Symphony Desktop
Flagship Sound Quality. Vintage Mic Preamp Emulation. Apogee Hardware DSP with Premium Plugins.
Immersive Touch Screen Interface.
Symphony Desktop
Flagship Sound Quality.
Vintage Mic Preamp Emulation.
Apogee Hardware DSP with Premium Plugins.
Immersive Touch Screen Interface.
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Put the Sound of a Symphony on Your Desktop
Symphony Desktop for Mac, iPad pro and Windows packs the legendary sound quality of Apogee’s rack-mount Symphony I/O Mk II into an elegant and inspiring 10×14 audio interface that sits on your desk and fits in your bag. With Symphony Desktop, musicians and producers are empowered to record, overdub and mix with the music industry’s most respected AD/DA convertors and mic preamps.
By combining superior performance, with new features like mic preamp emulation, the Symphony ECS Channel Strip and Clearmountain’s Spaces reverb plugins, ultra low latency recording with hardware DSP and Apogee native FX plugins, Symphony Desktop will amplify your creativity in your studio or on the go and give your recordings the Apogee sound quality Advantage.
Put the Sound of a Symphony on Your Desktop
Symphony Desktop for Mac, iPad pro and Windows packs the legendary sound quality of Apogee’s rack-mount Symphony I/O Mk II into an elegant and inspiring 10×14 audio interface that sits on your desk and fits in your bag. With Symphony Desktop, musicians and producers are empowered to record, overdub and mix with the music industry’s most respected AD/DA converters and mic preamps.
By combining superior performance, with new features like mic preamp emulation, the Symphony ECS Channel Strip plugin and ultra low latency recording with hardware DSP and Apogee native FX plugins, Symphony Desktop will amplify your creativity in your studio or on the go and give your recordings the Apogee sound quality Advantage.
Symphony Desktop Features
Most affordable Symphony series interface ever
Cutting edge components and circuit design deliver detailed and pristine flagship sound quality
2 Advanced Stepped Gain mic preamps, up to 75dB of gain, variable impedance
FET instrument input with electric guitar tube amp characteristics
Apogee Alloy Mic Preamp emulation (Analog processing + DSP modeling) Includes British Solid State & 50s American Tube
Built-in hardware DSP processing of Apogee FX Rack plugins
Includes Symphony ECS Channel Strip Tuned by Bob Clearmountain – Native and hardware DSP versions with EQ, Compression and Saturation
Includes Clearmountain’s Spaces reverb plugin
Flexible, zero latency plugin workflows: Print, Monitor and DualPath Link workflows
Dynamic touch screen display for comprehensive hardware control
2 fully balanced 1/4″ outputs
2 assignable headphone outputs: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/8”
10 IN x 14 OUT simultaneous channels of audio
MIDI over USB
Digital I/O: 2 x Optical Toslink (ADAT,S/PDIF)
USB 2.0 over USB Type C connector
Works with: macOS, Windows, iPad Pro
Compatibility
macOS: 10.13 High Sierra or later
iOS/iPad pro: iOS 13
PC: Windows 10 Anniversary update or later
Included Apogee FX Plugins
Symphony ECS Channel Strip – Native and hardware DSP versions
EQ | Compressor | Saturation
Clearmountain’s Spaces Reverb – Native plugin
Included Mic Preamp Emulations
British Solid State
50s American Tube
Pricing
Symphony Desktop: $1299
Symphony Desktop FX Complete: $1399*
*Includes Pultec EQP-1A, Pultec MEQ-5, ModEQ 6, ModComp and Opto-3A plugins, a $795 value
Specifications
Mic Preamps
Gain: Up to 75 dB and advanced stepped gain circuit design
Selectable 48v phantom power, Soft Limit and polarity invert
EIN: 129dB (un-weighted) @ 60dB, 150 Ohm input
Max input level: +20dBu
Input impedance: 150 – 4K Ohm (default)
Max Hi-Z input level: 14dBu
Hi-Z input impedance: 220k/470k/>20M Ohm
A/D Conversion
Max input level (+4dBu ref/Mic): +20dBu
Max input level (-10dBV ref): +6dBV
Input impedance: 4KOhm
Freq resp 10 Hz -20Khz: > +/-0.2dB (@44.1Khz)
Rel. THD + N: -113dB
Dyn. Range: 123dB (A-weighted)
D/A Conversion
Max output level (+4dBu ref): +20dBu
Max output level (-10dBV ref): +6dBV
Line output impedance: 50 Ohm
Freq resp 10Hz -20 Khz: > +/- 0.05dB (@44.1Khz)
Rel. THD+N : -114dB
Dyn Range: 129dB (A-weighted)
Headphone Max output level:
● 520mW into 30 Ohm
● 90mW into 600 Ohm
Headphone Rel THD+N: -111 dB with 600 Ohm load
Headphone Dyn Range: 128dB (A-weighted)
Headphone output impedance <0.5 Ohm
LEGENDARY SOUND QUALITY
Cutting edge analog and digital components
selected by curious and critical ears
As a Symphony family product, Symphony Desktop benefits from Apogee’s core mission to design the finest performing audio interfaces using cutting edge analog and digital components, carefully selected by ear. While others cut costs and rely on conventional design approaches, we use innovative components and circuit optimization to consistently improve the performance of our products.
