If you’re in the pro audio racket, then chances are you’ve heard of Apogee Electronics’ AD/DA prowess; items like the Symphony, the Ensemble, and the Groove receive regular accolades from users and reviewers alike. So, we here at B&H are proud to tell you about the brand new Element series, which borrows its technology from the aforementioned models, and is available (at B&H) in 10x12, 12x14, and 16x16 configurations. These interfaces deliver 24-bit/192 kHz, Apogee-quality AD/DA conversion, as well as world-class microphone preamps with selectable 48V phantom power, word-clock I/O, Thunderbolt™ connections for Mac, and included mounting hardware.
The Element 24 is the most entry-level option, offering two analog inputs via combination XLR-1/4" jacks, four outputs via two balanced XLR connectors and one 1/4" stereo headphone jack, and additional I/O through two sets of optical TOSLINK ports (providing ADAT, SMUX, and S/PDIF protocols). Then, the Element 46 gives you four combo inputs, two balanced XLR outputs, and two 1/4" stereo headphone connectors—plus the additional I/O via TOSLink. With the most real estate in terms of I/O, the Element 88 gives you four combo XRL-1/4" inputs, four XLR inputs, two balanced XLR outputs, two balanced 1/4" outputs, and two TRS stereo headphone jacks with a cherry on top (the cherry being all that extra I/O via TOSLINK).
All three models ship with Element Control, Apogee’s software control app for Mac, through which you can adjust level settings, input type, low-latency mix configuration, and more. Wireless control is also offered for iOS users in the form of Element Control for iOS. Thunderbolt connectivity ensures an astounding low-latency performance with Mac computers (1.41 ms, round trip) and stability to boot. A custom driver utilizes less of your computer’s CPU with the aid of DMA technology, allowing you to run more plug-ins through your DAW and monitor at lower buffer settings. For all you Logic Pro X users out there, you can set Element settings directly within Logic’s Channel Strip, giving you supreme integration with your DAW. Each Element is designed to work together, so you can connect any two directly to a Thunderbolt port and increase your analog I/O without much in the way of headaches and stress.
Whether you’re an Apogee Electronics fan or someone interested in high-quality AD/DA for your studio setup, these Elements are definitely something you should check out. Luckily, we at B&H are pleased to carry them.
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