Apogee Symphony Desktop - Why You Should Check Out This Interface Right Now

[@GloveBunniesVideos]

I went from my Focusrite 6i6 to an SSL2+ and noticed a big difference in the preamp quality. This seems like the next logical step. Thanks!

[@JoyfruitOfficial]

I've had the apogee symphony since February and I absolutely love it. I've had the Apollo twin duo and they are neck and neck in their pre amps and recording quality. But Apogee is way better for Logic Pro X users because of their zero latency/native integration and their plug ins being accessible w o w/ an apogee interface. I use their pulteq EQ plug in and I gotta say that alone should be $300 lemme tell ya haha. It's worth the investment guys, invest in your studio. You'll be saving yourselves a lot of post production if you get high quality prints right off the bat with the symphony desktop.

[@levondarratt787]

only UAD has no latency. I can record amps, guitars, compressors with integrated DSP with UAD...that's what our pro setup includes..I doubt I can do that with Apogee...I dont refer to playback, dont care how fast it plays back..but recording, impossible since it has no plugins, nor DSP.

[@EM-km8em]

For vocal recordings would you say the symphony would create a huge impact vs the apogee duet 2 ?

[@levondarratt787]

@@EM-km8em huge impact lol. How?

[@EM-km8em]

@@levondarratt787 did it change your life ? Lol jk did you notice a big difference ?

[@levondarratt787]

@@EM-km8em I sleep better and I need less coffee.

[@simonsmith2642]

I got the duet 3 to use with a macbook. The form factor was a big… Factor.. For the workstation that I only use for tracking drums anyway, I am keeping what I have, but for everything else I went with the duet 3 for form factor, less bells and whistles but still apogee quality and I cant hear any difference in the preamps. One thing thats also very important for me, is Apogee is owned, and manufactured in the USA with domestic and imported parts. I wish it could be 100% made in USA with all USA components, but at least they are doing the best they can to support domestic manufacturing. A real plus for me. Nobody else seems to care anymore but I do. Great company. Great products. Thanks for your review!

[@customjohnny]

It looks amazing. Definitely worth the price IMO. I can see a few different useful workflows with this unit especially.

[@michaelbutler2312]

i've had their ensemble firewire and have used the element 46 for a few years now. amazing apogee stuff. my preamps are amazing!

[@gusmurrayofficial]

The timing of this video was insane

[@JeremyHalterman]

Been waiting for this one!!

[@ChrstnSmrvllMsc]

I'm no Apogee fanboy (nothing they've ever made has ever been anywhere near my price range lol), and I think Universal Audio is, pound-for-pound, one of the coolest companies in recording technology history, but at a glance, I would 100% go for this over an Apollo. What I'm hearing from (please correct me if I'm wrong) an SM7b straight(?) into an interface is like... genuinely surprising! And you touch on it yourself near the end here, the idea of being locked into a particular hardware setup in order to use plugins ($300 plugins, I might add) has just never sat right with me. Apogee still has a bit of that snooty, mountaintop company feel for me, but they're clearly watching the market and listening to users here. And again, just LISTEN to this thing! =| lol

[@nicolasstrawberry4148]

I bought my Symphony Desktop a few months ago and it came with all the Apogee plugins except Clearmountains Domain. I’m pretty sure it comes with all of them now minus Clearmountains Domain.

[@Rossdink]

How did you get the dam software access code, I just have missed it and now it won’t let me do anything

[@nicolasstrawberry4148]

@@Rossdink It doesn't come with all the plugins now, that was three years ago when I posted, I think they were doing it because it didnt have many of the features they were advertising yet.

[@nirajkamat]

Finally We see your face to the amazing voice.

[@RonCoy]

How well does it integrate with your other Apogee unit? Like, could you also have an Element or Symphony unit and basically connect them via ADAT and everything be accessible using the Symphony Desktop? I have a Focusrite Clarett 8PreX and a Clarett OctoPre, but I’m looking at the Symphony Desktop for a few reasons and would also like to maybe chain everything together but depending on how well that works or doesn’t work, I might decide to get another Apogee unit (Symphony or Element) for expansion.

[@kalvino67]

Is there much of a difference in sound quality between the Apollo twin X duo and the Symphony desktop? Using a Focusrite 212 with LogicPro at the moment and I'm underwhelmed. Am I going to be wowed by upgrading to either? Or should I just be investing in a more expensive mic? I'm recording vocals and guitar (acoustic and electric) in an untreated room. I don't necessarily need the plugins while tracking (though I can see that it would be really useful functionality).

