Universal Audio Apollo x8 Heritage Edition

The Universal Audio Apollo x8 is an extremely versatile member of the esteemed Apollo line of audio interfaces. Set squarely at the heart of the series, this 18-in/24-out Thunderbolt interface, both Windows and Mac compatible, is equipped with four Unison-enabled microphone preamps and eight line-level inputs and outputs. Like its siblings, it also features elite-class 24-bit/192kHz converters with dual-crystal clocking technology and HEXA Core UAD processing, powered by six SHARC DSP chips, which allow multiple instances of the famed UAD plugins to run at zero CPU cost. Importantly, the Apollo x8 can be cascaded with other units, providing an excellent foundation for evolving professional studios. The "Real Time Analog Classics Plus" collection of Core UAD plugins as well as the Luna DAW software environment (Mac only) are included, providing immediate access to the privileged world of UAD-powered music production.

UAD plugins are renowned worldwide for their remarkable realism and pioneering technology. Unison technology allows the Apollo x8's four preamps to seamlessly blend into this environment by subtly modifying their dynamic response depending on which preamp emulation is being used, adding a further layer of realism when recording in real time through the legendary mic preamp emulations. The "Realtime Analog Classics Bundle" provides a wide selection of meticulously crafted classics, including the UA 610-B classic preamp, Marshall's Plexi Classic Amplifier, Ampeg's SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp, and a selection of popular dynamic processors and EQs such as the Teletronix LA-2A and the Pultec EQP-1A. Multiple instances of these plugins can be run latency-free and at zero CPU load via UA's "Console" software, during both the recording and the mixing phases of a project, in DAW environments such as Cubase, Logic, Live, and Pro Tools.

One of the x8's key features is its ability to cascade with other Apollo and Satellite units, supporting up to four Apollo interfaces and six units in total, thus greatly increasing the number of preamps and other available inputs and outputs (up to 160 in total), as well as Core UAD plugin instances. Up to four Apollo interfaces and two UAD2 Satellite units (which provide extra DSP power via Thunderbolt, PCIe, USB, and FireWire) can be cascaded. Configurations are efficiently managed via UA's "Console" utility. A great variety of studio setups are possible depending on configuration, ranging from post-production, where few inputs and preamps are required, to full-fledged recording and mixing setups, complete with talkback mic, and all with "album-ready" Core UAD sound quality.

The Apollo x8 boasts a sound quality and dynamic range that is difficult to rival. Its advanced monitoring section supports formats up to 7.1 (complete with individual speaker trim and fold-down mixes) and A/B monitoring configurations. It can also calibrate the system to a dB SPL reference level and align all the inputs and outputs to +24dBu when required. It is no surprise that the list of famous producers and musicians who use UAD products is endless. At the front end, one can choose from any number of iconic preamps from Neve to API, dynamics processors such as the Fairchild 670 and classic amp emulations – augmented by legacy reverbs, dynamics and effects units, and even precision channel strips for the mixing stage. To quote the manufacturer, what better way to "produce album-ready sounds in real time"?