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Deal.ai › Universal Audio › Studio Equipment
Universal Audio
Universal Audio Apollo X8P Gen 2 Essentials

Universal Audio Apollo X8P Gen 2 Essentials

Best price now

$3,499.00at Musician's FriendChecked 8 h ago

Compared across 5 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

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Price facts

  • Lowest price today: $3,499.00 at Musician's Friend (checked Nov 10, 2026).
  • Checked at 5 stores.

Our take on the Universal Audio Apollo X8P Gen 2 Essentials

The Apollo x8p Gen 2 is Universal Audio's 18-in/20-out Thunderbolt rack interface, built around eight Unison-enabled mic preamps with switchable phantom power and front-panel TRS inputs. It adds Gen 2 converters, onboard HEXA core DSP for UAD plug-ins, and the Essentials bundle of UAD plug-ins. It suits project and professional studios that want Neve, API and SSL-style preamp emulations and low-latency tracking with UAD effects. Rivals like the RME Fireface UFX III and Antelope Orion Studio offer more I/O or different workflows, but the x8p's Unison preamps and plug-in ecosystem are its main draw.

Best forMulti-mic drum and band trackingProducers committed to UAD plug-insHome studios upgrading to ThunderboltEngineers wanting Unison preamp emulations
Pros
  • Eight Unison mic preamps with phantom power
  • HEXA core DSP runs UAD plug-ins while tracking
  • Gen 2 converters and improved clocking
  • 18 inputs and 20 outputs for flexible routing
  • Essentials bundle adds useful UAD plug-ins
Cons
  • Thunderbolt only; no USB option
  • DSP is modest for large plug-in sessions
  • Rack space and heat are real considerations
  • Plug-in ecosystem locks you into UAD

Universal Audio Apollo X8P Gen 2 Essentials prices at every store

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $3,499.00Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • AdoramaNew

    In stock

    $3,499.00Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Adorama
  • Guitar CenterNew

    In stock

    $3,499.00Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Guitar Center
  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $3,499.00Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Newegg
  • Musician's FriendNew

    In stock

    $3,499.00Checked 8 h ago
    Visit Musician's Friend

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

Universal Audio Apollo X8P Gen 2 Essentials price history

Lowest price we've seen: $3,499.00 on Nov 10 at Best Buy. Tracked across 5 stores since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

Owners and reviewers rate the x8p highly for its Unison preamps, clean conversion and low-latency UAD tracking. Complaints centre on DSP headroom running out in bigger sessions and the Thunderbolt-only connection.

What people mention
  • PreampsPraisedOwners say the Unison preamps make the interface feel like several classic consoles in one box.
  • ConversionPraisedReviewers describe the Gen 2 converters as clean and detailed with a wide stereo image.
  • DSPMixedUsers like tracking through UAD plug-ins but say the HEXA core fills up quickly in dense sessions.
  • ConnectivityCriticisedSome buyers note the Thunderbolt-only connection rules out USB-only computers.
  • HeatCriticisedA few owners mention the unit runs warm and needs rack ventilation.

Specifications

1/4" TRS (6.3 mm) input
8Source
Phantom Power
YesSource
Area of Use
External Soundcard (Audio Interface), Studio DI Unit (Direct Injection)Source

Questions and answers

Is the Apollo x8p Gen 2 worth it over the previous generation?
The Gen 2 brings improved converters, better clocking and the Essentials plug-in bundle. If you already own a first-gen x8p and don't need the new conversion, the upgrade is less compelling.
How does it compare with the RME Fireface UFX III?
The UFX III offers more flexible I/O and USB plus Thunderbolt, while the x8p leans on Unison preamps and UAD plug-in processing. Choose based on whether you want the UAD ecosystem.
Do I need a Thunderbolt port?
Yes. The x8p Gen 2 connects over Thunderbolt only, so check your computer has a compatible Thunderbolt port before buying.
What is included in the Essentials bundle?
Essentials bundles a selection of UAD plug-ins covering EQ, compression, reverb and channel strips. The exact list is set by Universal Audio and can change.
Can I use it without UAD plug-ins?
Yes. It works as a standard audio interface with your DAW, and the DSP and Unison features are optional extras.
How many mic preamps does it have?
Eight Unison mic preamps with switchable phantom power, plus front-panel TRS inputs for instruments and line sources.
Where is the Universal Audio Apollo X8P Gen 2 Essentials cheapest?
At Musician's Friend, for $3,499.00, as of our latest check.
Where can I buy the Universal Audio Apollo X8P Gen 2 Essentials?
5 stores we checked sell it, including Best Buy, Adorama, Guitar Center, Newegg, Musician's Friend.

Stores we've priced the Universal Audio Apollo X8P Gen 2 Essentials at

  • Adorama deals and prices
  • Best Buy deals and prices
  • Guitar Center deals and prices
  • Newegg deals and prices

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