Studio TECH - Apollo 8 QUAD Audio Interface
The Apollo 8 QUAD from Universal Audio is an 18 x 24 Thunderbolt-ready computer audio interface that improves upon the original Apollo with better total harmonic distortion, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise specifications. Delivering the sound, feel and flow of analog recording, the interface combines high-resolution analog design with on-board UAD Processing, allowing music producers and performers to track audio through a range of classic UAD analog emulation plug-ins in real-time. Designed to perform a central role in a modern Mac-based studio, the unit delivers 24-bit/192 kHz resolution, which ultimately translates into high-resolution analog audio. The interface features four premium microphone preamps with Unison integration for UAD preamp and pedal plug-ins, which allows true-to-life performance including impedance matching, gain staging, and component-level circuit behaviors. Each mic pre features a switchable low cut filter, 48V phantom power, pad, polarity inversion, and stereo linking.
While the converters are open and transparent, the unit can quickly deliver a wide range of classic analog tones and color via its built-in UAD Processing. The on-board QUAD Core processing provides up to a sub-2 millisecond latency that allows for quickly monitoring, auditioning, and "printing" audio using classic analog emulations from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more. Apollo's Core Audio drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live, and more. The included Console 2.0 application provides control and recall of all interface and UAD plug-in settings including channel strip presets, drag & drop functionality, and dynamically resizable windows.
The Apollo 8 offers a comprehensive monitor solution with dedicated front panel controls for Alt Speakers, Dim, and Mono functions, as well as input and output metering capabilities. A total of four Apollos and six total UAD-2 devices can be combined via the included Apollo Expanded software, allowing Thunderbolt users the ability to expand their I/O and DSP. The Apollo 8 ships with a power supply, IEC power cord, and four rack-mount screws
