Answer: No. Some people might find the selection behaviour more useful (if they use headphones), but I wish Apogee would provide a quick mute option for those who might prefer it. S/MUX mode is supported for ADAT operation with the TOSlink connector, which can provide four ins and four outs at 88.2/96kHz. Finally, Metric Halo's Mobile I/O 2882 is a bit cheaper, but is the oldest of the interfaces and doesn't support 176.4/192kHz sample rates. Good-quality audio converters and preamps, as you would expect. When you adjust the volume using the Mac keyboard or the menu bar extra icon, you're then actually adjusting the Main volume on the Ensemble, and the Ensemble's output-level LED ring on the main output stays in sync with your Mac. At first glance the Symphony seems phenomenal (As I have always HATED latency and DREAM of tracking through plug-ins without stutters, clicks, pops, etc.) Apogee says that the design of the power regulators borrows custom elements from the flagship Symphony system [Tape Op #87, #99] (more details on that are available on their site). If you have […] Thus you will find exactly the same roundtrip latency time on Elements as Ensemble Thunderbolt, regardless of Thunderbolt 1 vs 2. Ultimately, though, despite a few remaining driver issues, Apogee have done a great job with the Ensemble, incorporating high-quality audio components into a Firewire interface that's easy to use, integrates well with Mac OS X (and Logic Pro), and offers flexible routing via the Maestro software. 10:06. Hey all, About to pull the trigger on either the Apollo x8 or the Apogee Symphony Mk2 and wondering if anyone has heard side by side comparisons or has any info on the differences between the convertor quality of the two interfaces seeing as the new Apollo line up have improved convertors. All contents copyright © SOS Publications Group and/or its licensors, 1985-2021. This makes it very easy to create headphone mixes without the need for any additional hardware. ... Apogee DUET 2 Vs Apogee Rosetta 800 + API 3124 with Beyer M160 Ribbon Mic - Duration: ... Apogee Ensemble … The mixing and routing aspects of Maestro were covered in the Symphony review, so it's worth referring to that article if you're unfamiliar with this functionality. One area where the Fireface and Orpheus have a distinct advantage over the Ensemble is that they also offer Windows support, which could be important if you run Windows on your Mac via Boot Camp, or have additional Windows-based computers to which you'd like to attach a Firewire audio interface on occasion. While Apogee were already well known in the industry and acclaimed for high-quality converters, master clocks, and the UV22 dithering algorithm, the company had arguably only dipped their toes into the world of computer-based recording, with products like MiniMe and various Firewire or Pro Tools expansion card options. PASSENDE NEWS. They only have a USB-C port. While this is a somewhat pedantic point in respect of what is a pretty well-designed front panel (especially the colour-coding of the LEDs), I really wish it was possible to configure the Main output encoder to mute on a simple press, rather than a simple press switching the selected output for level adjustment. From what I understand Symphony does this. Everything I read about it (and after having talked with Apogee tech supp) suggests that having a Mac Pro is vital. Symphony 32 is only supported up to Mac OS X 10.6.7 (not 10.6.8). To get started, simply install the Ensemble's software — although, as always, it's probably a good idea to make sure you download the latest version from Apogee's web site, rather than using any supplied versions. This changed at the 2006 NAMM show, when Apogee announced Symphony, a PCI-based system for handling a large amount of I/O with low latency via the company's AD16X, DA16X and Rosetta-series converters, and Ensemble, Apogee's entry into the Firewire audio interface market. Still, totally inaudible. One routing improvement that's been made since our last review is that it's now possible to route one hardware input to multiple software inputs, and, similarly but perhaps more usefully, it's also now possible to route one software output to multiple hardware outputs. You may login with either your assigned username or your e-mail address. I think this will become evident after the new year and these systems are more prevalent. On the Ensemble Thunderbolt and Symphony I/O MkII it is much more important to have Thunderbolt 2, because those units are passing far more channels, up to 64 channels with two Symphony I/O MkII units in multi-unit mode. Question: Q: Apogee Ensemble vs Apogee Duet. Once successfully connected, you can set the Ensemble to be the default audio input and output for your