Universal audio Apollo X8 Gen 2 Essentials+

The Apollo X8 Essentials+ is a sound card offered by the Universal Audio brand.

The new generation of UA's Apollo x8 interfaces has arrived, for artistic directors who need digital audio converters offering the highest possible resolution, four Unison™ mic preamps and the HEXA Core DSP processor to record and mix with UAD's famous plug-ins, including Auto-Tune, emulations of Neve, Manley, Avalon, SSL equipment and hundreds of other treatments.

The world's top artistic directors and sound engineers choose the Apollo x8 when they need the exceptional sound and DSP power of the Apollo X with more inputs and outputs. UA now brings you its legendary expertise and the sound of the stars, right in your rack.

Apollo X8 Essentials+ highlights

• Work with state-of-the-art audio converters: never before has the Apollo boasted such a wide dynamic range and low distortion.


• Enjoy perfectly authentic analog sound thanks to the Unison™ preamps. They allow you to record in real time through emulations of equipment signed Neve, API, Avalon, Fender, etc.


• Access over 200 UAD DSP and native plug-ins, including the famous Capitol Chambers, Sound City Studios, EL8 Distressor and more.


• Mix with confidence on any loudspeaker or headphones, thanks to Apollo Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks® technology.


• Use the automatic gain function to adjust the gain of multiple inputs in seconds. You'll never lose a take again.


• Listen to the bottom end of your mixes in the finest detail using the Bass Manager when adding a subwoofer to your monitoring system.


• Set up low-latency headphone networks, plug-in scenes and immersive monitoring in just a few clicks with the UAD Console application.


• Choose between Essentials+ and Studio+ editions and receive thousands of dollars worth of UAD plug-ins, including Auto-Tune, Fairchild processors, Teletronix and more.

Apollo X8 Essentials+ Key Features

Install the world's most widely used interface in your rack

Universal Audio designed the Apollo x8 for medium and large professional studios that require the highest quality sound. We now offer you the opportunity to enjoy the famous Apollo X sound directly in your rack, with unprecedented dynamic range and D/A converters optimized for monitoring.

Record through four Unison preamps

Thanks to Unison™ technology, the Apollo x8 lets you record in real time while enjoying the sound of dozens of historic console preamps and slices, including those by Neve, Manley and API. You'll be able to bring back to your projects the magnificent analog textures you've been hearing for decades on some of history's most legendary recordings.

A new level of detail

The second-generation Apollo x8 features D/A converters with the highest resolution UA has ever offered. Combined with the Apollo Monitor Correction function powered by Sonarworks® technology, these converters enable you not only to obtain the most accurate representation of your recordings on your speakers or in your headphones, but also to avoid unpleasant surprises when listening to your final mix or master.

UAD Console: the application that adapts to your needs

Like an analog studio, where everything goes through the console, the Apollo x8 features a powerful digital mixing engine that lets you control plug-in routing and monitoring. Thanks to new features such as automatic gain control, bass manager, 7.1 surround sound support and plug-in scenes, you'll have no trouble creating an optimal working environment.

A hybrid system for all your projects

Combine the Apollo x8's HEXA Core DSP with plug-ins running on your host computer to work on large-scale sessions with complex processing chains. This powerful hybrid environment outperforms any native recording setup.

Your studio grows with you

Adapt your studio to your needs by daisy-chaining up to four Apollo Thunderbolt interfaces. You'll have up to 128 inputs and outputs to work with in your STAN, and you can control them from your desk using an Apollo Twin or x4. Wherever your music takes you, you'll always have an Apollo close at hand.

Expert advice

• The Universal Audio Apollo X8 sound card offers unprecedented sound quality thanks to its high-precision A/D converters and real-time UAD processing technology. With eight analog inputs and high-quality preamps, it's ideal for professional recording studios.


• The Universal Audio Apollo X8 stands out for its versatility, suitable for both solo musicians and large-scale recording projects. Its rugged design and quality construction guarantee a long service life, making it a wise investment for music professionals. Numerous connectors and routing options make it easy to integrate into any studio environment.