Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,580
High-end/Boutique
$150
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "UAD Apollo 8x". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The UAD Apollo 8x is your ticket to a seamless recording experience, combining elite audio conversion with robust processing power. At the heart of this audio interface is the 6-core HEXA Core processor, offering 50% more processing power than its predecessors. This allows you to run UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time with minimal latency, making it ideal for intensive recording sessions. With four Unison-enabled preamps, you can authentically emulate the sound of legendary preamps from Neve, API, and more, effectively bringing the warmth and character of analog gear into your digital studio.
The Apollo 8x is tailored for professional setups, featuring selectable +24dBu operation for seamless integration with high-end studio gear. Its Dual Crystal clocking ensures ultra-low jitter, yielding crystal-clear recordings with a dynamic range of 129dB. Whether you're tracking, overdubbing, or mixing, the Apollo 8x delivers pristine sound quality, rivaling standalone converters.
Designed with versatility in mind, the Apollo 8x supports 7.1 surround monitoring, making it a perfect fit for audio professionals working in film, TV, or gaming. Its Thunderbolt 3 connectivity ensures ultra-fast data transfer and low latency, while backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Macs makes it accessible for various setups. Additionally, the Apollo 8x integrates seamlessly with UA’s LUNA software, offering an analog-style recording environment and a comprehensive suite of virtual instruments and effects.
Key Features:
- 18-in/24-out Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with onboard UAD-2 HEXA Core processing
- Four Unison-enabled mic preamps for authentic preamp emulations
- Elite-class 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion
- Dual Crystal clocking for low-jitter, artifact-free recording
- 7.1 surround monitoring support
- Selectable +24dBu operation for pro-level gear integration
- Ultra-fast Thunderbolt 3 connectivity with less than 2ms latency
- Realtime Analog Classics Plus UAD plug-in bundle included
- Compatible with UA’s LUNA software for tight hardware/software integration
Product specs
| Computer Connectivity | Thunderbolt 3 |
| Form Factor | Rackmount |
| Simultaneous I/O | 18 x 24 |
| A/D Resolution | 24-bit/192kHz |
| Built In DSP/FX | 6 x UAD DSP Cores |
| Number of Preamps | 4 x mic, 2 x instrument |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| Analog Inputs | 4 x XLR (mic/line), 2 x 1/4" (Hi-Z), 8 x 1/4" (line) |
| Analog Outputs | 10 x 1/4" TRS (2 x monitor, 8 x line out) |
| Digital Inputs | 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 2 x Optical Toslink (ADAT/SMUX) |
| Digital Outputs | 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 2 x Optical Toslink (ADAT/SMUX) |
| Headphones | 2 x 1/4" |
| Thunderbolt | 2 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) |
| Clock I/O | In/Out (75 ohm termination switch) |
| Software | HEXA Core UAD Plug-in processing, Unison Preamp Emulations, Realtime Analog Classics Plus Plug-ins (VST3, AAX, AU) |
| OS Requirements - Mac | macOS 10.15 or later, Quad Core i7 Processor or higher |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 10 64-bit Anniversary update or later, Quad Core i7 Processor or higher, Thunderbolt 3 port required |
| Rack Spaces | 1U |
| Power Supply | 12V DC power supply |
| Height | 1.75" |
| Width | 19" |
| Depth | 12.12" |
| Weight | 9 lbs |
FAQs
-
What connectivity options does the UAD Apollo x8 offer?
-
The UAD Apollo x8 features Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, providing fast data transfer and low latency for Mac and PC. It includes 18 x 24 simultaneous I/O, with analog and digital inputs/outputs, making it versatile for various studio setups.
-
Are the preamps in the Apollo x8 suitable for professional recording?
-
Yes, the Apollo x8 includes four Unison mic preamps that offer high-resolution audio conversion and real-time UAD processing, allowing you to record with plug-ins from Neve, API, and others without latency.
-
Is the Apollo x8 compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems?
-
The Apollo x8 is compatible with macOS 10.15 or later and Windows 10 64-bit Anniversary update or later, requiring a Thunderbolt 3 port and a Quad Core i7 Processor or higher for optimal performance.
-
Does the Apollo x8 support surround sound formats?
-
Yes, the Apollo x8 supports surround sound formats up to 7.1, complete with speaker calibration and fold-down, making it suitable for advanced audio production environments.
-
What kind of DSP processing power does the Apollo x8 offer?
-
The Apollo x8 features HEXA Core processing with six UAD DSP processors, providing 50% more DSP for running UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time, ensuring powerful and efficient audio processing.
Videos
Steve Kinney
Home Recording Studio Setup- UAD Apollo 8x - 2020
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about UAD Apollo 8x.
Features and functionality
-
The Apollo 8's ability to track with onboard EQ and compression is highly valued for enhancing the recording experience compared to newer budget interfaces.
Source -
The Apollo x8p supports a maximum of 8 analog inputs and outputs, with additional channels achievable via digital connections like ADAT.
Source -
Apollo 8 models have two SPARC processors for running non-native plugins, which may be limiting for large projects compared to newer models with six.
Source
Software and compatibility
-
Despite the move towards native plugins, some UAD DSP versions offer more options, such as the Ampex102, compared to their native counterparts.
Source -
Compatibility issues with Thunderbolt 1/2 on PCs are noted, as they may require dongles or upgrades for newer connections, especially with Intel/Windows systems.
Source -
Unison preamps are hardware-dependent and included, but additional plugin preamps must be purchased separately for full functionality.
Source
User experience
-
Users highlight the seamless integration of multiple generations of Apollo products, indicating a robust and cohesive ecosystem.
Source -
Many owners report using decade-old Apollo 8 units daily without issues, indicating strong long-term reliability.
Source -
Some owners have faced repeated repair issues with audio inputs, leading to significant additional expenses post-purchase.
Source
Use cases and applications
Comparisons
Value and pricing
Mods and upgrades
-
Replacing Thunderbolt 2 cards with Thunderbolt 3 cards is a common upgrade to improve compatibility with newer systems.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use UAD Apollo 8x, it is most commonly used with the following gear.