[@FLH3official]

I realy like the idea to get everything into the DAW instead of dealing with Console (I'm an UAD Apollo x8 user) . Console is fine but well if you can have everything in the same GUI it's better. On the other hand having to deal with an USB connection (even a modern USB c) instead of a thunderbolt one can maybe cause some drawbacks. And for 1400 bucks for a 2 chan. desktop unit (1400... hey, quite pricy, no?), Apogee could deliver more plugins into the bargain, you get far more free plugins with some simple 900 USD desktop units from other brands.

[@gilbycoyote]

This is a really nice interface. I was bummed that the element was no longer available. 1400 is steep, but i can see me getting this over an apollo, especially because it has optical ins AND outs.

[@TheDigitalMedia]

Does this interface also process effects onboard like the Universal Audio ones? If not then it's overpriced no?

[@rickyelvis3215]

Xavier yes

[@alexgregory1427]

@@TheDigitalMedia um just a little bit. They have like 3 effects you can buy, lol.

[@gabrielegrasso]

Thanks for the video. Could you explain if you can how can do and use symphony desktop for mastering with external outboards? I think a lot people want to know this information

[@jrussellll]

any concerns with throughput due to usb-c instead of thunderbolt?

[@TheDigitalMedia]

I want to know also.

[@luisbarrera5740]

Looks cool but...what happens if the touch screen craps out?

[@rickyelvis3215]

no problem in 4 years.. not one! 🎶

[@jesslucio3104]

I found this interface used for $850 online. ensemble TB for $1k. Which do you recommend? If I really had the budget I could get both and use the pre’s on the ensemble TB, right?

[@jasonwright4144]

Quick question: I'm about to grab one of these. Do you think it'd be better to keep it on the desktop or on a stand in my vocal booth so i could make adjustments while I'm next to the mic? I figure I'm already going to have access to the software when I sit down at the computer. Your thoughts?

[@dk6343]

No onboared dsp reverb, gate. Is that correct

[@paulg3388]

I love your enthusiasm, very addictive ! I am really wanting this unit, and in the process of selling my Apollo Twin currently along with a few other bits of kit, to go out and buy it. Now that Apollo are converting their Plugins to Native (slowly, but still doing it finally), I am going to take the leap and keep the ownership of the Plugins so that as they convert, I will be able to use them natively in Logic there not losing my investment. I will then no longer be tied to the Device. I don't know why, I just have never LOVED the Apollos I have owned. I am no expert, I am just a simple home user with a small Studio for my own writing and this isn't to cause controversy, but I just don't get excited to use it as much as I think I should. I don't like the UI and usability if I am honest, whereas the Apogee Software Client looks SO much nicer and we will see, but I think easier to use. I also haven't been that impressed with the Apollo DSP situation, as when I bought the Quad I honestly didn't think I would run out of DSP with a few more Plugins running, but boy was I wrong. Now with the M1 chips, I think the perfect Nirvana would be the Apogee running some on board Apogee Plugins using the DSP, use the Native favourite Apollo Plugins (which I do love don't get me wrong, especially the Avalon VT-737) through Logic letting the M1 take care of that .. and voila !! Here's hoping anyway .. thanks again for the passion, and a great Video ..

[@djmmjd3]

Thanks Chris! Apogee has always been great

[@bassManDavis1953]

Thanks Chris, brilliant review and really was a well informed audio interface video, looks like a real game changer, better start saving😜

what do you think about the quartet? i've been thinking 'bout getting a symphony, but i really nead at least 4ins, i just worry the support service for quartet won't be available for long, since it's such an old interface

[@thomaskihr329]

Great review! Until now, i'm not owning this unit, but what makes me hesitating is, that this interface has 1 hi-Z input on the front and only 2 (!!) Inputs on the back - which means, whenever you have external gear like an amp modeler, a keyboard, drum computer or whatever you are forced to buy additional gear in terms of a pre-amp with adat/optical In/Out. That means you have to spend at least 300-500 dollars/euros additionally. Regardless of the most probably pristine audio quality and the total integration in Logic Pro this makes the interface pretty expensive. And what happened to the Apogee Ensemble? It was a great interface - disappeared from the market - why did they stop production? The only alternative is the huge Symphony for the price of a used car ;) I owned an Apogee Unit, but i'm not so sure if i'm completely hooked to buy this one - even i like it in some way.

[@ManCalledMif]

Looks like a big step up for an audio interface. How do the preamps compare to the apogee duet and quartet?

[@nicolasstrawberry4148]

The preamps on the Duet are still great, I bought my Duet about 4 years a go and recorded a lot of quality recordings with it, the Symphony Desktop definitely sound better, I bought the Symphony Desktop going on 3, maybe 4 months now, and yes the preamps are better , but I’m going to say the biggest difference for me, aside from all the obvious features it has that the Duet doesn’t, is the converters. You can definitely truly hear more detail and you’re really hearing the truth, which will help you get much better mixes. All the stuff I mixed on the Duet over the years sounded great, but mixing on the Symphony is a whole other ballgame, I could hear the imperfections with the mixes I did on the Duet and was able to get them to sound better and when I played the mixes on other devices, ie, in the car, thru Airbuds, iPad speakers, they sounded great.

