Universal Audio Apollo x8 18x24 Audio Interface with LUNA Analog Essentials Bundle

In 2020 Universal Audio introduced the Heritage Edition Series of their acclaimed audio interfaces. These versions include special plug-in bundles featuring 10 premium UAD titles. For those looking for UA's elite-class AD/DA conversion and UAD-2 processing power but without these additional plug-ins (and cost), Universal Audio has reintroduced their Apollo X interfaces in non-Heritage editions. Though these versions do not include Heritage Edition bundles, they still include the Realtime Analog Classics Plus software bundle, giving you everything you need to get up and running with UAD's renowned plug-ins! And, as always, if you need more, you can bundle all of that with 2, 3, 6, or 10 additional plug-ins, or with the LUNA Creator or Analog Essential bundles!

The Universal Audio Apollo X: The Evolution of Apollo Recording Interfaces

There’s no doubt that the Universal Audio Apollo has changed the way the world records music. With the release of the new Apollo X series, Universal Audio is once again pushing their flagship interface forward and adding more power than ever before. The Universal Audio Apollo x8 improves upon its predecessors with unparalleled conversion, processing and monitoring features.

LUNA Analog Essentials Bundle

Get classic analog studio sound with authentic Tape and Summing Extensions. The analog console and magnetic tape machine are the bedrock of world-class analog recording, and some of the best-sounding records of all time. With the LUNA Analog Essentials Bundle, you get four pillars of professional analog recording — Neve and API analog summing, and integrated Studer and Ampex multitrack tape — at a huge savings.

Built into the fabric of LUNA's mixer, these LUNA Tape and Summing Extensions go beyond plug-ins, giving you authentic analog sounds without having to manage multiple plug‑in windows.

NOW YOU CAN:

• Easily add width, depth, and character to your mixes with the first authentic emulation of Neve analog console summing
• Get mixes with power, clarity, and mid-forward punch using the only emulation of genuine API analog console summing
• Use the Studer A800 LUNA Extension to easily add tape warmth to your entire mix on a per-channel basis
• Harness the ATR-102 LUNA Extension to produce punchy, analog tape-infused mixes and masters

NEVE SUMMING

A major ingredient behind countless influential records like Nirvana's Nevermind and Queen's Jazz, Neve 80 series consoles are without equal. Developed in partnership with AMS Neve, the Neve Summing Extension emulates the entire summing circuit of an iconic Neve 80 series console — including its coveted 1272 bus amplifiers, giving your LUNA mixes all the color and three-dimensional nonlinearities of Neve's most cherished analog console.

API SUMMING

From Stevie Wonder's Talking Book and Fleetwood Mac's Rumours, to Radiohead's Hail to the Thief the mid-forward punch of API's classic analog consoles breathe life into your mixes. Developed in partnership with API, the API Summing Extension emulates the 2520 op-amp and custom output transformer-based summing amps found in legendary API consoles — giving your LUNA mixes the attitude and tone of API's esteemed analog desks.

STUDER A800 MULTICHANNEL TAPE RECORDER

Producers have long gravitated to the warm analog sound, solid low-end, and musical presence of the Studer A800. With LUNA, use the Studer A800 as a LUNA Extension, and get tape character on every audio and instrument track, easily tweaking settings across all channels. As you build up your mix, you'll hear the cumulative "cohesiveness" of mixing from magnetic tape. Plus, you can add analog complexity by mix-and-matching up to four tape machines, using different tape formulas and per-track controls.

AMPEX ATR-102 MASTERING TAPE RECORDER

The perfect complement to the workhorse Studer A800, the ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder adds the final “analog polish" to your mixes. Since its inception, this legendary tape machine has turned recordings into records with its low-end punch and musical tape saturation. Using the ATR-102 as a LUNA Extension, get instant album-ready Ampex tape tones on LUNA's master fader and buses with all the authentic dynamics, tone, and saturation characteristics of the original analog hardware.

The Apollo x8 is the ideal tool for recording musicians, engineers and project studio owners, as you’re able to track and mix via an 18x24 (8x14 analog I/O) interface with four Unison-enable mic preamps and new HEXA core processing. Universal Audio has upped the ante power-wise as the HEXA core processing allows for 50% more DSP for running UAD plug-ins during each step of your workflow.

Packaged in a sleek rack mount unit with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for Mac and PC, the Apollo x8 has additional improvements in conversion and monitoring. Universal Audio engineers have updated their converters for more pristine recordings and now offer up to 7.1 surround sound monitoring, an integrated monitor controller and built-in talkback mic.

Improved Conversion For The Apollo x8

In the time since the release of the Apollo MKII interfaces, Universal Audio engineers have been hard at work on improving the conversion capabilities for the launch of the Apollo X line. Ultimately, the design team paired together 24-bit/192 kHz converters with new analog circuitry to offer Apollo x8 users pristine sounds with 129 dB dynamic range and 128 dB THD+N.

Adding More Power To The Apollo x8

The Apollo x8 offers more power than ever before with HEXA Core processing that utilizes six DSP chips. With 50% more DSP than previous generations of the interface, you’ll be able to take advantage of Universal Audio’s extensive UAD library and have a higher plug-in count when recording and mixing with the Apollo x8.

Nailing The Tone With Unison Technology

Universal Audio’s Unison Technology melds together plug-ins and analog in a way they’ve never been paired before. The Apollo x8 features four Unison-enabled mic pres, which allow music makers to track through mic pre emulations that match the actual input impedance, gain stage “sweet spots” and circuit behaviors of the gear they are based on. With legendary mic pre emulations from API, Manley, Neve, SSL and Universal Audio at the ready, you can bring the exact tone of so many classic records to next your next project.

A Seamless Fit In Any Studio

Using Apollo interfaces in a professional recording studio has never been easier. The Apollo x8 features up to 7.1 surround monitoring for engineers, producers and musicians working in any type of studio setting. There is also a selectable +24 dBU option for working outside of the box and using the Apollo x8 in conjunction with recording consoles and analog outboard gear.

Utilizing The Realtime Analog Classics Plus Bundle

Universal Audio has been one of the leaders in creating plug-in emulations of classic gear since they first re-founded in 1999. When purchasing the Apollo x8, you gain instant access to the brand’s Realtime Analog Classics Plus Bundle, which features 16 world-class plug-ins. You’ll get Universal Audio staples like the featuring UA 610-B Tube Preamp (Legacy), UA 1176LN Limiting Amplifier (Legacy), Pultec EQP-1A EQ (Legacy), Fairchild 670 Compressor (Legacy), Marshall Plexi Classic, Ampeg SVT-VR and so much more.

Features:

• 18x24 (8x14 analog I/O) Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz conversion (backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 on Mac)
• Realtime UAD HEXA Core Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency, regardless of audio buffer size
• Record through 4 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps — giving you fully authentic preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, and more
• Dual Crystal clocking for a low-jitter environment and pure, artifact-free recordings and solid stereo imaging
• Surround monitor controller up to 7.1 format
• Includes “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” UAD plug-in bundle
• UAD HEXA Core processing onboard for additional mixing horsepower for Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, and other major DAWs
• Combine up to 4 Thunderbolt-equipped Apollos and 6 total UAD devices
• 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
• Uncompromising UA analog design, superior components, and premium build quality
• Free, industry-leading technical support — on the phone and online — from knowledgeable audio engineers

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