Thanks for joining us to learn all about the Apogee Symphony Dual Path and its cutting-edge components 🎶🎧 If this demo helped you, let us know by leaving a comment and hitting like and subscribe!
I purchased the Desktop Symphony a few months ago and I love it as it is. But I’m also clamoring for the updates. I started using an old Fostex ribbon mic this and it sound heroic. I really appreciate Mitch’s tutorial as I got a few “oh that’s how you do it moments” GP
With the dual path...can I record the direct signal but also capture the plugin settings in the DAW (so they can be adjusted later, or replaced with other plugins)? In other words, enable the plugins while tracking for monitoring, but, instead of printing the processed signal, it "prints" both the direct input and also "prints" the plugin settings separately to the DAW plugin.
Hi, thanks for your interest! Yes - the trick would be to enable the Channel Link setting when opening a Channel FX plug-in in your DAW. Here’s some detail from the Symphony Desktop user guide: “When you open Monitor FX plugins in a DAW Channel FX plugin and set Channel Link, the plugins are actually inserted in two different signal paths - 1) in the DAW Playback signal path and 2) before the direct monitoring mixer but after the “send” to your DAW. When recording, the performer hears himself through Monitor FX running on hardware DSP; playback, on the other hand, is heard through Monitor FX running natively in your DAW. Most importantly, the two plugins are control-linked, so settings made in one Channel FX plugin are mirrored to the other Channel FX plugin. All this happens automatically and transparently when you open the Channel FX plugin in your DAW and link it to a hardware input.” Hope this helps - feel free to contact me directly with any further questions, and thanks again! Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1620, caleb_lowrey@sweetwater.com
Apogee where is the 1.2 update? I preordered this interface and have had it since launch, just so everyone is aware the only available plugin for print and monitor right now is the ecs channel strip, the other 5 or 6 plugins aren’t compatible until they release the 1.2 update. It’s been a long time hopefully soon. Besides taking so long to launch the full features I absolutely love this interface it really is next level plus it matches the aesthetics of my Apple products
Does anyone know where I could purchase the wooden docking stand that he’s using to rest the symphony on? I don’t see anything like that on Sweetwater. Thanks!
@Sweetwater, when you do these overviews, can you also let us know what USB protocol the device is using (2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2) since USB C is just a connector?
Not surprised that there is no demo with Logic Pro, which is where this interface really shines, especially with DualPath. Understandable, since SW can’t sell LPX… but considering that a good percentage of prospective buyers of this interface are Logic users, and the benefits of using this interface with Logic are manifold… couldn’t hurt to throw something in.
Would this interface benefit a beginner user on garageband for vocal recordings over a duet 2 for quality recording purposes ? Or would garageband not allow the features of the symphony to shine.
Great question! The new Duet 3 has DSP, so you can run dualpath with a couple of hardware plugins (although the Symphony would be more powerful). The Duet 2 does not have that same DSP capability. The Symphony also has a higher end converter chip so it would be a significant improvement overall if you’re looking for a worthy upgrade. I hope this helps, and feel free to reach out to me directly if you want to discuss anything in detail! Connor Smith, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1793, connor_smith@sweetwater.com
@@ZenMountain Because it’s unnecessary. Not only does it waste a power outlet, but it also uses a proprietary barrel jack style charger that will be next to impossible to easily replace should it break or get lost when traveling. The majority of USB host ports on modern devices are more than capable of providing enough power for an audio interface.
I had the Lyra 1, and have the symphony desktop. I couldn’t tell the difference in sound both are very clear and high quality sounding. I kept the Symphony desktop instead of the Lyra because symphony has 10 channels, build in DSP and after using it more the screen and how it integrates with Mac just sets it apart. Prism sound driver looks really poorly made and the knob feels like cheap plastic too and if you want a Lyra 2 you’ll be paying a lot more than what the apogee costs. The apogee desktop is just a better product in every way. The only other interfaces I would be interested in would be the full size symphony or the new Neumann MT48 which if I was going to buy an interface today is what I would get.
You can use one of the mic inputs for the artists performance and the other mic input as a talkback mic, with monitoring enabled both mics will playback through both headphone outputs if you have it set up that way.
I need to convert my vinyl to digital format. Can i use the analog into to amplify the turntable moving magnet cartridge, using the analog settings to have the RIAA freq compensation? Tks
Hello, William! The Apogee will certainly work for this, but it does not have the ability to apply the RIAA curve. Your turntable will either need a line out (meaning it has the RIAA EQ built in) or you will need a separate phono preamp in between the turntable and the Apogee. Thanks for the interest! Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1766, cody_kraus@sweetwater.com
@@levondarratt787 why do you say it would backfire? Currently trying to decide if I want to buy into the UAD system or something like this that seems to be more the way of the future as far as DSP/plug-in use goes.
