Universal Audio's Flagship Studio Console in a Rackmount Format: The Apollo X8 Heritage Edition Review

The Universal Audio Apollo X8 Heritage Edition is the ultimate studio recording solution for producers and engineers seeking professional-grade audio quality, unparalleled flexibility, and an extensive suite of vintage-inspired plug-ins. This rackmount format version of UA's legendary 1176-Channel-L heritage console distills decades of analog mixing expertise into a compact, yet powerful digital form.

At its core lies the Apollo X8's thunderbolt3 interface technology which allows for incredibly low latency (as low as 1.5ms) and pristine 24-bit/192kHz A/D conversion making it ideal for tracking, recording, and even live performance applications alike - perfect when space is at a premium yet still demands top-tier sound quality.

Inside the ruggedly constructed rack lies Universal Audio's powerful UAD-2 HEX DSP engine responsible for emulating some of history's most iconic analog gear within your computer via industry-standard plug-in formats such as VST, AU and AAX. With over 100 included classic plugins including legendary compressors like the 1176 & LA-3A alongside vintage EQs from Neve & SSL you'll have everything needed to shape, colorize and enhance any mix or master with precision.

In addition to its formidable audio processing capabilities the Apollo X8 Heritage Edition also boasts dual Universal Audio custom-designed AD/DA converters ensuring pristine signal integrity throughout every stage of your creative workflow - ideal for engineers working in both studio environments as well as on-the-go recording situations where space is limited but sound quality must remain uncompromised.

Other key features include:

* 16 analog audio ins / outs (12 mic preamps)

* Thunderbolt3 connectivity

* Bus and subgroup controls with Neve-style compression & EQing options available via the Console app

In conclusion, Universal Audio's Apollo X8 Heritage Edition is more than just an interface - it represents a total recording studio in your rackmount rack. With its combination of stunning audio performance, exceptional expandability, and rich heritage-inspired sonic palette makes this unit truly essential gear for anyone serious about capturing professional-grade recordings at home or on-the-road.

Universal Audio Apollo X8 Heritage Edition Specifications:

* Format: Thunderbolt3

* Analog I/O:

- 16 x line level analog inputs (12 mic preamps)

* AD/DA converters: Universal Audio custom-designed, dual-precision

* Latency: as low as 1.5ms

* A/D/A conversion rate: up to 192kHz

* Sample Rate Conversion: oversampling up to 4x (48k->96k etc.)

* Plug-in Processing:

+ UAD-2 HEX DSP engine

+ Real-time Analog Classics Plus plug-ins included

- Over 100 vintage and classic effects emulations available via UA's plugin store

* DAW Compatibility: Mac OS X or Windows 10/8 (64-bit)

* Power Supply: Universal AC power supply, external DC operation optional

Universal Audio Apollo X8 Heritage Edition Price:

$81,638.00 USD

Universal audio x8