Universal Audio Apollo X8 Heritage Edition Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

A SPECIAL EDITION FEATURING ICONIC UAD ANALOG COLLECTIONS ONBOARD

A hallmark feature of Apollo is its Realtime UAD Processing, letting you run the full library of UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency. Taking you a step further, Apollo x16 Heritage Edition gives you 10 premium plug-in titles — including the full suite of UA’s Teletronix, 1176, and Fairchild compressors, Helios Type 69, V76, and UA 610 mic preamps, all Pultec EQs, Oxide Tape Recorder, and Pure Plate Reverb.

Included in Apollo “Heritage Edition” Bundle:

• UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
• Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection
• Pultec Passive EQ Collection
• Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection
• Teletronix LA-3A Audio Leveler
• UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection
• Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ Collection
• V76 Preamplifier
• Oxide Tape Recorder
• Pure Plate Reverb

These premium Heritage Edition titles are in addition to the Apollo x16’s included “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” bundle, giving you the most accurate library of classic analog emulations included with any professional audio interface.

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, Dual-Crystal clocking, 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-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.

Track with near-zero latency through Unison preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Helios, Fender, and more†

Mix with powerful HEXA Core processing, featuring 6 UAD DSP chips for running more UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time.

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

With thousands of chart-topping songs and hundreds of Grammy-winning albums under their belt, Apollo interfaces are no strangers to tracking stellar-sounding records. 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.

The Apollo X series also introduces new Dual-Crystal clocking – featuring dedicated crystals for 44.1/88.2/176.4k and 48/96/192k sample rates – resulting in stunningly low jitter, measured at less than 10 picoseconds. This translates into pure, artifact-free recordings and solid stereo imaging you can trust.

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.

Access the World of UAD Powered Plug-Ins

Going beyond the included Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-ins, Apollo x8 lets you tap into the full UAD Powered Plug-In library of legendary vintage EQs, compressors, reverbs, tape machines, channel strips, and more – at near-zero latency, regardless of your audio software’s buffer size and without taxing your computer’s CPU.

With exclusive emulations from SSL, Neve, Studer, Manley, Helios, API, Ampex, Lexicon, Fender, and more,† it’s like having a studio full of iconic analog gear, in a single rack space. And unlike competing interfaces, these award-winning DSP-powered plug-ins are also available in your DAW for mixing.

Surround Sound, Talkback, and More

The Apollo x8 features built-in front-panel monitoring functions including a Talkback mic, Alt Speakers, and assignable Dim or Mono control. Plus, with its comprehensive 7.1 surround monitoring support, Apollo x8 is a boon for engineers and producers working on audio and music for video games, television, and the web. In addition, Apollo x8 offers selectable +24 dBu operation for out-of-the-box compatibility with professional mixing consoles and other high-end pro audio equipment.

Build an Expanded Studio System Over Thunderbolt

Apollo x8 offers 18 x 24 simultaneous inputs/outputs (8 x 8 analog I/O) and two built-in Thunderbolt 3 ports. This allows users of any Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin or Apollo rackmount audio interfaces to easily combine up to four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices – adding fast, high-bandwidth I/O and DSP as your studio grows.

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 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.

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 the “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins.
• 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

Apollo X Series System Requirements:

ALL:

• 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
• For additional compatibility information, visit help.uaudio.com

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 or 10.13 High Sierra
• Mac Pro (Late 2013 “black cylinder” model) compatibility for Apollo X coming Q4 2018

PC:

• Available Thunderbolt 3 port
• Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (64-Bit Edition)

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Brand	Universal Audio
Condition	New

Inputs

• Line Inputs: 8 Balanced ¼" TRS
• Microphone Inputs: 4 Balanced XLR
• Instrument (Hi-Z) Inputs: 2 Unbalanced ¼" 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 ¼" TRS
• Monitor Outputs: 2 Balanced ¼" TRS
• Headphone Outputs: 2 Stereo ¼" 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: 129 dB (A-weighted)
• THD+N: -102 dB (0.00080%)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.05 dB

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