Apogee Electronics Ensemble - FireWire Audio Interface
Ensemble from Apogee is a digitally controlled, professional audio interface designed specifically for the Macintosh. The unit features thirty-six channels of simultaneous audio, including eight channels of Apogee's A/D and D/A conversion and four transparent, digitally controlled 75dB microphone preamps.
Housed in a single space rack mount chassis, Ensemble includes eight channels of ADAT I/O, two channels of S/PDIF coaxial and optical I/O and FireWire connectivity to and from the computer. Everything from microphone preamp and output gain to sample and bit rate selection is controllable from within Logic's Apogee Control Panel, making Ensemble a complete and compelling digital audio work station for the Mac.
Ensemble also includes premium Apogee technologies such as "SoftLimit," "UV22HR" and "Intelliclock." 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 incredibly easy to use.
- Multi-channel analog to digital and digital to analog converter with dedicated microphone inputs
- FireWire 400 I/O, compatible with OS X Core Audio (no driver required)
- Eight channels of premium 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion
- Four digitally controlled microphone preamps with 75dB of gain
- Two fully balanced inserts on the first two microphone preamp channels
- Four Hi-Z inputs capable of handling instrument level
- Two individual, controllable and assignable high-level headphone outputs
- Two, six or eight channel monitor outputs
- Eight channels of ADAT I/O
- Two channels of SPDIF I/O
- Stand-Alone mode provides the option of using the Ensemble as a high-end converter and microphone preamp, independent of the computer
- Maestro mixer and routing settings now located in Ensemble's non-volatile memory, enable storage of settings in the unit
- Apogee's "Soft Limit" for maximum digital input level without generating "overs" during loud passages
- "UV22HR" for superior dither of 24-bit resolution audio down to 16-bit for CD creation
- Advanced, dual-stage "Intelliclock"
- Apogee's Maestro Software for advanced control and routing outside of Logic Pro
- Complete integration and control with Apple's Logic Pro Software
- Compatibility with any Core Audio software applications
| Converters | 24-bit |
| Sample Rates | Up to 192kHz |
| Analog Input |
4 x XLR Microphone 4 x 1/4" TS phone Hi-Z 4 x 1/4" TRS phone Line 2 x 1/4" TRS Return |
| Analog Output |
8 x 1/4" TRS phone 2 x 1/4" TRS Send |
| Digital Input |
1 x ADAT Lightpipe/optical S/PDIF 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF |
| Digital Output |
1 x ADAT Lightpipe/optical S/PDIF 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF |
| MIDI In/Out | No |
| Sync In/Out | 2 x BNC Wordclock |
| Headphone Output | Two |
| THD + N | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Dynamic Range | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | Not specified by manufacturer |
| System Requirements |
FireWire equipped Macintosh computer Mac OS X |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 19 x 11.75 x 1.75" (483 x 298 x 45mm) |
| Specialties | Four high gain microphone preamplifiers |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 4 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good audio (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (3)
- Professional recording (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 4 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-4
Pros
- Clear Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Apogee Electronics Ensemble - FireWire Audio Interface:
I use this interface in my home studio, but its outstanding A/D converters could easily make professional recordings. It's particularly well suited to Apple Logic users. The pre's are very 'true', and add very little color, which is extremely desirable for me.It is rack-mountable and built extremely well. Ignore the sticker about installing the drivers from the CD first, better to get the drivers from the website, and install those first - plus any firmware updates. Then hook up the hardware. This will save you thirty minutes of troubleshooting. One minor annoyance: One knob controls all output levels, so to control the headphones individual outs, you must press in, then adjust, press in again to get to the next, etc... They are software controllable too, but I often work with just my laptop and don't have the control panel up on the screen all the time. If you have plenty of screen real estate, this annoyance should be of no issue to youAlso, One great feature of the software interface is you can save your pre & mic settings and recall them - very handy since I work with different vocalists, some who are powerful and some who are quieter.Overall this is a great unit and I am very pleased so far (1 month ownership)Pros:Outstanding sound, will instantly make your mixes better2 headphone jacks4 Pre'sSoftware controllable Cons:PriceyNo overall "mute" button (so you should turn speakers off before powering down unit)
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Apogee Electronics Ensemble - FireWire Audio Interface:
I did extensive research of audio interfaces for Mac, and I picked the Apogee because it has the highest quality A/D/D/A converters, clock, and preamps of any single unit out there. It does not disappoint!
Now that I've switched to Mac and I'm using Logic Suite 9 and the Apogee Ensemble, I could kick myself for spending so much cash on other sequencers, effects, and software instruments. I should have just saved up for this setup from the beginning! Add a decent mic and headphones and you have all the equipment you truly need for pro-studio sound (you still have to learn the skills though :).
The biggest hurdle is price, and if you are not a Mac user, you are out of luck. However, the 4 channels of preamps are so good that you don't need to buy a separate unit unless you need more channels or are looking for a specific "coloration" from a boutique model. You could easily spend $1000 for 4 channels of preamps that may or may not be this good, so it really is a good investment.
I use it for recording vocals and various acoustic and electric instruments, composing, and mixing in my home studio. Styles range from classical to alternative rock.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Apogee Electronics Ensemble - FireWire Audio Interface:
Really loving the Ensemble, I upgraded from the Apogee Trak 2. Apogee never lets me down with their products.
I really like the functionality of the interface and how easily it syncs with my Mac & Logic.
Sound is clean and to the clear. The best bang for your dollar.
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Highly Compatible
- High Quality
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Mixing
- Music Tracking
- Surround
Comments about Apogee Electronics Ensemble - FireWire Audio Interface:
This is the best interface I have.
Great preamps, very easy to use and the soft limit is very usefull.
I'm very happy.
- Primary use:
- Business
Displaying reviews 1-4
Cables
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- Original: $14.95
- Save: $1.49
- Price: $13.46
Digital Cables
- Price: $15.99
Headphones
- Price: $79.95
Monitors
- Price: $299.00
Software
- Price: $414.00
Racks
- Price: $67.49
Cases & Protection
- Price: $129.99
- Click to see current price
Estimated arrival at B&H is 7-14 days. Your order will only be charged at time of shipment.
What's in the Box
- AC Power Cable
- FireWire Cable
- Software CD ROM
- One (1) Year Warranty
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