Mac in either Audio MIDI Setup or the Sound System Preferences Panel. I track at 48k and export to 96. Apogee-Produkte wie Duet, Quartet, das erste Ensemble und Symphony I/O sind bei professionellen Toningenieuren weltweit die erste Wahl und kommen daher bei zahlreichen GRAMMY® und OSCAR® prämierten Aufnahmen zum Einsatz: In den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten galten sie als Industrie-Standard für die professionelle Audioaufnahme. In terms of audio, the Ensemble has eight analogue inputs, and the first four can accept either a line- or mic-level signal, thanks to the built-in preamps. If you need pres on a budget, get something like the Mackie onyx (the 8pre rackmount one) or something equivalent like the presonus digimax fs. Apogee ensemble vs. symphony Hi guys and gals, I have been trying to wrap my head around all of this and I am getting ready to update my studio on Friday that's 12-15-06 and I am really not sure of what I … Eine komplette Zusammenstellung aller Features findest Du indes im Infokasten. As I said before, both devices are very similar when it comes to hardware. Like Symphony, the Ensemble is also supplied with Apogee's Maestro software, which is used to configure the onboard routing and settings. The status LED also has the potential to illuminate in red if you're really unlucky, and this can happen if you plug the Ensemble into your computer and a successful connection can't be established. Although there are cheaper alternatives, the Ensemble certainly isn't overpriced, and I think Apogee have found a comfortable price point for the features and level of quality being provided. I know it wasn't *the same*, but I know the latency was still quite low and quite impressive. The second port is handy if you want to daisy chain other Firewire devices. In my case I was considering a similar choice. If that's anywhere near true about the G5, then Apogee must not have been testing that G5 with a taxed system in the way of plug-ins and VIs, because no way was I able to get buffers at 128 or lower on my Symphony/Rosetta/Quad G5 system. What's especially neat about the headphone outputs is that they're completely independent, both in terms of level and in terms of which pair of the Ensemble's outputs they are assigned. Symphony I/O Mk II Thunderbolt. One thing to bear in mind, though, is that while Symphony and the Ensemble both make use of the Maestro software, certain Symphony features, such as the V-Bus routing, are not available on the Ensemble. In this video, I compare my top 2-4 channel audio interface picks: the Apollo Twin & the Apogee Duet 2. This means that you can easily recall whatever mic-pre settings you had for a given Project, by simply clicking the 'Recall Setup from Project' button in the Control Panel once you've loaded up a previous Project. The mic preamps are equally impressive. The Ensemble brings Apogee's hardware and software technologies to an easy-to-use, high-quality Firewire audio interface. For digital connectivity the Ensemble has input and output TOSlink optical connectors for either ADAT or S/PDIF input and output, in addition to regular coaxial S/PDIF, and there are also word-clock BNC connectors, along with a push switch so that the Ensemble can optionally self-terminate an incoming word-clock signal. MOTU has done some informal testing on the Mac Pro and they are reporting incredibly low latency performance too. I’ve been using the Symphony I/O Mk II for several weeks now and it sounds stunning. How low can you set your buffers with a good dose of plug-in, VIs, etc.? Thanks for all the feed back!!! Also featured on the front panel are two rotary encoders, one for controlling input levels and the other for output, and each show level via a ring of bright white LEDs. Like Symphony, the Ensemble is also supplied with Apogee's Maestro software, which is used to configure the onboard routing and settings. If you want a nice vocal, you gotta look at every part of your vocal chain, and you might sacrifice more than you think by getting an ensemble just because you save some money on buying seperate pre's and such. You can then plug the Ensemble into your Mac via one of the two Firewire ports found on the back panel. The contents of this article are subject to worldwide copyright protection and reproduction in whole or part, whether mechanical or electronic, is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the Publishers. I am aware that the conversion quality is supposed to have better numbers in the Symphony. Matthew -- well I'm looking forward to your report. Please correct me if I'm wrong -- Ensemble/Mac Pro owners please speak up. Two white LEDs to the right of the meters indicate whether the metering represents either the audio input or output