Universal Audio Apollo X8 Heritage Edition Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface, HEXA Overview
The Apollo X8 Thunderbolt 3 is an 18x24 audio interface that has 4 Unison-enabled preamps giving you authentic tones from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and more. The interface uses A/D D/A converters with newly designed analog circuitry to give you the lowest signal-to-noise ratio, between 129 dB dynamic range and -118 dB. It’s a great interface for producers and engineers that work on music and audio for TV, video games, and the web.
The Apollo X Range includes the X4, which has a DUO Core processor, and X6, X8, X8P and X16, which are rack-mountable, and have HEXA Core processors.
The Apollo X series also has new Dual-Crystal clocking, with dedicated crystal oscillators for 44.1/88.2/176.4 kHz and 48/96/192 kHz sample rates —resulting in extremely low jitter, measured at less than 10 picoseconds at all sample rates. For you, this means pure, artefact-free recordings and solid stereo imaging.
You can connect with various professional-level studio gear with the switchable +24 and +20 dBu headroom settings, work in 7.1 surround sound, and built-in talkback allows you to communicate easily.
The Realtime Analog suite is included, with analogue and digital sounds from Marshall Plexi Ampeg, Pultec EQ, and Fairchild 670 tube compressor. There are also lots of effects such as distortion, compression, reverb, and delay.
Thunderbolt connectivity and real-time processing mean there will be almost zero latency. Apollo X series audio interfaces work with all major DAWs.
You can combine the Apollo X8 with up to four more Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos if you need more inputs and outputs, and the X8 benefits from backwards compatibility with Thunderbolt 1 and 2.
*Please note - Thunderbolt cable is not included.
- 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 “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
- 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
- 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
- Please note: UAD Software and Plugin version 9.6.1 (onwards) now includes support for Apollo X with the latest generation of Apple Mac Pro computers (Late 2013 "black cylinder" models).
- UA 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)
- 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: -119 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: 125 dB (A-weighted)
- -THD+N: -102 dB (0.00080%)
- -Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.05 dB
