Universal Audio Apollo X8P Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface, HEXA Overview
Universal Audio is known for their powerful UAD plugins and amazing audio interfaces, which are available in rack or desktop versions depending on the size of your setup. The interfaces have Unison preamps, and the secret to Unison’s brilliance is the hardware-software integration between Apollo’s mic preamps and it’s onboard Realtime UAD processing.
Apollo X
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, artifact-free recordings and solid stereo imaging.
Thunderbolt connectivity and real time processing means there will be almost zero latency. Apollo X series audio interfaces work with all major DAWs.
Overview by GAK
The Apollo X8P Thunderbolt 3 is a 16x22 audio interface that lets engineers and producers track, overdub, and mix with Unison preamps, new A/D D/A conversion, and Hexa Core processing.
The X8P has eight Unison-enabled preamps, giving a huge dynamic range headroom and natural, crisp voicing. There’s lots of versatility with switchable +24 and +20 dBu headroom settings which lets you connect with various pro-level studio equipment.
Combine the X8P with up to four more Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos to expand your setup. This interface is also capable of backwards compatibility with Thunderbolt 1 and 2.
There’s plenty of versatility too with switchable +24 and +20 dBu headroom settings. This allows you to connect with varying pro-level studio gear when needed. You can also work in 7.1 surround sound using speaker calibration, to get the most authentic listening experience. Integrated talkback allows for easy communication.
The included Realtime Analog Classics Plus Bundle plug-in has a huge collection of tonal possibilities with Marshall Plexi Ampeg, Pultec and Fairchild modelling EQ. There’s lots of effects too, such as compression, distortion, reverb and delay.
Upgrade to the Apollo X8 for more I/O.
*Please note - Thunderbolt cable is not included.
Overview by Universal Audio
The Universal Audio Apollo X8P Thunderbolt 3 audio interface featuring elite audio conversion with eight Unison Mic Preamps, HEXA Core Processing and Surround Sound Monitoring.
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).
Apollo x8p allows music engineers, producers, and project studios to track, overdub, and mix with new world-beating A/D and D/A conversion, HEXA Core UAD plug-in processing, 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 22 interface distinguishes itself with eight Unison™-enabled mic preamps, providing authentic emulations of preamps from Neve, API, Manley, Helios, SSL and more, plus all-new HEXA Core processing - yielding 50% more DSP for running UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time.
In addition to its elite-class audio conversion, Apollo x8p features selectable operating level for compatibility with professional +24 dBu gear, as well as an integrated monitor controller and built-in talkback mic.
Built for tracking larger projects with more mics.
- 18 x 22 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
- 8 Unison-enabled mic preamps with realtime preamp emulations from Neve, API, SSL, Manley, Universal Audio, 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
- -Combo Mic/Line Inputs: 8 Balanced XLR/TRS
- -DB25 Line Inputs: 8 Balanced via 25-pin D-sub
- -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
- -S/PDIF: 2 channels @ 44.1 to 96 kHz
- -(Switchable ADAT or S/PDIF)
- 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
- -DB25 Line Outputs: 8 Balanced via 25-pin D-sub
- -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
- -S/PDIF: 2 channels @ 44.1 to 96 kHz
- -(Switchable ADAT or S/PDIF)
- 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