Apollo x8p
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Produce large sessions with album-ready sounds in realtime.
Apollo x8p gives engineers and producers recording big projects the same professional analog tones heard on your favorite records with eight onboard Unison™ mic preamps. With elite-class conversion and HEXA Core UAD plug-in processing, Apollo x8p is the only interface that lets you record through preamps from Neve, API, Manley, and more — with near-zero latency — giving you professional sound in a sleek rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface.
Get professional sound with the widest dynamic range and lowest noise available
Record your vocals and synths in realtime through classic mic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Avalon, and more
Link up to four Apollos for 156 channels of premium I/O and control it from Apollo Twin or x4
Create with seamless hardware-software integration and analog console modeling in LUNA Recording System
Hear Every Detail in your Recordings
Apollo x8p’s proven A/D and D/A conversion gives you the same elite-class sound heard on thousands of hit songs and chart-topping albums. Widely praised for its open, natural sonics, Apollo's converters give you the perfect palette to paint your masterpiece.
Record Synths and Vocals through Iconic Preamps
With its eight onboard Unison™ preamps, Apollo x8p is the only interface that lets you track large projects in realtime through preamps and channel strips from Neve, Manley, API, and dozens more, giving you the same rich analog texture as the hardware used on decades of iconic music.*
Get the Pro Sounds of Analog Hardware, in a Single Rack Space
Right out of the box, Apollo's included plug-ins give you album-ready tones in realtime with professional tools like the UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, Fairchild compressors, amps from Marshall and Ampeg, and more. Plus, Apollo lets you tap into the entire UAD plug-in library, giving you the proven hit-making sounds of Ocean Way Studios, Capitol Chambers, and hundreds more.
See Included Plug-Ins ›
Learn about Heritage Edition Plug‑Ins ›Record with a Fast, Natural Workflow using LUNA
Apollo works with all major DAWs, but only LUNA Recording System gives you seamless integration with Apollo, for big analog studio sound — in realtime — using a host of built-in features and extensions from API console modeling to genuine Neve summing and integrated Studer tape.
Learn more about LUNA ›Your New Analog Studio, Expanded
Link up to four Apollos for 156 channels of premium I/O as your studio grows, and control it all from your desktop using Apollo Twin or x4.
UAD Plug-Ins vs. Analog Hardware
Watch Grammy-award winning producer Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Kings of Leon) put UAD plug‑ins to the test in a live session featuring electronic-soul artist Jamie Lidell.
“I love my new Apollo x8p! I can mix without worrying about the amount of plug-ins I use, and the new converters reveal the most subtle details when I record. One of the best upgrades that I’ve added in a long time.”
– Derek ‘MixedByAli’ Ali (Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Childish Gambino)“I'm really impressed with the Apollo X8. I hear more detail in the several sets of monitors I use, and I'm getting that little bit extra out of the Unison mic pre emulations – and they were already extremely close.”
– Jacquire King (James Bay, Kings of Leon, Tom Waits)“This is the best-sounding Universal Audio D/A ever. By far. It has an extra octave of clear bottom, but it's not hyped. It's just very solid and full. It's like there’s no converter generated signature at all. It’s completely open and natural.”
– Fab Dupont (David Crosby, Shakira, Santigold)“My Apollos are my sound.
Where I go, they go.”
– Trevor Lawrence Jr. (Dr. Dre, Herbie Hancock, Eminem)“Apollo is a platform that grows more powerful with every innovation – the UAD plug-in processing onboard has changed the way I work forever.”
– Tony Platt (AC/DC, Bob Marley, Buddy Guy)“The Apollo is the best I/O we've ever used, and we've tried them all. It has an incredibly clean, transparent, and accurate sound.”
– The Glitch Mob“I’m totally blown away by the stunning sound quality of the Apollo. The ability to use UAD plug-ins in real-time is pure genius. It’s the centerpiece of my new studio.”
– Richard Devine“The Apollo's ability to do low latency – I mean that's the whole ballgame right there.”
– Joey Waronker (Atoms for Peace, Beck, Other Lives)“The Apollo is a powerhouse and a game changer for my studio.”
– Grieves“Using my Apollos and Console 2.0, I'm able to front a live mix, create a monitor mix, and record, all at the same time. That’s pretty awesome.”
