Quick answer: The Apollo x8 Gen 2 ESS is a Universal Audio Apollo audio interface with onboard DSP for realtime UAD plug-in processing while you record. Priced at $2799.00, sold brand-new by Victory Musical Instruments, a veteran-owned authorized UA dealer in Miami, FL. Questions? Call 844-687-4208.

Produce music with authentic analog sound. The Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 Essentials+ Edition is an 18 In / 24 Out rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with four Unison-enabled mic preamps, HEXA Core DSP, and 7.1 surround monitoring — built for engineers and producers who need more preamps and more I/O than the x6.

At a Glance

Overview

Apollo x8 Gen 2 sits in the sweet spot for project and commercial studios. Four Unison preamps and two Hi-Z instrument inputs cover most tracking sessions; eight additional 1/4" line inputs handle synths, outboard preamps, and processors; HEXA Core DSP runs UAD plug-ins in realtime. Up to 7.1 surround monitoring makes it the go-to for music producers also working in film, TV, or game audio.

Key Features

• Elite-Class Apollo X Gen 2 Conversion — 24-bit / 192 kHz with Dual-Crystal Clocking for ultra-low jitter at all sample rates.
• Four Unison Mic Preamps — Authentic emulations of Neve, API, Manley, SSL, Avalon, and Helios. Two front-panel Hi-Z instrument inputs.
• HEXA Core DSP — Six SHARC processors for realtime UAD plug-in processing, 50% more DSP power than previous-generation Apollos.
• 18 In / 24 Out I/O — 4 Unison preamps, 2 Hi-Z inputs, 8 x 1/4" line inputs, 8 x 1/4" line outs (ALT / 7.1), 2 x 1/4" monitor outs, 2 x 1/4" TRS headphone outs, 2 optical Toslink I/O (ADAT S/MUX), RCA coaxial S/PDIF, BNC word clock I/O
• 7.1 Surround Monitoring Support — Native surround mode for film, TV, game audio, and immersive music production.
• Apollo Monitor Correction by Sonarworks® — Calibrate main monitors (stereo or immersive) and headphones for accurate playback (available add-on).
• Updated UAD Console — Auto-Gain, Plug-In Scenes, Bass Management, Monitor Controller with ALT speaker switching, and integrated talkback.
• +24 dBu Headroom (Switchable) — Console-level compatibility for integration with high-end pro audio gear.
• Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) — Two TB3 ports for daisy-chaining and Mac/Windows connectivity.

Essentials+ Plug-In Bundle

A comprehensive starter library covering every essential studio process:

• Channel Strips & Preamps — Century Tube, CS-1, Helios Type 69, Precision Channel Strip, UA 610-A and 610-B.
• Compressors — Fairchild 670 Legacy, Teletronix LA-2A (Classic / Gray / Silver / Legacy), UA 1176LN Legacy, UA 1176SE Legacy.
• EQs — Helios Type 69, full Pultec suite (EQP-1A, HLF-3C, MEQ-5).
• Effects & Instruments — Auto-Tune Realtime Access, Oxide Tape Recorder, Galaxy Tape Echo, Pure Plate Reverb, PolyMAX Synth, Ampeg SVT-VR, Marshall Plexi, and more.

What's in the Box

• Apollo x8 Gen 2 audio interface (1U rackmount)
• External power supply
• Essentials+ UAD plug-in bundle (digital via UA Connect)
• Note: Thunderbolt 3 cable sold separately

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this Apollo work on Windows, Mac, or both?

This Thunderbolt Apollo works on both Mac and Windows computers that have a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port.

Can I run UAD plug-ins in realtime while tracking?

Yes. Apollo's onboard DSP runs UAD plug-ins at near-zero latency, so you can print or monitor through analog emulations of classic preamps, compressors, EQs, and amps as you record.

What plug-ins are included with the Essentials edition?

The Essentials edition includes a UAD plug-in bundle selected by Universal Audio covering compressors, EQs, reverbs, tape, and preamps. Higher tiers include more titles; current contents are published by UA.

What's included in the box?

Your purchase includes: Apollo x8 Gen 2 audio interface (1U rackmount), External power supply, Essentials+ UAD plug-in bundle (digital via UA Connect).

Is the Apollo x8 Gen 2 ESS a genuine Universal Audio product?

Yes. Victory Musical Instruments is a veteran-owned, authorized Universal Audio dealer based in Miami, FL. Every unit is brand-new, factory-sealed, and covered by the full UA manufacturer warranty.

Can I get help choosing or setting it up?

Absolutely. You'll talk to real people, not a call center. Call us at 844-687-4208 and we'll help you spec the right gear and get it running.

Why Buy from Victory Musical Instruments

Victory Musical Instruments — veteran-owned, Miami-based, authorized UA dealer. We trust the gear we sell and back it with real support, not a call center. Active duty, veterans, reservists, and eligible family save through our ID.me military discount program.