Universal Audio Apollo x8 18x24 Thunderbolt 3 Interface with LUNA Creator 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.

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.

LUNA Creator Bundle

Exclusively for LUNA Recording System and Apollo interfaces, the LUNA Creator Bundle gives you genuine Neve analog summing, integrated Studer multitrack tape, and two of Universal Audio's groundbreaking LUNA Instruments — Moog Minimoog and Ravel grand piano — with huge savings.

• Easily add width, depth, and character to your mixes with the first authentic emulation of Neve analog summing
• Use the Studer A800 LUNA Extension to easily add tape warmth to your entire mix on a per-channel basis
• Record classic, ultra-realistic and responsive Minimoog sounds and textures
• Play and record Ravel, the most organic, responsive, and expressive software piano ever made

NEVE SUMMING

Developed in partnership with AMS Neve exclusively for LUNA Recording System, the Neve Summing Extension emulates the entire summing circuit of an iconic Neve 80 series console — including its coveted 1272 bus amplifiers. Far beyond a simple “summing plug-in,” Neve Summing is an Extension built into LUNA's mixer, eliminating the need to manage multiple plug-in windows. — giving your LUNA mixes all the color of Neve's most cherished analog desk.

STUDER ANALOG TAPE

With LUNA Recording System, you can use the Studer A800 as a LUNA Extension, and easily get magnetic tape character on every audio and instrument track. The Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Extension lets you intuitively tweak settings across all channels. Going beyond any other tape plug-in, the Studer LUNA Extension is woven into the fabric of LUNA Recording System's mixer, giving Apollo interface users an analog inspired workflow with bona fide analog sonics to match.

RAVEL GRAND PIANO

A breathtaking emulation of a Steinway Model B grand piano based on UA's exclusive sampling, physical modeling, and new Ultra-Resonance technology, Ravel gives you all the sonic nuance of this studio classic. Captured at Ocean Way Studios, Ravel gives you an immaculately recorded studio piano that’s album-ready, with easy-to-use Tone, Dynamics, and Microphone controls, as well as an innovative Reverse feature for startlingly creative sounds and textures.

MOOG MINIMOOG

Developed in partnership with Moog Music, the Minimoog LUNA Instrument is an incredibly accurate and inspiring emulation of Bob Moog's pioneering synthesizer. By perfectly capturing every nuance of the classic Moog oscillators and ladder filters and harnessing discrete transistor VCA modeling, the Minimoog LUNA Instrument faithfully captures every detail and anomaly of this classic instrument used by everyone from Parliament-Funkadelic to Kraftwerk, Dr. Dre, and 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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