Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen2 Essentials+
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Universal Audio
Apollo x8 Gen2 Essentials+
Product Info
Article Number:
600524
Brand:
Universal Audio
Model:
Apollo x8 Gen2 Essentials+
Category:
Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces
Price:
$3,408.90
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The x8 Gen2 Essentials+ is a powerhouse for serious recording engineers and producers. Those Unison preamps are a game-changer for emulating high-end consoles, and the UAD processing capability is incredible. If you're building a professional studio and need pristine audio and flexible routing, this is a top contender.
Product Description
- Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen2 Essentials+
- 18 x 24 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
- 24 Bit / 192 kHz
- 6-Core SHARC DSP for internal UAD real-time processing
- 4 Unison microphone preamps
- Auto Gain function
- +48 V phantom power
- Low-cut
- Phase reverse
- Switch for monitor switching
- Dim or mono assignable function button
- LED meter
- Built-in talkback microphone
- Support for surround formats up to 7.1 with speaker calibration and downmix
- Dual Crystal Clocking for a low-jitter environment and pure
- artefact-free recordings as well as stable stereo imaging
- For Mac and Windows
- Compatible with Thunderbolt 2 with optional Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapter (not included)
- Up to 4 Apollos cascadable with Thunderbolt connection
- Format: 19" / 1U
- Includes Essentials+ plug-in bundle and external power supply
- *Connectors: *
- Microphone inputs: 4 x XLR
- Hi-Z inputs: 2 x 6.3 mm jack
- Line inputs: 8 x 6.3 mm jack
- Monitor outputs: 2 x 6.3 mm jack
- Line outputs: 8 x 6.3 mm jack
- S/PDIF input and output coaxial
- 2 x ADAT input and output
- BNC Word clock input and output
- Stereo headphone connections: 2 x 6.3 mm jack
- 2 x Thunderbolt 3
PROS
- • Unison preamps authentically model classic analog hardware
- • 6-core SHARC DSP enables near-zero latency UAD processing
- • Dual Crystal Clocking minimizes jitter for pristine recordings
- • Robust 19” 1U rackmount chassis feels exceptionally well-built
CONS
- • Premium-priced, a significant investment for most home studios
- • Thunderbolt 2 adapter adds cost and potential compatibility issues
- • Limited expandability beyond four Apollos in a chain
Product Video
Key Features
Inputs
18
Outputs
24
Max Sample Rate
192 kHz
Bit Depth
24 Bit
Preamps
4 Unison
Weight
14.3 lbs
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Frequently Asked Questions
The 6-core SHARC significantly increases the number of UAD plugins you can run simultaneously without introducing audible latency, particularly with demanding emulations.
It's primarily intended for directing musicians, but the talkback mic delivers a clear signal suitable for basic voiceover work in a pinch. Don't expect broadcast-quality results.
While possible, cascading four Apollos can strain your Thunderbolt bandwidth, potentially impacting performance and requiring careful configuration to avoid bottlenecks.
