Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen2 Essentials+

Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen2 Essentials+ is a 19-inch Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with 18 x 24 I/O, featuring Apollo X Gen2 24-bit/192 kHz converters, 4 Unison-enabled mic preamps, HEXA Core DSP, and studio/headphone calibration via Apollo Monitor Correction by Sonarworks.

The Apollo x8 Gen2 Essentials+ is Universal Audio’s flagship interface for professional recording studios. It delivers pristine AD/DA conversion with 130 dB dynamic range, world-class Unison preamp emulations, and real-time UAD plugin processing with HEXA Core DSP. The updated UAD Console software includes advanced features like Auto-Gain, Plug-In Scenes, bass management, and full 7.1 monitoring support.

Essentials+ includes a curated bundle of over 30 UAD plug-ins such as Auto-Tune Realtime Access, Teletronix LA-2A, Fairchild compressors, Pultec EQs, guitar amp emulations, and the PolyMAX synthesizer — providing an exceptional analog-style production experience with seamless DAW integration.

KEY FEATURES

• 18 x 24 rack-mounted Thunderbolt 3 audio interface
• Apollo X Gen2 24-bit/192 kHz converters with 130 dB dynamic range
• 4 Unison-enabled mic preamps for authentic analog emulations
• Includes emulations of Neve, API, Manley, Fender, Marshall, and more
• HEXA Core DSP for real-time UAD plugin processing with near-zero latency
• Essentials+ bundle includes 30+ premium UAD plug-ins
• Updated UAD Console software with Auto-Gain, Plug-In Scenes, 7.1 support
• Studio and headphone calibration via Apollo Monitor Correction (Sonarworks)
• Expand system with up to 4 Apollo interfaces via Thunderbolt
• Compatible with all major DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton Live, LUNA
• Dante connectivity available via Apollo x16D
• Free technical support from Universal Audio engineers

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Mic/Line Inputs: 4 x combo XLR/TRS with Unison
• Line Inputs: 4 x 1/4" TRS
• Monitor Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS
• Line Outputs: 6 x 1/4" TRS
• ADAT I/O: 2 x Toslink (8 channels in/out @ 48 kHz)
• Word Clock I/O: Yes (BNC)
• Headphone Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS
• Dynamic Range (A/D, D/A): 130 dB
• THD+N: -127 dB (D/A)
• Clocking: Dual-Crystal Clocking with ultra-low jitter
• DSP Processor: HEXA Core (6 SHARC processors)
• Plugin Formats: VST, AU, AAX 64-bit
• Connection: Thunderbolt 3 (macOS and Windows compatible)
• Dimensions: 483 x 308 x 44 mm
• Weight: 4.1 kg