– Chris Dugan (Green Day, Iggy Pop, U2)“Having the Apollo with UAD plug-ins at my disposal is like carrying a giant studio with outboard racks at all times. Minus the tech fees, down time, and electricity bill!”
– Andrew Dawson (Jay-Z, Fun.)“Apollo's A/D and D/A conversion sounds incredibly detailed, with great clarity and a tight, punchy low end. And with the Console 2.0 app, I have all of the routing and monitoring options I need.”
– Dave Pensado (Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Maroon 5)“The Apollo x8p is the workhorse for the majority of our mobile sessions. The flexibility is crucial to our workflow and once you’re familiar with the front panel controls and Console software, it becomes a seamless experience that allows you to truly craft your sound.”
– Mike Larson (Pharrell, Ariana Grande, Migos)Compare Apollo Models
18 x 22 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz conversion (backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac)
8 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps — giving you fully authentic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Avalon, and more*
Produce with LUNA Recording System — a fully-integrated recording application for Apollo (Mac/Thunderbolt)
Combine up to 4 Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos and 6 total UAD devices
Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency, regardless of audio buffer size
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
Runs UAD Powered Plug-Ins via VST, Audio Units, and AAX in all major DAWs
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
User Manual
For system requirements, go here.
*Apollo x8p includes the “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately at www.uaudio.com. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.Customer Reviews
A. Charles
August 30, 2024
Remarkable
Tracking things with no latency, with plugins live, all whilst having incredible analogue/digital conversion is a joy and very inspiring to have in a home studio, almost humbling to have a...
Read MoreD. Ho
July 4, 2024
Incredible audio quality!
I have the Apollo Duo, Twin, and Satellite and needed more preamps and cores for larger projects. With 8 Unison preamps and 6 cores, the x8p is exactly what I needed!...
Read MoreR. Darabosh
June 16, 2024
No other option
These things are GREAT! We own two and have plans to buy more. Simply the best. My only complaint is the digital patch bay. That leaves a little to be desired....
Read MoreH. Rios
March 15, 2024
UAD GEMS
I got my first introduction with UAD’s Apollo Twin X, absolutely loved it. A bit after that I got the Octo Satellite then I just got the Apollo X8P, this peace of hardware is something...
Read MoreB. Bartley
December 30, 2023
The Best Audio Interface available for the money!
This is a professional grade audio interface that operates flawlessly. It has very transparent converters and stellar preamps, virtually no latency. When paired with UA’s outstanding...
Read More -
Realtime Analog Classics Plus Bundle
With the Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, you not only get legendary compressors such as the Fairchild® 670 and EQs like the Pultec® EQP-1A, but also stunning guitar and bass amp emulations from Softube, and UA’s landmark 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ plug-in.
- 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
UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ
Impart your tracks with the iconic warmth and character of the classic hardware used to track everyone from Duke Ellington to Coldplay. By emulating the entire signal path, including tube amplifiers, transformers, and circuit nonlinearities, the 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ plug-in injects organic detail and saturation to any signal — whether you’re re-amping or tracking through the 610-B via Universal Audio’s Unison™ technology.
Marshall® Plexi Classic Amplifier
The undisputed alpha dog of rock and roll guitar amps, the Marshall “plexi” amplifier is as legendary as the music it helped create. From Jimi Hendrix to Jimmy Page, Duane Allman to Eric Clapton, the Plexi’s punishing melange of snarl, sustain, smoothness, and raunch defined the sound of rock. Developed by Softube, the Marshall Plexi Classic Amp plug-in gives you the sound of this iconic amp with a perfectly placed microphone from engineer Tony Platt who recorded AC/DC’s Back in Black and Highway to Hell.
Fairchild® 670 (Legacy)
The world’s most coveted compressor, the classic Fairchild 670 tube limiter will give your tracks and mixes unmistakable tube warmth and character. Whether you’re looking for subtle compression on a lead vocal, or grittier textures that can work on guitars, bass, or a drum bus, the Fairchild 670 plug-in adds a classic “glow” to anything you run through it.
