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Average Price: $1,175
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$501+
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Description
Step into the realm of professional-grade audio production with the Universal Audio Apollo 8, a high-performance Thunderbolt 2 audio interface that seamlessly integrates world-class analog design with cutting-edge digital technology. Perfect for musicians and producers seeking to elevate their studio setup, the Apollo 8 offers remarkable sonic fidelity and flexibility, ensuring your recordings sound as dynamic and expressive as intended.
At the heart of the Apollo 8 is UA's innovative "Unison" technology, which allows the four onboard mic preamps to emulate the sound and characteristics of vintage analog gear. This clever feature enables you to effortlessly switch between different preamp models, giving you the tonal versatility to match any recording scenario. Whether you're capturing the raw energy of a live performance or crafting intricate studio compositions, the Apollo 8 provides the robust processing power of UAD plugins, effortlessly handling complex mixes with its real-time effects processing.
Designed with the modern studio in mind, the Apollo 8 offers a comprehensive suite of I/O options, making it a versatile hub for all your audio needs. From pristine mic pres to high-quality A/D and D/A conversion, every element of this interface is engineered to deliver exceptional audio clarity and detail. Streamline your workflow and immerse yourself in the art of sound with the Apollo 8, where vintage charm meets modern innovation.
Key Features:
- Thunderbolt 2 connectivity for ultra-fast data transfer
- Four Unison-enabled microphone preamps
- Real-time UAD processing for low-latency plugin usage
- High-quality A/D and D/A conversion
- Comprehensive suite of analog and digital I/O options
Product specs
| Brand | Universal Audio |
| Model | Apollo 8 QUAD Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | Thunderbolt |
| Electronics | Analog, Digital, Solid State |
| Format | 19-inch Rackmount |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 8 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 10 |
| Number of Channels | 54 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 18 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 18 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 2 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 0 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 0 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 4 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
| Simultaneous I/O | 18 x 20 |
FAQs
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What are the main connectivity options for the Universal Audio Apollo 8?
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The Universal Audio Apollo 8 features Thunderbolt connectivity, offering high-speed data transfer for both Windows and macOS systems. It includes 8 analog inputs, 10 analog outputs, and 18 digital I/O, making it versatile for various studio setups.
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Is the Universal Audio Apollo 8 compatible with popular DAWs?
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Yes, the Apollo 8 is compatible with all major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro, ensuring seamless integration into your existing studio workflow.
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How many mic preamps does the Universal Audio Apollo 8 have?
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The Apollo 8 is equipped with 4 high-quality mic preamps, allowing for pristine audio capture and flexible recording options.
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Does the Universal Audio Apollo 8 support bus power?
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No, the Apollo 8 is not bus-powered; it requires an external power source, which ensures stable performance and reliability during recording sessions.
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What is the maximum sample rate supported by the Universal Audio Apollo 8?
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The Apollo 8 supports a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz, providing professional-grade audio resolution for high-fidelity recording and mixing.
Videos
Sweetwater
Universal Audio Apollo 8 Thunderbolt Interface Review by Sweetwater Sound
Universal Audio Apollo 8 Thunderbolt Interface Review by Sweetwater Sound
Sweetwater
Real World Review Of Universal Audio Apollo 8 & 8P
Production Expert
Universal Audio Apollo 8 & The SUM Cable | Pro Audio LA
Pro Audio L.A.
Universal Audio Apollo x8p Audio Interface Review
David Wallimann
Universal Audio Apollo 8 QUAD Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface Overview by Sweetwater
Sweetwater
Apollo 8 Has Landed! - UAD Apollo 8 Review | Streaky.com
Streaky
UNIVERSAL AUDIO APOLLO 8 INTERFACE OVERVIEW
Absolute Music
Universal Audio Apollo 8 Quad Thunderbolt Review
Archie Beatz
Universal Audio - Apollo 8 Thunderbolt Interface - Overview
MediaCast TV
Reviews
PROS
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Regarded as the industry standard in professional audio gear
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Delivers enhanced sound mirroring the analog recording experience
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Unison preamps provide a wide tonal palette with minimal space required
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Compact design with significant versatility for studio setups
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Sound quality closely matches that of hardware counterparts
CONS
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May not be the best fit for setups already using high-end preamps (consider Apollo 16)
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio Apollo 8.
Features and functionality
Mods and upgrades
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Replacing Thunderbolt 2 cards with Thunderbolt 3 cards enhances compatibility with newer systems.
Source
Software and compatibility
User experience
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Owners report long-term reliability with Apollo 8 interfaces, even after a decade of use without major issues.
Source
Use cases and applications
Comparisons
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Some users note significant differences in DA/AD converters and processing power between the original Apollo 8 and the newer x6, with the latter being more advanced.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 23 Ratings
210
professional
the industry standars pro! Universal Audio have the best gear by far!!
98
These converters are top notch, and the Unison pre's are next level.
I've had both a Twin, and a rack mount Apollo. Now, both are amazing but the new gen Apollo 8's are just killer. The Unison pre's allow for a wide tonal pallet, and amazing versatility with such a small footprint. Besides the fact that they sound almost identical to their hardware counterparts, the space factor makes this unit a no-brainer. If your running high end preamps already then an Apollo 16 might work better. If your considering buying one, do yourself a favor and stop waiting.
139
The truth.
Apollo 8 is an elegant update to one of the world' most popular professional audio interfaces ” delivering enhanced sound with the tone, feel, and flow of analog recording. What the manufacturer's description say's what it actually is.
Artist usage
Add artist
Below the Furman M-8Dx Power Conditioner and Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Interface, you can see that FINNEAS uses an Apollo 8 Interface in his rack systems.
Fluff uses a universal audio apollo 8 interface. He uses this in conjuction with a radial aby box. he uses the aby to send a signal to his interface as well as a signal to his axe fx or helix
You can see the Apollo 8 mounted right above the BAE 1073.
In a studio interview, Joseph Mount of Metronomy is seen using the Universal Audio Apollo 8 audio interface.
Oz Noy lists all of his current gear, including this one on his website.
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In this Instagram photo posted by Feerick, the Universal Audio Apollo 8 is visible.
In an Instagram post, Jari Mäenpää mentuons using the Universal Audio Apollo 8 to record vocals for "The Forest Seasons" album, stating:"I already recorded all the vocals for The Forest Seasons album by just connecting my SM7B microphone to the Unison Preamps of an Apollo 8 interface and putting a 1073 preamp & 1176 compressor plugins to the signal chain and got a better sound than ever before."
If you pause the video at 0:18 seconds, you'll see the Apollo 8.
In the MusicRadar article "Me in my studio," Novo Amor's Universal Audio Apollo 8 audio interface is visible in his studio rack.
Album Usage
The Universal Audio Apollo 8 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre 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 Universal Audio Apollo 8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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