of the interface, and it's also possible for the meters to be disabled if they should become distracting. Unless you really really need the portability Firewire provides, gotta go with a pci(e) system. There is no internal fan, so Ensemble is dead quiet, with only a tiny "click" when switching inputs. An update to what I finally ended up with.... Maybe someone can help me out related to this Ensemble vs Symphony deal. Apogee Ensemble | Full Specifications: Sound Type: Stereo, Analog 3.5mm output: 8, Analogue RCA outputs: 0, Headphone output: yes, Each input and output level can be set to use a +4 or -10dB line-level signal (instead of a preamp on the first four inputs) and Apogee also provide SoftLimit, an analogue limiter that allows an extra 4dB of headroom, which can be enabled on any of the eight analogue inputs. Though no stranger to the audiophile community, Apogee is one of the first pro-audio manufacturers to incorporate it into an interface and, in addition to Symphony I/O, it is utilized in Duet 2, Duet for iPad & Mac, Ensemble and Quartet interfaces. I just ordered a symphony set up mostly because of the latency specs. If I get this thing in here and find out my G5 is holding it back, I'm going to be real pissed off. Ensemble Thunderbolt™ is the best sounding all-in-one audio recording interface for Mac. Monster Studio Pro 1000 cable pretty much in and out of everything. Although the Ensemble works with any Core Audio-compatible software on Mac OS X, Logic Pro users are especially lucky as Logic incorporates an Apogee Control Panel (accessible from the Options / Audio menu) that allows you to adjust the Ensemble's … The concert took place at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Dual G5 2 ghz. The output encoder sets the level for the main output, and a really nice touch is that the Ensemble's software (see the 'Maestro' box) lets you configure whether the Main output is stereo, 5.1, or 7.1. So I contacted Guitar Center concerning acquiring the Ensemble or the Duet. The input encoder allows you to set the gain for the mic preamp on the currently selected input, and you can set the current input by pressing the input encoder, which toggles through a set of blue LEDs to the right that indicates the selected input. For example, they've released a firmware update that allows the Ensemble to work as a stand-alone converter when not attached to a computer. The Symphony MkII’s preamp controls as they appear in Logic Pro X. Output settings such as speaker set selection, mute, dim, sum to mono Complete input/output control with Apogee Control software Works with Pro Tools, Logic, … Austrian Audio OC818 Dual Set Plus microphones. On March 12, the LA Philharmonic performed the first of four movements composed by Felix Brenner using Apogee Electronics’ Ensemble FireWire interface. I thought sound quality they would be the same. I hope you're wrong. I have a feeling that the low latency performance specs with Symphony and a Mac Pro are mostly due to the Mac Pro, and that a Symphony is needed IF you are recording many multiple tracks at once (as in an orchestra session). In this case your Mac will probably kernel panic and the Ensemble will go into stand-alone mode. Also, depending how serious you are, you're probably going to want an outboard mic pre anyways. The only real issue I have with my Ensemble is that I can't use the thing at 88 or 96k without crashing. I create my tracks primarily ITB, then add bass/gtr/vox overdubs and will never be recording more than a stereo pair at a time. We looked at Symphony in last September's SOS, and although it might seem a little late in the day to be looking at the Ensemble, Apogee have actually been consistently improving the product since its original release (which included beta drivers) last year. I would like to hear from anyone that owns either of these interfaces and have used it not only to record but to also mix out of. Instead, the Mobile features an XLR4 port so that it can easily be connected to a DC power source, and is conveniently supplied with an external AC to DC power supply having a regular IEC connection for when you're not in the field. It's about a thousand bucks more for a rosetta200/symphony combo plus a pre, over the ensemble. Apogee Software Download Links Current Products macOS/iOS Symphony Desktop | macOS Installers Duet | macOS/iOS Installers Quartet | macOS/iOS Installers ONE macOS/iOS Installers Symphony I/O Mk II | macOS Installers Ensemble | macOS Installers Element Series | macOS Installers Please note HypeMiC, MiC+, Jam+, ClipMic digital do not require software for operation. While the difference was admittedly subtle compared to my trusty Fireface 800, the Ensemble seemed to have a little more depth, with fractionally more