Universal Audio Apollo 8

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$1,000.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (23)

1 Critic Review

4 Reviews

Find out who is using Universal Audio Apollo 8

1 community setup

14 wishlisted

58 saved

Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

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

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (19)

$1,000.00 6 available Used

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Average Price: $1,000

High-end/Boutique

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Audio Interfaces category, Universal Audio Apollo 8 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

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Description

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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

What are the main connectivity options for the Universal Audio Apollo 8?: 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.
Is the Universal Audio Apollo 8 compatible with popular DAWs?: 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.
How many mic preamps does the Universal Audio Apollo 8 have?: The Apollo 8 is equipped with 4 high-quality mic preamps, allowing for pristine audio capture and flexible recording options.
Does the Universal Audio Apollo 8 support bus power?: No, the Apollo 8 is not bus-powered; it requires an external power source, which ensures stable performance and reliability during recording sessions.
What is the maximum sample rate supported by the Universal Audio Apollo 8?: The Apollo 8 supports a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz, providing professional-grade audio resolution for high-fidelity recording and mixing.

Videos

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Sweetwater

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

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PROS

Regarded as the industry standard in professional audio gear
Delivers enhanced sound mirroring the analog recording experience
Unison preamps provide a wide tonal palette with minimal space required
Compact design with significant versatility for studio setups
Sound quality closely matches that of hardware counterparts

CONS

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

0 0

Unison preamps and AMS plugins are highlighted for their significant impact on recording and mixing experiences.
Source
0 0

The Apollo 8 offers more Unison preamps compared to the x6, which could be a deciding factor for users needing multiple preamps simultaneously.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Replacing Thunderbolt 2 cards with Thunderbolt 3 cards enhances compatibility with newer systems.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Thunderbolt port compatibility issues are specific to PCs due to Intel and Windows drivers, not affecting Mac users.
Source
0 0

Concerns about obsolescence are voiced by potential buyers considering older models like the Apollo 8, especially in relation to future-proofing against new VSTs.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners report long-term reliability with Apollo 8 interfaces, even after a decade of use without major issues.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Users appreciate the Apollo 8 for its ability to provide a feel of tracking with EQ/Compression during recording sessions.
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Owners find the additional I/O of the Apollo 8 beneficial for mixing with outboard gear, providing more flexibility in complex setups.
Source

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

Value and pricing

0 0

The decision between the Apollo 8 and x6 may hinge on finding a good deal on the 8, with some users emphasizing cost-effectiveness over newer features.
Source

Critic Reviews

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 23 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

itamar_tsabari

210

over 3 years ago

professional

the industry standars pro! Universal Audio have the best gear by far!!

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Pop

anthony_paul

about 10 years ago

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.

itskarizz2u

139

over 7 years ago

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.