Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen2 Essentials+

High-Quality Audio Conversion

The Apollo X8 Gen 2 boasts industry-leading audio conversion, offering an exceptional dynamic range and low distortion, ensuring pristine audio fidelity in recording and playback. This next-generation audio interface provides the finest sound quality Universal Audio has ever delivered, catering to both music producers and engineers seeking the best in digital-to-analogue and analogue-to-digital conversion.

Unison™ Preamps for Authentic Analogue Sound

Record in real-time through four Unison™ mic preamps, capturing the authentic sound of classic analogue gear from Neve, API, Avalon, and more. Unison technology allows you to achieve the rich sonic textures of renowned vintage hardware directly in your digital setup, enhancing your recordings with warmth and depth akin to traditional analogue workflows.

Powerful HEXA Core DSP Processing

With its HEXA Core processing, the Apollo X8 offers seamless integration with UAD plug-ins, providing real-time recording and mixing with premium software titles. This DSP engine supports complex plug-in chains, enabling professionals to utilise powerful tools such as Auto-Tune, Neve, SSL, and Manley, without overloading their computer’s CPU.

Comprehensive UAD Plug-In Library

The Apollo X8 gives access to a vast library of over 200 UAD plug-ins, including award-winning tools like Capitol Chambers, Ocean Way Studios, and EL8 Distressor. These plug-ins, emulating some of the most revered hardware in music production history, offer superior sound-shaping capabilities, allowing professionals to craft mixes with precision.

Enhanced Monitoring and Surround Sound

Apollo Monitor Correction, powered by Sonarworks®, ensures accurate playback through headphones or monitors by correcting room acoustics. Additionally, the interface supports up to 7.1 surround sound with bass management, providing a complete solution for immersive audio production.

Auto-Gain and Bass Management for Streamlined Workflow

The Apollo X8 includes Auto-Gain, allowing users to set input levels across multiple channels in seconds, ensuring an efficient recording process. Its bass management feature integrates a subwoofer into the monitoring system, offering detailed low-end control for precise mixing in any studio environment.

UAD Console App for Flexible Control

The UAD Console App acts as the digital hub of the Apollo X8, offering advanced features like low-latency cue mixing, plug-in routing, and immersive monitoring controls. This software mimics the functionality of a traditional analogue console, providing an intuitive workflow for modern studios.

Scalable Studio Solutions

Expand your setup by connecting up to four Thunderbolt Apollo interfaces, giving you up to 128 channels of premium I/O. This scalable solution adapts to the evolving needs of professional studios, with Apollo Twin or x4 providing additional control directly from your desktop.

A Hybrid System for Complex Productions

Apollo X8 combines its HEXA Core DSP with native processing on your host computer, allowing for large-scale sessions with complex plug-in chains. This hybrid system outperforms traditional native-only recording setups, offering the power and flexibility required for demanding audio projects.

Included Plug-Ins in Essentials+ Edition

Channel Strips & Preamps

• 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

• 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 

Equalisers

• 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

• Auto-Tune Realtime Access
• Oxide Tape Recorder
• Precision Enhancer Hz
• Verve Analog Machines Essentials
• Instruments
• PolyMAX Polyphonic Synth

Delay & Modulation

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

Reverbs & Rooms

• Precision Reflection Engine
• Pure Plate Reverb
• RealVerb Pro Custom Room Modeler

Guitar & Bass

• Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Amplifier
• Marshall Plexi Classic Amplifier
• Raw Distortion