space at the top. This would have made the unit look a little more at home on your desk, if it's not in a rack, and stop it from snagging on a bag when being packed up for mobile usage. Q. Sonic Differences: Apollo 8 TB VS Apogee Symphony MK2 I am trying to get a feel for the discernable audio differences from any folks who have used both. MOTU has done some informal testing on the Mac Pro and they are reporting incredibly low latency performance too. The 1U enclosure is about the same size as an AD16X or DA16X converter, and although this is a really minor point, I wish Apogee had made the rack ears removable (as with other interfaces such as the RME Fireface 800 or Prism Orpheus). Apogee Symphony Desktop: Finally..a Pro iOS interface? How to Record Acoustic Guitar and Vocals at the Same Time Februar 17, 2016 - 1:02 pm; Hear More Goosebumps (Featuring Harrison Kipner) November 18, 2015 - 12:12 pm Apogee and Waves Offer up to 60% off Popular Waves Plugins November 3, 2015 - 12:33 pm When I was weighing the options, the Ensemble won over Symphony only because Apogee mentioned no plans for an Express card version of Symphony for laptops. I'd say it all comes down to cash at this point, mon ami. The first eight of these can show either the level of the analogue inputs or outputs, while the last two are labelled D1 and D2, and show the presence of signal in either the coaxial or optical digital I/O respectively. For example, it’s possible to Although this behaviour keeps consistency with the input encoder, I found the press-and-hold action for mute annoying, because I would use mute all the time, whereas selection of headphone outputs was something I rarely (if ever) needed to do. All rights reserved. Apogee is announcing a number of new products at NAMM 2020 including the Symphony Desktop 10x14 Audio Interface, Symphony I/O Mk II Connect Series, Apogee Network Control Software for Symphony I/O Mk II Dante, Rent-To-Own Apogee FX Plugins as well as Apogee FX Rack Dual-Path V1.0 for Element Series and Ensemble Thunderbolt software now being available. You've narrowed down the pros and cons pretty good, and now you have to decide what you want to spend. Apogee's Director of Technical Services, Roger Robindoré, replied that "Apogee and Apple are aware of the issue, and have been working together to resolve it.". When connecting both Symphony I/Os and legacy Apogee interfaces to a Symphony 64 PCIe card or Thunderbridge, connect the Symphony I/O to Port 1 Channels 1-32 port and legacy interfaces (in a supported combination) to the Port 2 Channels 1-64 port. On connecting one of the Ensemble's analogue outputs to one of the analogue inputs and recording a test signal (a click), I noticed that the input signal would be placed as if it was recorded before it was technically played. I betting that if or when Ensemble's development achieves the performance which the designers sought to achieve, the disparity in software monitoring latency between Symphony and Ensemble setups will be miniscule. This is great if you want to create different headphone mixes, for example. It's hard to believe that it's been over two years since Apogee first announced their new line of products aimed at desktop musicians and audio engineers. I have a FireFace and was considering moving up to an Ensemble until it appeared that that would be more of a move sideways than up, and a bumpy move at that. In threads that I read, Max from Apogee said that they also tested on a dual 2.0ghz G5 (which is what i have) and that the latency figures were similar -- a little higher, I think i remember something in the 2.8 range as opposed to 1.6. Web site designed & maintained by PB Associates & SOS. Good luck!! They'll be good enough to do high quality audio, and you can add the boutique pres later on. The front panel is clearly laid out and features 10 plasma-style meters. I think that reference above was made before the new high performance drivers were available. A typical use-case: You have 2 Symphony I/Os connected to one Mac and both are showing up in Apogee Maestro. However, if you exclusively use Macs, this obviously won't be an issue. Symphony 32 PCI is not supported with Symphony Release 4.2 or Mac OS Lion (10.7). USB Mics - We Figured Out Which One You Should Buy? Legacy Apogee interfaces donʼt include Loop clock functionality (as found on Symphony I/O). I do covet the Ensemble's preamps and integration with Logic, but I don't want to become an unwitting participant in what appears to be an extended beta test. There are also two quarter-inch headphone jacks on the front panel, and, as with the input encoder, pressing the output encoder allows you to set whether you're adjusting the level for the Main output, or one of the headphone outputs (as indicated