Apogee’s Element 24, 46 and 88 are Thunderbolt audio I/O boxes for Mac. The Element Series takes the best of cutting-edge Apogee gear like Symphony I/O Mk II, Ensemble Thunderbolt and Groove and puts it into simple form factors. With streamlined hardware features and advanced software control, the Element series delivers ultimate recording quality and performance at unprecedented prices.
Ideal for the producer, engineer or musician, Element 88 gives you all the I/O you need to record drums or a full band.
The Elements of Excellent Audio
Analog to Digital Conversion
A high-quality A/D converter is critical for capturing every detail of your recordings into your computer. The Element series features some of the best Apogee A/D conversion. Recording through an Element ensures you will minimize unwanted noise and maximize the signal quality. Your tracks will sound amazing and mixing your project will be easier.
Microphone Preamps
Whether you are recording powerful drums, dynamic vocals or delicate strings, you need a premium mic preamp to capture the finest details of the performance. The Element Series mic preamps feature Apogee’s Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture™. This analog circuit is designed to dynamically optimize across a gain range of 0-75dB to provide superior bandwidth and low distortion.
Digital to Analog Conversion
With a high-quality D/A converter, you will hear more definition in each track and virtual instrument. This clarity makes it easier for you to make precise adjustments and achieve the ideal balance when mixing your music. When you listen to your sessions through an Element, tracks will blend more harmoniously and mixing will be easier. The high end will sound crisp and clear and the low end will be tight and well defined.
Clocking
An audio interface relies on a clock source like an orchestra relies on a conductor. A digital audio clock provides a timing signal to all the parts of a digital audio system so that each part of the AD/DA process may be synchronized. Element has its own built-in clock source and provides professional Word Clock IN and OUT for syncing with other digital audio gear. Use Element as the master clock to take advantage of Apogee’s superior built-in clocking technology.
Thunderbolt Connectivity
The Element Series Thunderbolt driver offers incredible low-latency performance (1.41 ms round-trip) and rock-solid stability. Apogee’s custom driver uses less of your computer’s CPU power with the help of Direct Memory Access (DMA) technology. This allows you to run more plugins and monitor through your DAW at a low buffer setting. Element’s low latency driver means you don’t have to choose between power and speed.
Control the Elements
Element 24, 46 and 88 are built to be controlled by a powerful software eco-system. With the Element series you have more control options than ever before.
BUILT LIKE A BEAST. NOT LIKE A BEAUTY.
Each Element is constructed with rugged steel and die-cast aluminum and contains studio quality connectors and cutting edge Apogee circuit design and components. Drop an Element anywhere and connect to premium Apogee quality and lightning fast Thunderbolt connectivity.
Element 24, 46 and 88 are built to work together. Connect any two Elements directly to a Thunderbolt port on your computer and increase the number of Analog I/O in your recording system. When using multiple Elements, the Optical I/O is for the low latency mixer internal bussing.
Weights and Dimensions
13.5” x 5.5” X 1.75”
35cm x 14cm X 4.5cm
3.5lbs
1.6kg
System Requirements Mac OS:
Computer: Thunderbolt-equipped Mac (iMac, Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, Mac Pro)
Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB recommended
OS: 10.10 or greater
Connection: Any available Thunderbolt port*
Power: DC Power supply included
*Thunderbolt cable not included
Compatible Software:
Any Mac Core Audio compatible application
Recommended apps: Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, GarageBand, MainStage, Final Cut, Digital Performer, Studio One, Cubase, and Nuendo
Mic Preamps:
8 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, 150Ohm input
Max input level: +20dBu
Input impedance: 3K Ohm
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
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
Dyn Range: 123dB (A-weighted)
Headphone Max output level:
560mW into 30 Ohm
90mW into 600 Ohm
Headphone THD+N: -107 dB with 600 Ohm load @ 19 dBu
Headphone Dyn Range: 117dB a-weighted
Element 88
Universal Power Supply with standard 3 pin-IEC cable
Recording Jazz
Jazz musician John Keuch and his band stopped by the Apogee Studio to check out the Apogee Element Series audio interfaces and recorded a Jazz track for Apogee.
Element Control Tutorial - FX Send
Learn about the FX Send feature in the all new Element Control Software. You can now monitor through the low latency mixer with any DAW plugin.
Key Features