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Apogee

Ensemble 30 In x 34 Out Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface

SKU: # 426429   |   Model: # ENSEMBLE TBOLT   |    Product Reviews1 Reviews  Write a Review

Ensemble 30 In x 34 Out Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface

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Ensemble 30 In x 34 Out Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface

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YouTube Video Ensemble 30 In x 34 Out Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface with Waves Gold Plugin Bundle
YouTube Video Ensemble 30 In x 34 Out Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface with Waves Gold Plugin Bundle
YouTube Video Ensemble 30 In x 34 Out Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface with Waves Gold Plugin Bundle

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Apogee Ensemble - Superior Sound Quality. Powerful Plugin Performance. Lowest Latency.

Apogee Ensemble is the first Thunderbolt 2 audio interface to offer superior sound quality, the lowest latency performance and the most comprehensive studio functionality all in one box. Made for the professional home or commercial studio, Ensemble features legendary Apogee AD/DA conversion, 8 Advanced Stepped Gain mic preamps, monitor controller functionality including talkback, front panel Guitar I/O, two headphone outputs and digital connectivity for a total of 30 x 34 I/O.

Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt and Element Series audio interfaces now offer Direct Monitoring support in Apple's Logic Pro X (10.3.2) that easily eliminates recording latency with the simple click of a button. Pressing the new "Direct" button causes your monitoring signal to come directly from the hardware input, bypassing any I/O buffer or plug-in induced latency.

The new feature makes it possible to end distracting input delays for the performer without having to constantly change audio monitoring preferences and interact with a separate low latency monitoring mixer. Never before has it been so easy to record in Logic without latency. It's as simple as clicking the Direct button and adding a touch of reverb with an effect send.

The newly-implemented Direct button is found in Logic's Channel Strip Audio Device Controls, where Apogee hardware input parameters including mic pre gain, input type selection and others are currently found. This simplified user experience allows customers working with Apogee hardware and Logic Pro X to focus on a single session window when recording, and offers complete visibility and control of input parameters, and now unprecedented flexibility and control over recording latency.

WHAT's NEW?

• Connect two Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt interfaces to your Mac to double your analog inputs and outputs
• All-new Apogee Control software replaces Maestro 2 and features a modern user interface you can customize for your workflow
• Apogee Control software also lets you control Ensemble Thunderbolt with an iOS remote app and the Apogee Control hardware remote
• Connect any Apogee Element interface to your Ensemble Thunderbolt and expand your system with Ensemble quality I/O at unprecedented prices
• Apogee hardware support for Direct monitoring feature in Logic Pro X (10.3.2) eliminates recording latency with the click of a button

Ensemble Highlights:

• 8 Mic preamps with up to 75 dB of gain and Advanced Stepped Gain circuit
• Thunderbolt connectivity for ultra-low latency (1.1ms round trip with Logic Pro X)
• Front panel Guitar I/O with Class A JFET inputs, dual mode re-amp outputs
• Talkback functionality with built-in mic and control button
• 2 PurePower headphone outputs
• 10 separately assignable analog inputs
• 16 analog outputs of premium Apogee conversion
• Core Audio optimized DMA engine frees up Mac CPU for plugins and software instruments
• Apogee hardware support for Direct Monitoring feature in Logic Pro X provides hassle-free elimination of recording latency
• Works with Apogee Element Series and Ensemble Thunderbolt audio interfaces
• Requires Logic Pro X version 10.3.2 (Available now on the Mac App Store, as a free update to existing users)
• Requires Apogee Control Software update version 2.0 (Available now on the Apogee website)

Ensemble Thunderbolt Features:

Measurably Superior AD/DA Conversion and Mic Preamps.
Ensemble's AD/DA conversion and microphone preamps are modeled after Apogee's flagship Symphony I/O, with sound quality a step up from the award-winning Duet and Quartet.

Ultra-Low Latency and Advanced CPU Efficiency.
At 1.1ms, Ensemble's Thunderbolt driver offers the lowest round-trip latency performance available. And Ensemble's revolutionary DMA engine provides incredible CPU efficiency allowing you to leverage the full power of your Mac and native plugins.

Front Panel Guitar I/O with Class A Input and Re-Amping.
2 front panel Guitar I/O channels with class A JFET inputs and dual mode re-amp outputs capture pristine direct signals and make re-amping effortless.

Creative User Interface and Monitor Control.
Ensemble's groundbreaking front panel marks the evolution of Apogee's simplified user interface, featuring total monitor control and a built-in mic for talkback.

