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Universal Audio Apollo X8 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

Build your studio around this Apollo rackmount interface. The X8 gives you 4 Unison mic preamps, 18x24 total I/O, and HEXA-core processing for UAD plug-ins.

$2,799.00

  • 12 x  
    $233.25
  • 8 x  
    $349.88

Universal Audio Apollo Quad Thunderbolt Audio Interface with DSP

No longer available at zZounds
More than just an 18x24 FireWire interface, the Thunderbolt-compatible Apollo QUAD lets you track, mix, master and monitor with UAD plug-in processing power.

Build your Mac- or PC-based studio around the Universal Audio Apollo QUAD, and you'll get more than an 18-in/24-out FireWire audio interface -- you'll get powerful UAD-2 Powered Plug-ins, and four processor cores with all the real-time DSP you need to run them. Track, mix, and master with UAD plug-ins from the likes of Lexicon, Manley, Neve, and Studer, while enjoying a pristine analog signal path. The Apollo QUAD's Thunderbolt expansion port gives you the option to add on Thunderbolt connectivity and get lower latency and higher bandwidth than what USB or FireWire can offer. When you integrate the Apollo QUAD into your recording setup, you can work faster, smarter with all the gear you already have.

Learn more with this video from Universal Audio:


Capture 18 Inputs at Up To 192 kHz/24-bit

A great mix starts with a great recording. Capture your music at up to 192 kHz/24-bit resolution with the Apollo QUAD. Its premium mic preamps and converters deliver extremely low THD (total harmonic distortion) and a wide dynamic range, all designed to lend greater accuracy and depth to any recording.

Eight Analog Ins, Including Four Mic Preamps

Ready to be the center of your studio, the Apollo QUAD sports four digitally controlled analog mic preamps, eight balanced line inputs, and two JFET instrument inputs for capturing direct instrument recordings. Its 14 analog outputs include 8 balanced line outs, 2 digitally controlled analog monitor outs, and 2 dedicated stereo headphone read more outs. Lastly, its 10 channels of digital I/O include 8 channels of ADAT, 2 channels S/PDIF, and Wordclock I/O.

Track, Mix, and Monitor Through UAD-2 Plug-ins

The Apollo QUAD interface allows you to record and mix through UAD Powered Plug-Ins with as low as sub-2 ms latency. With four processors built right into your interface, can run Universal Audio's entire UAD Powered Plug-Ins library, which means you get better-sounding tracking and mixing sessions with the benefit of reduced strain on your host computer CPU. To help you get started right out of the box, the interface comes with UA's Analog Classics plug-in bundle.Having access to classic emulation plug-ins from Ampex, Roland, SSL, and more means having a number of expensive, hard to find instruments at your fingertips. Quickly monitor, audition, and print audio with digital versions of analog gear you've lusted after for years.

Thunderbolt I/O, Too

If your computer is Thunderbolt-ready, then adding on the optional, user-installable dual-port Thunderbolt I/O Option Card is a no-brainer. Intel's Thunderbolt technology provides lower latency, reduced audio buffer size, improved performance, and greater UAD plug-in instances versus FireWire.

Full Integration with Your DAW

Core Audio and ASIO drivers make UA's Apollo QUAD compatible with all major digital audio workstations (DAWs). The included Console application and companion Console Recall plug-in give you control and recall of all interface and UAD plug-in settings within individual DAW sessions, even months and years later. All of the Apollo QUAD's front-panel hardware features can be controlled using this Console app.

Hardware Design that Makes Sense

On the Apollo QUAD's front panel, you have controls for all the most commonly used features, including Preamp and Monitor level knobs, channel selection, mic pad and low cut, phantom power, and dual headphone outs with independent level control. Hi-Z inputs, also on the front panel, detect when you've connected your guitar or bass, and they automatically enable hardware and software monitoring. The slim 1U rack space audio interface also works standalone, allowing you to use its audio connections and last-used DSP mixer settings without a computer connected.