A/D CONVERSION - Faithfully Capture Every Nuance
Like Symphony I/O Mk II, Symphony Desktop’s analog-to-digital convertor stage features ultra-low distortion, high-slew rate, fully differential analog op-amps plus a cutting edge A/D convertor in a performance-enhancing dual-sum configuration. Create with the confidence that every nuance of your analog input is faithfully reproduced in the digital domain.
D/A CONVERSION - A Widescreen Window Into Your Mix
The digital-to-analog stage of Symphony Desktop features brand new technology that provides uncompromising Symphony DAC performance in a portable product, including a robust ultra-low distortion, high-current, fully balanced output driver. Regardless of downstream connections, Symphony Desktop delivers a transparent, widescreen window into the sonic landscape of your mix.
MIC PREAMPS - Superior Performance + Alloy Preamp Emulations
At the core of the input stage, are Symphony Desktop’s mic preamps offering up to 75dB of gain. The preamp design features Apogee’s unique Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture which ensures ultra-low noise and distortion regardless of the source, from pounding kick drum to delicate fingerpicking on an acoustic guitar. With variable impedance settings on both mic and instrument inputs, Symphony Desktop optimizes the input stage to better match your specific devices, for deep lows and clear highs. Selectable Apogee Alloy mic preamp emulations adds character, attitude and maybe a bit of grit to your recordings.
TWO HEADPHONE OUTPUTS - Equipped with Dual Sum ESS DACs
Symphony Desktop has two completely independent ultra low impedance headphone outputs, individually routable, both equipped with dual-sum ESS DACs. Output power range is tailored to the expected type of headphones: the front panel output can drive virtually any headphones, while the rear panel output is specifically tailored for high-efficiency headphones.
Cutting edge analog and digital components
selected by curious and critical ears
As a Symphony family product, Symphony Desktop benefits from Apogee’s core mission to design the finest performing audio interfaces using cutting edge analog and digital components, carefully selected by ear. While others cut costs and rely on conventional design approaches, we use innovative components and circuit optimization to consistently improve the performance of our products.
A/D CONVERSION - Faithfully Capture Every Nuance
Like Symphony I/O Mk II, Symphony Desktop’s analog-to-digital convertor stage features ultra-low distortion, high-slew rate, fully differential analog op-amps plus a cutting edge A/D convertor in a performance-enhancing dual-sum configuration. Create with the confidence that every nuance of your analog input is faithfully reproduced in the digital domain.
D/A CONVERSION - A Widescreen Window Into Your Mix
Symphony Desktop’s digital-to-analog stage employs brand new technology to provide uncompromising Symphony DAC performance in a portable product, including a robust ultra-low distortion, high-current output driver. Regardless of downstream connections, Symphony Desktop provides a transparent, widescreen window into the sonic landscape of your mix.
MIC PREAMPS - Superior Performance
At the core of the input stage, are Symphony Desktop’s mic preamps offering up to 75dB of gain. The preamp design features Apogee’s unique Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture which ensures ultra-low noise and distortion regardless of the source, from pounding kick drum to delicate fingerpicking on an acoustic guitar. With variable impedance settings on both mic and instrument inputs, Symphony Desktop optimizes the input stage to better match your specific devices, for deep lows and clear highs. Selectable mic preamp emulation adds character, attitude and maybe a bit of grit to your recordings.
