The Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 is a rack-mount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for Mac and PC that offers the perfect balance of pristine sound quality, cutting-edge features, and flexibility to suit any workflow. Four Unison mic preamps use hardware-level emulation to achieve the authentic sound of classic preamps, while Elite-class AD/DA converters capture the highest quality audio, and HEXA Core DSP power allows you to record and monitor through UAD plug-ins in real time. Native support for 7.1 surround sound and optional Apollo Monitor Correction by Sonarworks ensure accurate monitoring in any environment, and the UAD Console app integrates seamlessly with LUNA, Pro Tools, Logic, and other popular DAWs. The Apollo x8 Gen 2 Essentials+ Edition comes pre-loaded with a suite of premium UAD plug-ins, so you can start creating as soon as you plug it in.

RECORD WITH FOUR UNISON PREAMPS

All four of the Apollo x8 Gen 2's Unison preamps use hardware-level emulation to model the impedance, gain structure, and circuit behavior of legendary analog mic preamps from Neve, API, Manley, and more. Just select a Unison model in UAD Console, set the gain knob or use Auto-Gain, and the analog signal path adapts to deliver authentic tone that software-only emulations simply can't match.

ONBOARD HEXA CORE DSP PROCESSING FOR UAD PLUG-INS

The built-in HEXA Core processor in the Apollo x8 Gen 2 provides six dedicated DSP cores for running UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency. Thanks to native processing, you can record through analog emulations of classic gear like Pultec EQs, 1176 compressors, and LA-2A limiters in real time, all without burdening your computer's CPU. The Apollo x8 Gen 2's HEXA Core DSP provides a powerful digital mixing engine that makes it easy to create and recall complex plug-in chains for recording and mixing, create multiple headphone mixes, and much more.

NEXT GENERATION APOLLO X GEN 2 AUDIO CONVERSION

Equipped with the same elite-class converters found in the second-generation Apollo Twin X DUO, x8p, and x16 audio interfaces, the Apollo X Gen 2 delivers pristine sound. Operating at high sample rates up to 192 kHz, these next-gen converters deliver an impressive dynamic range of up to 130 dB, preserving all the detail and nuance of your recordings.

SUPPORT FOR 7.1 SURROUND SOUND

The Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 audio interface offers native support for 7.1 surround sound monitoring, making it a powerhouse for surround mixing, post-production, and immersive audio projects. Map eight discrete analog outputs to your speaker array, then easily configure routing, level trims, and metering in UAD Console. Built-in bass management with a Linkwitz-Riley crossover ensures your subwoofer integrates flawlessly with your main speakers for cinema-quality full-range sound. Whether you're mixing film scores or implementing sound effects for video games, the Apollo x8 Gen 2 makes setup easy so you can focus on the sound.

APOLLO MONITOR CORRECTION BY SONARWORKS

ADD the optional Apollo Monitor Correction software to load Sonarworks SoundID Reference calibration profiles directly to the Apollo x8 Gen 2. Use a compatible measurement mic to create custom calibration curves in the Console app, eliminating room and speaker coloration to flatten the frequency response of your monitors and headphones. Sonarworks technology, powered by Universal Audio DSP, ensures that your mixes will translate consistently across listening systems and sound great on everything from studio monitors to consumer earbuds.

REMOTE CONTROL VIA UAD CONSOLE

The updated UAD Console app provides full networked control over the Apollo x8 Gen 2’s routing, levels, plug-in chains, and talkback functions from any computer or tablet on your LAN. Dial in headphone mixes, switch speaker pairs, recall saved configurations, and load entire plug-in scenes without touching the hardware.

INTEGRATES SEAMLESSLY WITH LUNA, LOGIC PRO, PRO TOOLS, AND MORE

The Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 integrates tightly with Universal Audio’s free LUNA DAW to provide Accelerated Realtime Monitoring, unlimited track counts, and direct access to UAD and AU plug-ins within LUNA’s mixer. Hardware controls, talkback, and monitor functions appear inside the software, delivering an analog-style workflow. Core Audio and ASIO drivers ensure plug-and-play compatibility with Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, and other major DAWs, making the Apollo x8 a versatile audio interface for any modern studio.

EXPAND YOUR STUDIO AS YOU GROW

Expand your studio's capabilities by linking up to four Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces for up to 128 channels of I/O and control it all from UAD Console right from your desktop by using an Apollo Twin or x4 as a monitor controller.

UNIVERSAL AUDIO APOLLO X8 GEN 2 FEATURES:

• 18x24 Thunderbolt audio interface with HEXA Core DSP plug-in processing

• Multiple inputs and outputs including four Unison mic preamps, two Hi-Z instrument inputs, eight line inputs, two optical Toslink I/O (ADAT S/MUX), RCA coaxial I/O, and Word Clock I/O

• Two 1/4" monitor outs, eight 1/4" line outs (ALT/7.1 surround), two 1/4" TRS headphone outputs

• Elite-class audio conversion with up to 130 dB dynamic range, -127 dB THD, and dual-crystal clocking for low-jitter performance

• Onboard HEXA Core DSP Processing For UAD Plug-Ins

• Advanced Apollo Monitor Correction by Sonarworks

• Native 7.1 surround sound support with integrated bass management for effortless subwoofer integration

• Updated UAD Console app featuring remote control, Auto-Gain, plug-in scenes, and more

• Full-featured monitor control with immersive audio support, speaker switching, and integrated talkback

• Integrates seamlessly with LUNA, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and more

• Essential+ Edition includes more than 20 premium UAD plug-ins

ESSENTIALS+ EDITION PLUG-INS:

• Channel Strips & Preamps (6): Century Tube Channel Strip, CS-1 Channel Strip, Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ, Precision Channel Strip, UA 610-A Preamp & EQ, UA 610-B Preamp & EQ

• Compressors/Limiters (7): Fairchild 670 Legacy, Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler, Teletronix LA-2A Gray Classic Leveler, Teletronix LA-2A Silver Classic Leveler, Teletronix LA-2A Legacy Leveling Amplifier, UA 1176LN Legacy, UA 1176SE Legacy

• Equalizers (6): Helios Type 69 Legacy EQ, Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ, Pultec EQP-1A Passive EQ, Pultec HLF-3C Passive EQ, Pultec MEQ-5 Passive EQ, Pultec Pro Legacy EQ

• Special Processing (4): Auto-Tune Realtime Access, Oxide Tape Recorder, Precision Enhancer Hz, Verve Analog Machines Essentials

• Instruments (1): PolyMAX Polyphonic Synth

• Delay and Modulation (3): Galaxy Tape Echo, Precision Delay Mod, Precision Delay Mod L

• Reverbs and Rooms (3): Precision Reflection Engine, Pure Plate Reverb, RealVerb Pro Custom Room Modeler

• Guitar and Bass (3): Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amplifier, Marshall Plexi Classic Amplifier, Raw Distortion