Universal Audio Apollo X8 Gen 2 – Professional Thunderbolt Audio Interface with HEXA Core DSP

The Universal Audio Apollo X8 Gen 2 is a premium Thunderbolt audio interface designed for professional producers, recording engineers, musicians, and commercial studios that demand uncompromising sound quality. As the latest generation of the renowned Apollo X series, it combines elite-class A/D and D/A conversion, four Unison™ microphone preamps, and the powerful HEXA Core DSP processor, allowing you to record through legendary UAD plug-ins with virtually no latency. Whether you're tracking vocals, recording a full band, mixing immersive projects, or mastering your next release, Apollo X8 Gen 2 delivers the legendary Universal Audio sound trusted by professionals worldwide.

Key Features

• Professional Thunderbolt audio interface.
• Next-generation Apollo X Gen 2 A/D and D/A conversion.
• Exceptional dynamic range and ultra-low noise performance.
• Four Unison™ microphone preamps.
• HEXA Core DSP processor for real-time UAD plug-in processing.
• Virtually latency-free recording workflow.
• Advanced UAD Console software.
• Auto-Gain for quick input level adjustment.
• Plug-In Scenes for instant session recall.
• Integrated Monitor Controller.
• Bass Management support.
• Immersive Audio and 7.1 Surround monitoring.
• Apollo Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks®.
• Expandable system with up to four Apollo interfaces.
• Supports up to 128 channels of premium I/O.
• Compatible with Thunderbolt-enabled Mac and Windows computers.
• Professional rackmount construction.

Elite-Class Audio Conversion

Apollo X8 Gen 2 features Universal Audio's most advanced converter technology to date. The improved A/D and D/A conversion delivers extraordinary detail, increased dynamic range, outstanding stereo imaging, and exceptional transparency throughout the recording and mixing process.

The upgraded monitoring section allows you to hear every nuance of your recordings with remarkable accuracy, making critical mixing and mastering decisions easier than ever before.

Record Through Four Unison™ Preamps

Universal Audio's exclusive Unison™ technology precisely recreates the sound, impedance, and behavior of legendary analog microphone preamps and channel strips. Instead of simply emulating their tonal characteristics, Unison accurately models the entire analog input stage for an authentic recording experience.

Capture the sound of legendary hardware including:

• Neve
• API
• Manley
• UA 610
• Fender
• and dozens of other iconic analog designs.

Real-Time UAD Plug-In Processing

The integrated HEXA Core DSP processor enables real-time recording through Universal Audio's award-winning plug-ins without placing additional load on your computer's CPU. Vocalists and musicians hear polished studio-quality sound while recording, creating a workflow comparable to working on a large-format analog console.

This hybrid DSP architecture combines dedicated onboard processing with your computer's native performance, allowing you to handle complex sessions and extensive plug-in chains with ease.

Powerful UAD Console Workflow

The latest version of UAD Console transforms Apollo X8 Gen 2 into the heart of your studio by providing flexible routing, monitoring, and plug-in management.

• Auto-Gain.
• Plug-In Scenes.
• Monitor Controller.
• Bass Management.
• Apollo Monitor Correction by Sonarworks®.
• Immersive Audio support.
• 7.1 Surround monitoring.
• Flexible signal routing.

Designed for Large Recording Sessions

Apollo X8 Gen 2 is built for demanding recording environments where maximum performance is essential. The combination of onboard HEXA Core DSP and your computer's native processing power allows you to run large multitrack sessions with extensive processing while maintaining outstanding system stability.

As your studio grows, Apollo X8 Gen 2 grows with it. Connect up to four Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces to create a professional recording system with up to 128 channels of premium analog and digital I/O.

Included UAD Analog Classics Plug-In Bundle

Apollo X8 Gen 2 comes with the comprehensive UAD Analog Classics bundle featuring more than 30 professional plug-ins for recording, mixing, and mastering. These industry-renowned processors faithfully recreate the sound of legendary analog studio equipment, giving you professional tools from the very first session.