Features:

- 18-In/24-out FireWire/Thunderbolt-ready audio interface for Mac and PC
- Real-time UAD digital signal processing for low-latency (sub-2 ms) tracking and mixing with UAD Powered Plug-Ins
- High-quality mic pres, converters, and analog design yield 192 kHz/24-bit resolution audio
- Easy to access front-panel controls for all commonly used features
- Full recall of interface and UAD plug-in settings within DAW sessions via Console Recall plug-in
- 8 Analog inputs: 4 digitally controlled analog mic preamps, 8 balanced line inputs, 2 front-panel JFET DIs
- 14 Analog outputs: 8 balanced line outs, 2 digitally controlled analog monitor outs, 2 dedicated stereo headphone outs
- 10 Channels of digital I/O: 8 channels of ADAT, 2 channels S/PDIF, Wordclock I/O
- Dual FireWire 800 ports
- Optional Thunderbolt I/O Option Card for connectivity to Macs and PCs
- Includes Analog Classics plug-ins: LA-2A Classic Audio Leveler, 1176LN Limiting Amplifier, and Pultec EQP-1A Program Equalizer
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System

I/O Complement:
- Microphone Inputs 4
- High-Impedance Inputs 2
- Analog Line Inputs 8
- Analog Line Outputs 8
- Analog Monitor Outputs 2 (1 stereo pair)
- Headphone Outputs 2 stereo (independent mix buses)
- ADAT Up to 8 channels via dual I/O ports with S/MUX
- S/PDIF 1 stereo input, 1 stereo output
- FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) Dual ports
- Thunderbolt (via Option Card) Dual ports
- Word Clock 1 input, 1 output
A/D - D/A Conversion:
- Supported Sample Rates (kHz) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192
- A/D Bits Per Sample 24
- Simultaneous A/D conversion 8 channels
- Simultaneous D/A conversion 14 channels
- Analog Round-Trip Latency 1.1 milliseconds @ 96 kHz sample rate
- Analog Round-Trip Latency with four serial UAD-2 plug-ins via Console application 1.1 milliseconds @ 96 kHz sample rate

Analog I/O

Microphone Inputs 1 - 4:
- Jack Type XLR Female
- Phantom Power +48V, Switchable
- Dynamic Range 118 dB (A-weighting)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio 118 dB (A-weighting)
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise -110 dB
Hi-Z Inputs:
- Jack Type 1/4-in. Male (Mono TS plug required)
- Dynamic Range 117 dB (A-weighting)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio 117 dB (A-weighting)
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise -103 dB
Line Inputs 1 - 4:
- Jack Type 1/4-in. Male TRS Balanced
- Dynamic Range 117 dB (A-weighting)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio 117 dB (A-weighting)
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise -107 dB
Line Inputs 5 - 8:
- Jack Type 1/4-in. Male TRS Balanced
- Dynamic Range 117 dB (A-weighting)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio 117 dB (A-weighting)
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise -107 d
Line Outputs 1 - 8:
- Jack Type 1/4-in. Male TRS Balanced
- Dynamic Range 118 dB (A-weighting)
- Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +/-0.1 dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio 118 dB (A-weighting)
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise -106 dB
Monitor Outputs 1 - 2:
- Jack Type 1/4-in. Male TRS Balanced
- Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +/-0.1 dB
- Dynamic Range 115 dB (A-weighting)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio 114 dB (A-weighting)
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise -103 dB
Stereo Headphone Outputs 1 & 2:
- Jack Type 1/4-in. Male TRS Stereo/Unbalanced
- Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +/-0.1 dB
- Dynamic Range 113 dB (A-weighting)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio 113 dB (A-weighting)
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise -101 dB

Digital I/O

S/PDIF:
- Jack Type Phono (RCA)
- Format IEC958
ADAT:
- Jack Type Optical TOSLINK JIS F05
- Format ADAT Digital "Lightpipe" with S/MUX
- Channel Assignments @ 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz Port 1 = Channels 1 - 8, Port 2 = 1 - 8 (mirrored)
- Channel Assignments @ 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz Port 1 = Channels 1 - 4, Port 2 = Channels 5 - 8
- Channel Assignments @ 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz Port 1 = Channels 1 - 2, Port 2 = Channels 3 - 4
Word Clock:
- Jack Type BNC
- Lock Range +/-0.5% of any supported sample rate
- Word Clock Input Termination 75 Ohms, switchable
Synchronization Sources:
- Internal, Word Clock, S/PDIF, ADAT

