Apogee Element 88 - Thunderbolt Audio Interface

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

Zane Carney
Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter (John Mayer, Carney, Spider-Man Broadway)

We caught up with Zane Carney as he explains his love for Apogee gear and the all new Element 46.
Click here for more info on Recording “Better Man” by Zane Carney with Apogee Element 46

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.
 
Click here for more info on Recording Jazz with Apogee Element

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.


Click here for more in info on Tracking with Reverb & the FX Send

Element Control Tutorial - Hardware Remote
Learn about the new Apogee Control Hardware remote and how it can speed up the Element Series workflow.