Channel Strips & Preamps

• Century Tube Channel Strip
• CS-1 Channel Strip
• LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip
• Precision Channel Strip
• UA 610-A Preamp & EQ
• UA 610-B Preamp & EQ

Compressors & Limiters

• Fairchild 670 Legacy Compressor
• Teletronix LA-2A Legacy Leveling Amplifier
• Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor
• Precision Buss Compressor
• UA 1176 FET Compressor
• UA 1176LN Legacy
• UA 1176SE Legacy

Equalizers

• Precision Equalizer
• Pultec EQP-1A Legacy EQ
• Pultec Pro Legacy EQ

Special Processing

• Oxide Tape Recorder
• Precision De-Esser
• Precision Enhancer Hz
• Precision Enhancer kHz
• Vibe Analog Machines Essentials

Virtual Instrument

• PolyMAX Polyphonic Synth

Delay & Modulation

• Galaxy Tape Echo
• Precision Delay Mod
• Precision Delay Mod L

Reverbs & Rooms

• Precision Reflection Engine
• Pure Plate Reverb

Mastering

• Precision Limiter
• Precision Maximizer
• Precision Multiband

Guitar & Bass

• Bermuda Triangle
• Raw Distortion
• TS Overdrive Pedal
• UAD Lion '68 Super Lead Amp
• UAD Showtime '64 Tube Amp

Technical Specifications

• Product type: Professional Thunderbolt audio interface.
• Generation: Apollo X Gen 2.
• DSP Processor: HEXA Core.
• Microphone preamps: 4 Unison™ preamps.
• Elite-class A/D and D/A conversion.
• Enhanced D/A monitoring section.
• Apollo Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks®.
• Immersive Audio and 7.1 Surround monitoring support.
• Expandable with up to four Apollo interfaces.
• Supports up to 128 channels of premium I/O.
• Thunderbolt connectivity.
• Compatible with UAD Console software.

Applications

• Professional recording studios.
• High-end home studios.
• Vocal recording.
• Acoustic instrument recording.
• Electric guitar and bass tracking.
• Drum and full band recording.
• Music production.
• Mixing and mastering.
• Audio post-production.
• Film and game audio production.
• Podcast creation.
• Immersive audio and Dolby Atmos studios.

Construction & Build Quality

The Universal Audio Apollo X8 Gen 2 features a rugged all-metal chassis designed for demanding professional studio environments. Built in a standard 19-inch rack format, it offers outstanding durability, long-term reliability, and premium-quality components throughout.

• Heavy-duty metal enclosure.
• 19-inch rackmount design.
• Professional-grade audio connectors.
• Precision controls and rotary encoders.
• Clear front-panel metering.
• Efficient cooling system for continuous operation.
• Premium components engineered by Universal Audio.

What's Included

• Universal Audio Apollo X8 Gen 2.
• UAD Analog Classics plug-in bundle with over 30 plug-ins.
• UAD Console software.
• Universal Audio software package.
• User documentation.

The included UAD Analog Classics bundle features:

• 6 channel strips and microphone preamps.
• 7 compressors and limiters.
• 3 equalizers.
• 5 signal processing plug-ins.
• PolyMAX polyphonic synthesizer.
• 3 delay and modulation effects.
• 2 professional reverb processors.
• 3 mastering plug-ins.
• 5 guitar and bass processors.

Why Choose Apollo X8 Gen 2?

• Reference-class A/D and D/A audio conversion.
• Four professional Unison™ microphone preamps.
• Virtually latency-free recording with UAD DSP.
• Powerful onboard HEXA Core DSP processing.
• Over 30 professional UAD plug-ins included.
• Advanced UAD Console workflow.
• Auto-Gain and Plug-In Scenes for faster production.
• Apollo Monitor Correction by Sonarworks®.
• Expandable to a 128-channel recording system.
• Perfect for professional producers, engineers, and commercial studios.

Summary

Universal Audio Apollo X8 Gen 2 is one of the most advanced professional Thunderbolt audio interfaces available today. Combining elite-class audio conversion, four Unison™ microphone preamps, powerful HEXA Core DSP processing, and an extensive collection of legendary UAD plug-ins, it delivers everything required for world-class recording, mixing, mastering, and music production. Whether you're building a professional studio or upgrading your existing workflow, Apollo X8 Gen 2 provides the performance, flexibility, and legendary Universal Audio sound trusted by top engineers and producers around the world.