Universal Audio Apollo X8P Gen 2 Studio Audio Interface

Universal Audio Apollo X8P Gen 2 Studio Audio Interface – Eight-Preamp Thunderbolt Interface with Monitor Correction

The Apollo x8p Gen 2 is Universal Audio’s eight-preamp rackmount interface for studios that record drums, bands and ensembles: a 16-in / 22-out Thunderbolt 3 unit with eight Unison microphone preamps, HEXA Core DSP and second-generation Apollo X conversion. The Gen 2 platform updates the original x8p with improved conversion, Auto-Gain, Apollo Monitor Correction and bass management.

Eight combo mic/line inputs, also available as line inputs on DB25, plus two front-panel Hi-Z instrument inputs, cover a full drum kit or a multi-microphone session without an external preamp rack. Two headphone outputs, a DB25 line output set for alternate and surround monitoring, and dual ADAT optical connections complete a front end designed to be both the recorder and the control room hub.

Key features

• 16 inputs / 22 outputs, Thunderbolt 3, 24-bit / 192 kHz conversion
• 8 Unison microphone preamps with +48V phantom power and 20 dB pad
• HEXA Core UAD DSP, six cores, for realtime UAD plug-ins
• Gen 2 conversion with monitor dynamic range up to 130 dB
• Auto-Gain sets levels across multiple inputs in UAD Console
• Apollo Monitor Correction powered by Sonarworks, plus bass management
• 8 line inputs and 8 line outputs via DB25
• 2 Hi-Z instrument inputs and 2 headphone outputs
• Dual ADAT optical I/O, switchable to S/PDIF, and word clock I/O
• Surround and immersive monitoring support up to 7.1

Gen 2 conversion and clocking

The Gen 2 converters deliver a monitor dynamic range of 130 dB with very low THD N, and microphone inputs offer 123 dB dynamic range with gain from +10 dB to +65 dB. Dual-Crystal clocking keeps jitter low for stable stereo imaging, and analogue round-trip latency through UAD Console is 1.1 ms at 96 kHz, so performers can monitor through plug-ins without a distracting delay.

Unison preamps and realtime tracking

Each Unison preamp works with compatible UAD plug-ins to model the impedance, gain behaviour and circuit response of classic microphone preamps and channel strips while recording. Because processing runs on the HEXA DSP, those chains work at near-zero latency regardless of the DAW buffer, and can be printed or monitored only. Plug-in Scenes in the updated UAD Console recall processing setups quickly between songs and sessions.

Monitoring, correction and surround

Apollo Monitor Correction applies Sonarworks-based correction to speakers and headphones, while bass management aligns a subwoofer with the main monitors for accurate low-frequency decisions. Alternate speaker switching, integrated talkback and cue mixing are built in, and output routing supports multichannel formats up to 7.1 for post and immersive work. These Gen 2 monitoring features are the clearest reason to choose this generation over the earlier x8p hardware.

Gen 2 or Heritage Edition

Both x8p versions share eight Unison preamps, HEXA DSP and 16×22 I/O. Choose Gen 2 for the newer conversion, Auto-Gain, monitor correction and bass management. Choose the Heritage Edition hardware when its included plug-in bundle matters more than the Gen 2 monitoring features. Confirm the exact Studio bundle entitlement supplied with this unit at registration.

For multi-microphone recording with modern room correction built in, the Apollo x8p Gen 2 is the most complete eight-preamp Apollo.

Buying guide: audio interface buying guide

Complete your setup: Pair the Universal Audio Apollo X8P Gen 2 Studio Audio Interface with the RODE NT1 Signature Series Black Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone and the ADAM Audio A4V Powered 2-Way Studio Monitor.