Quick answer: The Apollo x8 Gen 2 STU is a Universal Audio Apollo audio interface with onboard DSP for realtime UAD plug-in processing while you record. Priced at $2999.00, sold brand-new by Victory Musical Instruments, a veteran-owned authorized UA dealer in Miami, FL. Questions? Call 844-687-4208.

Apollo x8 Gen 2 with UA's expanded Studio+ plug-in library. The Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 Studio+ Edition delivers four Unison preamps, HEXA Core DSP, and 18 In / 24 Out I/O — paired with over 50 UAD plug-ins covering channel strips, compressors, EQs, tape machines, and analog instruments.

At a Glance

Overview

Same elite-class Apollo X Gen 2 conversion, same four Unison preamps, same HEXA Core DSP, same 7.1 surround capability as the Essentials+ Edition. Studio+ adds significant plug-in value: the Avalon VT-737sp, Empirical Labs Distressor, dbx 160, Lexicon 224 Reverb, Manley Reference Microphone Preamp, Moog Minimoog, Waterfall B3 Organ, and the complete Pultec EQ collection.

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, and game audio 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.

Studio+ Plug-In Bundle

The expanded UAD library for serious recording and mixing — over 50 titles:

• Channel Strips & Preamps — Avalon VT-737sp, Manley Reference Microphone Preamp, V76 Preamplifier, Century Tube, Helios Type 69, UA 610-A and 610-B, Precision Channel Strip, CS-1.
• Compressors — dbx 160, Empirical Labs Distressor, Fairchild 660 and 670, Teletronix LA-2A (all four versions) and LA-3A, UA 1176 Rev A / AE / Rev E / LN / SE, UA 175B and 176.
• EQs — Helios Type 69, complete Pultec collection (EQP-1A, HLF-3C, MEQ-5, EQP-1A Passive, Pultec Pro).
• Special Processing — Auto-Tune Realtime Access / Advanced / X, Studer A800 Multichannel Tape, Oxide Tape Recorder, Precision Enhancer Hz, Vibe Analog Machines Essentials.
• Instruments — Electra 88, Moog Minimoog, Opal Morphing Synth, PolyMAX, Ravel Grand Piano, Waterfall B3 Organ.
• Effects — Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb, Brigade Chorus, Galaxy Tape Echo, Studio D Chorus, Waterfall Rotary, Pure Plate Reverb, Ampeg SVT-VR, Marshall Plexi, Raw Distortion.

What's in the Box

• Apollo x8 Gen 2 audio interface (1U rackmount)
• External power supply
• Studio+ 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 the Studio edition?

The Studio edition includes a UAD plug-in bundle selected by Universal Audio covering compressors, EQs, reverbs, tape, and preamps. Higher tiers include more titles; current contents are published by UA.

What's included in the box?

Your purchase includes: Apollo x8 Gen 2 audio interface (1U rackmount), External power supply, Studio+ UAD plug-in bundle (digital via UA Connect).

Is the Apollo x8 Gen 2 STU 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 is a veteran-owned authorized UA dealer based in Miami, FL. We back every sale with real human support, fast shipping, and the kind of follow-through that only comes from a small dedicated team. Active duty, veterans, reservists, and eligible family save through our ID.me military discount program.