HEADPHONE OUTPUTS
Symphony Desktop has two completely independent ultra low impedance headphone outputs, individually routable, both equipped with dual-sum ESS DACs. Output power range is tailored to the expected type of headphones: the front panel output can drive virtually any headphones, while the rear panel output is specifically tailored for high-efficiency headphones.
MIC PREAMP EMULATION
with Apogee Alloy™
Apogee Alloy Mic Preamp emulation processing gives you the warmth and tone of coveted analog preamps
The Apogee Alloy Mic Preamp (AMP) emulation offers analog circuitry plus DSP processing to create the richest, most authentic audio modeling available in an audio interface. Critical aspects of the model such as input impedance, transient profile and distortion characteristics are first implemented in the analog domain, followed by precise and accurate refinement in DSP, for a hybrid result that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
British Solid State - Class A Console Sound
Inspired by the Marinar “Round can” input transformer and discrete transistor design of our Class A Neve 1066 mic preamp, this emulation gives you the sonic weight and smooth transient response of the hardware. Push the level for increased width and punch.
American Tube - Lush, 50s Tone
Symphony Desktop’s AX-601 mic preamp gives you the lush, larger-than-life sounds of a 50s era Ampex 601 preamp, carefully restored and modded for lower noise and greater dynamic range. We’ve captured the harmonic warmth, richness and high-end sheen of the hardware, plus the “gently overcooked” sound of the overloading circuit.
Apogee Alloy Mic Preamp emulation processing gives you the warmth and tone of coveted analog preamps
The Apogee Alloy Mic Preamp (AMP) emulation offers analog circuitry plus DSP processing to create the richest, most authentic audio modeling available in an audio interface. Critical aspects of the model such as input impedance, transient profile and distortion characteristics are first implemented in the analog domain, followed by precise and accurate refinement in DSP, for a hybrid result that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
British Solid State - Class A Console Sound
Inspired by the Marinar “Round can” input transformer and discrete transistor design of our Class A Neve 1066 mic preamp, this emulation gives you the sonic weight and smooth transient response of the hardware. Push the level for increased width and punch.
American Tube - Lush, 50s Tone
Symphony Desktop’s AX-601 mic preamp gives you the lush, larger-than-life sounds of a 50s era Ampex 601 preamp, carefully restored and modded for lower noise and greater dynamic range. We’ve captured the harmonic warmth, richness and high-end sheen of the hardware, plus the “gently overcooked” sound of the overloading circuit.
Hardware DSP and Native Plugin FX
Run Apogee’s premium plugins on Symphony Desktop and in your DAW,
No Hardware Required
No Hardware Required
Obsessively crafted by the same team that designs all Apogee hardware and software products, Apogee FX are premium plugins that run on the hardware DSP in Symphony Desktop or as native plugins on your computer. From visually modern interfaces that allow you to precisely shape and contour your sound to meticulously modeled vintage hardware so accurate it has been endorsed by the hardware manufacturer, Apogee plugins will quickly find their way into your daily recording tool kit.
Hardware DSP and Native Plugin FX
Run Apogee’s premium plugins on Symphony Desktop and in your DAW, No Hardware Required
Obsessively crafted by the same team that designs all Apogee hardware and software products, Apogee FX are premium plugins that run on the hardware DSP in Symphony Desktop or as native plugins on your computer. From visually modern interfaces that allow you to precisely shape and contour your sound to meticulously modeled vintage hardware so accurate it has been endorsed by the hardware manufacturer, Apogee plugins will quickly find their way into your daily recording tool kit.
Symphony ECS Channel Strip Plugin
Tuned by Bob Clearmountain
Included with Symphony Desktop is the Symphony ECS Channel Strip plugin. Tuned by Bob Clearmountain, Symphony ECS includes EQ, Compression and Saturation controls that let you create the optimal blend of channel FX for tracking vocals or acoustic instruments.
Print, Monitor, DualPath Link And Native Workflows
Symphony ECS gives you the full range of Apogee workflow options. For zero latency tracking, you can print through it as you record or set up a DualPath Link for monitoring and print later when you mix. Or simply use Symphony ECS as a native plugin in your DAW, no Apogee hardware required.
Included with Symphony Desktop is the Symphony ECS Channel Strip plugin. Tuned by Bob Clearmountain, Symphony ECS includes EQ, Compression and Saturation controls that let you create the optimal blend of channel FX for tracking vocals or acoustic instruments.