[@digital360]

Can I reamp my guitar signal with stereo pedals with the Symphony without having to utilize external i/o devices? I'm assuming no, but I just want to confirm. Thanks

[@rickyelvis3215]

awesome technology.. love mine to bits 🤣

[@francissreckofabian01]

It looks very good. I do like the onscreen (desktop) controls. (I have old eyes). Excellent that you can use them native in LPX. I started off with the Duet (one) and upgraded to the Duet that came next. I used the original for a decade but the 2nd one died after 2 years. I bought a cheap interface and bought the Audiofuse Studio next. I like it a lot. It does everything I need. It's great that I can have 2 sets of monitors to listen too. (the only problem is that I havene't been able to figure out how to add my stereo speakers as well?). Down the road if I need a new interface I will consider Apogee again as the first Duet had a very good sound.

[@lionaudio]

If you want to add more speakers check out a Switch Witch

[@EM-km8em]

Did you prefer the sound quality on your first duet or duet 2 ?

[@Hiprich]

Definitely buying 💯. Anything with a touchscreen gets my vote. This is 2021! Thank you for sharing ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿🔥🔥🔥

[@MadaAtoms]

Have a duet 2 but if I buy symphony how can I use the existing duet 2 to ensure I have 4 inputs for 1500 this is a terrible choice with only 2 inputs unless I can extend easily please advise

[@shyam7821]

How do you track with reverb for vocals in monitoring without latency. This doesn't have the direct feature work around like the Element. Guess that would be the most important thing for amy singer or guitar player who's is tracking. I had to return the unit because I couldn't make that work.

[@creativedecysions]

I got the symphony desktop and love the sound, only thing is I cant get the access code for plugins. Do you know what the problem my be?

[@orangemaniabrother2232]

I contacted them and they said I had to buy them, i can use the plugins on the device but not in my DAW. Is that what you were told?

[@perloid]

The main problem with KZbin reviews on products is - nobody know who was sponsored/paid to rave about a product. You basically always listen to whatever you made up your mind to ahead. Been long time duet 1 & 2 user and after years off making music I want to go back to apogee and love this unit but more negative reviews about this interface than good one’s…. The enthusiasm without any criticism some reviewers display in their review videos always leaves a fishy taste….

[@purplewound]

Hey Chris thanks for the review. I'm in the market for this interface too. However i need to make sure there is no significant latency issue with these in M1 Macs. Would you please share the RTL values from Logic?

[@alexgregory1427]

nobody has thee values anywhere! nobody answers or talks about RTL. Just mention the mixer with 1 DSP plugins that it's low latency. Well DUH yes..What about actual RTL with plugins in any DAW? Julian Krause - we can't wait til he's done with this, so why didnt Apogee or any user positively mention true RTL?

[@GamalielFregoso]

How does it goes with the M1?

[@cleverdood]

Perfect timing, I’m looking for a new AI! Great review! 👍

[@AmericaWhatsup]

Looks great however, I will stick with my SSL 2 as this is overkill for most small home studios. I can also see that if I used a iPad Pro this would would be a go to interface.

[@kerutra]

How does it compare to Apollo Twin? I need new interface and Twin was on my list.

[@davidsgardell]

I can’t compare, but I have the Apollo Twin and love it, buuut it’s annoying af that you have to have the interface connected in order to use the plugins in a project. I hate that! Also, it’s not likely they will add iPadOs support, even with TB on the new iPad, because they’re using iLok. I might just sell mine and get this.

[@davidsgardell]

Scratch that, just heard the price tag.

[@ahall3823]

Hmmm…. Here in Australia, the RME fireface UCX ii is the same price. I would take the RME over the Apogee every time.

[@frankcoffey]

What would be cool is if that USB host connection could be used with a MIDI keyboard when it's not being used for updates.

[@RonCoy]

I think it can. I believe I saw another review that said that is exactly what it’s for other than updates.

[@agency1000x]

"Apogee is better for Logic Pro X users because zero latency/native integration" Does reaper not work as well in regards to low latency for this Symphony Desktop?

[@blessed_by_welfare5922]

How much dsp does it have

[@hughzers]

Great vid! I own a quartet and I love the thing :)

[@alexgregory1427]

What's the RTL (true RTL, not the little dsp mixer). Beats Babyface pro FS?

