Apogee Ensemble FireWire Digital Interface MAC
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8 channels of top-of-the-line recording.
The Ensemble Multichannel Audio Interface from Apogee delivers high performance converters, pristine preamps, and tight integration with Core Audio. You can use the Ensemble easily with Logic, MOTU Digital Performer, Steinberg Cubase, Bias Peak, Propellerhead Reason, Ableton Live, or any professional Macintosh recording application that supports Core Audio to make flawless recordings. The Ensemble is the first professional audio interface that is all digitally controlled and designed specifically for Apple computers and Logic.
The Ensemble features 36 simultaneously available audio channels with 8 channels of Apogee's legendary A/D/A conversion and 4 transparent, digitally controlled 75dB mic preamps. It also has 8 channels of ADAT I/O, 2 channels of S/PDIF coax and optical I/O, and FireWire connectivity to and from the computer. When you get an Ensemble, you also get premium Apogee technologies such as Soft Limit, UV22HR, and Intelliclock. Soft Limit ensures your signal gets the maximum digital input level without overs, UV22HR gives you a superior dither from 24-bit resolution down to 16-bit, and Intelliclock is an advanced, dual-stage clocking tool. These technologies—combined with converters that set the standard for the audio industry—make Ensemble an ideal choice for professionals seeking a high-definition, integrated solution that's easy to use.
Apogee Ensemble is the first and only multichannel audio interface that is fully integrated into Logic Pro. With Ensemble, everything from mic pre and output gain to sample and bit rate selection are controllable from within the Apogee Control Panel in Logic.
IMPORTANT NOTE for OS X Leopard compatibility
To ensure your Apogee product works well with Mac OS X Leopard v10.5, it is critical that you follow the instructions provided at the Apogee website address below.
If you have an existing Apogee software CD or a previously downloaded installer, please do not use it with Leopard. Only use the software and driver versions provided at the link below that are specifically indicated as "Compatible with Leopard."
http://www.apogeedigital.com/leopard/
If you have any questions, please call Apogee support at 310-584-9394.
Features
- 8 channels of premium 24-bit/192kHz A/D/A conversion
- 4 75dB-gain microphone preamps
- 2 fully balanced inserts on mic pre channels
- 4 Hi-Z instrument inputs capable of handling high level instruments
- 2 individual, controllable and assignable high level headphone outputs
- 2, 6 or 8 channel monitor outputs
- 8 channels of ADAT I/O
- FireWire 400 I/O, compatible with OS X Core Audio (no driver required)
- 2 channels of SPDIF I/O
- Soft Limit for maximum digital input level without overs
- UV22HR for superior dither of 24-bit resolution down to 16-bit
- Advanced, dual-stage Intelliclock
- Precision digital encoders
- Complete integration and control with Apple's Logic Pro Software
- Apogee Control Panel screens accessible from within Logic Pro
- Compatibility with any CoreAudio software application
Put your money where your audio is: get an Ensemble and never doubt your recordings again.
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 9 reviews)
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Reviewed by 9 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Mountainlion Incompatible
- Unreliable
Best Uses
Comments about Apogee Ensemble FireWire Digital Interface:
I'm sure this unit was great 3 years ago, before Apple released Lion and Mountain Lion. It has excellent sound quality and is quite attractive as well. But I just went through 10 months of non-stop crashing and oddball incompatibility behavior using this with my Mac Pro that has Mountain Lion installed. Tech support were nice at first, but after 9 months they finally ended up sending me a new unit, and when that didn't work their advice was to install Snow Leopard. Not only that, but they stopped answering my emails, basically leaving me in a lurch with a unit that they admitted over the phone to be incompatible with Mountain Lion.
Here's what would happen: the Maestro 2 software sometimes would recognize that the Ensemble was connected, but often it would not, and you'd have to start and restart over and over until it suddenly saw it.
As well, once a day all the sound would cut out and I would have to stop what I was doing and restart the Ensemble in order to restore sound.
I had these exact same problems with 2 Ensemble units, and on 3 computers - 2 Mac Pros and 1 MacBook Pro. It's a definite incompatibility issue that was confirmed over the phone to me by Apogee tech support.
As well, the power button feels chintzy and lightweight to the touch. Seems poorly made.