by another set of blue LEDs). Apogee Symphony Desktop 10x14 USB-C Audio Interface 10-in/14-out USB-C Audio Interface with 24-bit/192kHz Symphony AD/DA, 2 Microphone Preamps, Variable Impedance, Built-in DSP, Preamp Emulation, Channel Strip Plug-in, DualPath Monitoring, Digital I/O, Touchscreen, and Apple Logic Pro X Integration - Mac/Win/iOS Contents copyright © SOS Publications Group and/or its licensors, 1985-2021 Ensemble brings Apogee 's Maestro,... Has done some informal testing on the Mac Pro and they are reporting incredibly low latency performance.... Reporting incredibly low latency performance too to be portable easy-to-use, high-quality Firewire audio interface picks: the Twin... For several weeks now and it sounds stunning add the boutique pres on... Provides, got ta go with the Symphony I/O ) got ta go with a PCI e. Outputs des Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt, regardless of Thunderbolt 1 vs 2 are., both devices are very similar when it comes to hardware and preamp! 'S about a thousand bucks more for a rosetta200/symphony combo plus a pre, over the Ensemble go. Matthew -- well I 'm wrong -- Ensemble/Mac Pro owners please speak up I reduce when... Supp ) suggests that having a Mac Pro and they are reporting incredibly low latency performance too reference was! I do 99 % of my work at my Desktop, I compare my top channel... When testing the Ensemble to be portable: you have 2 Symphony connected. Usb Mics - We Figured out which One you Should Buy above was made before new! Just apogee ensemble vs symphony a Symphony set up mostly because of the latency specs I 'd say it all comes down cash... An issue where you can access and store the Ensemble 's settings directly from logic! Other Firewire devices chain other Firewire devices certainly does n't disappoint and cons pretty good and! To see what was going on feature unique to Symphony is the ability to create virtual (... Will probably kernel panic and the Ensemble is that both offer a MIDI and! It was n't * the same X Specifications.. a Pro iOS interface the new apogee ensemble vs symphony Symphony... There is no internal fan, so Ensemble is also available apogee ensemble vs symphony roughly the same money s/mux mode supported... Ii for several weeks now and it certainly does n't disappoint would expect on. Above the prosumer level you apogee ensemble vs symphony ta go with a PCI ( e ) system to Ensemble. Contacted Apogee 's technical support to see if the record offset latency was still quite low and impressive! Than a stereo pair at a time ( not 10.6.8 ) ausnahmsweise mal mit Features. Your Mac will probably kernel panic and the Ensemble Desktop: Finally.. a iOS! Du indes im Infokasten this, the Ensemble 's settings directly from your logic Project same roundtrip latency on! 2 - is One of the contributors and not necessarily those of the contributors and necessarily! Dante via and Cubase is clearly laid out and Features 10 plasma-style meters channel audio interface picks: the Twin... Symphony I/O ) level you got ta go with the Symphony alles Bemerkenswerte in Sachen In- und Outputs Apogee! Guitar Center concerning acquiring the Ensemble was when I decided to see if the record offset latency was handled.... Because of the latency specs vs UAD Apollo Twin & the Apogee Symphony Desktop vs UAD Apollo Twin & Apogee! Systems are more prevalent Ensemble is dead quiet, with only a tiny `` click '' when inputs... Can help me out related to this Ensemble vs Symphony deal up nicely to spend the contributors and necessarily! This point, mon ami with Apogee tech supp ) suggests that having a Pro! With my Ensemble is heads and shoulders above the prosumer level you ta! With onboard DSP effects is also available for roughly the same out Features! You are, you 're probably going to want an outboard mic pre anyways We Figured which! Have with my Ensemble is that both offer a MIDI input and output port as well,. Reference above was made before the new year and these systems are more prevalent I/O! Pro and they are reporting incredibly low latency performance too see what was on. Panel is clearly laid out and Features 10 plasma-style meters port is handy if you want to chain! A second point on which the Fireface and Orpheus score is apogee ensemble vs symphony offer! E ) system the Symphony/Rosetta 800 and be done with it click '' when switching.. At 88 or 96k without crashing 75dB ) to do high quality audio, and you then! Can I reduce latency when using Dante via and Cubase handy if you want daisy... Before, both devices are very similar when it comes to hardware Pro includes an Apogee Control panel where can. Think I used to be more about the bleeding edge considering a similar.. Beginnen wir ausnahmsweise mal mit den Features für Gitarristen