UAD software.
Important: macOS High Sierra, Mojave, and Catalina require manual steps to enable UAD software. For details, see this article.
PC:
- Available Thunderbolt 3 port
- Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (64-Bit Edition)
Apollo x8 allows music producers, project, and post-production studios to track, overdub, and mix with new world-beating A/D and D/A conversion, HEXA Core UAD plug-in processing, and 7.1 surround sound monitoring - all in a sleek rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for Mac or PC.
Built upon UA's 60-year heritage of audio craftsmanship, this 18 x 24 interface distinguishes itself with four Unison(TM)-enabled mic preamps, providing authentic emulations of preamps from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and more, plus all-new HEXA Core processing - yielding 50% more DSP for running UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time.
- Record with elite-class A/D and D/A conversion - nearing the widest dynamic range and lowest noise available, at any price
- Mix with powerful HEXA Core processing, featuring 6 UAD DSP chips for running more UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time
- Track with near-zero latency through Unison(TM) preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Helios, Fender, and more
- Integrate with high-end commercial systems, via 7.1 surround sound monitoring and selectable +24 dBu headroom
Elite-Class A/D and D/A Conversion
To improve on the previous generation Apollo interface's class-leading audio conversion, UA engineers obsessively auditioned the latest A/D and D/A converters - ultimately pairing elite-class 24-bit/192 kHz converters with all-new analog circuitry for an ultra-pristine signal path.
With 129 dB dynamic range and -119 dB THD+N, Apollo x8's open, natural sound quality rivals any dedicated high-end converter on the market - regardless of price - and is the perfect starting point for applying UAD processing.
Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing
Apollo x8 features new HEXA Core processing, with six DSP chips and 50% more UAD plug-in processing power than previous Apollos. This lets you run more UAD plug-ins, whether you're tracking in real time with channel strips from Neve, Manley, or API, or running high UAD plug-in counts when mixing in your DAW.
From the tube warmth of Pultec EQs on guitars to the musical tube limiting of the LA-2A on vocals, or the pump of a genuine 1176 or Fairchild 670 tube compressor on drums, your recordings will take a giant leap forward with a rich, three-dimensional analog sound that UAD plug‑ins provide.
Unison Technology: The Genuine Sound of Neve, API & Manley Preamps
Perfect for musicians, engineers, producers, and sound designers, Apollo x8 features four Unison-enabled mic preamps, letting you track through exacting mic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Helios, SSL, and Universal Audio. A Universal Audio exclusive, Unison technology nails the tone of these sought-after tube and solid state mic pres - including their input impedance, gain stage "sweet spots," and the component-level circuit behaviors of the original hardware.
The secret to Unison is its hardware-software integration between Apollo's mic preamps and its onboard HEXA Core DSP Acceleration. Simply place a Unison preamp plug-in on your mic input in Apollo Console software, and it physically reconfigures the Apollo interface's impedance - so you can tap into the classic sounds of the world's most recorded mic preamps.
A Full Suite of Classic Analog Processing Onboard
Of course, a hallmark feature of Apollo is its Realtime UAD Processing, letting you run the full library of UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency. Apollo x8 includes the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, so you can record and mix with the world's only authentic Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN, and Fairchild compressors, the Unison-enabled UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, and iconic guitar and bass amps from Marshall and Ampeg
Included Plugins:
- UA 610‐B
- Marshall Plexi Classic Amplifier
- Fairchild 670 Legacy
- Teletronix LA‐2A Legacy
- UA 1176LN Legacy
- UA 1176SE Legacy
- Pultec EQP‐1A Legacy
- Pultec Pro Legacy
- Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
- Precision Channel Strip
- Precision Reflection Engine
- Precision Delay Modulation
- Precision Delay Modulation L
- UA Precision Enhancer Hz
- Raw Distortion
- RealVerb‐Pro
APOLLO x8 FEATURES
• 18 x 24 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 KHz conversion (backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac**)
• Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency, regardless of audio buffer size
• Record through 4 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps - giving you fully authentic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and more
• Surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format*
• Includes "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" UAD plug-in bundle featuring UA 610-B Tube Preamp; Legacy Pultec EQ, LA-2A, and 1176 compressors; Marshall Plexi Classic; Ampeg SVT-VR Classic, and more
• UAD HEXA Core processing onboard for additional mixing horsepower for Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, and other major DAWs
• Combine up to 4 Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos and 6 total UAD devices
• Selectable +24 dBu operation for easy compatibility with professional mixing consoles and tape machines
• Convenient front panel monitoring functions including Alt Speakers, Talkback mic, and assignable Dim or Mono
• Free, industry-leading technical support - on the phone and online - from knowledgeable audio engineers
SPECIFICATIONS
Inputs
Line Inputs: 8 Balanced 1/4" TRS
Microphone Inputs: 4 Balanced XLR
Instrument (Hi-Z) Inputs: 2 Unbalanced 1/4" TS
Digital Inputs (Optical TOSLINK):
ADAT: 8 channels @ 44.1 96 kHz
ADAT: 4 channels @ 176.4 192 kHz
Digital Inputs (RCA): S/PDIF: 2 channels @ 44.1 192 kHz
A to D Conversion
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
Outputs
Line Outputs: 8 Balanced 1/4" TRS
Monitor Outputs: 2 Balanced 1/4" TRS
Headphone Outputs: 2 Stereo 1/4" TRS
Digital Outputs (Optical TOSLINK):
• ADAT: 8 channels @ 44.1 96 kHz
• ADAT: 4 channels @ 176.4 192 kHz
Digital Outputs (RCA): S/PDIF: 2 channels @ 44.1 to 192 kHz
D to A Conversion
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
APOLLO X SERIES SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
- Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included)
- Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
- 6 gigabytes available storage
- Quad Core i7 or better processor recommended
MAC:
- Available Thunderbolt 1, 2, or 3 port
- Thunderbolt 1 and 2 connections require an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (not included)
- macOS 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, and 10.14 Mojave
-Please note that Catalina is not yet fully tested with UAD software.
Important: macOS High Sierra, Mojave, and Catalina require manual steps to enable UAD software. For details, see this article.
PC:
- Available Thunderbolt 3 port
- Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (64-Bit Edition)
Media
Youtube video product demo
Q & A
There are currently no questions for this product.
Reviews
3.144.96.92
Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; [email protected])
Apollo X8 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Toronto (Bloor St.), Ontario
Absolutely incredible. Not only is this a solid piece of kit, the plugins that come with it are next-level. The Apollo has also greatly cut back incredibly on CPU usage within my DAW as a result of its DSP. I can't recommend this enough, honestly. It's money very well spent.
Posted by Anonymous on Nov 22, 2020
Apollo x8 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Windsor, Ontario
I've been using this interface with pc over the last year and it has changed the way I make music. Getting great sounds itb is a breeze and inspires better performances. The 6 dsp chips help with thirsty plugins which will inevitably be purchased while the dual HiZ and headphone amps make collaboration an effortless affair. I chose this model because the dedicated 1/4" i/o made it more flexible
for my needs than the x8p
Posted by Chris DaPonte on Nov 14, 2020
Rental rates
This product is normally available for rental. Please contact your preferred location for further information.
1 Day from $72.00
1 Week $143.00
1 Month $285.00
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo x8 Rack-Mountable Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with UAD DSP | 697490 |