Electrical

- Power Supplies External AC to DC Power Supply Brick, Internal DC to DC Power Supply
- AC Connector Type IEC Male
- AC Requirements 100V - 240V AC, 50 - 60 Hz
- DC Connector Type XLR 4-Pin Locking Male (Neutrik P/N NC4MDM3-H)
- DC Requirements 12 VDC, +/-5%
- Maximum Power Consumption 6.5 amperes

Mechanical

Dimensions:
- Width 19"
- Height 1.75" (1U rack space)
- Depth, Chassis Only 12.125"
- Depth, Including Knob & Jack Protrusions 13.5"
- Shipping Box (Width x Depth x Height) 24" x 17" x 8"
Weight:
- Shipping Weight (with box & accessories) 18 pounds
- Weight (bare unit) 9.1 pounds

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 831-440-1176
Web: https://help.uaudio.com/

Universal Audio Apollo Quad Thunderbolt

The Universal Audio Apollo QUAD is the quad core version of the first professional, high-resolution computer audio interface that delivers the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording. This 18 x 24 FireWire/Thunderbolt- ready interface combines genuine UA analog design with class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz sound quality and onboard Realtime UAD Processing. Using Apollo, music producers and performers can finally track audio through a range of classic UAD analog emulation plug-ins from Neve, Studer, Manley, Lexicon and more in real time, and with a sleek, elegant workflow on both Mac and PC.*

Class-Leading 24-bit/192 kHz Sound Quality

Designed to play a central role in a modern Mac- or PC-based studio, Apollo incorporates a true no compromise approach to audio quality. Building upon decades of UAs analog hardware heritage, it offers extremely high-resolution sonics, with the lowest THD and highest dynamic range in its class. Apollos premium mic preamps, top-end converters and UAs meticulous attention to circuit design translate into greater accuracy and depth in your recordings, from tracking and overdubbing, to mixing and mastering.

Realtime UAD Plug-In Processing for Tracking, Mixing and Mastering

While Apollos natural sound is exceedingly open and transparent, it can quickly deliver a wide range of classic analog tones and color via its Realtime UAD Processing. Available with either DUO Core or QUAD Core processing onboard, this onboard DSP Acceleration allows for recording and mixing through UAD Powered Plug-Ins with as low as sub-2ms latency so that producers can quickly monitor, audition, and print audio using classic analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more.**

Want to place multiple 1176 compressors on your drum inputs, or record vocals through a classic Neve 1073 EQ, or even track the entire band through a Studer A800 tape machine in real time? No problem. With Realtime UAD processing, Apollos sonic options are virtually endless.

Thunderbolt I/O: The Next Generation of Connectivity

Apollo offers compatibility with Intel's Thunderbolt technology, as found on the current iMacs, MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, and next-generation PCs. Available via a user-installable dual-port Thunderbolt I/O Option Card (sold separately), Thunderbolt provides lower latency, reduced audio buffer size, improved performance, and greater UAD plug-in instances versus FireWire. And because Thunderbolt offers many times the bandwith of FireWire, it allows music producers to connect numerous devices in series with the Apollo interface including hard drives, processors, and additional computer monitors all with fast, flawless performance.

Deeper Integration with Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase and more

Apollos Core Audio and ASIO* drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live, and more. Beyond this basic compatibility, Apollos included Console application and companion Console Recall plug-in (VST/AU/RTAS) provide control and recall of all interface and UAD plug-in settings within individual DAW sessions, even months and years later. Read more about Apollos included software here.

Elegant Hardware Design and Workflow

One key feature of Apollo isnt really a feature at all. Its the numerous design details that give you a fast, natural workflow and better results. There are physical front-panel controls for all the most commonly used features, including Preamp and Monitor level knobs, channel selection, mic pad and low cut, phantom power, and even dual headphone outs with independent level control. Smart Hi-Z inputs on the front panel detect when you've connected your guitar or bass, and automatically enable hardware and software monitoring.