You mentioned you were using a Mac Mini. Was that the one with the M1 chip? I just want to know if that is compatible with this interface and software? Also what version of pro tools were you using?
Hello, Alexandros. It can! It can even allow the optical inputs to be routed to the main outs directly for expanding your channel count, all while in standalone mode. Makes for a great portable solution for the solo performer. Personally, I wouldn't use it for a live band as the user interface in standalone mode requires a good deal of menu diving - at least compared to a dedicated mixer. Thanks for the interest! Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1766, cody_kraus@sweetwater.com
@@sweetwater According to Apogee, the standalone capability of this Desktop unit will not be available till an unscheduled update is available. I called them this week and they said the unit CANNOT function without a computer yet!
Thx for your videos. They are really helpful!! I have a question, can you connect symphony desktop to another apogee interface (similar to daisy chain) and expand the dsp power?. I understand that you can do that between elements interfaces but I don’t know if you can do the same between the symphony desktop and the ensamble or element. Thx in advance!!
Hey Carlos, thanks for your comment and I’m glad the videos are helpful! If you are referring to ADAT expansion, check out the article below: knowledgebase.apogeedigital.com/hc/en-us/articles/1260805180370-How-do-I-use-Symphony-Desktop-s-Optical-I-O-to-expand-input-channels- You can also use an Element 88 to expand the Symphony Desktop and use DSP on all 8 of the Symphony Desktop’s optical inputs. I hope this helps! Feel free to reach out to me directly if you want to discuss anything further. Connor Smith, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1793, connor_smith@sweetwater.com
i think i prefer the Apollo Twin X there are just much more Plugins to choose to add. i think its more flexibel then the Apogee even the Apogee might more powerful standalone. Sadly i miss 2 more Analouge inputs at this pricepoint.
Does new duet interface have the same quality and converters as symphony series? i'm asking because I want buy professional small interface for my home studio. Most of producers who I know and who run commercial studios in my country swear by Apogee interfaces and use them even instead Avid systems. Thanks!
Hello, Jakub! Both families of converters will be able to provide pro-level audio quality, but the Symphony is a cut above in terms of overall audio quality and features. If you are looking for a two channel unit and want to get the best possible sound quality, you should consider the Apogee interface described in this video! Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1766, cody_kraus@sweetwater.com
They are very, very close as the Apogee conversion is top notch as is the RME. The Apogee might just have the edge if conversion is the only factor to consider but it’s not. The RME mic preamps are superb, some of the best I’ve heard, completely transparent, digitally controlled with a very low noise floor. The latency of the RME is also excellent, and if you are a Windows user RME makes the best drivers for Windows than any other company full stop, they really are the very best. Apogee used to make interfaces for Mac only and are now making equipment for both Win/Mac and I haven’t used Apogee on Windows so I cannot attest how stable they are. Apogee have been in the industry a long time since the mid eighties I believe and like I said, their convertors are top notch and very highly regarded. They also make just convertor boxes hence with their experience I would say the Apogee (provided they use their high end or thereabouts D/A) will have slightly better conversion, stereo image, tight bass, all that good stuff but the Babyface is no joke either and it bests the Apollo Twin hands down in every regard. I know your question was a year ago but this might help someone else and as a complete package, mic pres, latency, convertors I would say the BabyFace FS is the better interface with the added advantage of their very latest clock (the most critical factor in conversion). And if you are on Windows then absolutely the RME! Like anything, sound is very subjective but for the money and considering every factor, the BabyFace Pro is one of the very best interfaces that you can buy. The Apogee pres do have a colour to them and whilst it is very musical, they are not transparent (although far better than the Apollo). Some people like pre amps that add a nice flavour to their nics and if that’s the case, then the Apogee could be for you. Some people find the RME pre’s too clinical (although personally, I think transparency is what you want, you can add colouration but you can’t remove it). I know your question was about the conversion but I do not think this box is using Apogee’s top flight convertors, not for the price.
@@activemusickid sorry 😂 I meant usb c hub not dongle. And this will not charge your iPad Pro while in use. So far iconnectivity Audio 4c is the only interface that can charge an iPad without any type of hub or adapter.
