Analog Inputs

Ensemble features 4 Combo inputs (XLR or ¼”) and 4 XLR inputs for connecting up to 8 microphones or a combination of instruments, external mic preamps, and other analog audio devices. Ensemble’s analog inputs now include a line level bypass relay for the purest unity gain signal path to the analog-to-digital converter when the input source is set to line level.

Analog Outputs

Ensemble includes 2 balanced monitor outputs on ¼” TRS connectors and 8 balanced line outputs on 1 D-Sub 25-pin connector. These outputs can be configured for a wide variety of workflows, whether you’re integrating Ensemble with an external console, mixing in the box, or any hybrid of the two.

Headphone Outputs

With the kind of discrete transistor output stage found on power amps, Ensemble’s two independently controlled front panel headphone outputs offer more pristine power than ever before. Drive high impedance headphones louder than you’ll ever need while maintaining ultra low distortion throughout the level range.

Built-in Microphone

Ensemble features the same high quality built-in mic capsule found in Apogee’s ONE for iPad & Mac. 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.

Analog Inserts

Analog inputs 1 and 2 feature the ability to add a hardware insert between Ensemble’s built-in mic preamp and analog-to-digital converter stage. Easily integrate your favorite analog compressor or EQ, in mono or as a stereo pair, into your recording chain with separate ¼” balanced send and return connector for each channel.

Digital I/O

As the centerpiece of your creative setup, Ensemble provides 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. Thanks to Thunderbolt’s high bandwidth, all of Ensemble’s analog and digital I/O are available in your DAW simultaneously.

Word Clock

Ensemble provides Word Clock IN and OUT for syncing with other digital audio gear. Use Ensemble as the master clock to take advantage of Apogee’s superior built-in clocking technology.

Input control with selection buttons and controller knob

Ensemble makes it easy to access all important recording and monitoring functions. Simply press an input selection button on Ensemble’s front panel to select a desired input and easily adjust your level with the input controller knob. All input selection buttons feature an LED highlight ring. The highlight ring of the selected input is brighter so you can see at a glance which channel is in focus. Press and hold the input select button to select and adjust different parameters for each channel such as input type, 48v phantom power, Soft Limit, grouping, polarity invert and hi-pass filter.

Dual, high-resolution displays show all input and output details

Two high-resolution OLED displays deliver all the visual feedback critical for recording and monitoring. Without looking at your computer, Ensemble lets you see metering, levels, grouping and polarity, muting, phantom power and Soft Limit for all inputs and outputs.

2 Independently Controlled Front Panel Headphone Outputs and Controls

With the kind of discrete transistor output stage found on power amps, Ensemble’s two independently controlled front panel headphone outputs offer more pristine power than ever before. Drive high impedance headphones louder than you’ll ever need while maintaining ultra low distortion throughout the level range.

Assignable Buttons

Four configurable buttons (labeled A, B, C, D) allow you to quickly access functions such as “Engage Talkback”, “Mute Outputs”, “Dim Outputs”, “Sum to Mono”, “Clear Meters” or “Engage Speaker Set”. Each function can be assigned to a button using a drop-down menu in the Apogee Control software.

Talkback

When asked to identify his favorite microphone, one savvy producer answered “the talkback mic!” Effortless communication enhances the flow of your session, so Ensemble includes flexible and convenient talkback functionality. Use either Ensemble’s Built-in microphone or your Mac’s built-in mic to communicate directly with the recording performers through both headphone and line outputs. Engage talkback from Apogee Control or from the front panel Assignable buttons. No other audio interface offers such a comprehensive talkback system.

Speaker Set Selection

Ensemble’s assignable buttons can be configured in Apogee Control software to switch between up to 3 pairs of speakers, allowing you to use Ensemble just like a standard monitor controller. Simply connect 1, 2 or 3 pairs of studio monitors and press the corresponding assignable button (A, B, C or D) to select which pair you would like to listen to.

Features:

• Thunderbolt 2 Mac audio interface
• Analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) for recording up to 24-bit/192kHz
• Proprietary Thunderbolt audio driver and ESS Sabre32 DAC offer full 32-bit playback
  • Groundbreaking low latency performance
  • Core Audio-optimized hardware engine frees your Mac CPU
• 2 high-resolution OLED displays show levels and settings
• Input select buttons and controller knob for convenient selection of parameters and settings
• 4 assignable buttons to control:
  • Talkback mic (built-in or external)
  • Output settings such as speaker set selection, mute, dim, sum to mono Complete input/output control with Apogee Control software
• Works with Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton and any Core Audio compliant app on Mac
• Designed in California – Assembled in the U.S.A.