Symphony AD/DA in a desktop interface

Symphony Desktop includes Apogee's flagship AD/DA conversion in a desktop interface, along with hyper-realistic preamp emulations and powerful DSP. Experience industry-leading digital sound quality at up to 24-bit/192kHz, while cutting-edge analog components ensure clean, low-distortion results. Follow Apogee's Alloy Mic Preamp emulations to add spunk and character right at the source. Power up your tracks with Apogee FX plug-ins, powered by the interface's built-in DSP or natively in your DAW, in a multitude of flexible, low-latency workflows. A variety of analog and digital I/O options make it easy to integrate this interface into your studio, while a dynamic touchscreen provides intuitive operation right from your desktop. You can also take complete command right within Apple's Logic Pro X software, giving you what is possibly the most streamlined DAW workflow on the planet. This amazing interface also comes with the ECS Channel Strip plugin tuned by Bob Clearmountain. In short, Symphony Desktop delivers Symphony I/O performance in a DSP-enhanced unit that fits on your desktop. If you want to take your studio up to the big leagues, this is a great way to do it.

Symphony AD/DA — cutting-edge components for unrivaled sound

Symphony Desktop features Apogee's legendary AD/DA conversion, which is considered the benchmark by many in the professional audio industry. Like its rackmount forerunner, this audio interface's A/D converter stage produces ultra-low distortion, a high slew rate, and fully differential analog op-amps, along with a state-of-the-art A/D converter in a dual summation that improves the configuration performance. Thanks to this superior design, you'll capture all sources in hyper-realistic quality and transfer them seamlessly into your DAW. Symphony Desktop's D/A converter stage is equally impressive, producing uncompromising results through a high-current output driver and ultra-low distortion. Whether you're mixing, mastering or listening critically, Symphony Desktop will provide a transparent window into your project. The Apogee conversion has been a gold standard for many, and the company's Symphony AD/DA is the best design yet. Once you try it, you'll never settle for anything less.

Apogee mic preamps deliver superior performance with any source

Apogee's world-class AD/DA conversion often steals the spotlight from the company's amazing analog designs. But, truth be told, their preamps have always produced mind-blowing results. In fact, renowned audio engineer Bob Clearmountain has stated that Apogee preamps are his all-time favorites. After all, top-notch conversion doesn't add much if it's paired with subpar analogue circuitry — analogue stages are what make converters sound so good! The Symphony Desktop mic preamps continue in that tradition. Its advanced scaled-gain architecture ensures clean, low-distortion results, while up to 75dB of gain gives you plenty of breathing room to capture everything from a kick drum to delicate acoustic picking.

Alloy Mic Preamp emulation adds spunk and personality to your recordings

Sometimes you want to add spunk and character to your recordings — attitude if you will. That's where Symphony Desktop's Alloy Mic Preamp emulations come in. AMP employs analog circuitry and digital processing to create some of the most authentic modeling on the planet. The detail that goes into this remarkable technology is astounding. It models all critical aspects of the signal path, starting with input impedance, transient profile and distortion characteristics in the analog domain, followed by a bit of digital refinement, delivering a hybrid result far greater than the sum of its parts. Symphony Desktop offers a choice of a Solid State Class A sound inspired by a legendary British console and a slightly overcooked American tube sound. Both emulations are spot on, responding realistically if you press them.

Apogee FX plugins add pro-level flare to your tracks

If you've never tried Apogee's stellar FX plugins, you're missing out on a good thing. Obsessedly crafted by the same team that designs all of Apogee's hardware and software products, there's a reason they've received high praise from reviewers and users on Internet forums — they're that good. Symphony Desktop comes with Apogee's ECS Channel Strip plug-in, which includes great-sounding EQ, compression and saturation, all tuned to perfection by Bob Clearmountain. The ECS Channel Strip works in conjunction with the audio interface's mic preamp emulations, arming you with a virtual rack full of sonic colors.

A full range of low-latency workflow options for maximum flexibility

Apogee plug-ins provide a full range of low-latency workflow options while recording. Native mode lets you run plugins natively in your DAW. Just instantiate the plug-in, adjust its buffer, and you're done—it's the easiest way to get a sound without printing an effect. Print Mode allows zero-latency recording directly into your DAW via Symphony Desktop's hardware DSP. This workflow is similar to tracing through external hardware, thus printing the effect onto the tape. After all, nothing like hitting the fountain! The last option is Apogee's DualPath Link. This method offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to dial in inspiring sound—no latency—without printing the effect. That said, DualPath saves your plug-in settings, giving you the option to tweak effect parameters later during the mixing phase. If you are an Apple Logic Pro X user, you will enjoy the best DualPath experience thanks to the unique integration of hardware and software. Using Symphony Desktop and Logic Pro X together allows you to take full command of the interface from a single DAW window — no additional mixers or console applications are required. It's one of the most streamlined workflows available.

Characteristics

• 10-in/14-out desktop USB-C audio interface;
• Symphony AD/DA conversion produces hyper-realistic sound quality at up to 24-bit/192kHz;
• 2 mic preamps with Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture and up to 75dB of gain ensure clean, low-distortion results
• Variable impedance settings on the microphone and instrument inputs optimize your input stage to match your specific device;
• Alloy Mic Preamp emulation employs analog circuitry and digital processing to provide ultra-authentic modeling;
• Run Apogee FX plug-ins (sold separately) via the built-in DSP or natively in your DAW;
• Native, Print, and DualPath modes provide flexible recording, monitoring, and processing workflows;
• Comes with Apogee's ECS Channel Strip plug-in with excellent EQ, compression and saturation;
• The included ECS Channel Strip plug-in works in conjunction with the mic preamp emulations, arming you with a variety of sonic colors;
• A variety of analog and digital I/O options make it easy to integrate into your studio;
• Dynamic touchscreen provides intuitive operation right from your desktop;
• The unique hardware and software integration with Apple Logic Pro X provides an incredibly streamlined workflow.

Specifications

• Computer connectivity: USB 2.0;
• Form Factor: Desktop;
• Simultaneous I/O: 10 x 14;
• Number of preamps: 2 x microphone, 1 x instrument;
• A/D Resolution: Up to 24bit/192kHz;
• Effects: Integrated DSP processing, mic pre-emulations, Symphony ECS Channel Strip;
• Analog Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4 in. combo (mic/line), 1 x 1/4 in. (Hi-Z);
• Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4 in. (L/R);
• Digital Inputs: 1 x Optical Toslink (ADAT, S/PDIF);
• Digital Outputs: 1 x Optical Toslink (ADAT, S/PDIF);
• Headphones: 1 x 1/4-inch, 1 x 1/8-inch;
• USB: 1 x Type-A, 1 x USB-C;
• Programs: Symphony Desktop Control application;
• System requirements (Mac): macOS 10.13 or later, iOS 13 or later;
• System Requirements (PC): Windows 10 Anniversary Update or later;
• Power source: 12V DC power supply (included);
• Dimensions: 20.3 x 12.06 x 6.3cm;
• Weight: 0.8kg.