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Free UAD plug-ins with this Apollo ($943 value)
Includes A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer, Electra 88 Vintage Keyboard Studio, 1176 Classic Limiter Collection, Pultec Passive EQ Collection, Topline Vocal Tune, UA 175B & 176 Tube Compressor Collection, Vibe Analog Machines. Promo ends July 31, 2026. 14-day grace period to redeem through your UA account.
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. 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 with UAD Analog Classics 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
| Brand | Universal Audio |
|---|---|
| Model | Apollo x8 Gen 2 ESS |
| Category | Audio Interface |
| Form factor | Rackmount |
| Connection | Thunderbolt 3 |
| Computer compatibility | Mac & Windows |
| SKU / MPN | APX8G2-ESS |
| Condition | New (factory sealed) |
| Warranty | Full Universal Audio manufacturer warranty |
| Sold by | Victory Musical Instruments — veteran-owned authorized UA dealer, Miami FL |
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.
UAD Analog Classics Plug-In Bundle
This Apollo ships with Universal Audio's UAD Analog Classics plug-in bundle — 30+ UAD titles covering channel strips, compressors, EQs, tape emulation, reverbs, and analog instruments. The bundle is delivered digitally through your UA Connect account after registration. For the full current list of included plug-ins, see Universal Audio's product page.
What's in the Box
- Apollo x8 Gen 2 audio interface (1U rackmount)
- External power supply
- UAD Analog Classics 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 this Apollo?
This Apollo includes the UAD Analog Classics bundle — 30+ UAD plug-ins covering compressors, EQs, reverbs, tape, preamps, and analog instruments. The current full list is published by Universal Audio.
What's included in the box?
Your purchase includes: Apollo x8 Gen 2 audio interface (1U rackmount), External power supply, UAD Analog Classics 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.