[@clipz1]

time stuck between this and the apollo twin duo mk 2 dont know what to get

[@448onthescale4]

I can’t get this to work how do I install the update onto the flash drive and update the interface to get it to work?

[@liothomasart]

Hands down the best interface for iPad. Period.

[@BeatsBangcomtv]

Sounds cool, but I think I'll stick with my Apogee Element 24 for now.

[@luvitluvitbaby]

I have the Apogee Element 24 too. Great device!

[@FC-kv7sp]

Great video!

[@hardlines2635]

Why so is expensive ?

[@kikiu2619]

What do you mean "printing"?

[@MattG1027]

Recording to your DAW with the effects baked in vs recording a clean signal that you apply effect to with VST during mixing

[@kikiu2619]

@@MattG1027 Ok. Thanks the most.

[@unraveledspacecube3512]

Any word on 1.2 update?

[@kieronconcannon]

Excellent, thanks.

[@brucehathcockmusic]

Live ut can you give us a full tutorial 0lease please

[@Bcwilderness]

prism lyra 2, dont get roped into plugin hype, done em all, mic pre ad and clocking all add up for capture prism sound uk

[@koenignero]

THANK YOU

[@wildbird78]

The Beatles!

[@pebblemambane9659]

I wish I could afford this 😢

[@dafingaz]

Motu for me, but....if I *win this one in a contest. LOL....

[@aeiplanner]

$1500? 😳 Apollo x4 gives you 2 more inputs at that price. And the only thing separating apogee is the channel fx plugin which makes interfacing slightly more convenient.

[@thestonedrummer6147]

Costs more than my M1 MacBook Air 🙈

[@hardlines2635]

Costs more than my car is worth.

[@haraldsalaun6862]

Sounds and looks great but it's waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too expensive ... at least for me. ;-)

[@Rossdink]

This thing is the most frustrating thing I’ve ever encountered. It’s impossible to install unless you have a doctorate in completely ass backwardness. It sounds amazing But I hear clicks and weird shit every once in a while happening. I need all these licenses that are impossible to install so every time I open logic I have to exit out of all these plugins it won’t let me use. I still haven’t figured out the codes I need. The learning curve with this is I lok is ridiculous. Not intuitive Very buggy. Totally unusable I’m coming from an apogee duet that worked flawlessly out of the gate for years. But it does sound about 1000 times better. If I can figure it out eventually I’ll probably be very happy. Maybe in 10 years.

[@timmypena241]

Dude holy fuck

[@adelismail9321]

No I’m good

[@duppykitoon]

Way too complicated for my liking.

[@von_Apa]

It looks nice if you want to escape the expensive UAD world. But one stereo input? No,no… 🙋‍♂️🎶🎹🎧

[@levondarratt787]

watching this on my Luxury Apollo X4.... this seems so basic...but yes I wanna escape too...the money grab...and buy 3 Apogees for the price ..lol

[@soundtoys795]

You can't possibly be objective if you're getting a free $1500 product.

[@failnerdddddd]

Maybe for someone like yourself who doesn’t believe in integrity because you yourself don’t have any.

[@WhyLogicProRules]

I think that's a very reasonable assumption to make, Sound Toys. All I can do is express my enthusiasm, show you all the ins and outs of the device, record audio for you to hear, and let you decide if its worth it to you.

[@soundtoys795]

@@failnerdddddd I can see how some like you with limited intelligence would have trouble grasping that concept.

[@failnerdddddd]

@@soundtoys795 the concept is one thing but the lack of class and any sensibility whatsoever on your part is astounding. Questioning the mans honesty and integrity when you don’t even know him? Says all anyone will ever need know about you. People like you and your comments are a mirror of themselves. You should probably worry about working on that.

[@audiofreq]

​@@failnerdddddd For you to size up someones entire character over a single comment on the internet says a lot about you. He didn't call Chris a liar, as Chris has already acknowledged...he just said it's possible that an objective opinionwould be hard to believe by audience members, because Chris received the unit for free. It's still a great review and walkthrough of the functions...but I would have to agree...can't really take his opinion as objective if he's emotionally invested into Apogee, which Chris has known to be a big Apogee fan. I seriously believe that he likes the unit, and it's genuinely a good product, but "amazing" "incredible" these words are a bit over the top. He doesn't strike any of the negative points about the unit, which there are quite a few depending on what you're looking for.

[@TheSponky]

Do you think a refurbished unit is "safe" ? I got one from Apogee that doesn't sit flat on the table and the knob is a bit wobbly. It's a bit dirty in spots too but whatever. Apogee said I can swap it for another refurbed one that hopefully sits flush. They said they all should. OR I buy a new one using my educational 20% discount. It's 900 used vs 1200 new essentially. Thx for thoughts.