Inputs & Outputs:
• Guitar I/O: Directly connect your guitars & other instruments to Ensemble using the 2 front panel 1/4" inputs.
• 8 Analog Inputs: Connect up to 8 microphones or a combination of instruments, external mic preamps, and other analog audio devices.
• 10 Analog Outputs: 2 balanced monitor outputs on 1/4" TRS connectors & 8 balanced line outputs on 1 D-Sub 25-pin connector.
• 2 Headphone Outputs: Drive 2 sets of high impedance headphones louder than you'll ever need.
• Built-in Microphone + Talkback: Instantly capture your inspirations, keep an audio archive of the session, or record a crushed room" sound when tracking drums. Most importantly, the built-in mic may be used for talkback.
• 2 Analog Inserts: Easily integrate your favorite analog compressor or EQ, in mono or as a stereo pair, into your recording chain with separate 1/4" balanced send and return connector for each channel.
• Digital I/O: Up to 18 channels of digital I/O, in ADAT, SMUX, S/PDIF optical and S/PDIF coaxial formats, to easily integrate expanders, hardware synths and digital effects.
• Word Clock: Use Ensemble as the master clock to take advantage of Apogee's superior built-in clocking technology.


True Thunderbolt Performance.
Ensemble delivers the full potential of Thunderbolt 2 performance with the lowest latency, unmatched CPU efficiency, 2 ports for expanding your system and a revolutionary 32-bit playback signal path.

The Lowest Latency of any Audio Interface.
Ensemble's proprietary Thunderbolt driver has been written from the ground up for Mac OS X Mavericks, resulting in unmatched performance and efficiency. Latency has been reduced to an astounding 1.1ms round-trip*, allowing you to monitor through your DAW, plug-ins included, simplifying your workflow and leveraging the power of your Mac. Even when your session's DSP demands require a higher buffer setting, Ensemble's ultra-low latency means no longer having to choose between power and speed. To accommodate different workflow preferences, Ensemble features optional direct hardware monitoring through Apogee's Maestro App with 0.6ms of latency. (Logic Pro X at 96kHz / 32 buffer setting)

Devours Bits, Sips CPU.
Ensemble's custom driver includes two innovative features to maximize the performance of the software-hardware interface: a full 32-bit signal path from the output of your DAW straight to the high-performance ESS DAC, and a revolutionary Direct Memory Access (DMA) engine to more efficiently read and write data directly to Mac memory independent of the Mac CPU.

The DMA engine, running on Ensemble's hardware logic chip, reads digital audio data directly from your Mac's memory in a 32-bit format, increasing the driver's efficiency and providing the highest resolution signal possible to the DAC stage. This implementation allows the driver to crunch an enormous amount of data at an amazing speed, while making a very light demand on your Mac CPU. You benefit with lower latency, more plug-in power, and a transparent and encompassing listening experience.

A Difference You Will Hear.
Apogee is an award-winning industry leader in digital recording technology with over 25 years of experience. Preferred by recording pros around the world, Apogee products like Duet, Quartet, the original Ensemble and Symphony I/O have been instrumental in creating countless GRAMMY and OSCAR winning recordings and have set the industry standard in professional recording for over two decades. Ensemble is built solidly on this reputation.

Measurably Superior A/D Conversion.
Ensemble's analog-to-digital conversion stage has been upgraded from previous generations of Apogee products such as Duet and Quartet to provide greater dynamic range, lower distortion and an almost non-existent noise level.

Dynamically Optimized Mic Preamps.
Ensemble's 8 uniquely designed mic preamps feature Apogee's Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture, in which the circuit is dynamically optimized to provide superior bandwidth, ultra low noise and nonexistent distortion across the unprecedented gain range of 0-75 dB. Whether recording powerful drums, dynamic vocals or delicate strings, your recordings retain the full impact, intricate detail and lifelike dimension of the original performance.

ESS Sabre32 DAC Technology.
ESS Sabre32 32-bit Hyperstream DAC with Time Domain Jitter Eliminator offers unequalled dynamic range, ultra low distortion, and unmatched audio clarity free from input jitter.

Custom Power Regulation for Ultra-Low Noise Performance.
Ensemble's mic pre, A/D and D/A circuitry are powered by discrete, Apogee-designed power regulators for ultra-low noise not obtainable with off-the-shelf components. This design was first implemented in Apogee's flagship Symphony I/O's 3-Stage Cascaded power supply.

Soft Limit for protection from digital overs.
An Apogee technology first introduced in 1992 on Apogee's AD-500 converter, Soft Limit can be heard on countless platinum selling records around the world. Once a technology exclusively reserved for Apogee's most advanced audio converters, Soft Limit is included in Ensemble and can be enabled in Apogee Maestro software.

