Universal Audio
Universal Audio Apollo X8P Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
★★★★★
Thunderbolt 3Thunderbolt 1
Professional Audio Interface for Superior Sound The Universal Audio Apollo X8P is a rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface delivering elite-class A/D and D/A conversion and UAD HEXA Core processing. Ideal for music engineers, producers, and project studios seeking top-tier audio quality and real...
$3,399.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 13, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Professional Audio Interface for Superior Sound
The Universal Audio Apollo X8P is a rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface delivering elite-class A/D and D/A conversion and UAD HEXA Core processing. Ideal for music engineers, producers, and project studios seeking top-tier audio quality and real-time UAD plug-in processing.
Specifications:
- Interface: 16 x 22 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
- Conversion: 24-bit/192 KHz
- Processing: Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing
- Mic Preamps: 8 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps
- Included Software: LUNA Recording System (Mac/Thunderbolt), "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" plug-in bundle
- Surround Support: Surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format
- Operating Level: Selectable +24 dBu
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3 (backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac)
- Front Panel Features: Alt Speakers, Talkback mic, assignable Dim or Mono
Key Features
16 x 22 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 KHz conversion
Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency regardless of audio buffer size
8 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps, giving you fully authentic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and more
Includes LUNA, UA’s groundbreaking recording application with deep Apollo integration (Mac/Thunderbolt)
Onboard processing for additional mixing horsepower with Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, and other major DAWs
Includes the "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately
Surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format
Selectable +24 dBu operation for easy compatibility with professional mixing consoles and tape machines
Convenient front panel monitoring functions including Alt Speakers, Talkback mic, and assignable Dim or Mono
Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac
Specifications
Analog I/O
16 x 22
Connectivity
Thunderbolt 3
A/D D/A Resolution
24-bit/192 KHz
UAD Processing
HEXA Core
Mic/Line Preamps
8 (Unison-enabled)
Included Software
LUNA Recording Application (Mac/Thunderbolt), Realtime Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle
DAW Compatibility
Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, etc.
Monitor Control
Surround up to 7.1 format
Operating Level
Selectable +24 dBu
Front Panel Functions
Alt Speakers, Talkback mic, assignable Dim or Mono
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Delivers class-leading 24-bit/192 KHz conversion, ensuring pristine audio quality suitable for high-end studio work.
- Features Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing, allowing for near-zero latency tracking through UAD plug-ins, independent of buffer size.
- Equipped with eight Unison-enabled mic/line preamps, offering authentic emulations of classic hardware preamps from Neve, API, Manley, and SSL.
- Comes with LUNA, UA’s groundbreaking recording application, providing deep integration with Apollo hardware for Mac/Thunderbolt users.
- Offers substantial onboard processing for enhanced mixing horsepower, compatible with leading DAWs such as Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, and Ableton.
- Includes the "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" plug-in bundle, providing a valuable collection of essential UAD effects to start.
- Functions as a surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format, making it ideal for advanced immersive audio productions.
- Provides selectable +24 dBu operation, ensuring seamless compatibility with professional mixing consoles and tape machines.
👎 Cons
- Requires Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, which might demand specific hardware or adapters for users with older Thunderbolt 1 or 2 Macs.
- The LUNA recording application is specific to Mac/Thunderbolt, meaning Windows users will not be able to utilize this feature.
- Additional UAD plug-ins are sold separately, which may lead to further investment for a comprehensive effects library.
- While having 8 Unison preamps is excellent, a large-scale studio might still require even more I/O beyond the 16 x 22 count.
- The high-end features and capabilities make this interface a significant investment, potentially exceeding the needs or budget of hobbyist users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of the Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing?
The Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing allows you to track through UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency, regardless of your audio buffer size, which is critical for a smooth recording workflow.
How do the 8 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps enhance recording?
The 8 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps provide authentic emulations of classic hardware preamps from renowned brands like Neve, API, Manley, and SSL, offering a wide range of vintage tones for your recordings.
Is the LUNA recording application available for Windows users?
No, the LUNA recording application, which offers deep Apollo integration, is specifically for Mac/Thunderbolt users.
What is the highest surround format this interface can control for monitoring?
The Universal Audio Apollo x8p can function as a surround monitor controller up to a 7.1 format, ideal for immersive audio projects.
Can this interface be used with older Thunderbolt versions, like Thunderbolt 1 or 2?
Yes, the Thunderbolt 3 connectivity is backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac systems.
What plug-ins are included to get started with the Apollo x8p?
The interface includes the "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" plug-in bundle, providing a selection of core UAD plug-ins to enhance your sound immediately.
What does selectable +24 dBu operation signify?
Selectable +24 dBu operation ensures optimal signal levels and easy integration with high-end professional mixing consoles and tape machines, providing compatibility for diverse studio setups.
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