Apollo x8p with UAD Analog Classics

Apollo x8p with UAD Analog Classics — an 18x22 rackmount Thunderbolt audio interface with eight Unison preamps and a UAD-2 HEXA Core processor, bundled with the Analog Classics plugin collection. Unlike the x8, which offers 4 preamps and 8 line inputs, the x8p is built around maximum mic input count — designed for tracking a full band or drum kit without external preamps.

Gen 2 Elite-Class AD/DA conversion reaches 130dB of dynamic range with THD at -127dB, using dual-crystal clocking to keep jitter low at every sample rate. Eight Unison inputs plus two front-panel Hi-Z inputs use technology matching impedance and gain structure to modeled hardware — Neve, API, Manley, SSL, Avalon, or Helios — with a separate emulation on each channel simultaneously.

Tracking a full drum kit without an external preamp

A drum kit typically needs 8-10 mics running at once — kick, snare, hi-hat, toms, overheads. With an interface limited in mic inputs, an engineer has to add an external multichannel preamp, introducing an extra link in the signal chain and extra cost. Eight Unison preamps on the x8p cover most drum configurations directly from a single unit, each channel with its own preamp character emulation.

Compact cabling via DB-25 connectors

Line inputs 1-8 and ALT/surround outputs are grouped on DB-25 connectors instead of individual 1/4" jacks per channel, significantly cutting cable count and simplifying patching in a larger rack. The HEXA Core processor (six DSP chips) delivers 50% more real-time plugin processing power than previous Apollo generations, keeping a full effects chain running on every channel across eight simultaneous tracking paths without added latency.

KEY FEATURES

• 18x22 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface, rackmount
• 8 Unison mic/line preamps with Auto-Gain, 2 front-panel Hi-Z inputs
• Line inputs 1-8 and ALT/surround outputs via DB-25 connectors
• 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion, Gen 2 Elite-Class, 130dB dynamic range, -127dB THD
• UAD-2 HEXA Core processor (6 DSP chips), 50% more power than previous generations
• Includes Analog Classics bundle: LA-2A and 1176 compressors, Pultec EQs, UA 610 preamp, guitar amp simulations
• Surround support up to 7.1 with bass management
• 2 optical Toslink ports (ADAT S/MUX or S/PDIF), BNC wordclock
• Sonarworks Apollo Monitor Correction for room and headphone calibration

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Configuration: 18 inputs / 22 outputs
• Conversion: 24-bit / 192kHz, Gen 2, dual-crystal clocking
• Dynamic range: 130dB, -127dB THD
• Analog inputs: 8 x Unison mic/line, 2 x 1/4" Hi-Z (front panel), DB-25 (lines 1-8)
• Analog outputs: 2 x 1/4" monitor, DB-25 (ALT/7.1 surround), 2 x TRS headphone
• Digital I/O: 2 x optical Toslink (ADAT S/MUX or S/PDIF), BNC wordclock
• Computer connection: Thunderbolt 3
• DSP: UAD-2 HEXA Core
• Compatibility: macOS, Windows
• Included: UAD Analog Classics plug-in bundle