This superior FET-based analog design prevents the digital clipping that causes distortion by instantaneously rounding off transient peaks before they hit the analog-to-digital converter. Soft Limit allows several more decibels of apparent level to be recorded while subtly providing an analog tape-like warmth to the sound.

Specifications:

Analog Inputs:
• 4 Combi mic/line/instrument inputs
• 2 1/4" balanced analog inserts
• 4 XLR mic/line inputs
• 2 1/4" hi-z guitar/instrument inputs with Class-A JFET input stage

Digital Inputs:
• Optical IN: Supports ADAT, SMUX & S/PDIF
• ADAT: 16 channels 44.1-48 kHz on 2 Toslink connectors
• SMUX: 8 channels 88.2-96 kHz on 2 Toslink connectors
• S/PDIF: 4 channels, up to 96 kHz on 2 Toslink connectors
• Coax IN: 2 channels of S/PDIF, up to 192 kHz on 1 RCA connector
• Word clock input on BNC connector

Built-in Microphone:
• Mono omnidirectional condensor capsule on front panel

Mic Preamps:
• 8 Mic preamps
• Gain: Up to 75 dB and advanced stepped gain circuit design
• Selectable 48v phantom power, hi-pass filter, Soft Limit ̈ and polarity invert
• EIN: 129dB (un-weighted) @ 60dB, 150Ohm input
• Max input level: +20dBu
• Input impedance: 3K Ohm

Hi-Z:
• Max input level 14 dBu
• Input impedance: >2MOhm

Analog Outputs:
• 2 1/4" balanced monitor outputs
• 8 balanced outputs on 1 DSUB 25-pin connector
• 2 independent 1/4" stereo headphone outputs
• 2 1/4″ dual-mode guitar/instrument outputs

Digital Outputs:
• Optical OUT: Supports ADAT, SMUX & S/PDIF
• ADAT: 16 channels 44.1-48 kHz on 2 Toslink connectors
• SMUX: 8 channels 88.2-96 kHz on 2 Toslink connectors
• S/PDIF: 4 channels, up to 96 kHz on 2 Toslink connectors
• Coax OUT: 2 channels of S/PDIF, up to 192 kHz on 1 RCA connector
• Word clock output on BNC connector

A/D conversion:
• Max input level (+4dBu ref/Mic): +20dBu
• Max input level (-10dBV ref): +6dBV
• Input impedance: 5KOhm
• Freq resp 10 Hz -20Khz: > +/-0.2dB (@44.1Khz)
• Rel. THD + N: -110dB (@ 96Khz)
• Dyn. Range: 119dB (A-weighted)

D/A conversion:
• Max output level (+4dBu ref): +20dBu
• Max output level (-10dBV ref): +6dBV
• Line output impedance: 90 Ohm
• Freq resp 10Hz -20 Khz: > +/- 0.05dB (@44.1Khz)
• Rel. THD+N : -114dB (@96Khz)
• Dyn Range: 123dB (A-weighted)
• Front panel Guitar Output: impedance balanced/max level 14 dBu
• Headphone Max output level: 19dBu
• Headphone Rel THD + N into 600 Ohm: -109dB
• Headphone Dyn Range: 120dB (A-weighted)

System Requirements:

Mac OS:
• Computer: Thunderbolt-equipped Mac (iMac, Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, Mac Pro)
• Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB recommended
• OS: 10.9.3 or greater
• Connection: Any available Thunderbolt port on a Mac

Compatible Software:
• Any Mac Core Audio compatible application
• Recommended apps: Logic Pro, Pro Tools, GarageBand, MainStage, Final Cut, Ableton Live, Digital Performer, Studio One, Cubase, and Nuendo

In the box:

• Ensemble
• 3-pin IEC power cable
• Rubber feet
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Booklet

Media


Ensemble 30 In x 34 Out Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface with Waves Gold Plugin BundleWatch Video
Youtube video product demo
Ensemble 30 In x 34 Out Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface with Waves Gold Plugin BundleWatch Video
Youtube video product demo
Ensemble 30 In x 34 Out Thunderbolt 2 Audio Interface with Waves Gold Plugin BundleWatch Video
Youtube video product demo

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Reviews


44.192.93.109
claudebot
Awesome rig! 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store   Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Ensemble is amazing. Killer sound, no latency, as promised. I've used the Duet for years and always loved it, but this is a whole new level. You won't be disappointed!
Posted by Jonathan Cornwall on Apr 27, 2021
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Performance Warranty Banner

Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty

A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.

Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.

How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
  • Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
  • Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
  • No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
  • Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
  • Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
  • Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
  • Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
  • Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
  • Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
 

Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.

Purchasing additional years of coverage

Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.

If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:

  • NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
  • USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
  • GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
  • BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.