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moosers
Published on 02/06/10 at 12:00
The Apogee Ensemble is an eight channel firewire based audio interface. It has four built in microphone preamps, which each also have 1/4" TRS connections. There are four more channels of inputs in the form of 1/4" TRS as well. In addition to these inputs, there are eight 1/4" outputs as well as S/PDIF and ADAT optical connections. It also has two firewire ports and word clock connections. On the front of the interface, it has 1/4" connections for headphones. The Apogee Ensemble is designed for the user looking for top of the line conversion inside of a audio interface. This will take up only a single space in a traditional rack space.
UTILIZATION
I don't find that using the Apogee Ensemble to be hard at all, as everything is pretty user friendly and straight ahead. I wasn't involved with setting up the interface, although I really don't think that I'd have an issue doing so if I needed to. You set the level of the pres on the front with the input and output knobs. Even if you're new to audio interfaces, everything is pretty self explanatory, although I'd recommend having the manual around if you're new to this sort of stuff.
GETTING STARTED
In terms of the sound quality of the micpres and otherwise on the Apogee Ensemble, I have no complaints and only good things to say about it. As always with Apogee units, you're getting the best of the best in terms of A/D/A conversion, so you don't have to worry about that here. While the mic pres aren't the warmest sounding pres I've used, and they certainly won't match that of an analog console, they do have a very clean sound that will get the job done in more situations than not. The best part about this interface is that you can rest assured knowing that you are hearing exactly what you are sending into it and vice versa.
OVERALL OPINION
As far as compact audio interfaces go, the Apogee Ensemble is really one of the best out there. Of course it will cost you the price of a high end interface, but if you're serious about building a top notch studio without getting a huge console or investing a lot of money in top of the line preamps, this is one of the best deals out there. I highly respect Apogee from using their converters, and it is great to see that being transported to a compact audio interface like this one. Definitely check out the Apogee Ensemble if you're in the market for a high end firewire audio interface.
UTILIZATION
I don't find that using the Apogee Ensemble to be hard at all, as everything is pretty user friendly and straight ahead. I wasn't involved with setting up the interface, although I really don't think that I'd have an issue doing so if I needed to. You set the level of the pres on the front with the input and output knobs. Even if you're new to audio interfaces, everything is pretty self explanatory, although I'd recommend having the manual around if you're new to this sort of stuff.
GETTING STARTED
In terms of the sound quality of the micpres and otherwise on the Apogee Ensemble, I have no complaints and only good things to say about it. As always with Apogee units, you're getting the best of the best in terms of A/D/A conversion, so you don't have to worry about that here. While the mic pres aren't the warmest sounding pres I've used, and they certainly won't match that of an analog console, they do have a very clean sound that will get the job done in more situations than not. The best part about this interface is that you can rest assured knowing that you are hearing exactly what you are sending into it and vice versa.
OVERALL OPINION
As far as compact audio interfaces go, the Apogee Ensemble is really one of the best out there. Of course it will cost you the price of a high end interface, but if you're serious about building a top notch studio without getting a huge console or investing a lot of money in top of the line preamps, this is one of the best deals out there. I highly respect Apogee from using their converters, and it is great to see that being transported to a compact audio interface like this one. Definitely check out the Apogee Ensemble if you're in the market for a high end firewire audio interface.