Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 – Analog Classics
By Universal Audio
Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 – Analog Classics is a rackmount 18-in / 24-out Thunderbolt 3 audio interface designed for musicians, producers and recording engineers who need extensive studio connectivity and real-time UAD processing. Featuring four Unison-enabled microphone preamps, eight line inputs, two front-panel instrument inputs and onboard HEXA Core DSP, it supports recording setups built around microphones, synthesizers, external preamps and outboard equipment. Gen 2 audio conversion, comprehensive digital I/O and integrated stereo and surround monitor control provide a flexible foundation for demanding sessions. The included UAD Analog Classics bundle supplies a broad selection of recording, mixing and creative software.
Key features
- 18-in / 24-out Thunderbolt 3 audio interface
- Gen 2 audio conversion at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
- 4 Unison-enabled microphone preamps
- 8 balanced ¼-inch line inputs
- 2 front-panel Hi-Z inputs for guitars or basses
- HEXA Core DSP for real-time UAD plug-in processing
- ADAT S/MUX optical and coaxial S/PDIF digital I/O
- Dedicated stereo monitor outputs and 8 line outputs
- 2 stereo headphone outputs with independent level controls
- Built-in talkback microphone and alternate speaker switching
- Monitor control supporting configurations up to 7.1 surround
- Auto-Gain, Plug-In Scenes and flexible routing through UAD Console
- Apollo Monitor Correction support powered by Sonarworks
- UAD Analog Classics software bundle included
Overview
| Product Type | Rackmount Thunderbolt Audio Interface |
| Generation | Gen 2 |
| Software Edition | UAD Analog Classics |
| Maximum Audio Resolution | 24-bit / 192 kHz |
| Maximum I/O | 18 Inputs / 24 Outputs; Available Digital Channels Depend on Sample Rate |
| Microphone Inputs | 4 × XLR Inputs with Unison Preamps |
| Line Inputs | 8 × Balanced ¼-inch TRS; Channels 1–4 Share the Microphone Input Channels |
| Instrument Inputs | 2 × Front-Panel ¼-inch Hi-Z Inputs, Sharing Analogue Input Channels 1 and 2 |
| Phantom Power | +48 V |
| Monitor Outputs | 2 × Balanced ¼-inch TRS |
| Line Outputs | 8 × Balanced ¼-inch TRS |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 × ¼-inch Stereo Jacks |
| Digital Connections | ADAT S/MUX Optical I/O and RCA Coaxial S/PDIF I/O |
| Clock Connections | BNC Word Clock Input and Output |
| Onboard Processing | UAD-2 HEXA Core DSP |
| Monitor Functions | Stereo and Up to 7.1 Surround, Alternate Speakers and Integrated Talkback |
| Computer Connection | Thunderbolt 3 |
| Power | External Power Supply |
| Compatibility | Supported Mac and Windows Thunderbolt Systems |
Included Content
- Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 audio interface
- External power supply
- UAD Analog Classics plug-in bundle, available through registration
- UAD Console and supporting software available to download
- Included software highlights: UA 610-A and 610-B Preamp & EQ, LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip, Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor and UA 1176 FET Compressor
- Additional software highlights: Oxide Tape Recorder, Galaxy Tape Echo, Pure Plate Reverb and PolyMAX Polyphonic Synth
Creative Tools
- Record up to four microphones through the Unison-enabled preamps, supporting ensemble sessions, multi-microphone instrument recording and simultaneous vocals and instruments.
- Use compatible Unison preamp plug-ins to shape input impedance, gain behaviour and tonal character, bringing the response of modelled analogue equipment into the recording process.
- Connect synthesizers, keyboards, external preamps and outboard equipment through the eight line inputs, combining hardware instruments with software production.
- Plug guitars or basses into the two front-panel Hi-Z inputs and monitor through compatible amplifier and pedal emulations while recording.
- Build real-time recording and monitoring chains using six onboard DSP cores. Available processing capacity depends on the selected UAD plug-ins and sample rate.
- Configure cue mixes in UAD Console and use the two headphone outputs to support performers during overdubs and collaborative sessions.
- Expand the studio through ADAT or S/PDIF connections, and use word clock I/O to synchronise compatible digital equipment.
- Route audio through external processors using the line inputs and outputs, integrating hardware compression, equalisation and effects into recording or mixing.
- Configure stereo or surround monitoring up to 7.1, compare alternate speakers and communicate with performers through the integrated talkback microphone.
- Use Auto-Gain and Plug-In Scenes to establish recording levels and recall processing configurations for different performers, instruments or session tasks.
- Refine monitor or headphone playback with Apollo Monitor Correction when paired with the required Sonarworks SoundID Reference software and compatible calibration equipment.
- Shape tracks with the Analog Classics bundle, combining tube preamp colour and dynamic control with tape character, echo and plate reverb.
Ideal For
- Music producers
- Recording and mixing engineers
- Multi-microphone recording sessions
- Synthesizer and hardware-based studios
- Project and professional studios
- Studios integrating external preamps and outboard equipment
- Stereo and surround production
- Anyone seeking a rackmount Apollo interface with four Unison preamps, HEXA Core DSP and flexible digital expansion