Thanks for this review, is the sound quality of this product better than the Apollo twin X quad? I can’t decide between the two…. Have you heard both? (Putting plugins aside)
Hey, Yaseen! Great question. Both interfaces are great and there is a lot of crossover with features between the two. I personally don’t think one sounds better than the other, and they’re both versatile in tonality because of the DSP/emulation. The main differences are going to be in features. The strengths of the Apogee are that it has an optical in and out, whereas the Apollo twin X only has optical in, and the preamps have a bit more dynamic range and gain. The Apollo, on the other hand, runs Thunderbolt 3 while the Apogee runs USB 2.0, so it should run with lower latency in most cases. I hope this helps! Feel free to reach out to me if you want to dive in to any specifics. Connor Smith, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1793, connor_smith@sweetwater.com
Hello, Bharath! This one is not bus powered. It requires the included 12v power supply. Thanks for the interest! Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1766, cody_kraus@sweetwater.com
Do you think the Apogee Symphony levels knob should be wobbly? I just got a refurbished one from them; it doesn't sit flat on a desk/table and the knob is a bit wobbly, uneven with its turning.
Thanks for joining us to learn all about the Apogee Symphony Dual Path and its cutting-edge components 🎶🎧 If this demo helped you, let us know by leaving a comment and hitting like and subscribe!
Sold me when he said “A super slick way to work”. I want to be slick like this. The man! The myth the legend
Wow the size to features is impressive, looks like it wouldn't take up too much space on my workstation. Very nice and a great video as well. 🤘
I purchased the Desktop Symphony a few months ago and I love it as it is. But I’m also clamoring for the updates. I started using an old Fostex ribbon mic this and it sound heroic. I really appreciate Mitch’s tutorial as I got a few “oh that’s how you do it moments” GP
With the dual path...can I record the direct signal but also capture the plugin settings in the DAW (so they can be adjusted later, or replaced with other plugins)?
In other words, enable the plugins while tracking for monitoring, but, instead of printing the processed signal, it "prints" both the direct input and also "prints" the plugin settings separately to the DAW plugin.
Yup!
Hi, thanks for your interest! Yes - the trick would be to enable the Channel Link setting when opening a Channel FX plug-in in your DAW. Here’s some detail from the Symphony Desktop user guide:
“When you open Monitor FX plugins in a DAW Channel FX plugin and set Channel Link, the plugins are actually inserted in two different signal paths - 1) in the DAW Playback signal path and 2) before the direct monitoring mixer but after the “send” to your DAW.
When recording, the performer hears himself through Monitor FX running on hardware DSP; playback, on the other hand, is heard through Monitor FX running natively in your DAW. Most importantly, the two plugins are control-linked, so settings made in one Channel FX plugin are mirrored to the other Channel FX plugin.
All this happens automatically and transparently when you open the Channel FX plugin in your DAW and link it to a hardware input.”
Hope this helps - feel free to contact me directly with any further questions, and thanks again!
Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1620, caleb_lowrey@sweetwater.com
Apogee where is the 1.2 update? I preordered this interface and have had it since launch, just so everyone is aware the only available plugin for print and monitor right now is the ecs channel strip, the other 5 or 6 plugins aren’t compatible until they release the 1.2 update. It’s been a long time hopefully soon. Besides taking so long to launch the full features I absolutely love this interface it really is next level plus it matches the aesthetics of my Apple products
They released today!!
Does anyone know where I could purchase the wooden docking stand that he’s using to rest the symphony on? I don’t see anything like that on Sweetwater. Thanks!
Would I have better sound quality with this over my current Focusrite Clarett 4pre?
I been waiting to see this
Thanks for sharing
Way cool 😎
Apogee quality D/A converters are lush and beautiful. I have the Duet older version but she still sounds awesome
I can’t hear any effects how thebhell do you get them to work
@Sweetwater, when you do these overviews, can you also let us know what USB protocol the device is using (2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2) since USB C is just a connector?
I think it’s 2.0
Great demo. *Subscribed*
I don't see the Channel Link in Logic Pro X. I also have the Symphony Desktop so I would like to link the two together.
Not surprised that there is no demo with Logic Pro, which is where this interface really shines, especially with DualPath. Understandable, since SW can’t sell LPX… but considering that a good percentage of prospective buyers of this interface are Logic users, and the benefits of using this interface with Logic are manifold… couldn’t hurt to throw something in.
Would this interface benefit a beginner user on garageband for vocal recordings over a duet 2 for quality recording purposes ? Or would garageband not allow the features of the symphony to shine.
This thing is amazing for ipad and garageband ... so the answer is a resounding yes ! the sound quality is mind blowing !
@@EM-km8em get logic
Can it be used with Surface Book2?
On Cubase and Protool
Says this is a 4K/2K video but the closeups of the interface are obviously a blurry lower rez, 1080 at best, maybe even 720.
Awesome apogee!!