Anyway, if you are a Mac-user and don't want to be stuck using an OS two versions old, DO NOT BUY THE ENSEMBLE! It will cause much frustration and loss of time. And Apogee will end up conveniently dropping out of contact.
Comments about Apogee Ensemble FireWire Digital Interface:
Upgraded from a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 and this is definitely a couple notches up in sound quality. I would rate the Focusrite about a 7/10 compared to this, sound wise. So far I've used it with a UA 4-710d via ADAT and the sound I'm getting is great. Used one of the mic inputs on the back for a room mic and it seemed a notch above too. Probably should have waited a few weeks before writing a review and used it with other pres/built in inputs, but wanted to post a quick review because the sounds I'm getting are incredible so far.
Would be nice to have another ADAT input, but features/ease of use are great otherwise.
Solid feel for build and no glitches whatsoever (only used it about 10 hours so far).
Great sound for the price, but I would like it even more if it was $1500 MAP considering it's been out for 5 years. Slightly concerned Apogee will release a replacement for this model soon, but should still be able to sell this used for a decent price if I feel the need to upgrade to the latest/greatest.
Comments about Apogee Ensemble FireWire Digital Interface:
Simple the finest A/d/D/a on the market without getting into a boutique item. I have had mine for two years bought it here. You will notice how pure and qualitative the sound is, In and Out as soon as you hear it, simply the best in this price range, enough said!!! Regards, Eric Clayton HeardMastering Engineer/Music Producer
Comments about Apogee Ensemble FireWire Digital Interface:
Just received my ensemble yesterday. It was my upgrade from the MBOX 2 MINI interface. Out of the box it was just so cool looking. It was so easy to set up and use, I was rolling along tracking in logic moments after I got it. It's got the COOLEST lights as well. This interface is a MUST BUY.
Comments about Apogee Ensemble FireWire Digital Interface:
I also upgraded from the Motu MK828 with expectations because of the price. This unit is amazing. Easy to use with the Mac and get down to some great sounding recordings. Far superior unit than the Motu or any other unit I have ever used. Well worth the price!
Comments about Apogee Ensemble FireWire Digital Interface:
I have used a lot of firewire devices and the preamps, converters and the sound quality blows away any m-audio, 003, motu, presonus unit. It is expensive but the quality is worth it. Apogee uses quality parts, support their products, and its built like a tank. If you want to upgrade your system just make sure you have good mic's and proper acoustic treatment. Then you can really appreciate this device.
Comments about Apogee Ensemble FireWire Digital Interface:
Well, I managed to get a used apogee ensemble and frankly the preamps weren't any better than my 003 rack preamps. Overall sound quality was somewhat lacking. This was the BIGGEST letdown of my DAW career. It should be worth 1/2 the price. Now ADAT interfacing with the ensemble is pretty tight but save your money. And one more thing. The mixer software (Maestro) is horrible absolutely the worst mixer software I have ever used. Stick with m-audio,presonus,rme,motu and focusrite. And you pay a lot less.
Comments about Apogee Ensemble FireWire Digital Interface:
This unit stands heads above the stock PT I/O offerings or anything on the market in the host based DAW- AD-DA- +PRE-AMP market. The unit is well worth the price and elevates your digi, MOTU, 002 or Mbox recordings to a much more pristine/clean level in Pre's and Accurate AD capture / DA listen back. The box now offers STAND ALONE SOFTWARE and takes your recordings to a higher level than you could hope to obtain with any outta' the box DAW system, including PT-HD 3! After all its an apogee. Some unit highlights HW UV 22 incl. CD mode all SR BD to 16/44.1, RT SRC from any to any, ADAT i/o.... Its as nice as my Rosettas and uses the same chip sets for AD/DA as the Rosetta', plus you get some very nice pre amps included. You can record your final album with this unit. I like it, a must have for the serious home to mid line PRO engineer.
Comments about Apogee Ensemble FireWire Digital Interface:
I just upgraded from a MOTU 828MKII to the Apogee. At more than twice the price, I had big expetations. This thing sounds absolutey incredible, it is 5 times the machine the MOTU is and worth every extra penny. Truly a pro sound to this baby!!!!!!
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