Print, Monitor, DualPath Link And Native Workflows
Symphony ECS gives you the full range of Apogee workflow options. For zero latency tracking, you can print through it as you record or set up a DualPath Link for monitoring and print later when you mix. Or simply use Symphony ECS as a native plugin in your DAW, no Apogee hardware required.
RECORDING WORKFLOW
Work the way you want to with Symphony Desktop and Apogee FX Plugins
Symphony Desktop Goes With Your Flow
When you’re recording and listening to your performance, you want inspiring sound quality, ease-of-use and no delay or latency in your headphones. With Symphony Desktop and Apogee FX, there’s no need to adapt your creative workflow to the restrictions of your audio interface and plugins, you choose the way you want to work.
When you’re recording and listening to your performance, you want inspiring sound quality, ease-of-use and no delay or latency in your headphones. With Symphony Desktop and Apogee FX, there’s no need to adapt your creative workflow to the restrictions of your audio interface and plugins, you choose the way you want to work.
Print FX Rack
Monitor with Zero Latency and Print with Plugins while you Record
With Print FX active you can record Apogee FX Plugins directly from the hardware DSP in Symphony Desktop to the corresponding channel in your DAW with zero latency while tracking.
Monitor FX Rack
Monitor with Zero Latency While you Record – Print Plugins Later
With Monitor FX active, you have ultimate flexibility with Apogee FX plugins. You can monitor with zero latency and dial in an inspiring sound when you are tracking without printing FX.
Monitor FX Rack with DualPath Link - Ultimate Workflow
Monitor and control input features and plugin settings directly from your DAW
The most powerful and streamlined Symphony Desktop workflow option is Monitor FX with DualPath Link™. Simply open the Apogee Channel FX plugin on the track you’re recording to and link to the corresponding Symphony Desktop input to control all settings directly from your DAW, no other software required. DualPath Link technology sends your audio through the plugin on the hardware DSP in Symphony Desktop while you are recording and seamlessly switches to run the plugin in the DAW on your computer when you are playing your track back. The result is the most flexible, efficient and inspiring plugin recording workflow available.
Print FX and Monitor FX with DualPath Link Work Together
Using Print FX and Monitor FX with DualPath Link you can set up any combination of plugin workflows on the same channel in your DAW.
Logic Pro X And Symphony Desktop.
The Ultimate DualPath Link experience.
Logic Pro X users enjoy the ultimate Apogee FX Rack and DualPath Monitoring experience, thanks to unique hardware-software integration features, such as the Logic Pro X Direct button and Audio Device Control view. And, it can all be controlled from a single window in Logic, no need for an additional mixer or console app.
Logic Pro X users enjoy the ultimate Apogee FX Rack and DualPath Monitoring experience, thanks to unique hardware-software integration features, such as the Logic Pro X Direct button and Audio Device Control view. And, it can all be controlled from a single window in Logic, no need for an additional mixer or console app.
Simple, Seamless Control From Device To DAW
Featuring an Intuitive and Immersive Touch Screen Interface
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With Symphony Desktop you have a range of intuitive hardware and software control options. From the touch screen and control knob on the device, to the control app on your computer to the focused input and monitor control plugin for your DAW, you can easily access the settings you need to stay in your creative groove.
With Symphony Desktop you have a range of intuitive hardware and software control options. From the touch screen and control knob on the device, to the control app on your computer to the focused input and monitor control plugin for your DAW, you can easily access the settings you need to stay in your creative groove.
Designed To Redefine
Like its iconic cousins Duet and Quartet, Symphony Desktop embodies an elegant aesthetic and intuitive user interface designed to compliment your studio and inspire your creativity. The streamlined form factor packs Symphony I/O grade rack-mount performance into a compact recording companion that looks great on your desk and the die cast aluminum chassis and treated glass touch screen are rugged and resilient enough for the road.
Like its iconic cousins Duet and Quartet, Symphony Desktop embodies an elegant aesthetic and intuitive user interface designed to compliment your studio and inspire your creativity. The streamlined form factor packs Symphony I/O grade rack-mount performance into a compact recording companion that looks great on your desk and the die cast aluminum chassis and treated glass touch screen are rugged and resilient enough for the road.
