Universal Audio Apollo 8 Quad

$1,175.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (4)

Find out who is using Universal Audio Apollo 8 Quad

1 wishlisted

15 saved

Page last updated Jun 22, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 9, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (19)

$1,175.00 6 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $1,175

High-end/Boutique

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Audio Interfaces category, Universal Audio Apollo 8 Quad is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* 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

Edit description

The Universal Audio Apollo 8 Quad is a professional-grade audio interface designed for musicians and producers who demand versatility and impeccable sound quality. Leveraging Unison technology, this interface allows you to effortlessly transform the character of its 4 onboard mic preamps to emulate vintage classics, giving you a wide palette of sonic options at your fingertips. Whether you're laying down the backbone of a new track or adding the final polish, the Apollo 8 Quad ensures every detail is captured and enhanced with stunning precision.

Equipped with a powerful quad-core UAD processing engine, this interface provides seamless integration with Universal Audio's acclaimed powered plugins. From dynamic EQs to lush reverbs, you can apply these plugins in real-time with near-zero latency, allowing for an uninterrupted creative flow. The robust Thunderbolt 2 connectivity ensures swift data transfer and low-latency performance, making it an ideal choice for both home studios and professional recording environments.

The sleek layout of the Apollo 8 Quad includes a flexible array of I/O options, making it adaptable to any studio setup. With its combination of cutting-edge technology and classic analog charm, this interface is a must-have for any serious audio professional looking to elevate their recordings to new heights.

Key Features:

4 Unison-enabled mic preamps with switchable analog emulations
Quad-core UAD processing for real-time plugin use
Thunderbolt 2 connectivity for fast data transfer and low latency
High-resolution A/D and D/A conversion
Comprehensive I/O suite with flexible routing 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

What connectivity options does the Universal Audio Apollo 8 Quad offer?: The Apollo 8 Quad connects via Thunderbolt 2, providing fast and reliable data transfer. It features 8 analog inputs, 10 analog outputs, and supports 18 digital inputs and outputs, making it highly versatile for various studio setups.
Is the Universal Audio Apollo 8 Quad compatible with both Windows and macOS?: Yes, the Apollo 8 Quad is compatible with both Windows and macOS, ensuring flexibility in different studio environments.
How many mic preamps are included in the Apollo 8 Quad?: The Apollo 8 Quad includes 4 onboard mic preamps, which can be enhanced with Universal Audio's Unison technology to emulate classic preamp models.
What is the sample rate and bit depth of the Apollo 8 Quad?: The Apollo 8 Quad supports a sample rate of up to 192 kHz and a bit depth of 24-bit, providing high-resolution audio recording and playback.
Does the Apollo 8 Quad require an external power source?: Yes, the Apollo 8 Quad is not bus-powered and requires an external power source for operation.
How many headphone outputs are available on the Apollo 8 Quad?: The Apollo 8 Quad features 2 headphone outputs, allowing for multiple users to monitor audio simultaneously.

Videos

Add video

soundpurestudios

Universal Audio Apollo 8 QUAD Thunderbolt 2 Interface - Quick n' Dirty

soundpurestudios

Unboxing the Universal Audio Apollo 8 QUAD Audio Interface!!

PatRyanOfficial

Universal Audio Apollo 8 Quad Thunderbolt Review

Archie Beatz

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Exceptional sound quality elevates studio recordings
Unison mic preamps deliver impressive sound
Built-in DSP effectively handles multiple plugins
Expandable system with additional units for more inputs and DSP
High-quality converters enhance audio playback and clarity
User-friendly interface with intuitive software
Compatible with major DAWs without issues
Visually appealing design with informative display
Dual headphone outputs for versatility
Strong internal routing capabilities

CONS

Insufficient DSP for dense mixes on a single unit
Device runs hotter than typical interfaces, requiring extra rack space
Limited to 8 inputs, which may be restrictive
No Thunderbolt cable included in the package
Some I/O options reduced compared to previous models
Preamp flavor cannot be fully bypassed
Expensive compared to similar products
Only one monitor output limits setup flexibility
Reports of hardware reliability issues over time
Planned obsolescence with frequent hardware updates

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio Apollo 8 Quad.

Build quality

0 0

The Apollo 8's input jacks may be a point of concern after a decade of use, depending on their utilization.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Owners frequently upgrade from the original Thunderbolt 2 card to a Thunderbolt 3 card for improved compatibility without adapters.
Source
0 0

Adding a Thunderbolt 3 option card is essential for compatibility with the latest UAD software and systems.
Source
0 0

Installing a Thunderbolt 3 add-on card on the Apollo 8 may resolve connectivity issues with newer motherboards, though compatibility with MSI motherboards needs confirmation.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The Unison preamps and ability to use AMS plugins are highlighted as significant benefits for recording and mixing.
Source
0 0

Using a FireWire to Thunderbolt 3 adapter is effective only if the Apollo has a Thunderbolt 2 card installed first.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Thunderbolt port compatibility issues are primarily a problem for PC users due to Intel and Windows drivers, not for Mac users.
Source
0 0

Downgrading to macOS 10.14 Mojave may be necessary for FireWire compatibility due to dropped support in later versions.
Source
0 0

A BIOS change on MSI motherboards, disabling "Thunderbolt Boot Support," can resolve connectivity issues with Thunderbolt cards for Apollo 8 on Windows.
Source
0 0

Using only MSI's official Thunderbolt drivers, instead of generic ones, can enhance stability and prevent audio issues with the Apollo 8 on Windows systems.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

At €600, a 10-year-old Apollo 8 is considered an exceptional deal compared to newer models priced over €3,000 with only minor sonic improvements.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Avoid mixing USB-C with Thunderbolt as they share connectors but differ in protocols; ensure correct adapters are used.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners with custom-built PCs note that Apollo 8 can have issues with stuttering and skipping audio despite having high-end components, indicating potential compatibility issues.
Source