Apollo 8 Hardware Manual Introduction4
Introduction
What is Apollo 8?
Thunderbolt Audio Interface with UAD-2 Processing
Apollo 8 is an elegant update to one of the world’s most popular professional audio in-
terfaces — delivering enhanced sound with the tone, feel, and flow of analog recording.
This 18 x 24 Thunderbolt interface features powerful UAD-2 DUO or QUAD processing,
genuine UA analog design, and next-generation A/D and D/A conversion, putting class-
leading audio quality in a sleek new package.
Apollo 8 further distinguishes itself with Realtime UAD Processing and Unison™ tech-
nology, letting you record at near-zero latency through the full range of UAD plug-ins
from Neve, Studer, Manley, Lexicon, and more — including new mic preamp emulations
from Neve, API and Universal Audio.* Apollo Expanded software now allows cascading
up to four Apollos in a single system over Thunderbolt (Mac), so you can scale up your
studio as your needs grow.
Next-Generation Apollo A/D and D/A Conversion
Apollo 8 improves upon the original Apollo’s gold-standard audio quality with completely
redesigned, class-leading A/D and D/A conversion — giving you increased dynamic range
and even lower THD. This results in breathtaking clarity, depth, and accuracy in your
recordings, from tracking and overdubbing, to mixing and mastering.
Realtime UAD Plug-In Processing for Tracking, Mixing, and Mastering
While Apollo 8’s “natural” sound is very open and transparent, it can quickly deliver a
stunning range of classic analog tones and color via its Realtime UAD Processing. Avail-
able with UAD-2 DUO or QUAD processing onboard, Apollo’s DSP Acceleration allows for
recording through UAD Powered Plug-Ins — with as low as sub-2ms latency — letting
you monitor and “print” audio using classic analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon,
Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more.*
The Apollo 8’s bundled “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” suite of UAD plug-ins gives you
the UA 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, Raw Distortion, Softube Amp Rooms, legacy LA-
2A, 1176, and Fairchild compressors, Pultec EQs, and more, so you have a rack full of
bonafide audio classics, right out of the box.
Using Apollo, UAD plug-ins are also available during mixing and mastering with a DAW,
putting UAD plug-ins (VST, RTAS, AU, AAX 64) at your disposal throughout the creative
process.
*All trademarks are recognized as property of their respective owners. Individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins
sold separately.