I have an apogee duet 2 and I love it… is there a considerable difference compared to the symphony? and can i use the dual path DSP on the Duet 2?
Great question! The new Duet 3 has DSP, so you can run dualpath with a couple of hardware plugins (although the Symphony would be more powerful). The Duet 2 does not have that same DSP capability. The Symphony also has a higher end converter chip so it would be a significant improvement overall if you’re looking for a worthy upgrade.
I hope this helps, and feel free to reach out to me directly if you want to discuss anything in detail!
Connor Smith, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1793, connor_smith@sweetwater.com
Is Mitch saying it comes w/processors?
no thunderbolt option?
Correct. Not sure why.
Is it bus powered or does it require a separate DC power adapter?
Power adapter
@@unraveledspacecube3512 Boo. That sucks.
It is bus powered.
@@5urg3x why? No electricity at home??
@@ZenMountain Because it’s unnecessary. Not only does it waste a power outlet, but it also uses a proprietary barrel jack style charger that will be next to impossible to easily replace should it break or get lost when traveling. The majority of USB host ports on modern devices are more than capable of providing enough power for an audio interface.
Could u please make a comparison video of this with the PRISM LYRA 2 ?? 😊🙏🏼 would be helpful to make a purchase decision… 🙏🏼
I had the Lyra 1, and have the symphony desktop. I couldn’t tell the difference in sound both are very clear and high quality sounding.
I kept the Symphony desktop instead of the Lyra because symphony has 10 channels, build in DSP and after using it more the screen and how it integrates with Mac just sets it apart.
Prism sound driver looks really poorly made and the knob feels like cheap plastic too and if you want a Lyra 2 you’ll be paying a lot more than what the apogee costs.
The apogee desktop is just a better product in every way.
The only other interfaces I would be interested in would be the full size symphony or the new Neumann MT48 which if I was going to buy an interface today is what I would get.
@@ragebait988 yaa I bought the SYMPHONY DESKTOP AND ITS AWESOME! Must say!!!
Does it have a talkback feature?
You can use one of the mic inputs for the artists performance and the other mic input as a talkback mic, with monitoring enabled both mics will playback through both headphone outputs if you have it set up that way.
I need to convert my vinyl to digital format. Can i use the analog into to amplify the turntable moving magnet cartridge, using the analog settings to have the RIAA freq compensation?
Tks
Hello, William! The Apogee will certainly work for this, but it does not have the ability to apply the RIAA curve. Your turntable will either need a line out (meaning it has the RIAA EQ built in) or you will need a separate phono preamp in between the turntable and the Apogee.
Thanks for the interest!
Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1766, cody_kraus@sweetwater.com
@@sweetwater hi Cody, got it, appreciate and thank you for such a fast response!!
They tryna hit UAD with a head shot 🤣
going to backfire!
@@levondarratt787 why do you say it would backfire? Currently trying to decide if I want to buy into the UAD system or something like this that seems to be more the way of the future as far as DSP/plug-in use goes.
is there a dual path pitch correction app for low latency auto-tune?
not that ive seen but this would make it so clutch
What about screen malfunction
You mentioned you were using a Mac Mini. Was that the one with the M1 chip? I just want to know if that is compatible with this interface and software? Also what version of pro tools were you using?
Thanks for the review. Can this audio interface also be used as a standalone mixer when not connected to the computer ?
Hello, Alexandros. It can! It can even allow the optical inputs to be routed to the main outs directly for expanding your channel count, all while in standalone mode. Makes for a great portable solution for the solo performer. Personally, I wouldn't use it for a live band as the user interface in standalone mode requires a good deal of menu diving - at least compared to a dedicated mixer.
Thanks for the interest!
Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1766, cody_kraus@sweetwater.com
@@sweetwater According to Apogee, the standalone capability of this Desktop unit will not be available till an unscheduled update is available. I called them this week and they said the unit CANNOT function without a computer yet!
Thx for your videos. They are really helpful!! I have a question, can you connect symphony desktop to another apogee interface (similar to daisy chain) and expand the dsp power?. I understand that you can do that between elements interfaces but I don’t know if you can do the same between the symphony desktop and the ensamble or element. Thx in advance!!
Hey Carlos, thanks for your comment and I’m glad the videos are helpful! If you are referring to ADAT expansion, check out the article below:
knowledgebase.apogeedigital.com/hc/en-us/articles/1260805180370-How-do-I-use-Symphony-Desktop-s-Optical-I-O-to-expand-input-channels-
You can also use an Element 88 to expand the Symphony Desktop and use DSP on all 8 of the Symphony Desktop’s optical inputs.