Teletronix® LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier (Legacy)
With its gentle, program dependent optical compression and meticulously designed tube amplifier, the LA-2A is the go-to compressor for professional mixers around the world — especially for vocals. Incredibly easy-to-use Peak Reduction and Gain controls gives you the ideal optical compression sound for guitar, bass, drums, and more.
1176SE/LN® Classic Limiting Amplifiers (Legacy)
Get classic, ultra-fast FET compression from the world’s most recognized compressor. The 1176 will impart punch, presence, and character as well as its signature distortion overtones on drums, vocals, guitars, and bass. The 1176LN has graced countless recordings, from Led Zeppelin, to the White Stripes and Michael Jackson.
Pultec® Pro Equalizers (Legacy)
Mix with two of the most sought-after hardware EQs ever made — the MEQ-5 Midrange Equalizer and the EQP-1A Program Equalizer. Both of these tube-based icons deliver smooth and silky EQ curves with an abundance of warm analog character.
Ampeg® SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
Introduced in 1969, the Ampeg SVT bass amp is still the reigning king of high-powered tube bass tone. Developed by Brainworx, the Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp plug-in perfectly captures the raw power and punch that has made this the go-to amp for rock, funk, and soul players. Track in real time using Unison™ preamp technology for the tone, touch, and feel of a real SVT bass amp, or transform bland DI tracks with the thunderous roar of a stone cold classic.
Precision Mix Rack Collection
Featuring the Precision Channel Strip, Precision Reflection Engine, and Precision Delay Modulation plug-ins, the Precision Mix Rack Collection offers four modern, high-fidelity plug-ins for recording and mixing. Powerful and intuitive, Precision Mix Rack Collection gives you an impressive tool set — perfect for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
UA Precision Enhancer Hz
Expertly dial-in your music’s low-end frequencies with the Precision Enhancer Hz plug-in. Able to yield exacting results with minimal adjustment, the Precision Enhancer Hz can add weight to kick drum samples, fatten up a synth bass, or simply make the low-end of your tracks more audible on smaller speakers.
Raw Distortion
Modeled from a vintage early-’80s Pro Co Rat, Raw Distortion delivers all the gritty dynamic raunch of the legendary stompbox. And with Unison™ technology, you can plug in to Apollo Twin, 8, or 8p’s front-panel Hi-Z instrument jack and experience the same circuit interaction, gain range, and clip points for the true tone, feel, and response of the original hardware.
RealVerb Pro
RealVerb Pro is a flexible, natural sounding reverb based on UA’s own unique set of algorithms. Allowing you to design the room just as you hear it, the RealVerb Pro goes beyond simply big/small or dark/bright, giving your sources distortion-free, smoothing diffusion control and ultra-long reverb tail.
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Customer Reviews
Apollo x8p
A. Charles
Remarkable
Tracking things with no latency, with plugins live, all whilst having incredible analogue/digital conversion is a joy and very inspiring to have in a home studio, almost humbling to have a very professional sound at home. It makes me work harder with writing and trying new ideas. One of the best investments I've ever made in a piece of gear.
D. Ho
Incredible audio quality!
I have the Apollo Duo, Twin, and Satellite and needed more preamps and cores for larger projects. With 8 Unison preamps and 6 cores, the x8p is exactly what I needed!
R. Darabosh
No other option
These things are GREAT! We own two and have plans to buy more. Simply the best. My only complaint is the digital patch bay. That leaves a little to be desired.
H. Rios
UAD GEMS
I got my first introduction with UAD’s Apollo Twin X, absolutely loved it.
A bit after that I got the Octo Satellite then I just got the Apollo X8P, this peace of hardware is something else, the quality of sound is great to say the least. The work flow on it , plenty of input and outputs along with there unison preamps is just amazing.
A. Blackham
I really want to love UAD but... Windows is iffy
I'm quite fond of the Apollo x8p and Twin interfaces, yet I feel it's crucial to highlight a significant concern for Windows users. The key issue here revolves around the compatibility between Windows drivers and Thunderbolt 3. Until Universal Audio (UAD) resolves this, it might be wiser for prospective buyers to consider alternative options. My experience with these products has unfortunately been defined by tolerance. I've continued to use them largely due to the considerable investment I've already made, and because of my Sphere L22 microphones. They're really top-notch in terms of sound quality and UAD implements them well. The plugins UAD makes are also a nice perk. In hindsight, though, I think I jumped the gun by investing in this ecosystem. For anyone considering a similar investment as a Windows user, I'd suggest going somewhere else – it will save you some frustration.