Sonically, Apollo's Mic inputs and Monitor outputs are digitally controlled analog, so you don't lose audio resolution when you adjust gain. High-resolution/high-contrast metering, derived from UAs legendary 2192 interface, is designed to be viewable at nearly any angle. Finally, standalone operation means that you can use Apollos audio connections, and last-used DSP mixer settings, even without a computer connected.

Console Application and Console Recall Plug-In (VST/AU/RTAS)

The Console application is Apollo's primary software interface. Its intuitive, analog console-style design provides ultra-fast ("realtime") tracking and monitoring with UAD Powered Plug-Ins. Additionally, all of Apollo's front-panel hardware features can be controlled using this Console app, even if the Apollo hardware is out of reach of the engineer.

Apollo's Realtime UAD processing gives you the ability to place UAD Powered Plug-Ins on all inputs, tracking with less than 2ms latency -- a feature not found in any other interface. Specifically, UAD Powered Plug-Ins can be inserted into any/all Console inputs and/or auxiliary returns (within the constraints of Apollo's onboard DSP), for the ultimate sonic experience. For the first time, music producers can track audio through award-winning plug-ins from Neve, Manley, Studer, Lexicon and more, right on input.

When its time to mix or master, Apollo's onboard UAD-2 DUO or UAD-2 QUAD processors can run the entire UAD Powered Plug-Ins library, just like a standard UAD-2 DSP Accelerator. In this way, owning an Apollo not only makes for better-sounding tracking and mixing sessions, but reduced strain on your host computer CPU.
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The Console app can be used simultaneously with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Live, Performer and more, giving you very flexible signal routing and processing options. And complete Console setups can be saved as presets -- or even saved "within" your sessions using the VST/AU/RTAS-compatible Console Recall plug-in -- for full recall, even months and years after you last opened your session.

In simple terms, the Console Recall plug-in provides access to all of Apollo's crucial monitoring and metering functionality, without having to leave your DAW of choice.

Features

- 18 x 24 FireWire/Thunderbolt(TM)-ready audio interface for Mac and PC*
- Realtime UAD Processing for low-latency (sub-2ms) tracking and mixing w/ UAD Powered Plug-Ins**
- Premium mic preamps, top-end converters, and uncompromising analog design
- Front-panel controls for all commonly used features
- Full recall of interface and UAD plug-in settings within DAW sessions via Console Recall plug-in (VST/RTAS/AU)
- 8 analog inputs: 4 digitally controlled analog mic preamps; 8 balanced line inputs; 2 front-panel JFET DIs
- 14 analog outputs: 8 balanced line outs; 2 digitally-controlled analog monitor outs; 2 dedicated stereo headphone outs
- 10 channels of digital I/O: 8 channels of ADAT; 2 channels S/PDIF; Wordclock I/O
- Dual FireWire 800 ports (standard)
- Thunderbolt I/O Option Card for connectivity to Macs and PCs (card sold separately) *
- Available in DUO Core and QUAD Core processor models
- Includes "Analog Classics" plug-ins: LA-2A Classic Audio Leveler, 1176LN Limiting Amplifier, and Pultec EQP-1A Program Equalizer

* Compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.7; Windows 7 support coming Summer 2012.
** All trademarks are recognized as property of their respective owners. Individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins sold separately. NOTE: Thunderbolt I/O option card coming Summer 2012.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (3 ratings)
Submitted May 2, 2012 by Mehmet M in Woodhaven, NY

"Sounds so great that it feels like I have a new set of monitors!!!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This thing is awesome! Sound is extremely clear and open. I noticed things in the mix I didn't notice with my older interface. I felt like I purchased new speakers!!! This thing is built like a tank and very stylish as well! 4 Mic pre amps, each with individual phantom power is a plus! Able to load UA Plug-ins during tracking and play back with no delay or stress on computer another plus. This is a great piece of gear. I would buy another one if I had the extra cash!!!!

Musical Background:

8 Years Keyboards jam at home making new arrangements

Musical Style:

Rock, Country, Electronic, Ethnic
20 of 22 people (91%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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No longer available at zZounds