I hope this helps! Feel free to reach out to me directly if you want to discuss anything further.
Connor Smith, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1793, connor_smith@sweetwater.com
i think i prefer the Apollo Twin X there are just much more Plugins to choose to add. i think its more flexibel then the Apogee even the Apogee might more powerful standalone. Sadly i miss 2 more Analouge inputs at this pricepoint.
Does new duet interface have the same quality and converters as symphony series? i'm asking because I want buy professional small interface for my home studio. Most of producers who I know and who run commercial studios in my country swear by Apogee interfaces and use them even instead Avid systems. Thanks!
Get the zen go or the black lion audio revolution 2x2 and thank me later plus you pay a fraction of the cost
Hello, Jakub! Both families of converters will be able to provide pro-level audio quality, but the Symphony is a cut above in terms of overall audio quality and features. If you are looking for a two channel unit and want to get the best possible sound quality, you should consider the Apogee interface described in this video!
Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1766, cody_kraus@sweetwater.com
Hey, a question as far as converters and sound quality goes is it better than the Rme Babyface Pro Fs?
They are very, very close as the Apogee conversion is top notch as is the RME. The Apogee might just have the edge if conversion is the only factor to consider but it’s not. The RME mic preamps are superb, some of the best I’ve heard, completely transparent, digitally controlled with a very low noise floor. The latency of the RME is also excellent, and if you are a Windows user RME makes the best drivers for Windows than any other company full stop, they really are the very best. Apogee used to make interfaces for Mac only and are now making equipment for both Win/Mac and I haven’t used Apogee on Windows so I cannot attest how stable they are. Apogee have been in the industry a long time since the mid eighties I believe and like I said, their convertors are top notch and very highly regarded. They also make just convertor boxes hence with their experience I would say the Apogee (provided they use their high end or thereabouts D/A) will have slightly better conversion, stereo image, tight bass, all that good stuff but the Babyface is no joke either and it bests the Apollo Twin hands down in every regard. I know your question was a year ago but this might help someone else and as a complete package, mic pres, latency, convertors I would say the BabyFace FS is the better interface with the added advantage of their very latest clock (the most critical factor in conversion). And if you are on Windows then absolutely the RME! Like anything, sound is very subjective but for the money and considering every factor, the BabyFace Pro is one of the very best interfaces that you can buy. The Apogee pres do have a colour to them and whilst it is very musical, they are not transparent (although far better than the Apollo). Some people like pre amps that add a nice flavour to their nics and if that’s the case, then the Apogee could be for you. Some people find the RME pre’s too clinical (although personally, I think transparency is what you want, you can add colouration but you can’t remove it). I know your question was about the conversion but I do not think this box is using Apogee’s top flight convertors, not for the price.
It is clear this interface is much better than the RME in every way.
But you can make great recordings with that RME
What studio monitors are those?
PMC Result6
Just wondering, when using with an IPad Pro (usb C), will it also charge the IPad without the use of a dongle?
Dude what are you talking about …
😂
@@activemusickid sorry 😂 I meant usb c hub not dongle. And this will not charge your iPad Pro while in use. So far iconnectivity Audio 4c is the only interface that can charge an iPad without any type of hub or adapter.
Thanks for this review, is the sound quality of this product better than the Apollo twin X quad? I can’t decide between the two…. Have you heard both? (Putting plugins aside)
Hey, Yaseen! Great question. Both interfaces are great and there is a lot of crossover with features between the two. I personally don’t think one sounds better than the other, and they’re both versatile in tonality because of the DSP/emulation. The main differences are going to be in features. The strengths of the Apogee are that it has an optical in and out, whereas the Apollo twin X only has optical in, and the preamps have a bit more dynamic range and gain. The Apollo, on the other hand, runs Thunderbolt 3 while the Apogee runs USB 2.0, so it should run with lower latency in most cases.
I hope this helps! Feel free to reach out to me if you want to dive in to any specifics.
Connor Smith, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1793, connor_smith@sweetwater.com
Is this bus powered?
Hello, Bharath! This one is not bus powered. It requires the included 12v power supply.
Thanks for the interest!
Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1766, cody_kraus@sweetwater.com
How did they downgrade the Quartet offering only 2 usable channels and zero outputs other than speaker outputs and charge $1,499 ?!?!?!?!?
The converters and pres are apogee’s flagship converters.
1400.00 for only 2 channels is insane sorry...
Exactly
....🥀
It’s absolutely impossible to hear any effects whatsoever
Do you think the Apogee Symphony levels knob should be wobbly? I just got a refurbished one from them; it doesn't sit flat on a desk/table and the knob is a bit wobbly, uneven with its turning.