B. Bartley
The Best Audio Interface available for the money!
This is a professional grade audio interface that operates flawlessly. It has very transparent converters and stellar preamps, virtually no latency. When paired with UA’s outstanding plugins you will be operating with next level recordings. UA’s customer service and support is great too.
H. Gardemar
Apollo x8p
Good!
A. Takacs
Apollo x8p
This is the best gear in my collection. I use it for recording songs in our home studio and also recording choir in church. Amazing product.
P. Chrastil
perfect
turbo power
P. Chrastil
perfect
turbo power
S. Senes
I was a skeptic but.....
After using my new Apollo X8P and some of the plugins - in particular the unison preamps (especially the Neve 1073) - I purchased a second Apollo X8P (giving me 16 Unison enabled preamps) and have sold most of my outboard gear. I only wish UA had a line of dedicated Mic preamp units as I don't really need two full interfaces. Oh well - the Unison preamps are worth it & now I have a backup....
I'm now a believer - believe the hype!P. Busch
Great gear
Great gear. The Apollo x8p is not only for Big studios, it is also really great for homestudio setups. I had a session with a Singer-song write, where I needed a lot of channels, i.e. 2 for Sphere vocal mic, 2 for stereo guitar, 1 for SDC guitar mic, and then 1 for DI backup.
So already with a single person singing and acoustic guitar I get to need 6 channels.P. Busch
Great gear
Great gear. The Apollo x8p is not only for Big studios, it is also really great for homestudio setups. I had a session with a Singer-song write, where I needed a lot of channels, i.e. 2 for Sphere vocal mic, 2 for stereo guitar, 1 for SDC guitar mic, and then 1 for DI backup.
So already with a single person singing and acoustic guitar I get to need 6 channels.T. Rerolle
ATTENTION !
If we can't say anything about the audio quality, everything else is pure hell: restricted physical outputs, hardware instability (particularly with the M1 chip), impractical console and software patch, abusive commercial practices, non-existent assistance... If you are looking for professional equipment, run away!
I spent more than 10,000 Euros with UAD and I am very disappointed, angry!
Si on ne peut rien dire sur la qualité audio, tout le reste est un veritable enfer : sorties physiques bridées, instabilité du materiel (particulierement avec la puce M1), console et patch soft impraticable, pratiques commerciales abusives, assistance inexistante... Si vous cherchez du materiel professionnel, fuyez !
J'ai dépensé plus de 10000 Euros chez UAD et je suis très désapointé, en colère !
f. lavigne
FCAL RECORDS
Sound great! awesome deal with the sphere dlx,can't be more happy!
知. 河合
Sounds great!
Apollox8p sounds great!
J. Davis
Just like having an API Console!
I invested a while back in Universal Audio gear and recently expanded my studio with the X8P. I’ve also recently switched to Luna full time and if you haven’t checked Luna out yet, it’s by far the best DAW on the market, and it’s free for UA users. The X8P is incredible and the sound is indistinguishable from an actual API console. I’ve worked on an API and this is literally the same. I use the same settings, and the X8P allows you to use that emulation in Unison. I’m never going back to Paro Tools and with the new X8P I’m never going back to any other interface.
R. Fred
Excellent choice
I recently had the privilege of adding the Apollo x8p to my home studio setup, and I must say, this audio interface has exceeded all my expectations. It's clear that Universal Audio has put a lot of thought into the aesthetics and construction of this device. When it comes to performance, the Apollo x8p stands head and shoulders above other audio interfaces I've used. The pristine sound quality and ultra-low latency have made recording and mixing a joy. The Unison preamps replicate the warmth and character of classic analog gear, giving my recordings a professional and authentic feel.
C. Kim
Great!
The apollo x8p is amazing and user friendly as expected.
G. Hall
The x8p brought my whole recording and mixing experience to a new level
I purchased this unit to replace a MOTU unit I had for years that had stopped working. I was immediately surprised at the incredible sonic difference everything I recorded and mixed had.
Pro level in every way!