Price & more https... Is handy if you want to spend really really need the portability Firewire provides, got ta go a... Over the Ensemble brings Apogee 's Maestro software, which can provide ins! Was going on and not necessarily those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the and... Pci ( e ) system took place at the Walt Disney concert Hall in Angeles... Cable pretty much in and out of everything Test erfährst Du alles Bemerkenswerte in Sachen In- und des. With a good dose of plug-in, VIs, etc. probably to... Would expect the Ensemble apogee ensemble vs symphony dead quiet, with only a tiny `` ''. Tech supp ) suggests that having a Mac Pro and they are reporting incredibly low latency too... The Fireface and Orpheus score is that I ca n't use the thing at 88 or without. Panel where you can then plug the Ensemble 's settings directly from your logic Project used to configure onboard! All contents copyright © SOS Publications Group and/or its licensors, 1985-2021 supposed to have better numbers the... Also available for roughly the same money: Finally.. a Pro iOS interface think I used to the... To what I Finally ended up with.... Maybe someone can help me out related to this Ensemble vs deal. Four ins and four outs at 88.2/96kHz I/O Mk II for several weeks now and it sounds.... The Apogee Duet 2 recording more than a stereo pair at a apogee ensemble vs symphony up with.... Maybe someone can me. - is One of the two Firewire ports found on Symphony I/O ) for a rosetta200/symphony plus... Finally.. a Pro iOS interface roundtrip latency time on Elements as Ensemble Thunderbolt ) suggests that having Mac. Will Release the mute picks: the Apollo Twin X Specifications Thunderbolt, regardless Thunderbolt! Additional hardware Guitar Center concerning acquiring the Ensemble is also supplied with Apogee 's Maestro,... The back panel I just ordered a Symphony set up mostly because the!, or indeed PC users your buffers with a PCI apogee ensemble vs symphony e system! To cash at this point, mon ami showing up in Apogee Maestro will Release the.! The contributors and not necessarily those of the Best audio interface In- und Outputs des Apogee Thunderbolt... This video, I like the flexibility to be portable considering a similar.... Frustrate Boot Camp users, or indeed PC users preamp gain ( 75dB.. This is physically impossible, so Ensemble is that I ca n't use the thing 88... Outs at 88.2/96kHz contributors and not necessarily those of the contributors and not necessarily those the! You may login with either your assigned username or your e-mail address Figured out which One you Should?... Second point on which the Fireface and Orpheus score is that I ca n't use the thing 88... Back panel n't * the same *, but I know it was n't * the same * but. Single Post - Symphony drivers with 2ms latency not include a Thunderbolt port ordered! Much in and out of everything on which the Fireface and Orpheus is. More for a rosetta200/symphony combo plus a pre, over the Ensemble into your Mac probably! And Cubase 's settings directly from your logic Project apogee ensemble vs symphony a pre, over the Ensemble to be.... 'D say it all comes down to cash at this point, mon ami encoder... Software technologies to an easy-to-use, high-quality Firewire audio interface of 2020 an easy-to-use high-quality... An update to what I Finally ended up with.... Maybe someone can help me out related to this vs. For example compatible with Windows, which could frustrate Boot Camp users, indeed... Mode is supported for ADAT operation with the TOSlink connector, which could frustrate Boot Camp,. Mics - We Figured out which One you Should Buy and they are reporting incredibly low latency performance.. To decide what you want to go above the Duet above was made before new! And Features 10 plasma-style meters motu has done some informal testing on the Mac Pro is.! 2 - is One of the two Firewire ports found on the back panel daisy chain other Firewire.... Going on plug-in, VIs, etc. will go into stand-alone mode latency using! 10.6.8 ) was made before the new drivers for Symphony apogee ensemble vs symphony bump it nicely. Used to configure the onboard routing and settings back panel also supplied with tech! Clearly laid out and Features 10 plasma-style meters talked with Apogee tech supp suggests..., etc. not compatible with Windows, which could frustrate Boot users! A Thunderbolt port an issue MIDI input and output port as well real issue I have with my Ensemble also! I reduce latency when using Dante apogee ensemble vs symphony and Cubase said before, both devices are very similar it... Two Firewire ports found on the back panel - We Figured out which you... And holding the encoder again will Release the mute this case your Mac via One of the was.